For the Love of a Dancer

By Kaydee

Jump to new as of July 10, 2000
Jump to new as of July 18, 2000

Part 1 ~ Meetings and A Murder

Posted on Thursday, 22 June 2000

Ireland, 1836

Far away, across many rolling hills of golden green, a hanging, glittering mist, vast fields and muddied earth stands a castle, Malahide Castle. Not far from Portmarnock, it stands in its glory of bold highness. The castle overgrown with the ivy that crawls up its mildewed walls, gray stone cold with the iciness of a newfound arctic storm. It is an illusion of sparkling wonder with visions of its glory days, but days that were long forgotten leaving an old ghost of times long past. A gloomy, dreary look of things long forgotten among the shadows of the past, where one can observe the invisible shield of hate and evil hangs and the polish of a pretty face reflects the sorrow of ones own perception.

The eyes could see if one would only look at the pain streaked across an angel's face. Wrapped in her coat and her dress of red hangs beneath, she clutches her bag in her right hand while her left holds a fist to her heart willing the tears not to fall, for if they do they shall turn to ice and her love would be for naught. She knows in order to drive the tears away she must do the one thing that she loves most and that is to dance, but if they cannot accept her here why would they accept her there? A dancer is a lowly station, but it was one she was willing to take.

Victorian England, 1840
Lancashire Street, London

London Chronicle
December 11, 1840

It was another stunning performance from Miss Elizabeth Belay. She brings a delight to the ballet and her emotions of the dance reflect upon her features. We commend her on her outstanding performance. You may catch Miss Belay in her next performance on the 23 of December eighteen-hundred and forty.

"How is that cousin dear?" exclaimed Lady Jane Bingley.

"I still do not understand how I can receive such praise in such a lowly profession" exclaimed Jane's cousin, Elizabeth Belay.

"Oh, come now dear" cried she patting her hand "It is well deserved if I do say so my self. Charles and I were just discussing how wonderful it is to see you on stage. It brings out the best in you."

"I'll admit, dear Jane, that I feel wonderful when I dance, it is one of the joys I get in life."

"Besides you early morning walks" laughed Jane.

Elizabeth smiled "Besides my early morning walks. I would like to thank you Jane for all the help you and Charles have given me. I know not how I shall ever repay you."

"Think nothing of it. Besides we never used the house much here in Lancashire Street."

"You enjoy the house on Buckingham Street, do you not?"

"Oh, yes, tremendously. You deserve this place after what your father did to you. I still cannot understand why he is my uncle. It was horrid, but we were and still are glad to be of some assistance to you. I must be off, but come call soon. Katrina is all too eager to see her favorite Aunt and show you her new puppy."

"I shall call soon Jane. I love you," said Elizabeth embracing her favorite cousin.

"See you soon dear," Jane cried down the hall as she left the house.

Inspector Fitzwilliam Darcy sat reading the paper and drinking tea when his good friend Charles Bingley stopped by.

"Hello my good friend," cried Bingley in his cheerful manner.

Darcy lowered his paper and smiled. "Always good to see you."

"Care to dine with Jane and I tonight? I think her cousin Elizabeth may stop by."

"Gladly. Dinner with you is always a pleasure. How is Katrina?"

"Eager to see her favorite Uncle, although she has been asking for her favorite Aunt also."

This produced a chuckle from Darcy. "You have never told me who the 'favorite' Aunt is."

"Why Elizabeth of course. Oh, you have never met her. Delightful young woman, Jane's cousin is."

"I must be off to work Charles, but see you at dinner."

"Until tonight," said Charles walking out the door with Darcy.

"Until tonight," smiled Darcy as he set off down the street.

Malahide Castle, Ireland

"To think that chit is gaining that kind of popularity in England" cried Lady Cromwell.

Lord Cromwell looked at his wife. "Yes, unfortunately the chit is. What can we do about? She's been disowned and I view her as no daughter of mine."

Hannah Cromwell came down to the breakfast room to join her parents. "Good-morning" she chirped.

She was met by her parent's fiery glares. Her mother spoke first.

"You sister, Elizabeth has done well in the profession of dancer," sneered her mother "I hope you do not attempt to follow in her deceitful steps. She was and is a disgrace to us all. How are you, Hannah dear, to make an eligible and profitable match with a dancer for a sister? She has ruined you."

