Beyond Simla - Twenty

[ismenin]

Hello, there! Happy Sabbath! I hope you're all well and recovered from the Christmas and New Year celebrations - eaten all the after dinner mints, and put out the spare nuts for the birds. :D

I'm going to snuggle down on my sofa in a minute, with my book, but first, I wanted to post this. I might go to sleep, and that would not do at all, before posting.

So here it is, my dears - this part, dedicated to my wonderful beta, Lady Sunrope, whose birthday is this week. Huggles.


Thanks, as always, to ladysunrope for her excellent beta.


Part - 20


Elijah lay quiet, his eyes shut tight, for he did not wish anyone to know that he was awake. He could feel the morning sun shining on his face, for Billy had not drawn the curtains before he had left the room, but that did not matter. Eyes shut, he was safe. Safe from...Cecil, at least.

He groaned as he thought of his brother. The sanctimonious, jumped up little tit that he was! Elijah did not precisely hate him - as children they had rubbed along very well - but he despised him, and all the false virtues with which he had surrounded himself. A wife, children, a fine country house. And no-one knew better that Elijah what a facade these possessions represented.

Possessions, because Cecil owned his family, as he owned his horses, his dogs, his estates. It was not that his brother did not care for his compliant little wife, and he doted upon his two daughters and his son, but Elijah had seen Cecil in the copse near their father's main residence, in the burly and very intimate embrace of one of the workers who came, year by year, to shave the south lawn to a billiard-table flatness.

Cecil, in fact, preferred men, just like him. But only Elijah knew that he had observed his brother being taken, hard, under an oak tree, for Cecil had been so rapt in the intercourse, he would likely not have heard Gabriel's horn, had it blasted in his ear.

So Cecil prosed on about Elijah's 'unsuitable life-style' about his 'abominable practices', of his 'lack of moral fibre', his 'unnatural affections', when Elijah longed to throw in his face the fact that he had seen him do the same thing with the Belcher lad, that summer five years earlier. And had he done so, he would have enjoyed informing him that more than one acquaintance had told him that they had seen Lord Cecil in one of the more discreet Molly-houses in London, several times over the past few years. He was also reputed to have a young man in keeping in Wimbledon. Elijah knew him for a hypocrite, and despised him as such.

And Dom! Elijah thought, miserably. "Shall I have to leave my Dom, when only now have I found him? Oh, God!

Life without Dom...

...it was not to be thought of.

He consoled himself by thinking of the captured Duleep Singh, and the man to whom he had seen him talking. The man had been smiling, his hand on Duleep's shoulder, in the stable-yard, when Elijah had been struck - so his assailants had thought - unconscious. He had decided not to tell Dom of this until all the miscreants were safely in custody, and some tangible proof had been found against them - and against any other traitors there might be.

He hoped those in the seraglio were safe from harm, and at least, that dear Osman was safe...

His train of thought was interrupted by Dom creeping quietly into the room, and standing by the bed. How Elijah longed to take him in his arms and have his love comfort the sad thoughts invading his mind. But he did not move. Movement meant that Cecil might come, so he lay still. Eventually, he heard Dom sigh, draw the curtains against the brilliant sun, and close the door softly behind him.

*

Vigran Singh entered the house just as Dom was coming down the stairs. He saw the lines on his cousin's face had deepened, and wondered what new troubles had come to beset the king.

"Do you remember your English?" Dom asked, in an urgent tone, before Vigran had a chance to speak.

"Of course I do!" his cousin responded, mystified - for Elijah, he knew, spoke excellent Hindi, and why else would he need it?

"It's Elijah's brother!" Dom hissed. "In there! Come and help me with him. He reminds me forcibly of Dr Poulett-Ransom, my headmaster at Eton. Was he there in your day?"

"Yes, he was. That bad, eh?" Vigran commiserated.

Dom nodded. "His lordship makes me feel like a naughty schoolboy," he confessed.

Vigran drew himself up to his full height, and glowered. "This must not be! You are king!" His look was forbidding. "Does he not accord you the respect and reverence that your rank demands?"

Dom thought about it for a moment. "No, he does not. He thinks of me - as do most of the English here - as the tin-pot monarch of a vanquished land. I hear it in his voice."

Vigran's brow darkened even further. "Does he, now? Well, we can soon remedy that."

Dom put a restraining had on Vigran's arm. "Gently, cousin. Remember he is Elijah's brother. I would have him treated...respectfully."

