Lady In Waiting
Written By Sharon

Chapter 8

Cainan wasn't sure about his feelings for Zebrina, but since Marqus chose to bring her here, he decided he would treat her respectfully. He would not bad mouth her.He did think she was charming, as he told Marqus.

Marqus told him of her run-ins with Lucy. He also told him of Lucy's declaration of love. Cainan agreed she should be let go. Marqus would place an ad for a new housemaid and cook, then inform Lucy of his decision.

Zebrina and Sharley resumed their classes. As always, they would spend hours in the field. They talked of their dreams for the future.

One day Sharley told Zebrina that she hoped the brothers didn't marry. "When I'm old enough I would like to marry one of them. I just don't know which one." she said as she started to giggle."But, I'm sure the ladies in town won't let them remain single for long".

"Do you think if Marqus marries his wife will want to send me away?", Zebrina asked. "No one could make Marqus send you away, he loves you deeply. Maybe he'll marry you", Sharley said.

When they went inside, Zebrina went to her room. Saying she had a headache, and wanted to lie down. After Marqus gave her some medicine and felt her head for fever, he escorted her to her room. He said she could have her evening meal brought to her if she still wasn't feeling well.

When he finally left her, Zebrina rolled on to her side and closed her eyes, but sleep would not come. Zebrina's mind was flooding with thought's of her mother. After her mother met Marqus, she talked of getting married, of not having to work on the streets anymore. She had become infatuated with Marqus, she dreamed of him marrying her, of give her and Zebrina a good life.

She allowed Zebrina to meet him, something she never did. She told Zebrina of her dreams. Zebrina hoped her mother's dreams would come true. Everytime her mother went out the door to work, Zebrina lay awake in her bed till she returned. Then pretended to be sleeping when her mother checked on her.

It was just a couple of days after Zebrina first met Marqus that her mother was killed. She was sent to the orphanage. Then they told her someone agreed to take her in, a friend of her mother's they said. Zebrina was puzzled till they told her his name. Her first thought was of her mother, how happy she would be.

A tear slid down her cheek as she remembered her last days with her mother. Zebrina missed her terribly. She was grateful that Marqus took her in, but she would give it up if her mother was still with her.

She had grown to love Marqus, and he doted over her. Surely he would marry before she grew up, she saw the way the ladies in town fawned over him. She stayed in her room the rest of the day. Marqus worried she was getting ill. As he tucked her in for the night he said"If your not feeling better tomorrow, I'll get the doctor".

Zebrina tried to reassure him she would be fine. But would not tell him that she feared he would marry, and his wife would want to send her away. She would never mention it to Sharley again either.

The same day, Marqus told Lucy he was letting her go. He would assist in finding her a new position, as soon as he found a replacement. Lucy kept her anger in check till she retired to her room. Once there, she quietly shredded her bedding with the knife she held in her hand.

Chapter 9

Marqus and Cain were in the library, having a drink and relaxing. They discussed business, how Cain would help handle it after his schooling. During a lull in the conversation, Lucy came in and asked if they wanted anything.

"Thank-you Lucy, we are fine, you can retire to your room", Marqus told her. Lucy turned and left with out saying anything. Her mind was cluttered with thoughts of rejection, jealousy, hatred for Zebrina. A mixture of love and hate for Marqus. Tears of frustration streamed down her face. She sat at the table in the kitchen, her hand slid slowly across the wooden surface, her fingers wrapped around the knife handle.

"She looks rather upset Marqus, maybe you should speak to her?", Cain suggested. "I've said all I want to say to her. She will be gone soon. I've chosen a replacement. Lucy will be going to work for a business acquaintance in London. I will not have anyone treating Zebrina like dirt".

At that moment Lucy charged into the room, the knife held menacingly above her head. Cain saw her out of the corner of his eye, before he could stop her, she was next to Marqus. With a guttural cry, she brought the knife down and firmly planted it in his upper chest, pulling it out, she raised her arm again.

Cainan was on her in a flash, he grabbed her wrist and bent it back, in the process, the tip of the knife sliced into his cheek. When he grabbed her wrist, the force broke a bone, she let out a bloodcurdling scream. Marqus sat stunned, his hand over the wound, trying to stop the blood. He tried to get up. "Marqus!,,Don't move", Cain hollered. Within seconds of hearing the scream, William appeared at the door. Seeing what happened, he rushed to Marqus.