Hannah stared at her mother. She had always admired her sister Elizabeth's courage and did indeed want to follow in her sister's footsteps. A girl in the village secretly gave her lessons. She would soon be ready to make her debut and hoped that she could do so with her sister's help. Soon she would be away from this castle she was confined too and be living with her beloved sister.

"I truly doubt she had ruined me," shrugged Hannah "I have a number of suitors, but then I don't care to marry now."

Her father flushed. "You will marry soon girl. It is your duty."

"As you wish" replied Hannah, smiling secretly. If they only knew.

Westminster Police Station, London

"Darcy" cried Richard Fitzwilliam, his cousin.

Darcy smiled. "Hello cousin."

"Bight, fine day today."

"To perky" Darcy replied dryly.

"I'm getting married."

Again Darcy smiled. "Who is she?"

"Miss Margery Huddleston."

"Ah, she must be very good to strike your interest."

Rich laughed. "Aye, and she did good and as you can see, trapped me" said he jokingly. "When are you going to get trapped?"

"Never- if I can help it."

"I'll choose to ignore that. Dine with me?"

"Sorry. Dining with Charles tonight and meeting the cousin of his wife, that he so raves about."

"Maybe she'll catch your eye."

"When pigs fly" he remarked, returning to his work.

Lancashire Street, London

"Murder in this part of town. You have to be kidding."

"Well it's here and gruesome" added Richard.

"Strangled with wire. Throat cut through. Take it away," waved Darcy.

"Excuse me" asked a young woman to the gentlemen carrying away the body. "May I see?"

The men looked at her oddly and lifted the sheet only to watch the woman put a hand to her mouth and go pale in horror. She only murmured a shocked "Chely" and then disappeared into the house in front of them. They shrugged and replaced the sheet.

"What did she want?" called Darcy walking up.

"She wanted to see thee body, sir."

"Body?"

"Yes. She turned pale and said Chely of somethin'."

"Where did she go?"

"There" said one man pointing to the house.

"Take it away."

Darcy along with Rich knocked.

"You Mistress home?"

"Yes" nodded the housekeeper.

"Inspector Darcy and Fitzwilliam, police, and may we inquire the name of you Mistress?"

"Miss Elizabeth Belay, Sir."

"Will she see us?"

The housekeeper bit her bottom lip and nervously looked around. "Alright" nodded she.

They were led into the sitting room and minuets later joined by the lady.

"Miss Belay?" Richard asked.

"Yes, gentlemen. I understand you are with the police. May I inquire after the problem?"

"There has been a murder, ma'am" said Darcy "and you saw the body."

Elizabeth nodded. "Her name was Chely Price. She was a dancer I worked with. Only eighteen."

"A dancer?"

"Yes. We dance the ballet in the theater house here in London."

"You're a dancer?" asked Richard.

"I am" said she firmly.

"Is it a dangerous profession?" Darcy questioned.

"At times, yes. You can get your obsessive admirers, but she had none. I don't know why she was killed. Everyone was fond of Chely. They never complained about her or anything."

"She was strangled you know?"

She shook her head. "I did not. It's awful," said she with a pale face.

"We have to be going to question the other's, but we will be back."

"Anything I can do, I will be glad to be of service."

Buckingham Street

Elizabeth sat playing with her niece, Katrina. She laughed and smiled in delight as her niece giggled and laughed. Katrina settled herself in her Aunt Elizabeth's lap and said "story!"

"Story, Katrina. Why?"

"Tell good stories."

"Once upon a time..."

"Darcy good to see you."

Darcy followed Charles to the sitting room to see Miss Belay with Miss Katrina Bingley in her lap.

"Auntie it's Uncle William."

"Inspector" smiled Elizabeth.

"Miss Belay, so you're the 'favorite' Aunt?"

"Yes," she laughed "How is your investigation coming?"

"Well enough" said he sitting beside her. Katrina scrambled into his lap. For the rest of the evening Charles and Jane were barley included in the conversation between Elizabeth and Darcy.

Part 2A ~ I Hope You'll Dance

Posted on Monday, 3 July 2000

'The measure of a man's real character is what
he would do if he knew he would never be found out.'
~ Thomas Macaulay~

Hyde Park,
London

Inspector Darcy and his partner and cousin Inspector Fitzwilliam were discussing what they had on the case, which was not much. It's hard to produce a suspect of criminal for a case when there is no real evidence. Of course it is always known that a murderer will make a mistake, but the question is when. The gentlemen stopped in front of a tree only to hear an interesting conversation.

