Lord Marquis and Sister Madeline walked down the stairs and out of the door in silence. Lord Marquis set off in the direction of a secluded place he knew to the edge of his estate, with Sister Madeline trailing along behind him. She was carefully considering what she should say to him, she held little hope that whatever she said would have much affect. However she was conscious that this was her only chance and she wanted to make it count, Eveline’s future happiness would depend on him changing.
Lord Marquis found that his palms were sweaty as he contemplated what he had to do. He was a cowardly man and killing wasn’t in his nature, usually his charm got him out of any trouble but it didn’t work on Sister Madeline and he didn’t know how else to stop the truth becoming apparent to his wife. He wasn’t really sure why it was important she didn’t know the kind of man he was. He wasn’t prepared to change and he felt that as the husband he had the right to do whatever he wanted and she would have to put up with it. Deep down if he had been any good at analysing his feelings he would have realised it was the fact that she thought him to be such an upright honourable man that made him feel better about himself, he could almost convince himself sometimes that he was a good man and he didn’t want to lose that feeling.
Near where he was going to stop and do the deed, Sister Madeline suddenly halted and started to speak. “Please may we stop a minute I have something very important to talk to you about?” Lord Marquis was shaken out of his revere and was surprised to hear Sister Madeline speak, curious as to what she wanted to say he stopped and gave a small nod of his head. With this encouragement Sister Madeline continued “I had thought to acquaint your wife with your way of life once she had given birth but talking to her and seeing her hold Catrina I was unable to. She is so happy being your wife and having your children. She believes you to be such a good man and I couldn’t shatter that dream.” She paused trying to choose her words carefully and when she was ready continued “I beg you to consider your wife now, if she finds out she will be devastated, but it’s not to late you can become the man she thinks you are if you turn away from your sins. It won’t be easy but it is possible and your new life would hold rewards you can’t dream of. If not I give you my prediction, your exploits will come to her ears sooner or later, either someone else will tell her or she will start putting the pieces of the puzzle together. It’s your choice I hope you make the right one”
Lord Marquis had been listening with interest and when she had finished he asked “So you are really not going to tell my wife what you know?” “No” said Sister Madeline “she won’t hear it from me”. Lord Marquis felt relief flooding through his body and his hand left the knife in his belt. Seeing that Sister Madeline wanted a further reply he composed himself and said “I promise I will think long and hard on all you have said and I thank you for giving us another chance.” Sister Madeline knew this was all she could hope to expect and so she asked “So are we close to the site of this flower?” Lord Marquis looked confused for a minute but recollected himself and took her a little further and picked a flower at random. She told him it was a very common flower and he pretended to be surprised and apologetic. They walked back to the house in silence both considering what had been said. Sister Madeline only hoped that he would think seriously on what she had said and be moved to change to protect his fragile wife that thought the world of him.
Next Marquis post: https://goldenvalley.wordpress.com/2007/07/20/265/
Wow that was close! Perfect timing for Sister Madeline!
I really hope he does take this second chance, maybe he was just scared enough this time to change his life.
Ohhhh! I’m so glad sister Madeline is okay and that Lord Marquis didn’t kill her! I don’t think he will change one bit through! Let’s see what happens there! If he does actually see the light! It would be so great if he did change even through ever story needs its good and bad people! Lord Marquis has had a lucky escape as he hasn’t fallen any deeper into being an awful man because he hasn’t killed the nun. I do wonder if Eveline will find out and what she will do when she does! If she blanks it out and pretends her husband hasn’t done it or what she would do if she believes it! She would probably have to see it with her own eyes then she couldn’t hide from it!
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