Chapter 5 5

V. A Journey Down

Once upon in Town...

"That bastard Ernest Featherton is stealing all my money," Belinda heard her father say to one of his callers.

She stood by the doorway outside the parlor with a frown.

"He built these clubs to take all our money, I tell you! He seduces us to come and gamble everything we have and now he wants us to pay every townsend we owe him! He is not even gentry!"

Belinda walked away, deep in thought. But her Papa chose to go to the club every night. Was it not his fault that they were losing money?

*****

Once her mind was made up, it would be hard to discourage her from it. She had made her decision and she shall stand by it whatever the outcome.

McKenzie had been quiet the entire journey back to the city. For a brief moment she wondered how he found her reason to go back. But then, why would it matter? He wanted to take her back for he feared what Julia might be forced to do if he didn't. He was merely doing his task.

She withdrew all her money from the bank that very morning it opened and bought herself a lot of jewelries, gold mostly. They were not much but they would prove to be useful than a few thousand bucks underground. She'd sell them all and get as many townsends as she could to find herself a comfortable estate.

"Are you ready?" McKenzie asked when she finally walked out of her apartment with merely a pair of pants, boots and a shirt. She did not answer, merely turned to have one last look at the apartment that had been home for the last five years. It had witnessed her silence and crazy laughter. Although it had not received any visitors for she was careful never to make friends or be close to anyone, it was still home. As a matter of fact, its little corners were a comfortable company. And now she was leaving it for what would prove to be a wild and chaotic world underground.

She pasted the small note she had written to whoever would come looking for her, Terry, amongst them.

I decided to go away. -B

That would be enough explanation for the people aboveground would soon forget about her existence. It was a far cry from the Town that, she was certain, had never forgotten about her.

When she turned to face McKenzie Haverston once more, he was looking at her mildly. Was he feeling sympathetic? Well, it was useless for she would have none of it.

She walked ahead of him, her small clutch bag full of gold in one hand.

*****

She was too silent as they walked out of the building. He could not fathom how she must be feeling, but every part of him felt anxious that she had finally decided to return with him.

He ought to be relieved, really, for it would mean the satisfaction of lady Trilby and the safety of the Town's secrets.

Yet he could not make himself feel so when he knew why she wanted to go back. She would cause a debacle among the townspeople. All of her sister's efforts could very well come to rumbles at their feet. And all of that for what...vengeance?

Beside him walked a woman scorned by the entire town and her family. But had she considered how many she had scorned in return? She was given the exact amount of fury her vileness in the past collected over the years. She may have not done something evil as banishing someone, but the little vile things she did had their effects. She had thought herself too mighty, saw too many beneath her, that she had built her own prison. She had become unreachable in so many ways before her banishment. If it were another woman, forgiveness would have been given, even understanding. But she was Belinda Carrington and her name itself evoked too many opinions and so far, none of that were in any way optimistic.

Mary, for one, had been caught in a compromising situation with his brother before their marriage. It had caused quite a scandal, but none judged Mary for her reputation was not as hateful as Belinda.

Had Belinda thought that she was amongst friends? Had she thought that having held a status such as hers, of owning elegant gowns and jewels, were enough to save her? Had she not thought of the consequences of her actions toward her fellow ladies-to daughters of many gentries? No one sympathized with her fate when she was banished for no one had received the same act of goodness from her.

She decided to return to extract vengeance to her family. She had done them enough damage.

Emmett Carrington committed a crime banishing her aboveground and he might pay for it once the League could prove it and catch the people he paid to do it. McKenzie found no need for Belinda to further ruin her mother and sister's name to ruin her father's.

"We are not taking the passage you took," he informed her a little while later. "We shall take the one in Easton."

"Easton?"

"Yes."

"You have a passage in Easton?"

"Yes."

The Easton passage had become a known one years ago. Calan had not revealed the reason why he had kept the passage a secret to everyone, even the League of Founders itself, but McKenzie had a strong guess. Their mother had used it, he was almost certain. But then, their mother was a touchy subject still that they never talk about her at all.