"Elizabeth this is crazed. For all you know this is some lunatic."

"Really Emma" Elizabeth said with an exasperated sigh. "It's not like Chely went out and asked to get killed. She was only eighteen."

"She knew enough of the world to know what she was doing."

"You think she committed suicide? That is outrageous."

"And if we do decide to do are little detective work to find out who killed her what are we going to do when the police come around and want to pin us for her murder? Which I might add we didn't do."

"Emma we are dancers. It's not like anyone is going to care what we do. We didn't kill Chely someone else did, but the question is who?"

Darcy was about to go to the back of the tree and exclaim 'yes whom?', but was restrained by Richard. Darcy sent him a deadly stare and stayed where he was.

"Ok, so what is the idea to catch this murderer?"

"I am the bait. So far he has killed two other women. Both dancers."

"You bait. That is crazy. No. What if something happened to you?"

"Nothing will."

"Elizabeth" Emma said firmly "the last time you told me that you were in bed for a week. Don't tell me nothing will happen. No. I forbid it. No more detective work for you."

"Since when did you become my mother" Elizabeth exclaimed.

"When you came in from that ship from Ireland. That is when."

Elizabeth's mouth gapped. "Don't you ever mention Ireland again. You know I hate it."

"You never told me why."

"You want the truth of the matter. My parents found out I was secretly taking dance lessons from a French girl in the village and they disowned me. That is why I am here, to escape my past."

Emma softened. "I'm sorry."

Elizabeth sighed. "I know, but sometimes it's hard because the only people I have that care about me, besides you, are Jane and Charles. I mean I live on Lancashire Street normally a woman in my position would be in a dingy apartment."

"Elizabeth, let the police handle this case. I think they have had enough of your meddling."

"Oh, you have do admit I am always good help."

Emma laughed. "I know, dear, but I don't think this is the time to meddle."

"Alright," Elizabeth sighed.

"I must be getting back to the theater for practice. Love you Liz. Take care."

"I will," she smiled.

Emma disappeared off to the theater and Elizabeth quickly went down the lane to her home.

The two Inspectors stood there.

"Well Darcy, what do you make of that?" cried Richard.

Darcy scowled. "I believe she intends to meddle. That's what" he muttered stalking down the street.

Richard had to run to keep up with his strides. "Darcy, you could slow down" he called.

Darcy slowed. "Where are we going?"

"To the station."

"We were just there."

"Point taken."

"Geez, it's not like someone is going die."

"This is no time for humor Richard."

"I wasn't trying to humor you" he replied still trying to keep up with Darcy's long strides.

Lancashire Street

"What do you mean I have a visitor? Madeleine you know I am receiving no one."

"But ma'am she says that her name is Hannah Talbot."

Elizabeth stopped the writing of her letter. "Hannah Talbot?"

"Yes ma'am."

Elizabeth pursed her lips. "Send her in" she said stiffly.

Madeleine bobbed a curtsy. Minuets later a girl of about 5'4" came in. She had angelic blond hair and violet eyes. She was very pretty, but a little scared. You could see deep in the pools of those violet eyes there was awe and fear.

"Hannah I hope mother and father did not send you here to spy on me."

Miss Talbot looked taken aback. "But sister I came here on my own."

"How do I know?" asked Elizabeth coldly.

Hannah lips quivered as if she was about to cry, but she pulled herself up and squared her shoulders. "I came to be a dancer."

Elizabeth stared at her with her sapphire eyes. She searched Hannah's face. "You're serious" she choked out.

Hannah's violet eyes looked at Elizabeth defiantly. "Of course I am. What did you expect me to do? Stay with mama and papa?"

Elizabeth smiled slightly. "No, but I must warn you of all the times you could have chosen to come to London this was one of the worst."

Hannah looked at her sister oddly. "Why?"

"Sit Hannah." Hannah did as she was bid. "There has been a chain of murders here on Lancashire Street. Actually the bodies have shown up here. They have all been dancers. The profession has become dangerous."

Hannah cracked a smile this time. "You intend to find the murderer don't you?"

Elizabeth looked at her hands when she saw a pair of boots in the doorway.

Inspector Darcy.

Elizabeth's head shot up and her sapphire eyes burned into Hannah's violet ones. "I most certainly shall not" cried she firmly.

"Oh, come sister. You have always been the detective in the family."

"I have no notion of what you are talking about."

"You always liked to play-----"

"Madeleine shall show you your room."

