Chapter 31: Castle Brogan

Getting Rosie down the stairs was an ordeal. Isaac returned within minutes. He hurried to the top of the stairs, hair and clothes dripping wet. He stood a few paces back, looking expectantly at Rosie.

“Look, I am not exactly enthused about this either,” he pushed his hair back, spraying water. “But this is a long staircase and it is pouring outside. I promise I’m not going to hurt you.”

Isaac extended his arms toward Rosie. Tentatively, she took his hand and let him pick her up, the arm supporting her back also keeping pressure on her wound. Rosie turned her face in towards Isaac’s chest, gritting her teeth. Watching Isaac carefully descend the stairs, Lavinia felt a flash of warmth in her chest. It was not jealousy. The position had no air of romance or even tenderness. It was purely functional, but revealed a tendency towards altruistic affection. Isaac held the small girl so naturally, as if he had carried someone down these stairs a thousand times and would do so a thousand more.

With a start, Lavinia realized Isaac had made it to the door already. She hurried down the stairs to meet them. Just before the door, she slipped, feet sliding on the water that Isaac had tracked in. In an instant, he had dropped his arm from Rosie’s legs and grabbed Lavinia’s upper arm, stopping her from crashing into the doors. Isaac pulled her back to her feet, still keeping Rosie supported in one arm.

“All right,” said Rosie. “I sort of get it.”

Isaac concealed his smile, letting go of Lavinia and adjusting his grip on Rosie. “Come on.”

Lavinia opened one side of the double doors, letting Isaac out into the rain. A carriage was waiting, a pair of horses stamping. Isaac placed Rosie into one row of seats, helping her lay back. He offered Lavinia a hand to step up. He kissed her quickly before shutting the door and moving to the front. He climbed up into the coach box, taking the reigns.

With a lurch, the carriage took off down the road. Isaac was a much more reckless driver than the other coachmen Lavinia had experienced. He took turns at full speed, sending shudders through the carriage. Lavinia switched seats, keeping Rosie from being jostled too much. She felt her side, noting that the bleeding had mostly stopped. Untying her hair, she wrapped her ribbon around Rosie, securing the folded pillowcase.

Abruptly, the coach pulled to a stop. Isaac jumped down and opened the door. From inside the carriage, they could see the foreboding shape of Castle Brogan. It was much larger than the manor. The high, curved windows were lit up with intricate stained glass depicting a colorful night sky.

Isaac held out his hand to let Lavinia out of the carriage and together they helped Rosie down.

“They already know we’re here,” he said. “If you think my mother’s hearing is good…” He shook his head.

With Rosie holding onto Lavinia, they made their way up the front steps. Isaac grasped the knocker and rapped it hard against the door. It almost instantly swung open. Isaac entered confidently.

“Brogan,” he yelled. “I need to talk to you.”

From the top of the staircase, a broad-shouldered man approached. He had long greying hair tied back in a low ponytail. His heavily lined face sported thick sideburns.

“Marco said you might be coming, Isaac.” The man’s voice was deep and warm. His voice was completely at odds with his environment.

Isaac faltered. “Excuse me?”

“He told me you would be visiting. You and your sister are always welcome.” He descended the staircase reached out, shaking Isaac’s hand heartily. And who are these two ladies?”

Isaac froze, his hand still held between both of Mr. Brogan’s. Lavinia stepped forward. “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir. My name is Lavinia. I am Isaac’s aid. And this is Rosie. She serves Arabella.”

“Wonderful.” Mr. Brogan took Lavinia’s hand and kissed it. His touch was rough but not unkind. Turning to Rosie, he suddenly noticed her gory side. “My dear, what happened?”

“I-”

Lavinia cut Rosie off quickly. “She had a bit of a run-in with a house guest. The manor is so full and tensions are running a bit high.”

“We will take care of you. I can room you with Miss Arabella. I assume the two of you will also be staying the night?”

Lavinia and Isaac glanced at each other, surprised that he had so readily admitted to Arabella’s presence.

“Yes,” said Lavinia. “Thank you for your hospitality.” She paused for a second. “Could we talk to Arabella?”

“Unfortunately not,” Mr. Brogan said. “She is preparing tonight and we cannot interrupt her. Miss Rosie will be able to assist her, but you two should retire.”

“Sorry,” interjected Isaac. “Preparing for what?”

Mr. Brogan stepped back, looking at the three of them. “For the ritual. I assumed that’s why you’ve come. I had hoped for more guests, but I suppose this is much more of a family affair.”

He slung his around Isaac’s shoulders. “I am so pleased to become your- what would the term be? Uncle-in-Law?”