His brother, Calan, had suggested he take the passage upon their return when they found out that the one Belinda's captors took her to was near Easton. Calan knew the Passage Guards the League had stationed there. And being near the Easton estate, it would allow them to have an immediate residence to rest in upon their arrival.

"We shall take a vehicle to the woods where the passage is located."

Belinda merely nodded and followed his lead. They found a taxi and he provided the information to the driver, one his brother had previously given him.

His companion had remained quiet the entire journey. She never complained when he told her they would have to hike for a few hours until they reached Easton. In fact, she was too quiet that he felt utterly uncomfortable and even more anxious.

What the bloody hell was the lady thinking now?

*****

She was making plans. She was thinking where she could find someone to buy her gold, where to find an affordable estate, where to find her old nanny, and most especially where to get gowns.

She'd come back and ruin her father. And then she would force the truth from his mouth and maybe, just maybe, everyone would start to believe her. Maybe, just maybe, she would be admitted back into society. And maybe, just maybe, she'd find someone who would accept her and plan a future with her.

Ah, she was dreaming once more. All those books she had read had filled her mind with such impossible fantasies!

There would be no future for her in Willowfair. Maybe in other parts of the Town, yes, and she was open for that. She was open to living in the country, building a decent home for herself, and even be employed as a governess-but only after everything was done.

Only after she ruined her father's name, after she saved her sister from such horrible marriage and convinced Julia that there was life outside Willowfair. And after she made them see the new Belinda Kate Carrington.

And by god, she would make them see. She'd make them see the real woman they all created.

"You will face more difficult challenges than the last time you were here," McKenzie started, his words obviously chosen very carefully.

He had found the passage, a small hole behind a boulder deep in the woods covered with vines, and had started to lead her down the dark path. Unlike her, he was carrying a luggage. And he also came prepared for he had extracted a flashlight to guide their path. Everything was quite familiar to her for the path was pretty much the same as the one she hiked five years ago. It was damp and slippery. "I did not take you back so you could ruin everything for your family. I took you back because your sister had played her cards well." When Belinda merely remained silent, concentrating more on the slippery path than his words, he stopped and turned to her. She stared at him in the darkness. "Your sister has expressed her plans for you. You ought not to ruin them for the simple and shallow reason as revenge simply because you were deprived of gowns and riches. Revenge would not help your already damaged reputation, lady Belinda."

Belinda squared her shoulders. "Your task is to find me aboveground and take me back, Mr. Haverston. What I do after is none of your concern." When he remained unmoving, blocking her path, she sighed. "You and the entire bloody Town Guards can be assured that I shall not speak of the passage ever to anyone. I give you my word that they shall remain a secret from the rest of the Town." When he continued to stare at her with an expression of doubt, she added, "And what is wrong about feeling vengeful for having been deprived of gowns and riches? We, ladies, only know of such things, remember? And I have been deprived of them for too long." She rubbed on her nose to hide the involuntary crinkle of her lie.

She saw a hint of contempt flash his face before he sharply turned around and continued the hike down. She smiled when she realized that showing him this fabricated part of her was more effective than trying to be truthful. Her haughtiness was proving to be an advantage yet again.

*****

The Passage Guards had already been made known before his departure that he might be coming back with someone who had once resided in the Town. And since he had proper papers to show them, one sealed by the League of Founders and the Town Guards themselves, they were allowed entrance into the Town.

The Easton passage was separated from the estate by a large pond. Calan had insisted before he departed that he ought to not forget about the bloody boat. He found the one he used in the same spot beside a large rock. Belinda refused his hand when he attempted to help her climb on it and with a frustrated shake of his head, followed after her and embarked on a short journey across the pond. Of course, she did not bother to help with the rowing.

Belinda did not show any sign of apprehension or anxiety as they finally disembarked the boat and walked the way to the large estate that loomed in the distance. He was even quite certain she had grown more confident, her shoulders square and her back stiff. He was seeing the old Belinda Carrington. The vixen had been silently lurking and itching to come back, he thought.