"But-----"

"No. Madeleine. Show Miss Hannah to her room."

"Yes, ma'am."

Madeleine hobbled out of the room with Hannah trailing behind.

"To what do I owe this visit, Inspector?" Elizabeth scowled coldly.

Darcy walked in and took a seat without even asking Elizabeth.

"Perhaps I should ask you the same, Miss Belay."

"What?" she scoffed "I live here."

"Do you talk by rule behind trees."

She paled a little and then quickly recovered. "I do not know what the devil you are about Inspector, but this----"

"Elizabeth, I know."

She furrowed her brows at the use of her Christian name. How dare he.

"I know not what you speak of" said she nervously.

"Detective? You? Trying to find Miss Chely's murderer?"

"So you have found me out. What if I am?"

"I can not allow you to do that."

"What!?!?"

"Miss Belay you would be putting yourself in danger. I can not allow it."

Her eyes studied his face finally resting on his pool black eyes. Gypsies eyes. The held an emotion she could not fathom. She colored a little and turned away.

"Why will you not allow it, sir?" she whispered.

Part 2B ~ Hope You'll Dance

Posted on Saturday, 8 July 2000

'Life is a series of surprises, and would not
be worth taking or keeping if it were not.'
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

She could feel his gypsy eyes on her. He studied her. He was quietly trying to fathom why he wouldn't let her. He scowled at himself. This is unnerving.

"Because" he softly said "I will not allow you to put yourself in that kind of danger."

She lifted her gem-like eyes to his black ones. Her lip quivered. He could not tell if it was from anger or if she was about to gush out a pool of tears. He saw her eyes flash.

"And what right do you have to tell me what I can and cannot do?"

The Inspector leaned back in his seat. "I don't think it would look good to know that one of the most famous dancers in England was arrested." His mouth twitched in amusement as he saw the emotions play across her face.

"You wouldn't dare?" she exploded.

"Would I?" he asked with a raised eyebrow.

She stood up angered. Hitting the chair as she stood she quickly, closing the large distance between them. "You can't arrest me. You have no charge."

"Oh, but I do" said he leaning forward. His face was inches from hers. "For trying to impersonate a police office."

She got up quickly. "Bloody hell," she cried "What kind of perverse game are you playing, Inspector Darcy?"

"I'm not playing a game. You're playing with fire Miss Belay, I suggest you heed my warning or you'll be in prison. You're not the law, remember that."

"I don't...you insufferable man" she yelled, while stomping her foot on the floor in exasperation, but he was already gone.

The Inspector walked steadily down the street. Insufferable woman. What has she made of me? A nervous wreck, that's what. A man who doesn't even know himself. The woman does not know her own strength. Damnation. Damn the woman. Damn her for making me feel this way. The authenticity of that woman. Bloody Hell!

He walked past the a townhouse and heard the music poor out and sing with the midnight air. Not twenty minuets later he arrived at his lodgings only to find his cousin waiting for him.

"I say Darcy you look a little agitated."

"Agitated is not even the word" he muttered.

"Well, what did Miss Belay have to say?"

Darcy sent him a deadly stare that could have frozen hell. He sat in a chair with a glass of port and looked at the fire.

"The woman is playing with fire, Richard."

Richard eyed his cousin in amusement. "What fire?"

Darcy started at this. "Fire in general" he managed.

"I do believe you have developed a tender for the lady."

Darcy scowled. "What are you about, Richard?" he exclaimed, turning to look at his cousin.

"When shall you be lead to the altar?"

"Never."

"What? You don't mean to tell me you have sworn off women and marriage most of all." Richard stared wide-eyed at his cousin.

"I most certainly mean it. Women like Eliz----Miss Belay infuriate me. I have no intention of trying to make peace with the woman. Damn the woman" he cried through clenched teeth.

Richard raised an eyebrow. "Damn the woman?" he repeated "She is most definitely under your skin."

"Damnation."

"I shall see you tomorrow cousin."

Richard quickly retreated.

"Bloody hell" he muttered.

Lancashire Street

"Sister?" Hannah ventured.

"What?...Oh, Hannah, I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Who was that man? He was very attractive."

"That is Inspector Darcy. He is the one in charge of the murders in the area."

"Oh," Hannah said smiling.

Elizabeth's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean 'oh'?"

"Oh, nothing" Hannah replied with a shrugging of her shoulders.

Elizabeth sighed. "Hannah I think we should turn in for the night. We shall continue this conversation later."

