Day 9 of 12 and things are really starting to heat up. How is Emily ever going to get out of Barrow Haven and what nasty treatments has Dr Darcy got left in store for her?

Stolen Identity Part 9

Chatter buzzed as we reached the common room. Tables and chairs and plush loungers filled the space. The noise almost deafened me as we stepped inside. Annie directed me to a couch by the window where I sat and took in the perfectly manicured gardens and curved gravel driveway. “I’ll be back in an hour,” she said and left.

The gardens danced in front of my eyes, each blade of grass performing to a soft melody. Oak and ash trees swayed, branches reaching out guiding one another to the tune. I imagined myself out there, arm in arm with a handsome man, twirling and gliding, feet tickled by the soft grass. Spinning elegantly.

“What song is that, dear?”

I hadn’t realised I was humming until I turned away from the window. “Oh,” I mumbled, taking in the old woman looming over me. Perfectly sculpted hair framed a tired face, but her eyes were kind, reminding me of my grandmother. The chair opposite sagged and she sighed. “We’re not all insane, though you might not think it.”

Her words, their sing-song melody, danced across me and my lips spread. Warm bubbles of calm enveloped me, and my words spilled out. “I’m not insane. I shouldn’t even be here. I only swapped places with her to help. I thought she was my friend. I thought…”

“That’s okay dear. I’m not supposed to be here either. I’m taking a break, a reprieve if you like.”

My gaze turned back to the garden.

“My name is Gladys. What are you called, dear?”

“Emily,” I mumbled.

“I have something for you, Emily.”

She leaned over me and pressed some paper into my hand before pointing at the window and shouting. “Soothing isn’t it, and so well maintained. I shall have to insist on our gardener doing something similar when I return home.”

“Gladys, what are you doing in here?”

I turned to see one of the nurses rushing towards us.

Gladys reached down and closed my hand tightly over the paper she’d given me. “Take it to your room, don’t let anyone see it.”

She stepped back and smiled at the nurse. “Admiring the magnificent gardens. I mentioned to Clara that I’ll have to insist on my gardener doing the same.”

“You know you’re not allowed in the West Wing. Come on. I’ll take you back.”

The paper burned a hole in my hand as I sat waiting for Annie. What was it and why had she called me Clara in front of the nurse? The questions tickled the edge of my psyche but whatever had been added to my tea prevented me from focusing.

Back in my room, I pulled the paper from the folds in my dress and spread it out in front of me.

Emily,

Meeting you in the garden and discovering that uncle Jonathan was up to his tricks again has given me something to fight for. I thank you for that. I cannot let him do to Clara what he has to me. Four years in this prison, I’ve endured. You don’t belong here, and I’d like to help you escape and return to your family. There are secret passageways underneath Barrow Haven. It will require courage and strength. If you are willing, I can make it happen, but not without a promise that you will help me keep Clara safe. I have many friends within these walls. Meet me in the rose garden tomorrow at noon.

Robert Brunsworth

I read and reread the words. Was escape really possible?

***

Nightmares, images of mother and the boys hungry and tossed onto the streets, plagued my sleep and by morning my resolve was set. I would do whatever it took to return home. I practised the words I would need, pronouncing every vowel and consonant carefully until they sounded perfect. When my session with Dr Marsh arrived, I was more than ready.

“You seem better today, Clara,” he said as he took in my appearance.

“Yes, doctor, it would seem our time together is having a positive effect. I do feel more like myself,” I said, arranging my dress across the soft cushions of the plush green sofa nestled against the back wall.

“And, Emily?”

“Ah, yes, Emily. Honestly, Dr Marsh, I feel rather ashamed.” I glanced down at the floor and clasped my hands together. “I admit to my deception. In my haste to run from marriage, I forgot to consider the consequences of my actions.”

“I see. And may I ask, how you feel about the marriage now?”

“Fear can do dreadful things, doctor, and I regret that I allowed it to grip me so tightly. Father was right in his choice. George is a good match and it is my duty to be the wife he deserves.” I paused for effect before continuing. “I do hope that my indiscretions can be forgiven. It was a foolish tale to tell and I accept the punishment.”

I inhaled deeply as he took notes, his furrowed brows the only tell. Please believe me, let this work.

“This is excellent, Clara. I shall have to thank Dr Darcy. It seems his treatment has had the desired effect. I shall recommend that your stay here be terminated as originally suggested on the 18^th of August.”

“Thank you, doctor. Might I request something?”

“Yes, what is it, Clara?”

“The rose gardens. They give me such comfort. May I have permission to sit and reflect among their beauty this afternoon?”

“You may.”

“Thank you, doctor.”

Dr Marsh called Annie into the room. “You may inform Dr Darcy his treatment was a success and Clara will not be requiring anything further.”

Annie nodded. “Yes, doctor. Anything else?”

“No. You may go about your regular duties now Annie. Clara’s constant supervision has been removed. You’ve done excellent work. It will not go unnoticed.”

***

The sweet scent of the roses filled the air and my being as I strolled along the pathway to the gardens. The grey clouds hid the sun from my view, and autumn colours would soon be creeping into the leaves of the tall oaks. My mood remained intact. Finches chirped, swooping low to scour the ground for food whilst crows cawed loudly from the treetops. My dress brushed the tips of the grass as I made my way towards the bench. A scattering of crows brought me to a halt. Voices leaked through the hedges surrounding the seating area and I darted behind them stooping low.

“Why have you summoned me here?” a male voice said.

“I had no choice. She’s met, Robert.” I knew that voice. It was Annie and whoever she was talking to gasped.

“How on earth did that happen? He’s supposed to be confined to the East Wing. What was said? Tell me everything.”

“I don’t know, but rest assured it has been taken care of. The girl remembers nothing and as for Robert…he won’t be a problem. The treatment worked a charm. She’s confirmed she’s Clara. Quite the actress. Dr Marsh bought every word,” Annie said.

“Good, but Robert…”

“It won’t be a problem, Jonathan. He’s under lock and key, but if you need me to take care of the girl—”

Jonathan and Annie. They’re in this together? I leaned in closer, my face brushing against the hedge.

“Leave her be, for now, Annie. I’ll speak with her in two days, explain the swap. I’ll question her about Robert too. I can’t have it getting out that Robert isn’t dead, now can I? It’s very easy for people to disappear especially runaways. Her mother already believes she’s fled. She turned up at the estate looking to speak to her. Florence had her removed at once. When her body turns up… well, it won’t be too much of a shock.”

#

What have Jonathan and Annie been up to? Can Emily find out before it’s too late?

Below are the links to the previous instalments and if you don’t want to wait until tomorrow, you can pop over to Amazon where you can purchase the complete story on Kindle for 99c/77p.

Stolen Identity Part 1
Stolen Identity Part 2
Stolen Identity Part 3
Stolen Identity Part 4
Stolen Identity Part 5
Stolen Identity Part 6
Stolen Identity Part 7
Stolen Identity Part 8

Buy Stolen Identity on Kindle: 
Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NXMW6CX
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08NXMW6CX

Until next time,

Keep reading and writing,

Amanda