The Earl's Stowaway. Krystina Daryl

what if he doesn't want us?" Jesse whispered, dragging his head up to look at her.

      "He will, won't he, Lanie?" Jessica chirped with conviction.

      "I highly doubt that!" Geraldine's harsh voice made them freeze with fear.

      Melanie jumped to her feet dragging the two to stand behind her. "Mother, we weren't expecting you so soon," she said, masking her fright with a smile.

      Geraldine looked at her from the bottom hem of her dress to the top of her head with a stilling glare, and then sneered. When she turned around, Melanie felt like she'd been released from the dragon's unseen clutches and her body relaxed with a relieved sigh.

      Geraldine stepped back into the house. "She's here," she called out.

      "You brought guests?"

      Melanie hadn't meant to sound harsh but she couldn't help the anger that stirred inside her. Her father may be a good for nothing drunk, but he did not deserve the blatant disrespect Geraldine showed him. Worse of all, she was going to expose him—most probably them—to her siblings. She hadn't worked so hard to shield the children from Geraldine's wanton behavior to corrupt them now.

      "Yes, I brought guests." Geraldine glared at her once more. "Does the princess take offense?"

      "No." Melanie felt a faint tickle to her jaw and quickly realized her hair was down—it did explain the jealous tone in her step-mother's voice that accompanied the snarl. She quickly wrapped it into a bun and held it in place with pins. She pulled her lips into a smile, "I will go prepare some beverages and a light snack."

      Geraldine held her hand up to stop her movement and then she stepped away from the door. "That is not necessary. They won't be staying long."

      Melanie nodded with a weakening smile. But once the two large men stepped out of the house, the smile completely disappeared. She felt tense, a cold chill rushing through her entire being. Something was wrong, something was very wrong.

      One of the men had an eye patch and his wide grin exposed his missing front teeth. The other had long blond hair and a scar that ran across his face, making his smile lopsided.

      Melanie took a few steps back, pushing the children with her. "Good afternoon, gentlemen," she squeaked.

      "Gentlemen?" the one with the scar scoffed.

      Melanie bit her lips together. How else was she to refer to them? Ugly criminals whose stench matched and surpassed that of a pig sty did come to mind, but she had no intentions of aggravating them.

      "She's a beauty!" The one with the patch spoke, taking a step towards her. "Are you sure she's not like you?"

      Geraldine snorted. "She's a pure one, in body and soul." Her lips curled up in a sneer. "She sickens me!"

      The one with the scar moved forward and Melanie's eyes reluctantly shifted to him. The leer he gave her made her skin crawl. "If it wasn't for all the money we would make from a virgin, I would have granted myself a taste."

      Melanie felt her legs buckle at the comment. She felt her chest constrict and her breaths shorten. "I am not a whore!" she yelled with a shaky voice.

      "We know," the man with a scar spoke to her with a soothing voice. He raised his hand to touch her and she rushed back, tightening her hold on the children.

      "What is your age?"

      Melanie stayed quiet, her eyes shifting between the intruders.

      "She is nine and ten," Geraldine spoke in betrayal. "She should fetch a good price."

      Melanie felt her heart stop. "What?"

      Geraldine moved to her, a sadistic smile on her face. "Yes, gentle dove, I'm selling you to the highest bidder."

      "Father will never allow this!" Melanie yelled, her voice cracking with emotion.

      Geraldine grabbed her chin roughly and laughed. "Your father doesn't care."

      Melanie wasn't sure how her heart still broke at that reality. With suffering disappointment for over a decade, there should be nothing left to break. She knew that her father wouldn't care, but still, she was his daughter! He promised his mother he would protect her!

      Jesse jumped from behind her. Melanie reached to pull him back but he shook her hold off. "Mother, no! Please don't do this!"

      Geraldine stared at him with a gaze full of anger that would make a grown man quake in his boots. But Jesse stood firm, his fists held tightly at his sides.

      Jessica leaned forward, her face partially hidden by Melanie's skirt. "Mommy, please!" she begged in a small voice.

      With a growl, Geraldine reached for her but Melanie quickly moved to cover the girl. "Take her too!" she bellowed.

      "No!" Melanie yelled, picking Jessica up and holding her tight against her. Jessica circled her arms tightly around Melanie's neck as she sobbed loudly, her tiny body shaking in fear.

      Jesse rushed to stand in front of them. "Leave her alone, Mother!" he yelled.

      Geraldine's lips rose to a smile. "You can take him too if you want. I'm sure there is someone looking for a chimney sweep."

      Melanie pulled the boy to her side. She felt like the world was coming down around her fast, and there was nothing she could do to protect either of them. She understood Geraldine wanting to sell her. She has always despised Melanie, but her own children, from her own womb. How is that possible?

      Melanie turned her head to the men. She pushed down the sob in her throat and held back the tears. "I will go with you, as long as Mother promises not to do them any harm."

      Jessica's hold tightened, her cries growing loud. Jesse turned his head into her skirt and sobbed quietly.

      "Please!" Melanie begged.

      Geraldine shrugged. "Fine, but don't expect me to look after those brats!" She then marched back into the house, leaving Melanie at the mercy of the two men.

      The one with the patch spoke, "I admire your courage, but it will do very little for you in the future."

      "Hurry up, the boat leaves soon," the one with the scar bellowed.

      Melanie nodded and sank down to the ground. With much effort, she pulled herself free from Jessica's hold and pushed her into Jesse's arms. "Take care of each other. I promise I will find a way to come back to you."

      "Don't make promises you can't keep, girl!" the one with the scar hissed, pulling Melanie up by the hair. Jesse yelled, rushing for his legs but got kicked down. He held his arms around his stomach as he rolled on the ground crying. Jessica stood where she was, crying loudly, her tear filled eyes shifting between Melanie and Jesse.

      "No!" Melanie cried, struggling to get out of his hold. "Let me go! Jesse!" Then she felt a sharp pain at the back of her head that brought darkness to her eyes.

      *****

      

       England- October 1856

      

      Christopher slapped the whore's ass and backed away from her, fully sated. He moved to the basin and washed himself, proceeding to wipe the sweat off his body.

      Krystal stretched and purred like a cat. "Milord, I've heard about your instrument, but until now, I thought it was just a tale."

      Christopher's smile grew as he turned to her. She was spread out on her back, her legs wide in invitation. "I've also heard of your talents but forgive me if I do not take the time to experience them myself. I have to leave."

      She stood up and moved to where he was and pressed herself firmly against his back. "But the night is already here. Why not stay with me for the night? I promise you will enjoy my talents."

      "And pay more coin for your time?" He chuckled, pulling away from her. "I'm already fully sated." He picked up his drawers and pulled