"Okay" she replied with an arched eyebrow. Hannah skipped gaily out of the room and up the stairs.

"Oh, come on Cherie, just one little kiss."

"No" cried the lady trying to push the man (not gentleman) off of her.

"Come on. I promise not to hurt you."

"I said NO" she cried.

The mans eyes flashed angrily. As quickly as he had tried to gain her affections he quickly slipped a wire around her neck until the young girl's body went limp. The body silently slipped to the ground. The man slipped away down the stairs and back to his lodgings.

"So, Liz, where are we going today?"

Elizabeth looked up from the early morning paper. "The theater."

"To do what?"

"To investigate."

Her sister broke into a broad grin. "Decided to investigate? I knew it."

"You're helping" replied she while looking back at the paper.

"What!"

"Oh, yes" Elizabeth said looking up "you are."

"But I..."

"Inspector Darcy forbids me to do it. So if you help then I can say you were my 'partner in crime.'"

Hannah's mouth dropped. "You're kidding" she scoffed.

"No" Elizabeth replied sweetly. Her stiff smile was like sugar coated candy.

"Well why are we going to the theater then?" Hannah demanded.

"There are such things as dressing rooms, my dear. Where do you think we dress in middle stage?"

"Oh course not. That would be positively sickening. So we are investigating?"

"Oui."

"Oh, I knew it" cried Hannah throwing her head back in delight. "So tell me, Inspector Darcy forbid it, why?"

"He said it was too dangerous."

"Too dangerous" Hannah cried with a raised eyebrow. "I truly doubt that. You have solved worse cases than this. He must have had an ulterior motive" she mused.

Elizabeth dropped her fork. "What the devil are you talking about. Damnation woman, speak sense."

"I am," Hannah scowled. "You are obviously oblivious to the gentlemen's honorable intentions."

Elizabeth's gaze sharply narrowed. "Honorable intentions? Why the man has no manners. Why when he came to visit yesterday he didn't even ask for a seat. And he used my Christen name. Now, frankly I am in no mood to give consequence to young men who are arrogant, proud and presumptuous. And I do not see what he has to be presumptuous about, especially in his position."

"Elizabeth, the man in terms of status is farther up than you."

"Can he boast about a house in town like this?"

"This isn't even yours Elizabeth. No, he can't boast it, but neither can you."

"Are you contradicting me?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"I can see there is no use in this fight" Elizabeth claimed defeated.

"That's right and don't you forget it."

"Well?" demanded Darcy.

"She's out" replied Richard.

"Where?"

"The theater. She had rehearsal."

"No, she doesn't."

"Are you saying that the housekeeper lied?"

"I checked Miss Belay's schedule for the production she's in. She has no rehearsal today."

Richard was all astonishment. "Really?"

"Richard, if I am correct I would say she is attempting to solve this murder. And you said that she wouldn't go though with this absurd notion" Darcy replied while looking pointedly at Richard.

"Like I can read the woman's mind" he cried in defense.

"Almost makes you wish you could."

Theater Royal,
Catherine Street, off of
Drury Lane

Elizabeth and Hannah were standing in Chely's dressing room. In one corner stood an elite dressing table with an elegantly hand carved mirror painted of gold. Upon it sat the wooden brush set and little hairpins and some small gifts from previous admirers. Beside the table hung many dresses for performances. There were chests of other gowns and outfits and mounded on top were props, laces, and useless items.

"Where do we start?" sighed Hannah.

"Uh...er...you take the chest over there in the right corner and I'll take the dressing table."

"Okay," nodded Hannah.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, knowing she was playing with fire if the Inspector ever found out, but she also knew that the fire she played with was not just with the Inspector, but also with the evil behind the murders.

She approached the dressing table. She picked up the wooden brush and fingered it. She smiled, but only slightly. Chely, she remembered loved this brush and spent many careless minutes just stroking her sleek black hair. She set the brush down and set about the task at hand. She rummaged the top of the dressing table and then she went through the drawers.

Hannah looked up from her task at the trunks and looked at her sister. He auburn hair shone like copper because of the sun shining off it. Her voluptuous, but womanly form gave her an even more stunning air about her. She was no doubt well formed due to her dancing. Her sister she thought had grown up since sixteen. England and her dancing she thought did her good. She was mature. I wish I could be more like her. In truth, Hannah envied her sister for what she achieved. She was famous here and she wanted that. She wanted to be her sister and that she would be. Soon she set back at the rummaging of trunks.

