It takes too long to play all my sims in my RKC. So, for now I have decided to give up with my RKC neighbourhood.  Instead I am focusing on my legacy challenge, which I am really enjoying.

If you want to come and read my legacy story you can find it at www.wintersmith.wordpress.com

Both the Macbeth’s and Loxley’s had made their excuses and left the Castle. As they journeyed home, both wondered what would become of Eveline, lying pale and ill in the Castle behind them. Marion had lain awake sometime, listening to the wind howling round the manor and considered what kind of desperate plight would induce her to venture out in such inhospitable weather. Robin’s arms lay tight around her. Eveline’s ordeal had brought the memory of Marion’s accident back to him. He had been struck again at how nearly he had lost his own wife.

When morning dawned, Marion slid out of bed quietly and looked out the window.

She was delighted to see the snow had stopped falling as it would allow her to go riding. It was out riding, away from all her daily cares that she did her best thinking. There she could mull over problems away from the hustle and bustle of the Manor. Robin was still asleep and fearing his disapproval of her riding in such weather, she snuck out the room and down to the stables before he awoke. Even wrapped up warm she could not stay long out in the bitter cold and riding brought her no answers.

The morning passed in organising the household and playing with her children, but her mind was only half on the present. It kept straying back to the figure lying in the snow, who was now in the castle, but how was she?

She knew Robin had business at the castle that day and would bring her news in the evening, but the time seemed to go slower and slower. After lunch, Caroline appeared and Marion was heartily glad to see her. Caroline started on the topic of the party at once but it seemed that Eveline wasn’t her top topic of conversation.

“What a stunning gown the Queen was wearing last night, didn’t you think so?” Marion couldn’t help but smile at her friends love of dresses. Looking down at her own plain garment she replied “I know little of these things as you know Caroline.” Caroline smiled indulgently at her friend and answered

“So you would have me believe, but don’t think I didn’t notice your stunning gown last night, confess to me, it felt good did it not, to be wearing something so pretty?” Marion blushed, she had always thought the preoccupation with appearance was akin to vanity and yet she could not deny that it had made her feel different and not unpleasant, to be beautifully adorned that evening.

Caroline continued “Well the Queen’s dress aside, it was a queer evening, so much happiness and such sadness all in one. I wonder what has happened to Eveline?”

Marion replied “You have not heard anything then?” Marion had hoped with Caroline’s husband being the King’s advisor that she might be able to tell her something more. “No” replied Caroline with a sigh. She then continued “What was she doing Marion, out at that time and on foot in such weather?”

“I do not know, but I wish she had been able to open up to me when I had visited her, she seems so alone. I hate to think of her lying in that castle, ill and friendless with no one to share her worries with. She was very worried when I last saw her. Of that I am sure and there was nothing I could do to help.”

When Caroline left, Marion went to the nursery to seek comfort in the happiness of her little ones.

Noa her second eldest was now learning to walk and the joy of watching her take her first few steps drove all thoughts of Eveline from her head. It was as she was holding onto Noa’s hands and encouraging her to move forward, that Robin appeared round the door.

His serious face brought all the thoughts she had been avoiding flooding back. Giving Noa over to her nurse she followed Robin into the dining room. He motioned to a chair and she sat down, her heart beating hard in her chest.

She knew her husband’s looks and she knew what he had to tell her before he spoke. “I have just come back from the castle. Eveline passed away an hour ago.”

Lord Marquis moved slowly down the stairs.

He felt dazed. What had his wife been doing out on such a night? She had asked to be excused from tonight’s festivities because of her delicate health. Now he didn’t know what to think.

He had not known her to lie before. What else had she been keeping from him? Was she also living a double life? He shook his head as if trying to dispel the image of Eveline flirting with men in his absence.

He had reached the bottom of the stairs and stood, staring at the door, behind which she lay so ill. He hesitated and the door opened, the doctor moved noiselessly across the threshold closing the door behind him.  Seeing Lord Marquis he bowed and said in a hushed voice “She was very wet and cold, she is now dry and warming up, but she is delirious. I think I must warn you to prepare yourself for the worst, your wife is very sick.”