"William, I'm going to get Lucy to her room and lock her in. You get some clean rags, wet them and bring them back here". "Yes Sir", he rushed out to get the rags. Cain struggled with Lucy, when they finally each her room, he threw her to the floor. He stared at her for a long moment, then turned and left, locking the door behind him. He rushed back to Marqus. When he got to him, William was applying the cold rags to his chest. Zebrina stood in front of Marqus, her eyes wide with fear. She looked up at Cainan, he saw her skin visibly pale. It was then he felt a sting in his cheek, touching with his fingertips, he flinched at the pain it caused. He now felt the blood running down his neck.

A loud gasp drew his attention to Sharley, who was standing in the doorway. "Sharley, stay calm child. Take Zebrina upstairs. Turn down the Master's bed, then take her to her room and stay with her". "Yes Sir," she answered, with tears threatening to spill from her eyes. "Come Zebrina, help he with the Master's bed". She held Zebrina's hand as they went up stairs. "William, help me get him upstairs, then ride as fast as you can to town. bring the doctor and the constable. That woman will pay for what she's done".

Chapter 10

As soon as they got Marqus on his bed, William left. It would be almost 3 hours before he returned with the doctor.

Cain stripped his clothes off, leaving his underwear. He covered him to the waist with a sheet. He got a basin of clean water, and kept changing the rags he used to clean the wound. He had to change the water four times before the bleeding slowed. Marqus was pale, from shock and loss of blood. He was starting to sweat, and shiver. Cain brought the sheet up to his chin. He placed a clean, cool rag on his forehead. He then pulled a chair close to the bed. Cainan changed the rag on Marqus' forehead, gently wiping the sweat from his face. He was doing his best to keep his emotions in check. His eyes stung with uncried tears. He leaned forward and rested his head on Marqus' arm.

"Cainan?", he heard the timid voice call his name. "You should be in bed girl, where's Sharley?", he asked. "She's asleep. I'm frightened Cainan. Is Marqus going to be alright?." Cain looked at the little girl. She stood shivering before him. Her eyes filled with tears. His own tears threatened to spill over. He put his hand out to her,"Come here child", he whispered.

"Marqus is very ill. I can't promise he will be okay, We must pray for him.", he saw Zebrina's tears slide down her cheeks, he struggled with his own. "The doctor will be here shortly, you should go back to bed". "Please Cainan, can't I stay till the doctor arrives", she said wiping her eyes,"I promise I'll leave when he gets here". Cain thought for a moment. This child had stolen Marqus' heart, her presence might be a comfort to him."Yes child, you can stay". "Oh thank-you Cainan", she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek against his.

"Oh, child, be careful", he told her, feeling the sharp pain, he had forgotten about his own injury. "I'm sorry sir". Zebrina climbed down off his lap. She went to the basin of water and wet a clean rag. Getting back on Cain's lap, she held the rag to his cheek. Cainan grunted at the sting, but allowed her to clean the wound. They both started when they hear Marqus moan. Cainan set her on the floor and went to him. Zebrina scurried to the other side of the bed and climbed on.

"Lay quiet Marqus, William is getting the doctor", Cain whispered as he wiped his face. Marqus opened his eyes. Zebrina set her hand on Marqus' shoulder. He looked over at her. He tried to smile at her. He looked back at Cain with questioning eyes. "Lucy stabbed you dear brother, she is now locked in her room waiting for the constable. She will be gone soon".Marqus gave a slight nod, then closed his eyes.

Zebrina leaned down and kissed his cheek, then climbed off the bed and went back to Cain. An hour later, William returned with the doctor. Cainan took Zebrina to her room, promising to tell her how Marqus was doing when the doctor was through examining him. Cain then took the constable to Lucy's room.

Chapter 11

As Cain and the constable got closer to Lucy's room, they could hear her screaming and throwing things about. "You should have brought help Henry", Cain told the constable. "I have the wagon sir. If you would be so kind as to help me get her strapped on, I'll get her to town just fine". "Okay, lets get it done with". Cainan went to the door and unlocked it. When he opened it, they were shocked at the damage Lucy had done. When they entered, she was standing quietly in the middle of the room, feathers from a pillow, floating around her head. Her hand was badly swollen.

"I broke her hand trying to get the knife from her. Have it looked at when you get her to town." "I'll do that sir",Henry said. "You come quietly now woman, no harm will come to you". Weeping, Lucy begged to be let alone,"Please Don't make me leave here Sir. I'm sorry for what I've done, I'll make it up to Master Caloway. I'll not be anymore trouble",she pleaded. Cainan just stared at her, he could still see her stabbing Marqus. He remembered the frightened look on Zebrina's face. Again,his eyes strung with uncried tears.

