Please read the previous chapters if you haven't already. I will write a chapter as often as possible. Please be patient. If you enjoyed this tale kindly take a moment and rate it. This chapter is an edited DRAFT and part of an evolving book. With each chapter you are coming along on my ride as I develop my story. Final edits will happen when the book is complete. I am writer and editor. The stories are checked multiple times but a "second set of eyes" isn't always available. Feedback pointing out grammatical and other errors is stating the obvious.
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A Ghost Story, Erotic Dreams in the Haunted House
There was hell to pay when they returned home after dark that night from the haunted forest. Her father and brother dashed toward them as they approached the fields in the clearing near the house with torches blazing. David was red faced. He clenched his fist furiously. He seemed ready to pounce and murder his good friend. David remained calm though for the moment for his little sisters sake.
"Why are you with my sister Kahn and where in gods name did you take Lilly away to for so long! You were ordered explicitly to stay away from her! Now look at her!" David's eyeballs scanned Lilly quickly.
"She is a literal mess! What did you do to her? You'd better talk fast you cad before I shoot you between the eyes!" David bellowed.
"David, before things get ugly would you please get Lilly inside? She doesn't need to be subjected to our row and she clearly needs attending to." Edward said calmly. He placed his hand on the small of her back and prodded her toward the house. David flew at him in a fury.
"You dare place a hand on my sister and act so familiar with her Khan!"
Edward shook his head and thought. Oh David if you only knew what transpired in the forest earlier your gun would be missing one bullet by now. Edward promised to return her home but under great duress. He should have pulled her onto his stallion and led her skittish mare by the reins to his cottage. He'd pack a few things, buy them tickets for the next ship out of Providence the next morning and have the captain marry them that night. He needed to plan though and go through the excruciating courting ritual. Lilly was a tough little fighter and would resist him. He had to play her with the ultimate finesse.
Something transpired for sure, David Sr. mused as he watched the young couple cling to one another. They seemed shaken by something, but what?
"David," the older man stepped into the fray. "Lilly should be attended to. Go inside daughter. Millie will draw a bath and fix you up."
"But father, don't you want me to explain my side of the story-"
"Lilly, do as I say! The men will handle this, inside the house now!" Her father boomed pointing in the direction of the mansion.
Lilly huffed away her long blonde locks bouncing as she ran.
Edward bristled. His beautiful spirited Lilly was a subordinate to her father and brothers control. She must be furious. He wanted to step in to defend her but he'd need to tread very lightly with the Taylor men. He had no claim to her...yet.
Once Lilly was out of sight all three men turned to face one another. Each stood under the murky glow of torchlight in a silent standoff. David broke the silence.
"You assaulted our groomsman. Daniel returned an hour ago frantic with a deep and nasty bruise on his face. He claims you laid him out. When he woke Lilly and you were gone."
"My horse nearly ran into them! Kelly held Lilly in a tight embrace, his body pressed too intimately into her. When I demanded he release her, he refused."
The Taylor men flashed the other an uneasy look. Of course the groom left out those important details. They each shifted uneasily.
"I asked to speak with Lilly and check on her to ensure her safety. Kelly refused. Without warning or provocation he punched me. Fearing for Lilly, I slugged him back."
Both Taylor men kept shifting their gait. Each was eyeing the other. David Sr. harrumphed then fell silent again. Edward took this as an excellent sign to press forward.
"He took Lilly out to the old graveyard hidden in the deepest part of the forest. Why, I ask you, would a man take a woman so deeply into such a secluded area unless his intentions were disreputable?"
Both men were silent. Apparently mulling over the very different story they were told by the miscreant Daniel Kelly. Edward knew immediately upon encountering the couple that Kelly had deep feelings for Lilly. He was in love with her. Which explained his aggressive behavior toward Edward. He needed to discredit the man as much as possible and hope he'd loose his job with the Taylor's and therefore be far away from Lilly.
"Why were you both gone so long? It's past dark! Have you no sense of decency? His friend's voice seemed to soften a bit.
"Her reputation Edward, did you think of that? A lady of polite society and engaged to be married no less, out past dark with another man?"
"She took off on her horse in hysterics as I was recovering from my injuries." He lied and prayed Lilly would corroborate at least some of his claims.
"As soon as I was able I leapt onto my horse and searched her out. She was lost. The path became too dense and I had to look for her on foot. Hence the reason we arrived so much later than that disgraceful groom. Also the reason for her ruined clothing, scratches and cuts." Well, it was a white lie at least. David mused.
"Please let me be perfectly clear on this point," he continued.