Lord Marquis nodded and opening the door, walked into the room. Eveline lay pale, mumbling to herself.

Sitting down by her bedside he gazed into the pretty face of his wife, a sudden wave of regret washed over him. She was so beautiful and yet so fragile. He remembered how pretty and full of life she had been when he first met her.

He reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from her pale cheek. She moved her head in response to his touch and without opening her eyes began to mumble “Abigail, how like him you are, how did I not see it? A serving girl, betrayed me with a serving girl” Lord Marquis sat in the silence after his wife’s words, thinking hard. So she knew then, he had thought that she would never find out. Where had she gone tonight? To question Sarah? Did she know about the others as well?

His heart sank. He hated to see her so ill and he hated that his secret was finally out. Whilst she hadn’t known he had been able to entertain the fantasy of being the perfect husband. Whenever he had been home, he had shown her all the kindness he could and been bathed in her adoration of him.

Now it was at an end. He would have to face up to the man he was. He had destroyed the woman who had done all she could to please him, the mother of his children.

He sat late into the night beside her bed thinking.

As morning dawned and she lay quiet he made a promise to God, if she would but live he would change.

Next post: http://goldenvalley.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/suspense/

The dinner had been amazing, and Marion rested back against her chair whilst feeling slightly uncomfortable in her tight dress. She had been pressed to try everything and it had all been delicious.

She realised the Queen was asking her a question. Marion pulled her thoughts back to the present, day dreaming was not a luxury to indulge in whilst you were a guest of the royal family.

With a slight blush she replied “I’m so sorry, I didn’t hear you”. The Queen repeated herself very good naturedly, “I was saying that I hear you are a very good horsewoman.” “Oh, yes, I mean I do enjoy riding” said Marion getting more flustered.

The Queen continued “I was suggesting to Lady Macbeth we should all take a ride across the Royal lands one morning early next week. As long as the snow has receded by then. We have some very pretty grounds which I would be happy to acquaint you with.” Both Marion and Caroline thanked her for her kind offer.

After a pause the Queen continued “If you’re both quite finished, perhaps we could leave the gentlemen to their business.” Both Marion and Caroline, taking the hint, stood and followed the Queen out to a comfortable sitting room. The Queen then left to speak to a servant and Marion walked up to one of the windows peering out into the semi darkness.

There wasn’t much to see, torches lit the path away from the castle and everything appeared still and peaceful. Then something caught Marion’s eye and she pressed her face against the glass trying to see more clearly. The Queen returning, found Marion staring avidly out and approached her “Is everything thing alright?” Marion jumped slightly at the voice at her shoulder but replied readily “I think there is a person out there”

“In the snow, surely not, they would freeze to death.” The Queen exclaimed. She now looked to where Marion indicated and after convincing herself that there did indeed appear to be something in the snow, she summoned her maid.

By this time Caroline had joined them at the window and the three ladies stood silent, their eyes fixed on the spot.  Soon a couple of warmly dressed servants could be seen striding towards the spot and picking up what now looked much more like a figure which they carried indoors.

Once no more could be seen from the window the ladies returned to the chairs, each listening for the sound of an approaching servant to tell them who had been brought inside and what condition they were in. It was the Queens lady’s maid who brought the news “Please your highness, its Lady Marquis, she has been brought in and the doctor’s been sent for.” The Queen rose excusing herself and left with her maid.

Marion looked towards Caroline and saw the same astonishment written on her face, what was Lady Marquis doing outside the castle lying in the snow, when she was supposed to be too ill to come to the dinner?

Eveline stumbled through the snow. At first she had been glad to leave the stuffy church with its painful revelations. The fresh snow falling on her face had revived her and given her relief from the pain inside.