The Lord of the North grinned. "As respectfully as you like, Highness. Which is more, I gather, than he does for you."

"Oh, it is not that he acts in any outrageously disrespectful manner - rather it is his condescending way of address. Well, you will soon see..." Dom beckoned a hovering Naadir forward.

"Pray announce us to his lordship, in the most formal manner, if you will. We would see him squirm," ordered Vigran, before Dom had had time to open his mouth.

"Has his lordship been a problem, Naadir?" Dom asked as they approached the door.

"No, Highness. Not apart from ordering tea every fifteen minutes or so. And he can eat, my lord! He has consumed sandwiches containing a whole half of one of your Highness's finest cucumbers!" the steward announced, in tragic tones. "Gafur says there is only one more left!"

Vigran and Dom waved Naadir to inaction whilst they, not without difficulty, composed themselves.

"His Highness, the Maharajah of Ranjipore, and Prince Vigran, Lord of the North," intoned Naadir in sonorous cadences. Lord Cecil, who had been immersed in a book, sprang to his feet, and bowed low.

"Pray let me introduce your lordship to my cousin, Prince Vigran," said Dom, his voice as sweet as honey.

Vigran stepped forward and in response to Lord Cecil's low bow, and formal greetings, no more than nodded his head, and said, "good day."

Lord Cecil returned to his seat, and, thoroughly discomposed by Vigran's glare, promptly sat upon the book he had been reading, and had to rise, embarrassed, to remove it.

Dom pressed his advantage. "Have my people looked after you, my lord? I hope you found my cucumbers to your taste?"

Lord Cecil stammered a reply. He was wary of Vigran, who stood beside his cousin's chair, stiff as a ramrod. Dom knew better than anyone that Vigran would not sit in his king's presence without being invited to do so, so he asked - "why do you not sit, my dear cousin?"

Vigran's chin rose, if possible, even higher. Still glaring at Lord Cecil, he said, his voice as cool as the cucumber his lordship had lately consumed, "I do not know what court manners obtain in...other lands, my Lord King, but in Ranjipore, no-one sits in the king's presence without first being invited by him to do so."

Lord Cecil immediately sprang to his feet, conscious of a serious breach of etiquette on his part, and the book fell to the floor.

Dom coughed. It was the only way he could stop himself from laughing. He was grateful, in his way, to Lord Cecil, for there had been precious little to laugh about in recent days. And now, twice in the last few minutes, Lord Cecil had been the cause of a burst of humour.

Lord Cecil, slightly quashed, asked politely if it was possible to see his brother. Dom saw no harm in it. If he gave Elijah enough warning of the visit, he would keep his eyes tight shut as he had when Dom had visited.

So it proved. Dom opened the bedroom door slowly, and said, in as loud a stage whisper as he could manage, "I beg you will not disturb him if he is asleep, Lord Cecil. He has been much wearied of late."

Lord Cecil - allowed, at last, to pass the king, who was effectively blocking the doorway - saw his brother, fast asleep, on the bed. He bowed to Dom, and went out again.

When the door was closed, Lord Cecil asked Dom if he would excuse him, as he desired to retire to the guest house. "I must write to Her Majesty, after luncheon, to tell her in what straits I have found her favourite cousin," he said, his face solemn. "She will be glad to have him on British soil, once more. She is in Scotland, at the moment, and thinks Elijah would benefit from the bracing air obtaining there."

Dom said something - he did not know what - and watched Naadir escort his lordship out. Then he went into Elijah's bedroom again, and locked the door.

"Lij!" he whispered, close by the bed. "Your brother is gone to the guest house, and I do not expect to see him again until I send for him. It is safe for you to open your eyes, my love!"

Elijah turned to face Dom, his face lighting up as a beacon. "Am I truly your love?" he asked, in a voice not wholly steady.

Dom bent to kiss him. "Of course you are, as I am yours. Always."

Elijah sat up in bed and put his arms out for Dom's embrace. The king climbed up on the high bed, and they lay in each others arms, content. "I never thought that I could find such love as we share," Elijah breathed into Dom's neck. "I have seen it in a few other couples - only a few - but never once did I think that I..."

Dom kissed him. "Nor me," he replied as they broke for breath. "It is truly a wonder to me, after all these years, to find such happiness."

They lay, silent for a few minutes before Elijah spoke. "I shall have to return with him, Dom." His voice was laden with sorrow.