"Get her out of here Henry". Henry grabbed Lucy's good arm and brought it up behind her back, she went quietly. A look of defeat on her face. Cain watched as the wagon drove away.He then went back inside to see how Marqus was.

As Cain entered the room, the doctor was just finishing his examination. "He should be fine ,it will take awhile though. It is a little infected already. Keep the wound clean, a cool rag on his fore head will help the fever. Keep him warm. Try to get him to take some liquids. I'll be back in three days to check him",the doctor explained.

"Thank-you Doctor",Cain replied","William, show the doctor out would you?".

Cainan again pulled the chair close to the bed. He was wiping his face when out of the corner of his eye he saw the door opening. The tiny form in the doorway meekly asked how Marqus was. "He going to be fine child. You needn't worry anymore. Come in and see him for awhile. Then it will be off to bed". "Thank-you Cainan", Zebrina entered the room and climbed onto the bed, for a long moment she looked at Marqus' face. She then climbed down and went to stand by Cain. Cainan sat back in the chair. He was tired, his cheek was hurting. He had not allowed the doctor to look at it.

As Zebrina stood by him, he longed for sleep. He wanted to release his emotions. But refused to do so in front of the child. Zebrina looked up at him. He gave her a weak smile. "Come and sit child", he said as he lifted her onto his lap,"Keep me company for a bit".

Zebrina settled onto his lap and leaned against his chest. Cain wrapped an arm around her.He drew what little comfort he could from her. "Cainan?". "Yes child". "Are you scared?". He was taken aback by her question. He had been scared, he didn't want to lose his brother. He rested his cheek on Zebrina's head, pushing aside the flash of pain.

"Not anymore child, he going to be fine". It was then that the tears that threatened to spill over, finally ran down his cheeks.

Chapter 12

For the next 3 days, Marqus was in and out of consciousness. The fever raged, Cain kept washing his body with cool water, hoping to break it. He and William got as much food and water into as they could. Although he didn't mean to, Marqus fought all their attempts to help him. At times he was delirious, saying things that made no sense, he called for his parents. Cainan, and Zebrina.

Zebrina was with him as much as Cain would allow. He hoped somehow, her presence would calm him. Cainan let her sleep along side of him the second night, but during one of his delirious moments, he swung his fist and hit her. There was an ugly bruise forming on her arm. "Please let me stay Cainan, I know he doesn't mean to strike me. I'll stay out of his way", she pleaded with Cain to let her stay.

"No child, he could hurt you terribly. He is not lucid at times. We can't be sure what he'll do". He looked at Zebrina to see her eyes brimming with tears. He had to keep her safe. He worried Marqus would never forgive him if something were to happen to her. "You can spend some extra time with him in the evening, after dinner, but you must sleep in your own bed". Zebrina nodded her head,"Yes Cainan". She went and stood at the side of Marqus' bed. He allowed her to stay with Marqus longer,,as he promised.

An hour after he sent her to bed, Cainan decided to get a fresh change of clothes from his room. When he opened the door to leave,, there was Zebrina asleep on the floor. He lifted her and carried her into the room, setting her in the chair beside the bed. After he changed, he picked her up, then sat down, with Zebrina on his lap. She snuggled up close to his chest, hoping he didn't realize that she was awake the whole time.

During the night Marqus' fever broke. As he became more lucid, he felt the pain in his upper chest. He lay with his eyes closed a long time trying to remember what happened. he slowly drifted back to sleep. When he next opened them, the sun was streaming into the room. He heard a soft moan.

He turned his head to the left to see Cainan asleep in the chair. On his lap, Zebrina moaned again. She was pressed against his brother's chest, locked there by Cain's arms. Zebrina's small figure made Cainan seem twice as big.

A smiled played across his lips. After watching them for a while, he started to chuckle, causing a stabbing pain in his chest. He grunted loudly. Cainan stirred in the chair, he slowly opened his eyes to see Marqus watching him. "Marqus,,are you okay?,,your fever..." "It broke, I feel better but for the pain. That is a sight I never expected to see brother."

Cainan became aware of Zebrina, a slight blush over took his face. He stood quickly and placed the girl in the chair. "She was worried about you, she refused to stay in her own bed. She can be very persuasive at times", Cainan explained, trying hard to sound annoyed. Marqus just smiled."Yes she can be". "The doctor is due back today,you should stay in bed till he checks your wound."

