In the Shadows (The Blaisdell Chronicles) Read Online Free PDF Page A

regain the disappearing air. One hand was on my heart, trying to steady my breathing. The other was on the wall for support, when I began to feel my legs giving way. Nothing was working. No. No! Not again! I had to escape. I had to live. Forcing my legs to work, I turned and ran, my heart pounding in my ears.

CHAPTER 3
     
    With my eyes closed, I inhale the air deeply, still vibrant with pollen. Birds chirp in the tall trees, feeding their young, and I can taste the salt on my tongue from the nearby coastline. I open my eyes and sigh, noting my two maids not far away. After this morning’s unpleasant encounter, I decide to walk around the grounds of my father’s estate. My mother used to bring me here after her piano and singing lessons. Although my voice is pleasing to many, I cannot play the piano as well as she could. She would reassure me constantly, taking me to Hunter’s for an ice to console me. I can still remember her words.
    ‘Playing the piano may not be your best quality, but rest assured your beauty and your voice will aid you greatly, when the time comes to seek a husband.’
    Mother. I sigh, touching the gold locket around my neck and flick the clasp open. How I sorely miss her. Father loved her so, and would have done anything for her, if she had provided him with what he wanted. But the price of his desire had cost him too much.
    I stroll further from my maids, when I overhear light chatter followed by some grunts coming from behind the trees that are just ahead. I have not ventured that far alone before, as it is beyond my father’s estate. Curiosity takes over. I glance over my shoulder, unable to see my maids, and slowly, I move in the direction of the noises. They grow louder and louder, and my heartbeat seems to follow suit. I could get into trouble for this, but I am seven and ten years. I hear male voices coming from right behind this tree, with the twisted root raised from the soil. Slowly, I peer around, to see two gentlemen sparring in their loose shirts and breeches.
    “Now, come at me again,” the older of the two gentleman commands, raising his sword.
    The younger gentleman is bent over, panting, his head hanging low. Struggling to regain his breath, he slowly stands. Beads of perspiration run from his face. He wipes them with his sleeve. “It’s no good. I’ll never get this right.”
    As both stand opposite one another, I suddenly realise I recognise one of them. The younger gentleman is the same gentleman from last night’s ball! Carefully, I take a small step closer.
    “I know you are finding this hard, sir. But the Prince Regent needs strong men for his war against the French.”
    Sir? The elder gentleman must be his trainer. But who is the younger gentleman?
    The gentleman holds up his arms, revealing an array of fresh cuts grazing his stomach. He slumps to the ground, dropping his sword and rests his arms on his upright legs.
    “Look at me! I’m hardly a strong soldier.” He shakes his head, dejectedly. “No wonder everyone hates me.”
    The trainer rests his hand on the stranger’s shoulder.
    “They’ll come around, sir.”
    “Nobody would want a man who cannot protect her for a husband. Even she didn’t.”
    The trainer scoffs. “Are you still referring to her?”
    “She was also ostracised from society. I know how that feels. I thought...I thought...”
    Everything falls silent, apart from the light rush of water from a nearby stream and the soft humming from bees. Several moments lapse before anyone speaks again.
    “She was no lady, sir. Forget her. Move on.”
    The stranger looks back at his trainer, slightly bemused. “Lady Stark? Her words did hurt, but I’m now healed. Fear not, Sampson, for I no longer pine for her.”
    “That’s good to hear, sir. There are many other beautiful women out there. Who knows where you may meet one?”
    The call from my maids punctures the air, making me jump in alarm. I turn quickly, and in my haste, stumble over the