Now she was starting to feel very weary. It had been a long walk from her manor to the church. She was not at her full strength and now the first flush of desire to be away from Sarah had passed, she wished to be home in her bed. Looking around she realised she had lost her way. She had been oblivious to where she was headed, she had only wanted to be away from the church.

Looking up she saw a light ahead and made towards it. She was starting to feel cold and numb, shelter was now what she needed. As she walked through the trees, Sarah’s words reverberated round her head. It was all true, he had been taking mistresses behind her back. Although she did not approve of Sarah’s methods of trying to secure herself a husband, at least that had been her aim.  

Her husband however could have no noble ambition at heart. Eveline’s mind had been running through past events and reanalysing them in light of what she had discovered. She remembered Lyndsay coming to stay with her and how suddenly she had left. Had her husband tried to seduce her too? Eveline felt an involuntary shiver go through her. The thought of her husband trying to seduce that young girl made her feel ill.

Finally the trees ended and she could see the source of the light. She stopped and stared up, of all the places to find herself she thought. Sighing, she wondered whether to go on or turn back. As she was considering, a sudden gust of wind took her by surprise and blew her off her feet. The snow was cold and she could feel it seeping into her coat. She knew she should get up but it would be so easy just to close her eyes, to stop struggling. ‘What have I left to live for?’ She thought as unconsciousness swept over her.

http://goldenvalley.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/the-unexpected-visitor/

Sarah looked shocked to be spoken to by Eveline in such a forceful tone. She thought of Eveline as a gentle lady and yet the vision before her was very different. She looked so determined that Sarah felt slightly afraid.

Eveline was gaining in strength, now that she was resolved to find out the truth. She continued “I have heard rumours that Abigail is my husband’s daughter, you will tell me whether or not this is true.” Sarah looked into the fierce face in front of her and dropping her eyes, replied softly “It is m’lady.”

Eveline’s face changed, her fierceness disappearing as quickly as it had come. Such a quiet confirmation of her husband’s guilt was almost too much to bear. She stumbled to a chair and sat down staring at the table. Sarah looked on concerned, wondering if she was going to faint.

After a minute Eveline raised her head and Sarah saw eyes full of sorrow and pain. Eveline asked “Please tell me what happened, I need to know it all.”

Sarah could not turn down such a plea. She had answered Eveline in her fierceness and now would answer even more readily in her sorrow. Sarah related the whole story, she didn’t even try to make herself blameless, but related truthfully her own reasons behind her pregnancy.

Sarah explained how she had wanted to elevate herself by marriage and sought to do this by becoming pregnant by Lord Marquis. Eveline was shocked at such a mercenary and underhand tactic but she made no comment. She wanted to hear all and didn’t want to risk stopping the narrative.

Yet Sarah’s object had been marriage, not just a sordid affair. Sarah might not have known that Lord Marquis had a wife but he could have no such excuse. Her husband had committed adultery with the full knowledge of what he was doing and left his mistress to fend for herself with his illegitimate daughter.

At the end of the narrative Sarah sat still, wondering what Lady Marquis would do. In the midst of this horrible revelation Eveline had had an idea. She hadn’t brought much money with her but what she had, she offered to Sarah. Sarah was surprised at such generosity considering all she had related, but accepted the money without question.

Eveline looked so weary. It was almost impossible to believe that she was the same woman who minutes before had demanded the truth in such a commanding manner, now she looked defeated. Eveline managed a small, wan smile and said “I will do my best to see you will receive more money to help you in the upkeep of Abigail. Thank you for being so frank with me.” She rose unsteadily and moved to the door and said “Now I must go.” And with that she walked out into the snow.

Sarah, surprised at this sudden departure got up and followed her. The world outside was white and looking out into the howling blizzard she called to Eveline “Won’t you stay until the weather is better?” But either Eveline did not hear her or she was determined to go. Sarah watched her disappear out of sight, in the swirling white night.