"Yes,I think I shall", Marqus agreed, feeling weak and tired. Zebrina stirred again, coming awake. She heard Marqus' deep voiced "Good Morning, child" Her eyes snapped open, "Marqus!,,Oh Marqus, you're awake, are you okay?,,I,,,,We were so worried". She ran to the other side of the bed an climbed on. "Be careful Zebrina", Cainan warned. "Yes Cainan". She kissed Marqus' cheek,"I was so frightened Marqus", she whispered in his ear.

"It's okay child, you needn't be frightened anymore, I'm fine. Did you behave yourself for Cainan Zebrina?". She was silent for a moment."Yes Marqus,,,,except for last night". "Last night?", the brothers said in unison. "Cainan sent me to bed. But I wanted to stay close to you, so I lay outside the door. When Cainan opened the door I pretended to be asleep. He carried me back in here, so I let him think I really was asleep." Zebrina glanced over at Cain, his eyes were wide at being tricked by a child.

Marqus tried to keep from laughing. "That kind of behavior is not to be laughed at Marqus", Cainan said. "I'm sorry Cainan", Zebrina told him. "You're forgiven child. Now, go prepare yourself for the day. Marqus is fine, your studies will resume today." "Yes Cainan.I must tell Sharley that you are awake, Marqus", kissing his cheek again,"I will visit you later Marqus,,,If that's okay?".

"That will be fine Zebrina". Zebrina ran to tell Sharley the news. Marqus looked at his brother, "Her studies will resume?. Have you to become wrapped around her finger as I have?", Marqus teased. "Hardly Brother",Cainan said, avoiding his brother's stare." Shall we make you presentable. The doctor will be here soon." Marqus smiled as he watched Cain gather clean clothes for him. Zebrina had captured his heart, but he was to stubborn to admit it.

Chapter 13 Over the next two weeks, Marqus grew stronger. Zebrina and Sharley would keep him occupied by reading to him. He helped them with their studies. When Cainan helped him bath, Sharley made sure his bed was kept neat and clean. Zebrina would brush his long, red hair till it was dry and shining. After the second week, he was allowed to go for short walks. The girls held each hand, as if to keep him from stumbling. Cainan followed close behind.

A month after the incident with Lucy, Marqus and Cainan sat in the courtroom as she was sentenced to twenty years in prison for attempted murder.

On August eighth they celebrated Zebrina's birthday. Beatrice, the new cook(Cainan made sure she was a much older woman), made Zebrina a beautiful cake. Marqus had her fix all Zebrina's favorites for supper. There was a pile of gifts for her in the sitting room when they finished their meal. She opened each one with care, saving the colorful ribbons.

Marqus gave her several new dresses and a pair of shoes. Wrapped in brown paper and tied with a string, was a tatted collar Sharley made for her. Marqus had shown her one of the dresses, and it matched perfectly.

There was one last gift. A small package wrapped in pretty pink paper. It was a rag doll and a blue hair ribbon. It was from Cainan. When she was done she hugged Marqus, thanking him for the gifts, she did the same with Sharley. She hesitated before going to Cainan. "Go child", Marqus said,"Thank Cain properly". Zebrina walked to him and wrapped her arms around his neck.

In a small voice she said"Thank-you Cainan". "Your welcome girl", he said, rolling his eyes at Marqus, who smiled back at him. "It's getting late and you ladies have studies in the morning. Off you both go.", Marqus told them. Sharley helped Zebrina gather her gifts and take them to her room. When they were gone Marqus rested his head on the back of the chair. "Are you tired Marqus?.Let me help you upstairs", Cain offered. "No, I'm fine. It has been a long day. I would just like to sit here for a while longer. You can go if you want. I can manage." "I am tired. Ring for William if you need help".

"I will,Good Night Cainan". "Good Night Marqus".

Marqus relaxed in his chair. His thoughts settled on the girl. She would grow to be beautiful, he knew. She would have many suitors. Did he have the right to hope that one day she would be his? He is much older than she. He saw her face in his mind's eye, he would have to wait, and hope she didn't find a younger man to love.

He grew tired as he sat thinking. He made his way to the stairs just as William was coming down the hall. "May I help you sir?", William asked. "Thank you William, but I can manage. Would you lock up?". "Of coarse sir".

William watched Marqus walk up the stairs before turning to lock the doors. By the time Marqus to himself into bed, he was exhausted. Sleep came fast.

By the end of August, Cainan was preparing to return to school. Marqus had his strength back. They both noticed that Zebrina seemed sad and quiet. "Zebrina, child, what's bothering you?", Marqus asked. She climbed onto his lap, snuggling against him. He heard her start sobbing softly.