He had the urge to tell her she ought not to put such air around her, that it would merely bring her more trouble, especially when she would meet Cressida very soon. But why was he hesitating? Why did a part of him was telling him that she was merely preparing herself for a battle?

And why did that very little part of him felt proud that she could manage such resolve?

He did not have enough time to ponder on his thoughts for they had finally reached the estate and Felton, the old butler, opened the doors.

"Master McKenzie, lady Belinda," the old butler greeted with a bow. Obviously, Calan had made their possible arrival known in advance. "Lord Calan is in the parlor. Would you like me to-"

"No," Belinda cut in, her voice high and cold. McKenzie sharply turned to face her. "I want to have a carriage drawn out to the front. I shall return to Willowfair at once."

The butler blinked in surprise. "No, you will not," McKenzie uttered grimly. "My brother and his wife had graciously offered their residence and you shall gratefully take it."

He watched as her face tightened even more and she lifted her chin. "I do not wish to stay here much longer than I already have. I am very much grateful that you have brought me back, Mr. Haverston, but I do wish to go back home."

"Home?" he asked, raising his eyebrows in challenge. "Home?"

He saw her blue eyes waver. My god, she was gorgeous, her hair free and flowing behind her, her pants and shirt dirty after the hike. She was in a perfect state for a bath, not a journey back to Willowfair!

"Which home are you talking about, lady Belinda?" he asked through gritted teeth.

"Uncle Maaaaaaaac!" a shrill from behind Belinda stopped her ready response and they both turned to the owner of the voice.

The little girl with black, wavy hair and bedraggled blue dress came bounding toward him. Before he could prepare for the onslaught, his niece had thrown her short arms around his legs, trapping him on the spot.

Suddenly a chuckle rumbled in his chest. He messed the little girl's hair with one hand. "Peyton, where have you been playing this time? Your dress is a mess, little one."

The little girl giggled, looking up at him with her light blue eyes. "I was playing hide and seek with Mama. Hush, she does not know I am here and-"

"-Now I do," said a voice from the top of the stairs.

McKenzie noticed Belinda stiffen beside him, her shoulders squaring even more proudly and her chin lifting higher.

"Mama! Uncle Mac is here!" Peyton cried to her mother.

But Cressida's face had gone tight when she finally noticed the woman standing beside McKenzie. She scurried toward her daughter and grabbed the girl from around McKenzie's legs.

"And he has brought a visitor!" Peyton added as her mother pulled her closer. "She is wearing trousers, Mama! I want one as well!"

"You ought to be in your schoolroom. Your teacher is waiting. But first, ask nanny to change your dress. You are a mess."

"But we have a visitor and-"

"Peyton," Cressida sternly warned her daughter. To McKenzie, it seemed that Cressida wanted her daughter away from Belinda. He rolled his eyes to look at the lady beside him and he shook his head when he realized that she had maintained her stiff stance.

Peyton pouted and turned toward the staircase but not after throwing McKenzie and Belinda a look of longing. They all watched the little girl climb the stairs.

"Felton, please do inform my husband that his brother has arrived."

Once the three of them were finally alone, Cressida turned to Belinda, her face hard as stone. "Belinda, happy that you are alive."

To his surprise, Belinda let out a small chuckle that sent a chill down his spine. How the bloody hell could she manage that? "As I am, Cressida," she said, looking at Cressida as though she was not the mistress of the estate she was at. "I see that you have a lovely daughter."

A flash of anger crossed Cressida's eyes. "Peyton is not a subject I wish to discuss with you."

"Ah, of course. You would not wish for her to be in the company of someone like me."

To prevent any untoward incident, McKenzie cleared his throat and announced, "We shall take up residence as we had planned, and if you would be so kind, Cressy, to have someone assist lady Belinda-"

"I wish to return to Willowfair at once," Belinda insisted.