Next marquis post: http://goldenvalley.wordpress.com/2008/06/14/does-the-truth-set-you-free/

Eveline had walked quickly through the thick snow, intent on her final destination. She had heard her husband accused of being a womaniser. Eveline believed if these accusations were true, he would never admit it. Asking him directly would be of no use. Instead she decided to appeal to another for the truth. Outside Hope church she paused a moment, hesitating before taking a deep breath and gaining the courage she needed to go to the door and knock.

She hadn’t rehearsed what she would say if Sister Madeline opened the door, but as luck would have it, it was Sarah herself who answered.

Eveline noted Sarah’s surprise at her appearance. As well she might be surprised to find Lady Marquis at her door, covered in snow, with no carriage awaiting her. Sarah stood back to allow Eveline in and gestured to the fire, for her to warm herself. Eveline walked towards the fire, unaware of either heat or cold whilst she tried to frame the questions in her mind.

It was Sarah who broke the silence “I am sorry to say Sister Madeline and Lyndsay are out, Mr Johnson is breathing his last and they are giving what comfort they can to him and his family.” Eveline, mastering herself spoke softly “I did not come to see Sister Madeline, I came to speak to you.”

Eveline paused, not sure of what to say next and the cry of Abagail upstairs gave Sarah the chance to excuse herself. Eveline stood at the fire, her heart and mind racing. What was she doing here? Did she trust some idle village gossip over the man she loved? What right had she to pry into the paternity of Abagail?

Eveline turned to look at the door. She could leave, she had said nothing as yet. She could go home, sleep and live her life. A voice inside her echoed “Live your life, never knowing, never being sure.” When Sarah returned, Eveline had made up her mind.

She turned towards Sarah and said “Now madam I have some questions to ask you and I will have the truth.”

Next Marquis update: http://goldenvalley.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/the-truth-at-last/

On reaching the Palace, Robin and Marian were shown to the Royal banquet Hall. Once their names were announced they walked into a luxurious room.  Marion’s eyes scanned her surroundings, noticing all the decorations which showed their owners wealth and consequence. At the centre of the scene were the monarchs, seated on their thrones.

Marion curtsied low, whilst Robin bowed until they heard the clear strong voice of the King call to them “Rise. Welcome. We are very happy to see you both again.” And rising they walked towards the King and Queen who were now both standing ready to receive them. Pleasantries were exchanged and the King drew Robin off to talk to him, leaving Marion alone with the Queen.

Marion wasn’t sure what to say,  but the Queen seem to have a neverending supply of topics to discuss or questions to ask. Her Majesty was by now used to entertaining all the monarchs and dignitaries of other surrounding nations. When she married, she had never thought to be Queen of her own Kingdom. Yet she had been happy when her husband had been given Golden valley. She had long since learnt her duties as the Queen and felt at her ease.

It wasn’t long before the Macbeth’s were announced and in walked Devine and Caroline. The Queen greeted them and Caroline now became the focus of the Queen’s civilities.

Marion was well aware that for Caroline a conversation with the Queen was a high honour. She smiled to herself thinking how different she and her best friend were. Marion liked fresh air, simple clothes and simple people. Caroline loved finery, royalty and dinner parties. Yet Caroline’s frankness and cheerful nature had complimented well with Marion’s open, easy manner. She knew Caroline courted the Queen’s friendship in hope of a future event. Caroline’s oldest daughter Eliana was the around the same age as the heir to the throne. Marion had also had similar thoughts.  She had pondered on the likelihood of a match between him and her daughter Josephine. With only three noble families in Golden Valley, the prince’s choice would be limited.

Marion heard Caroline gratifying the Queen with compliments on the new painting of her eldest son, when the sound of a door opening distracted her. Turning round she heard Lord Marquis announced and walk in alone. Where was Eveline?

He strode across the room and bowing low, greeted the Queen. Marion was all attention. He spoke “Your Majesty, unfortunately I have bad tidings. My wife’s health unhappily prevents her from attending tonight, for which I apologise.”