"Why?"

Elijah did not know how to answer. "It is my duty to obey the Queen," he said, simply. "I am a loyal subject." However, as he spoke the words, his mind rebelled. Have I no duty, then, to myself, to be happy for those that I love, and who love me?

Dom brushed a damp lock of hair from Elijah's forehead, before he kissed it. "Have you no loyalty to me, then? Will you desert me - leave me bereft?" he sighed, echoing Elijah's unuttered thoughts.

"Ah, Dom! Do not..."

"Do not...what, Lij? Do not show the anguish I feel at our imminent parting? I cannot hide it. I love you, Lij. Do you not understand such a thing?"

Elijah tried to answer, failed, and, weeping, buried his face, once more, in Dom's neck. After a few moments, he whispered, "I love you, too, Dom, more than you will ever know." The words caused a momentary surge of hope in Dom’s heart, quickly crushed by the next words Elijah uttered.

“It is my duty…”

Dom stopped the sentence with his mouth and then there was no more talk.

After an hour Dom left him, both men fearful that Lord Cecil would return. "And, Dom," Elijah said, with a woeful attempt at a smile, "there is no Cupboard, here, in which to hide. Perhaps you can visit me before dinner. Even Cecil would not think that amiss."

Dom closed the door behind him, his heart heavy. He knew that Elijah would not rest that night if he was to be lying beside him. The spectre of Lord Cecil loomed large between them. Dom consigned him to the hottest reaches of hell. He was sure Lord Cecil would have some serious complaints about the running of Hades to take up with its master.

He went to find Vigran.

*

Not long after lunch, Billy came into the salon, bringing the two colonels to meet with Dom.

"We thought, Highness," the elder of them said, "that you might like to attend the proceedings. After all, Lord Elijah was in your demesne when he was abducted. Lord Cecil will be there."

All the more reason for me to absent myself, Dom thought. He could see the colonel meant no disrespect by pointing out why he might wish to be present, but Dom was not sure that, seeing, once more, the men who had so brutally treated Elijah, he could keep his feelings under control. They were running very high at the moment, as his observant cousin had pointed out.

"If it please your Highness," Vigran said, before Dom could answer, "I will attend in your place. It is not seemly that you should be seen at such an occasion.”

Dom, smiling to himself, thought that Vigran was interrupting his royal cousin far more than was usual for him. This meant he was seriously concerned for him. He would discover why, he hoped, before the day ended.

*

Billy excused himself for a few minutes to see his master, and the two colonels took their leave, and went to drink a fortifying glass of brandy in the officer's mess, before the trial.

Billy did not knock on the door, but went straight in. Elijah lay high on the pillows, Ian sitting beside the bed, in earnest conversation with his patient.

Billy apologised, and would have left immediately, had not Elijah briefly detained him. "Come to me after the trial, Bill. We must talk."

Billy nodded. "Aye, my lord - that we must. If Lord Cecil will give us a few moments together. Y'ken what he is."

Ian smiled. "I will see that his lordship is fully occupied, don't fear. I will have a very long medical report to pour into his ears. I hope he will blench at it."

Elijah knew that the only thing that would make Cecil blench was having his private peccadilloes made public. At that thought, the germ of an idea began to form in his mind.

When he was finally alone, he bent his mind to the task. Ian had said he could return to the palace in a few days, and he had no mind to have his brother's company for long.

He thought of the love he had for Dom, and the love that Dom had shown for him. He remembered all the things they held in common, horses, polo, books, music, languages, art, travel, and how much pleasure they had both found in discussing these things when Dom was recovering from his injuries in the Pathan encampment.

He thought about the joy they had experienced in each others embrace. The sense of belonging when they were joined in love - the sense of rightness.

Was he willing to abandon all this happiness for a group of people who did not even bother to send him their hopes for a speedy recovery from his injury? His parents had not even given Cecil a note to pass on to his sick brother.

Elijah realised that it must have been the knife wound that motivated Victoria to send Cecil to India. The news of his latest troubles could scarcely yet have reached London.

Was he willing to abandon Dom, and sacrifice him on the altar of his own filial obedience? Elijah, his heart bounding within his chest, finally decided that he was not going to sacrifice himself any further. His early life had been given up to his parents demands. He decided, his heart now singing with freedom, that the rest of his life - however long it would prove to be - was his.

After half an hour's serious thought upon his idea, he smiled. He had done the thing! He was certain that it would work - if only Dom would agree to it.