"Child, what makes you so sad?.Are you hurt?". Finding her voice, she said,"No Marqus, I'm not hurt. You were so generous to bring me here. I have been so happy. I'm am grateful to you,,, and Cainan.I will miss Cainan when he leaves". "Is that why your sad Zebrina?". 'Not only that Marqus,,,,I miss my mother". Marqus held her to him. He had not realized that it would soon be one year since her passing.

Chapter 14

Marqus felt bad for not remembering. He would have to find a way to make it up to her. As he help Cainan pack, he tried to decide what to do for Zebrina. He knew material things wouldn't help. An idea came to him.

"Cainan, would you mind if Zebrina and I rode to London with you?", he asked his brother. "Should you take the girl with you on one of your trips to London Marqus?", Cainan asked. Marqus threw a shirt at him,,"I'm not going for that reason Brother dear. Maybe you've had enough schooling", he teased. "I want to take Zebrina, it is almost the anniversary of her mother's death. I thought a trip back to London would help".

"Is that what's been bothering her lately, I though she seemed quiet. She hasn't caused any mischief lately", Cain stated. "You noticed that did you?.She said she misses her mum. And what were her words?", Marqus thought a moment, running his hand over his beard.

Cainan looked at his brother. He knew Marqus was in a teasing mood and prepare himself for whatever he would say. "Oh yes,,,She said,`I will miss Cainan when he leaves`,,", Marqus smiled, he loved to tease Cain. For one brief moment Marqus thought he saw a light in Cainan eyes, then it was gone.

"She said no such thing. She should be glad, she'll have the run of the house again. And you Marqus, will be firmly wrapped around her finger". Cainan turned and left the room. He would show no emotion for Zebrina to his brother. He promised himself he would do his best to keep any thoughts of her out of is head.

Marqus watched him leave."Very interesting response", he thought to himself.

Zebrina was ecstatic to learn Marqus was taking her to London. As grateful as she was to him. she did miss being in the city. She marveled at the sights she saw. Though she remembered some of what she saw when she first traveled with Lucy. Cain and Marqus talked business. At one point Cainan glanced at the girl as she turned to look out the window. In her hair was the blue hair ribbon he had given her. The blue of the ribbon was almost a match for the color of her eyes.

Their first stop in London was to leave Cainan at school. He hugged Marqus "I'm glad your still here Marqus", He said before letting go. "Thanks to you little Brother. When will we see you again?". "I'll write and let you know. I can't say for sure at the moment.".

Zebrina stood watching the brothers. When Marqus stepped back from Cain, she went to him. Standing in front of him, she extended her small hand. Cain wrapped his around it,"Good-bye Cain, I will miss you". She turned away quickly. Cain looked at his brother, who raised his eyebrows. "Good-bye girl".

Cainan left them standing there as he ran to the school entrance. When Marqus and Zebrina could no longer see him, they left.

Marqus next took Zebrina to the cemetery to visit her mother's grave. It took them an hour to find it. When they did, he noted it was marked with only a wooden cross. Before he left the cemetery, he paid the keeper to have a headstone set in place.

Zebrina sat on the ground in front of the cross. Her finger traced the letters that spelled out her mother's name. She lay the rose that Marqus bought near the cross. "I miss you so mummy", she cried. Marqus knelt down next to her and put his arm around her. He let her cry a bit before lifting her and carrying her out of the cemetery.

They visited Whitehall. Meeting an old friend of Zebrina's mother. She hugged the girl, happy to see she was well. "You're a saint for taking the girl in sir. May you be blessed", she said to Marqus. "That's very kind of you to say. Have they caught the man that took the lives of these women?", he asked.

"No sir.I don't expect they will. Seems he got away scott free. He's never been heard from since. Scotland Yard named him Jack the Ripper.I have something for the girl sir. The officers left it with me should I see her again." The woman went inside the run down building and came back with a box. "It's all that your mother left, Zebrina." "Thank-you", was all she said.She looked up at Marqus with sad, tired eyes.

"The child has had a long day, Would you excuse us?.She should rest", he thanked the woman and he took Zebrina to their hotel.

Zebrina sat on the bed and opened the box. In were things she remembered her mother wearing. A brooch and necklace, a lace scarf, white gloves. On the very bottom of the box, there was a picture of her mother holding a baby. Marqus assured Zebrina that the baby was her. "I'm sure she is watching you child."

"She must be happy that I am with you Marqus. It's what she wanted."

Part 3

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