"I am afraid that is not possible, Belinda," Cressida snapped at the woman. "As much as I am uncomfortable of your presence here, I believe that you are not quite ready to return. Do you even have a change of clothes?"

Belinda's face reddened. Her lips pursed. "I shall find a way to-"

"Do not think you are bothering us," Cressida cut in. "I do not mind that you stay here for a few days so long as you can keep your distance from my daughter."

"I give you my word that you can go back to Willowfair in three days, lady Belinda," McKenzie strongly said.

Belinda looked as though she was struggling but she finally let out an irritated scoff and said, "Very well, then," she turned to Cressida, "I wish to be escorted to my chamber."

And as though the maid had been waiting for her entrance, one rushed in and said, "I shall escort you upstairs, my lady."

Belinda nodded stiffly. "I wish to take my supper in my room as well," she told Cressida.

Cressida merely shook her head. "You never changed, Belinda."

"I did not find the need to."

"Your supper shall be taken to your room."

"Thank you," McKenzie heard her answer haughtily. And then she was walking away, following the maid up the stairs.

"Why did you have to bring her back again?" asked Cressida beside him.

He sighed. "I have no bloody idea," he answered his sister-in-law, his eyes following Belinda.

"I do not wish to ruin my day because of her. It was rather considerate of her to request her supper be brought up for I could not stomach eating a meal with her around the table." Cressida started to walk away. "Your brother is in the parlor. He would want to talk to you. And then you shall tell me how you found life aboveground," she added the last bit with excitement.

With one last look at the red-haired woman climbing the steps of the Easton estate, McKenzie followed Cressida to the parlor.

*****

"I am telling you again, Mac, do not meddle in the investigation of the banishment case. It is too complicated," Calan told him a while later after Cressida left to look for Peyton. "And do warn lady Belinda not to tell anyone where she came from."

"She is already aware of that."

"You should make certain for I do not want to receive a letter from the League that I cannot control my own brother."

"She knows the repercussions, Calan."

"You can never be sure with someone like her, Mac. You very well know what she did to Mary."

Ah, yes, of course. Belinda had spilled Mary's secret to the Town Herald for everyone to devour. But Mary had been insistent that the lady had saved her in more ways than one by not spilling the rest of her secrets. But then, who could ever be sure that lady Belinda did really find out her entire secret? Mayhap she did not and mayhap it was why Mary was spared.

"This is not merely a small secret as writing erotic novels in private, Calan. This is about the passage. She would not say anything and her sister had promised that she would keep what she knows so long as lady Belinda is returned in the Town."

The look on Calan's face was still full of doubt but he nodded anyway. "I am still worried that she would cause trouble."

She plans to, but not in the way you are thinking, McKenzie silently uttered inside. She plans to cause social havoc in Willowfair.

*****

Belinda was deep in thought as she soaked in a bath. She was expecting to be on her way to Willowfair by now but she was stuck in Easton instead. And under the care of the very woman who hated her since their years in Madam Pearson's!

Cressida had always evoked such a unique mixture of vile and amusement in her. The lady had always been too carefree that she hated the fact that she could never act the same without everyone hating her. Of course, Cressida had been on the Herald too many times before, but no one had truly hated her as much as they were amused by her. She had been a walking scandal yet she managed to still survive the disapproval of the Town. And her strong will to fight back, to protect Mary Featherton, was such an amusement to Belinda. She had to admit that she rather enjoyed the spark of anger in Cressida's eyes whenever they battled in ballrooms or the corridors of Madam Pearson's. No one had ever mustered the courage to openly confront her as much as Cressida did.

But Belinda also had to admit that she was getting tired of it. The fun of having even a bit of Cressida's attention had waned throughout the years. Now, she was only left with a bitter feeling of envy. She hated it. She wanted to spit it out if she could.

Cressida had found herself a husband, one that had been chased by many mamas and ladies years ago. She had married despite her petty scandals in the past and she now had a daughter to dote on. However she managed that, Belinda could never know.

Mayhap some were born lucky to be hated and loved all the same, while some were merely born to be just hated.