Page 13 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

“Evie….”

“No!” Evie pushed past him before he could insist she go back.

She understood his concern, she felt it too, the sense there was something wrong, but if Florence was here there was no way on earth she was leaving without her. Brambles snagged at her skirts, but she did not stop to untangle herself now, forcing her way on, heedless of the rips and tears in the fine fabric of her gown.

“Wait,” Louis hissed, moving past her. “You stay behind me or go home, your choice.”

Evie gave him an exasperated glare but let him take the lead, and nearly ploughed into the back of him as he stopped in his tracks.

“Do you hear that?” he asked.

There was a dull thudding sound, like someone hitting something over and over. Evie’s heart was crashing at twice the rate of whatever was making the ominous sound as they carried on, walking as silently as they could. Finally the path opened out and the remnants of what must once have been rather a sweet if tiny cottage came into view. The thatch was rotten and had collapsed in places, and the walls were thick with ivy. The banging stopped abruptly as something clattered to the floor and there was a muttered curse. Wait. Evie recognised that voice.

“Florence!”

She ran forward, cursing Louis as he grabbed hold of her waist, keeping her still.

“Evie?” replied the voice from inside the building, fear and hope and surprise all audible in that one word. “Evie, is that you?”

“Oh, Florence!” Evie ran forward with Louis at her heels. Whoever had trapped her inside had barred the door with a strong length of wood that Louis lifted free and tossed to one side. They pushed the door open, and Florence flew out, straight into Evie’s arms.

“Oh, Evie, Evie! Thank God, I was so frightened I would never see you again.”

Evie wept, too overcome to reply that she had feared the same thing. They held on to each other, crying and laughing with relief.

“You have Louis César to thank for bringing us here,” Evie explained, once her tears had subsided enough to speak. “He saw Susan running in this direction early this morning and we found the stile that led to this path. We just kept walking until your footsteps ran out.”

“I met her at the stile. She told me she was taking me to her grandmother,” Florence said in disgust.

“Ladies, forgive me, but there is no time for this, we must get you back to the house. Your parents are worried sick.”

Florence nodded, wiping her eyes on her sleeve. “I don’t think Susan is working alone. She spoke about a man, an evil man who had gone too far. Oh, Evie, I’m very afraid it might be Mr Oak.”

“Mr Oak?” Louis repeated, his scepticism obvious. Evie had to admit she hadn’t warmed to Mr Oak either, but to think of him as evil?

Florence nodded, fear glittering in her eyes. “We must warn Henry. I don’t know why Susan started this, or what she or Mr Oak believe him guilty of, but I think he’s in real danger.”

Louis and Evie exchanged a glance, but silently agreed not to tell Florence that Henry had already left in pursuit of her just yet. Evie did not know if Mr Oak or Joe Foster had been involved in this, but either or both of them could be on their way here now. They needed to leave.

Still the 18th of August 1839, Holbrook House, Sussex.

“Where is he, you villain?”

“Florence!” Mama scolded as Florence flew out of the carriage before the footman could even let down the step for her. They had not even reached Thistley Farm but had passed Mr Oak at the side of a narrow lane, mending fences.

Evie sent Louis César a pleading expression and he sighed, jumping down after her.

Mr Oak looked up in surprise as Florence ran up to him, with Louis close behind.

“Miss Knight?”

“Don’t you, Miss Knight me! where is Henry?”

Mr Oak’s expression darkened as he realised he was being accused of something and Louis stepped in hurriedly.

“Mr Oak, forgive us for interrupting your work, but we believe Mr Stanhope may be in danger.”

“Oh, he knows,” Florence said, vibrating with anger as Mama pulled her back and hushed her.