*

Dom was very surprised to find a rather shaky Elijah negotiating the stairs just before the dinner gong rang. Having spent two hours talking to Billy, after the trial, Elijah had a few more things ordered in his mind, and he smiled shyly at Dom as he let go of the baluster rail and took Dom's hand, instead.

"Pray forgive me for my cowardly behaviour, Dom. I was overcome by Cecil's sudden arrival. I...I am more sensible, now. I have a plan," he revealed, in a whisper.

Dom was glad in his heart to see the smile return to his lover's face. He was just asking "what plan?" when Lord Cecil knocked on the door. They could see his portly outline through the glass.

"I had to invite him to dinner, Lij," Dom said, apologetically, as Naadir sailed through the hall to answer the peremptory knock. "It was only good manners to do so. Do you wish to return to your chamber?"

Elijah grinned. "Not a bit of it! I shall be enchanted to see my dear brother," he said, his voice oozing sincerity, as Dom ushered him as quickly as he could, into the salon. Both men had the chance to sit down before his lordship was announced, and Elijah was convinced that Dom had done this deliberately, so that he could show his superior rank by not rising to greet Lord Cecil.

It seemed to Elijah that his brother's behaviour towards Dom had undergone a sea-change. He was far more polite, and was not so apt to offer his opinions as he had been. Elijah wondered why.

"My cousin, Lord Vigran, will not be joining us for dinner," Dom said, suddenly, his voice, low. "He is arranging the execution of the guilty men, with Commander Boyd."

Elijah, who had heard this from Billy, and then from Gafur whilst he helped him to dress, in Billy's absence, said nothing, but Lord Cecil blinked. "Is it...should I go...?" he hesitated. Dom smiled. "After dinner, my lord. After dinner. It is best to witness such things on a full stomach."

Lord Cecil was not a brave man by nature, but neither was he a total coward. Elijah knew his brother would do his duty, whatever it cost him. Only a small part of him - a very small part - hoped that it would cause Lord Cecil to lose his dinner.

Naadir came in to announce that dinner was served, and the three men went to the dining parlour. Captain Wenham was just crossing the hall as they did so. "I am sorry I am late, Highness. There were some last minute details to arrange..."

Dom waved his apologies away. "You have met Captain Wenham, my lord?" Dom said as Naadir held the door open for them to enter the dining room.

Lord Cecil looked displeased to be dining with a mere captain. His lips thinned, and he nodded his head only slightly as David saluted. "Yes, I believe we have met," Lord Cecil said, dismissing David by turning his shoulder upon him.

Elijah seethed. Really, Cecil was such a crass idiot! He decided, if the Plan was to be implemented, it would do Cecil no harm to be brought down a peg or two, before it began.

"Of course, you did not know Lord David, Cecil, as he was then known, as he went to Harrow and Cambridge, as did His Highness. But I am certain you knew his eldest brother, the late Duke of Bromford, did you not? I believe you er, frequented the same clubs, or so I have heard."

Elijah's voice was calm and smooth, but he detected, in his brother's hand a very slight tremor as he reached for the wine before him.

"Indeed, his Grace and I are acquainted, yes," Lord Cecil managed, missing the past tense used in Elijah's observations. "I have not seen him for many months. How does he do?"

This question, aimed at David, did not provoke the answer Cecil expected. "He does not do, as you put it, my lord, at all. He died last month, in Paris, of an infection. I chose not to attend his obsequies, as I had important business to conduct here."

David's voice was cool, but polite. Elijah, who knew all of David's history after his amicable meetings with the man, smiled. "So David is now 'His Grace', Cecil. If I were you, I would strive to remember it."

Lord Cecil was so unused to hear his younger brother speak to him in such a tone, that he all but spilled his glass of wine.

David laughed. "No, no, indeed, he must not, Lij!" he said, happily. "I pray you will not call me that. You must remember that I particularly asked you not to use the title. My men, here, could not support such an elevation in their captain, I assure you. Only my batman is permitted to 'your grace' me in the privacy of my quarters. I allow it because he thinks it right, and he has been with me for fifteen years, man and boy. In public, it really would not do. Not here."

Thoroughly discomposed, Cecil applied himself, in virtual silence, to his dinner, and excused himself afterwards as soon as was polite to do so, on the grounds that he had to change to attend the executions.

