The Love Child

I did not know what came over me then. Perhaps it was the sight of a couple embracing in a sequestered corner of the ballroom. It seemed to me that many people had come here to meet romance, to enjoy an adventure, to revel in the anonymity which their masks gave them. I had come here because Harriet had suggested it, and Leigh had come to take care of me. He could not get out of his mind the belief that I was a child. I felt a sudden urge to show him I was quite capable of taking care of myself.

There was such a press of people in the ballroom that I managed to escape from him.

I had to choose my moment, of course, but it came and I took it.

I pushed my way through the crowds and went back to the veranda. There was no one there and I found it pleasant to inhale the fresh air. I stood for a moment thinking of the strangeness of everything that had happened, and suddenly I was aware of a touch on my arm. I turned, expecting to see Leigh. I was looking into a masked face.

I gave a little exclamation of surprise and the man who was standing there lifted his mask briefly and then let it drop. He had shown me enough. He was the man I had seen in the shop in St. Mark’s and who had watched my window from the canal.

“At last we meet,” he said.

There was no doubt of his nationality. He was as English as I was.

“Who are you?” I asked.

He put his hand to his lips. “At the moment let me remain your mysterious admirer,” he said.

“For what reason?” I asked.

“Oh, just because it makes our meeting so much more interesting. Romance thrives on mystery.”

“I don’t understand you,” I said coldly, preparing to walk back into the ballroom.

“Not so fast, elusive lady,” he murmured. “I wish to speak to you.”

“I wish to return to the ballroom.”

“First listen to me.”

“I would prefer to return to the ballroom.”

“Sometimes even charming ladies have to do what others prefer.”

I was beginning to be alarmed. This man had inspired me with apprehension from the moment I had seen him. Now I realized that my misgivings had not been without some foundation.

He held my arm in a grip which was firm and which belied his ingratiating manner.

I attempted to wrest myself free but his grip tightened and I knew I was in danger.

“You will take your hands from me,” I commanded.

He brought his face close to mine. He smelt of a delicate perfume -musk or sandalwood.

There were several rings on his fingers and jewels in his cravat. “Is that an order?” he asked.

“It is,” I replied.

“How charming!” he murmured. “But it is time for me to give the orders.”

“You speak in riddles, sir. And I have no wish to learn the answers.”

“You have a sharp tongue, dear lady. I like my ladies to have spirit. First I demand beauty; then they must love me dearly; but I am not averse to a little acidity on the tongue. It makes a diversion.”

“You are talking nonsense.”

He had bent me backwards and put his lips, hard, against mine.

I fought him off. “How dare you?” I stammered indignantly.

“I am a very daring gentleman. Listen, I have a delightful place. You will like it.

I shall take you to it now.”

“You must be mad.”

“Mad for you. You are so young and youth is so appealing. I do so much enjoy the company of young ladies.”

I turned but he held me firmly. He had great strength and agility. He had doubtless had a great deal of experience in this kind of adventure. I was unable to withstand his attack, and in a short time he had dragged me from the veranda and down the steps to the very edge of the canal.

I called out: “Leigh! Leigh! Come quickly …”

A gondola was bobbing about below me. I was lifted up suddenly and caught by a man who was waiting in the boat.

It had all happened so quickly that I could not believe that I was actually being abducted. I screamed, but my screams were futile and were drowned in the noise of the music which came from the palazzo. One or two gondolas went past, but no one seemed interested in the struggling girl who was clearly being taken away against her will.

My captor leaped down into the gondola beside me.

“Ready, Bastiani,” he cried and we started to move.

I cried out but his hand was over my mouth.

“Too late, little bird,” he said. “You are trapped now. Oh, so haughty you were.

Not one smile for me! Well, now I am going to make you smile. I have ways, you know.

I like a little reluctance at first… but only at first.”

My intended fate was obvious. I felt sick with fear, and anger against myself. What a fool I had been! Leigh was right. I was a child … unable to look after myself.

I had meant to teach Leigh a lesson. And what a bitter one I was learning myself.

I would fight, though. I would never give way to this man. He had to get me out of this gondola and carry me to his horrible, sinister place. He would not do that easily.

I should fight him with all my strength.

We had left the wide canal. It was darker now. We shot under a bridge and I heard the gondolier say something.

“Go on. Go on,” commanded my captor.

We went on.

I called out but a hand was immediately placed over my mouth.