I was flipped onto my back. I lashed out at the air, attempting to stop whatever was happening to me. I screamed for help, but an icy, invisible hand clamped over my mouth, muffling any sound. A crushing weight held me in place and hot air swept past my neck. I experienced the sensation of lips being forced upon mine. I grimaced as hands grabbed me in unwanted places. The sound of ripping fabric reached my ears before pain shot through my body. I fought to free myself, but the task was impossible. Tears spilled down my cheeks as I bit my lower lip until it bled. Time stopped. Seconds seemed like hours and I fought to maintain my senses.
When the pain ceased and the weight lifted off me, I curled on the floor for several more moments, weeping. When I was able, I lifted myself from the floor, half-crawling, half-running to the doorway. I prayed my progress would not be impeded this time.
I found the way open, and I stumbled blindly down the stairs, tears clouding my vision. I choked on sobs as I scrambled through the hallways, desperately seeking the safety and comfort of my room.
I tumbled through the door, shutting it behind me, and stumbled to the chamber pot across the room. I retched several times before collapsing on the floor next to it. Curled in a ball, I remained there for several moments, tears still falling freely.
My mind struggled to comprehend the entirety of what happened and to push the horrible memory away. In only a few moments, my world had been turned upside-down. Physical and mental pain pummeled my very soul. As I grappled with the experience, I was unable to do more than lay still on the floor until my mind calmed.
Time passed without my realizing. I focused all my energy on calming my mind. I did not hear Ella enter the room. When she touched me, I recoiled. My body still trembled from my experience.
“Your Grace?” she inquired. “Your Grace, are you ill?”
I nodded, searching for my voice. “Yes,” I choked out. I grasped her hand, and she lifted me from the floor.
“Oh, no!” Ella exclaimed. “Allow me to help you into bed.” Ella steadied me on my feet, and I strove to cease the tremors in my body. “I shall fetch the doctor.”
“No!” I exclaimed. “Please.”
Ella raised her eyebrows but acquiesced. “As you wish, Your Grace. I shall have a toddy sent up along with a light meal.”
“No, I could not stomach anything. But I would like to change.”
Ella nodded, offering a sympathetic gaze to me. “Sit here,” Ella instructed, easing me onto the edge of my bed. “I shall handle everything.”
I swallowed hard, searching my mind for a response. My eyes stared ahead, focusing on a spot on the floor. After a moment, I forced myself to follow Ella as she flitted around the room.
“You should have rung for me at once, Your Grace,” Ella offered.
“I… I was unable,” I forced out.
Ella pulled my shoes off then stood, placing her hand against my forehead and cheek. “You do not feel feverish. From what symptoms do you suffer, Your Grace?”
I paused a moment, attempting to hold my emotions in check. “I…” I began. “I…” I tried again, my voice breaking.
“Your Grace!” Ella exclaimed, her eyes widening. She sunk onto the bed next to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. “I have never seen you like this. What is it?”
I met her gaze, tears forming in my eyes. One escaped, spilling down my cheek. “I cannot explain.”
“Did you endure another experience with Annie?” Ella guessed.
I nodded. “Yes,” I responded in a hushed tone. “It… disturbed me.”
Ella offered a supportive smile before pulling me into a warm hug. “It is all right, Your Grace. You are safe now. I shall stay the night with you to ensure she does not disturb you again.”
The genuine caring soothed me and for the first time since the incident, I began to relax. I pulled back and wiped my tear away. I nodded, managing a tiny smile in return.
“Now, let us get you into bed. And you should put something into your stomach. Perhaps some broth or bread. Even if you are nauseous, you must try to keep something down.” I began to shake my head when Ella continued, “Do not fret, I shall not leave you. I shall ring for one of the maids.”
Ella continued with my undressing. As she removed my dress and I slipped into my nightgown, I began to feel more normal. After a deep inhale, I said, “Thank you. The sentiment is very much appreciated.” When she finished, I added, “Please give my apologies to Duke Blackmoore regarding dinner.”
“Of course, Your Grace. Just allow me to ring for service.” She retreated across the room and pulled the bell then returned to my bedside. “Feeling any better?”
“Yes,” I said as I pulled the sheets a tad higher on my lap. “Yes, I am beginning to improve.”
Ella took my hand in hers. “Can you tell me what happened? Perhaps it would help.”
I bit my lower lip, wincing a bit as I hit the area I gnawed earlier. “Annie and I…” I paused. “I went to the tower.”
“Your Grace!” Ella exclaimed. “Thank goodness you were not harmed!”
“No, I sustained no physical injury.”
A knock sounded at the door and Ella rushed to answer it. Buchanan entered the room. “Mr. Buchanan,” Ella greeted him. “Duchess Blackmoore is ill and unable to attend dinner this evening. She would prefer broth and plain bread to be sent up and her excuses made to Duke Blackmoore.”
Buchanan’s eyes widened under his thick eyebrows. “Shall I fetch the doctor?”
“No, Buchanan,” I chimed in, “it is not necessary. Just the broth and bread, please.”
“Yes, I shall see to it at once!” He turned his gaze to me. “Duchess Blackmoore, if there is anything else you require, please ring.”
“I will, thank you, Buchanan. Could you