They let him go, before laughing aloud. "Really, Lij," David grinned. "I cannot understand how you came to have such an idiot for a brother. Or, rather, I do, because Montague was very much of the same ilk. Luckily, I have five younger brothers, and three sisters, to console me. Are there any more Woods, may I enquire?"


"No, thank God! The two of us are quite enough for society to bear."

Dom finished his wine. "I know you have to go, David, but come back with Vigran and Billy, will you? You will all need a drink, by then, and there is an excellent brandy in Portman's wine cellar. I'll get a couple of bottles brought up."

"And, Daisy, try to persuade Lord Cecil that he needs an early night, will you? A little of his company goes a long way."

*

A short while afterwards, in the blue salon, Dom and Elijah's conversation was interrupted by the staccato sounds of rifle fire. Elijah bowed his head for a moment. "I am sorry, of course, for their families, if they had any, but I cannot be sorry that they are dead, Dom. They all but killed me, after all. Am I wrong to think this?"

Dom remembered his first glimpse of Elijah as he had rushed into the cell in which he was being held. The blood on the floor, his face swollen and bruised, his body cold. Dom had thought, for a few agonising moments, that he was dead. Then he recalled the dozens of bruises and cuts he had seen, and the terrible pain he had witnessed as Elijah fought to recover. Never would he forget it.

"Wrong?" Dom breathed heavily. "After all that you suffered at their hands - and at Duleep's? No, my love, you are not wrong."

When David, Billy and Vigran came in a few minutes later, the brandy was waiting for them. They drank it in silence.

Billy looked at Elijah with an experienced eye. "I think, Highness, that his lordship should be abed, now. Dr Ian is attending two grooms kicked by a horse - he sends you both his apologies."

Elijah looked up at his valet, his eyes heavy. "It is barely half past ten, Bill. Did he tell you to put me to bed?"

"No, my lord, I'm telling you that. But I'm certain the doctor would agree."

Leaving Vigran and David to the brandy, Dom and Billy helped Elijah up the stairs.

"It's all right, Bill, Dom - I mean His Highness - will help me."

Dom grinned. "You will never get Bill to call me 'Dom', Lij. Not in a hundred years."

"Oh, I don't know, my lord. After a hundred years, I might be persuaded to it. Good night, my lords."

As the door closed, Elijah held out his hand. "Stay with me, tonight, Dom. I have need of...consolation."

Dom slipped Elijah's night-shirt over his head. "Are you sure? What if Cecil should come?"

"Hide under the bed. I think there is room."

Dom laughed. "If you wish it, I will."

Elijah shook his head emphatically. "No, Dom, there will be no more hiding for us. Everything between us, from now on, that is seemly for men to observe, will be conducted openly. Here, in your kingdom, it is not considered a sin for us to lie together."

"But..." stammered Dom, amazed at the change. "But what about Cecil?"

"Bugger Cecil," Elijah said, emphatically, lying back on the soft feather bed. "Dom, I will tell you my plan, and we shall see if you are willing to agree to it."

Ten minutes later, Dom wiped his eyes in the sheet; he had laughed so much, he had cried. "But will it work?"

Elijah gazed on his companion with love. "Oh, I think so. We will make it work," he said, and kissed Dom, slow and sweet.

There was no more laughter between them that night, only sighs and quiet moans, and when Dom told Elijah, once more, how much he loved him, and Elijah answered, "so much do I love you, my dear, dear man," their hearts were filled with joy.

Comments

[ladysunrope.livejournal.com]

whose birthday is this week

thank you for the reminder, I'd forgotten! *has memory of a gnat when it comes to time*

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday from me, when it comes!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Hope it was a good day! I was going to ring you, but I fell asleep! Hugses xxxx

[mews1945.livejournal.com]

A very satisfying chapter, Ru. I was so glad when Elijah made his decision and refused to let Cecil bully him any longer. And hurrah for Vigran, for putting the arrogant twit in his place too. I'm anxious to find out what Elijah's plan is.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

The Plan comes nearer the end, after 'The Reveal'. I think it's a very good idea. That Lij is a clever bloke. :D xxxx

[lisabellex.livejournal.com]

What a glorious ending this chapter has. I feel all warm and happy, and optimistic for our boys' future. I wonder what Elijah's plan is!

Bugger Cecil, indeed - lol!

Super stuff.