The Queen fully aware of Eveline’s fragile health was not offended and replied “I am sorry she could not come, but I hope she will recover soon.” The talk continued but Marion’s thoughts were elsewhere. She was dwelling on Eveline lying alone ill in her room.

Out in the cold night Eveline pulled her coat closer round her. The cold seemed to be finding a way in and the snow was falling even more thickly. Yet looking up she realised she had reached her destination at last.  

http://goldenvalley.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/the-unexpected-visitor/

Lord Marquis looked expectantly at Eveline. Sister Madeline’s prediction that his womanising would be heard of by his wife, had long since been forgotten by him. So he waited calmly to see what Eveline had to say.

Taking a deep breath she began to speak. “I won’t be coming to the ball tonight. I feel very unequal to the night’s amusements, perhaps I am coming down with something?” Eveline felt guilty at the lie as a look of concern past over her husband’s face. “Should I send for the doctor?” he asked

“No, I will rest. If I am no better tomorrow we can call for him then. I am sorry; I won’t be able to accompany you.” Lord Marquis came forward with an understanding smile, kissed her and went to get ready. Eveline sat on the edge of the bed thinking, her plan was in motion now, she couldn’t back out.

She undressed herself and got ready for bed knowing that her husband would be back to check on her before he left. When she heard the door open she let her eyelids fall shut and pretended to be asleep. When she heard the door shut, she lay still straining with her ears to hear the sound of the carriage pulling away. It seemed to take a long time until the clattering of the wheels on the flagstones told her he was gone. She called her maid and told her that she was going to sleep and that she wasn’t to be disturbed. How easy it was to lie to everyone, how readily they believed her.

Once the maid left she got up and dressed warmly.

She could still see the snow faling thickly out of her window. It was a cold night and not one for travelling by foot, but she had no choice. Lord Marquis had the carriage. She padded quietly downstairs and out the door making sure to close it as quietly as possible.

The cold air made her shiver and yet she also felt a kind of thrill go through her. Her house had felt like a prison recently and now she was out. Yet when she thought of where she was going and what she was going to do her spirits sank. Pulling her coat tightly around her she set off at a brisk pace. 

Next Marquis update: http://goldenvalley.wordpress.com/2008/06/05/eveline-takes-courage/

Eveline stood at the window, staring out.

It was the night of the royal celebration and she wasn’t dressed for the ball. She had made her decision. The time had come for her to find out the truth. Tonight she would know whether the rumours concerning her husband were true.

Hearing a sound on the stairs she hastened to lay herself down on the bed.

It was her eldest son, Ervine, come to check on her. She found herself letting out a sigh of relief. “How are you feeling Mummy?” asked Ervine. Eveline looked into the face of her son.  He was a kind, sensitive boy very fond of his mother. He liked to bring her little gifts when she wasn’t feeling well.

The sight of her son brought a tear to her eye. He was so dear to her and yet how much he looked like his father. Eveline was glad that tonight she would find out the truth, not knowing was exhausting. Ervine noticed the tear and looked concerned at his mum “Perhaps you better have a rest?” he suggested. She smiled encouragingly at him and replied “I think you’re right, come here and give me a hug. Once I have spoken to your father I think I will go to bed.” She hugged her son tight and he kissed her on the cheek before leaving the room.

It wasn’t long before Lord Marquis himself returned home. He had been visiting a young merchant’s daughter he had happened to meet. With her father at work and her mother dead she had been easy prey to him. On entering the house he felt a weight gather on his shoulders.

He managed to make excuses for his actions when he was away from home. When he returned, the excuses suddenly seemed hollow and the pleasures that he had been indulging in, empty. Yet he comforted himself, no one had to know the two lives he led. He went upstairs determined on being the perfect partner at the Royal occasion and was surprised to find his wife not dressed and ready. He looked at her in some surprise and she turned to him and said “I’m glad you are home, I have something to say.”

Next Marquis post: http://goldenvalley.wordpress.com/2008/05/28/eveline-learns-to-lie/