Part 3 today and if you haven’t read the two previous instalments, the links are at the bottom of this post. Things are about to take a turn for the worst for poor Emily. Pretending to be Clara isn’t turning out very well is it?

Stolen Identity Part 3

The door across from the dining room looked promising so I stepped inside. Two plush velvet sofas sat opposite each other with a small table in between. This was it. I waited for what seemed like hours before Lady Florence arrived, her cheeks wet from the tears she wiped away. She steadied her voice. “Why didn’t you tell me? Lord and Lady Nelson are arriving tomorrow and …. What will we tell them? Oh, Clara.”

She moved forward and I feared she might try to comfort me.

She didn’t. She placed a hand on my arm and guided me across the room and back into the lion’s den. “Your father agrees with Doctor Bailey. It’s for the best.”

I wanted to ask what. I wanted to scream at this woman to remove her hand, but I didn’t. I didn’t break promises. I’d go along with this, whatever it was until Clara arrived home.

“Ah, Clara. There you are. Your father has given his consent. We leave promptly. Marie is gathering a few belongings,” the man called Jonathan said.

Belongings, consent. What is going on? I pulled away from Lady Florence, scuttling backwards towards the door.

“Now, Clara. There’s no need for this. It’s been agreed. A month at Barrow Haven under Dr Marsh’s care. Your father and I will explain that you’ve taken ill to Lord and Lady Nelson and postpone their arrival. It’s for the best. Delusions are frowned upon and should anyone else hear of this, your chances of a good marriage will be ruined.” She snuffled and patted a handkerchief to her eyes.

Delusions. Barrow Haven. I couldn’t take it any longer. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m leaving.”

Lady Florence gasped before a sob escaped. “Clara, why are you speaking in that voice?”

“There, there, Florence. It will be okay. Dr Marsh will take good care of Clara and remove this nonsense from her head, won’t he Dr Bailey,” Jonathan said, stepping closer to me.

“Of course. Dr Marsh is the best in his field. A month at Barrow Haven and young Clara will be as good as new.” Dr Bailey smiled at Lady Florence. Reassuring her but ignoring me.

“Promise me, Jonathan. Promise she’ll be okay. I can’t…” Lady Florence took a seat at the table and fanned herself.

“I’m not Clara!”

All eyes turned to me as I trembled. “Clara asked me to take her place this evening. I’m not really her. My name is Emily. I live in Eccles Street with my mother and brothers. We were starving. Clara helped us.” I lowered my voice. “I’m not her.”

“Stop this nonsense at once, Clara.” Lord William’s voice boomed.

I startled tears welling in my eyes. “I’m not her. She’s gone to meet Henry. She’ll be back by nine. You’ll see for yourself then.”

Lady Florence sobbed and Lord William gasped. Jonathan held his hands up. “Let me deal with this William, you take Florence into the parlour. A brandy will help calm her nerves. Dr Bailey and I will take care of Clara.”

Hands gripped my arms and I struggled to break free. “Enough, Clara. This is for your own good,” Jonathan said and nodded to Dr Bailey who held me firm. A sharp pinch in my neck was the last thing I felt.

***

Harsh light streamed in through the window and my eyes stung as I tried desperately to make them open. A soft pillow cushioned my head and I knew immediately I wasn’t at home. Memories resurfaced and as they did my heart thundered and a cold sweat broke out on the back of my neck. “Barrow Haven,” that’s what they’d said.

I forced myself into a seated position and took in my surroundings. The bed itself was luxury I’d never experienced, soft blankets that didn’t itch and enough room to fit mother and the two boys easily. The room, bigger than the entire ground floor of our humble home, was furnished with a dark mahogany dresser complete with silver gilded mirror, a wardrobe fit for royalty, and a sumptuous chair nestled under the window. It certainly didn’t feel like a prison.

My feet sank into the carpeted floor as I made my way towards the window. I had to see where I was. The gateway to my new world opened onto lush green. Birds chirped and the air so fresh I felt reborn. No smoking chimneys, no loud traps barrelling up and down the streets, no anything. For as far as the eye could see green fields stretched with low hills and the tips of trees far in the distance.

Leaning onto the windowsill my eyes widened as I took in the immaculate rose garden directly below. The floral scent floated up to greet me as I marvelled at the array of colour. Reds, yellows, pinks, peaches, even white roses were planted and arranged in a garden I could lose myself in. I stood transfixed before reality began to sink in. They think you’re Clara. You’ve been sent away. I pushed away from the window and surveyed the room. Was the door locked? Did I have clothes to wear? Could I leave?

Too many questions swirled; too many unknowns. The nightgown I’d been placed in brushed against my legs and I couldn’t help but smile inside at the feel of such soft cotton. I could wear this forever.

The door creaking on its hinges pulled me from my reverie and I jumped back as a large, black-haired woman entered. Her white uniform told me she was a nurse, but her facial expression was nothing like nurse Martha who’d taken care of me when I’d been ill with fever last winter. Martha’s smile had reached her eyes. Her voice was gentle and comforting. The nurse that blocked the doorway didn’t give me the same feeling.

“Oh, good you’re awake. How are you feeling this morning Miss Brunsworth?”

“Umm…” I didn’t know how to respond. I had no idea where I was or how I got here. I wanted to scream at her but truthfully, I felt great, better than great. I felt pampered. I felt like a princess, but I knew that wasn’t the response she was looking for.

“It’s okay. It takes a while to settle. You are to see Dr Marsh at eleven. He’ll explain everything to you. Time will pass very quickly if you behave and do as your told.”

The flash of malice as she said the last sentence made my skin crawl. She folded her arms and watched as I stood like a frightened rabbit, knowing there was a trap in front of me but unable to avoid it.

“Hurry up and dress. Breakfast is being served and you don’t want to miss it. I’ll wait outside.”

#

That’s it for today. Remember you can catch up on the previous instalments by following the links below and if you have any comments, I’d love to hear them.

Stolen Identity Part 1
Stolen Identity Part 2

Until next time,

Keep reading and writing,

Amanda