:D

xxx

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Ta, my love! Bugger Cecil - Hm, sounds like something he'd really take to! Giggles. ;D xxxx

[laeliacatt.livejournal.com]

A plan! Hurrah! I look forward to finding out what Elijah has concocted. And thank goodness that strutting hypocrite Cecil has been put in his place!

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Vigran's glower was enough to sort Cecil out. And Lij will get on with implimenting his Plan after 'The Reveal' so to speak. ;D xxxx

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

Oh, you teased me! I was hoping to find out Elijah's plan, but I shall have to wait. :)

Lovely, chapter. Sad about the executions, but otherwise, I enjoyed the playfulness in it.

I lol'd about Cecil eating sandwiches containing 1/2 a cucumber. :D

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

I liked the cucumber bit, too. It made me smile. The Plan comes after the plot reveal. Be patient, my love! :D xxxx

[msilverstar]

Cecil looming and diminishing in one chapter, whew!

eta: is the proper title "Beyond Simla", or "Beyond Simla's Hills"? I prefer to be accurate when I can.

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

The first part was called 'Beyond Simla's Hills', but since then it has been 'Beyond Simla'. I prefer the shorter version. Hope that helps! :D

[abaraka.livejournal.com]

What a wonderful chapter, Issi.

I love that Elijah has found the courage and strength to stop hiding his sexuality. Could it have something to do with falling in love and having that love returned?

Can’t wait to find out what Elijah has planned for Cecil.

Thanks for posting, dearest.
xxx

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Lij is a stronger man than he looks - he's had to be. But now he's decided that the rest of his life is his to live as he pleases, I'm sure he'll be the better for it. Huggles you. ;D xxxx

[verangel.livejournal.com]

I LOVED THIS FREAKIN CHAPTER SO MUCH!!! OMG...brilliant. Poor Elijah (he was conscious through most of that beating *whimpers*)playing possum so Cecil would stay away. I was laughing at Dom's saying he could awake now my Love and Elijah's "am I really your love?" Ecstacy!
Laying Cecil low throughout this was fantastic. From the way he didn't treat Dom with respect, to the snide way he discrespected David, also a lord, and brother to one Cecil dallied with in clubs. heeheehee
It drove me wild when Elijah let duty interfere and would have gone. But the thoughts uttered by Dom and running through Elijah's head (and mine!!) finally reached Elijah. He realized the Queen didn't even know of his near death by beating and the knife wound was what upset her (wow would shit hit the fan if she knew her favorite cousin had been hurt that way). His parents would have known and done nothing. What a horrible life to go back to. When he decided to fight it in his own way (he's so damn adorable) and trying to reach his Dom to tell him, I melted all over the computer. The "plan"...you tease.
The gunshots and then subsequent vulnerability of Elijah not feeling badly that they were dead and Dom...poor Dom, still seeing Elijah laying in blood, near death, every bruise and batter and horrible swelling all over. It is so moving. Poor Elijah.
There is so much danger still but at least Elijah realizes his place is with Dom and he will be there to watch over and protect if he can.
Personally, I think the queen would approve of Elijah finding love with Dom in a place it is acceptable. She loves him still and watches over him even knowing the reasons for his family's downfall. (the royals have many daliences I am sure).
The ending full of promise, joy and love. *sighs*
hugs you to peices. xoxoxoxo v

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you, lovely! So happy it pleased you. I bet Dom kissed eery one of those bruises better. Hugs you muchly ;D xxxx

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

At last I am able to comment! It's taken me this long to make time to read, sorry....

I really enjoyed this chapter, Elijah improving and standing up to his obnoxious brother, Cecil being taken down a peg or two and Elijah's Plan, now that's got me intrigued ;0)

Thank you and LSR for another great read!
(((((huggles)))))
XXXX

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you, my love. Hoping that Monday will provide the muse with plenty of insiration. Hugses :D XXXX

[janejanejane.livejournal.com]

I hope so, too ;0) Although you may still have a couple of chapters in hand, knowing you...

Hugses back
XXXX

[http://users.livejournal.com/tweedle_/]

I'm very keen too find out what Elijah's plan is as well! It has certainly given him some power over Lord Cecil. I love Captain Wenham being Lord Cecil's superior. I think there will be many more surprises for him! Wonderful chapter and I'm glad only Cecil had to witness the executions. :D XXOO

[ismenin.livejournal.com]

Thank you, my love! Just posted the next part, so I'm off to bed totally knackered! Hope your day was less tiring. ;D xxxxx