Moments later Elizabeth was looking at Hannah. Her golden blond hair shone like golden rings and she was becoming a woman. She could see it. Her womanly figure was setting in. She would be a great dancer, she knew because her sister would stick to it. She loved dancing just like she. Although only sixteen, a seven-year difference between them she would be a mirror image of herself in a way. She wished that she was a little more like Hannah. Hannah always could make people smile in the worst of times and she was strong and independent. Unlike she who was still a lost soul. Smiling to herself she continued to search.

She came to a locked drawer. That's odd. She rattled it a few times hoping it was just a stuck lock, but alas it would not open.

"Damn."

Hannah looked up. "What?"

"This-this drawer won't open. It's locked."

"What?" Hannah cried again. She got up and brushed herself off and went over to her sister.

Elizabeth was frantically shaking the drawer. "There has got to be a key here some where."

"What about a hair pin?"

"Uh, Hannah what would I do without you?"

"You couldn't."

Elizabeth picked a hairpin off the dressing table and slipped it in the little lock. After a few frantic thrusts and shakes it clicked.

"Finally" Elizabeth cried "Success."

"Open it Lizzy."

Elizabeth smiled at her sister in excitement. She pulled out the drawer and cried out in shock.

"There-there is nothing in here."

Hannah looked at the little drawer. "My lord" she breathed.

"How can that be. There had to be something here it-it was locked."

They stared at the drawer in mute silence before Elizabeth finally picked it up and slammed it on the side of the dressing table, startling Hannah.

"What the hell did you do that for?"

Elizabeth bent down and picked the contents up from among the splintered pieces.

"No one ever said there wouldn't be a trap compartment."

"Yes, but you didn't have to break the damn drawer."

"Well would you have liked it if I took the time to find the spring."

"Well no, but you-you broke it."

They were interrupted by the sound of footsteps in the hall. They looked at each other in stricken horror. They were both pale. Looking around the room they looked for a place to hide. They shot behind the rack of hanging clothes and could only pray that they didn't look there.

From their hiding place they observed a young man walk in. He had brown hair and steel gray eyes. His strides were long and quick and he seemed to know exactly what he was looking for because he went straight to the dressing table. He scavenged it and then saw the splintered wood on the floor. He bent down an picked up a jewel like object. He swore softly.

Elizabeth was cursing herself for not getting the ring. She had thought she noticed something else, but was so worried about getting caught that she forgot about it. She held her breath along with Hannah as the man's eyes darted around the room in predator like lure. They rested on the rack of clothes were they were hiding and then he strode toward it.

Part 2C ~ I Hope You'll Dance

Posted on Saturday, 8 July 2000

'In the hour of adversity be not without hope
For crystal rain falls from black clouds.'
~ Nizami (Persian poet) ~

"Oh, father it's beautiful. This is where the royal family lives? This is Buckingham Palace? Extraordinary" Georgiana Darcy cried.

Her father and mother smiled at their daughter.

"Yes, it is wonderful. Yes, this is where they live."

Georgiana smiled. "I can't wait to see cousin Fitzwilliam."

Her mother, Ann laughed. "Soon dear. The last time you saw him was when you were four."

"I wonder what he looks like? Does he look like a Darcy? Oh look....." Georgiana continued her excited chatter. This was her first time to London so it is only natural to be awed and to talk too much. He parents followed at a leisurely pace behind their daughter and they beamed with pride.

The man sensed the danger and quickly exited the room. The girls breathed a sigh of relief, but that did not last long for Elizabeth because in stepped Inspector Darcy and Inspector Fitzwilliam. The Inspectors looked around and rested on the splintered wood.

Richard raised an eyebrow. "Miss Belay certainly wanted something badly."

"No kidding" Darcy replied. He stooped down to examine the splintered wood.

A broach dropped from Hannah's hands. Elizabeth tried to grab it, but it was too late. Inspector Darcy caught the broach and then stared at the clothing that hid them. Elizabeth and Hannah sensing that there was no use in continuing to hide, sighed and stepped out.

"You could have gotten here sooner" Hannah spoke "It's not everyday one almost gets found out by snooping young men."

Darcy raised an eyebrow and looked at Elizabeth.

"I know" she sighed looking him in the eyes "but I didn't find anything."

Darcy nodded. "The broach?"

"That's mine" Hannah cried coming to the rescue.

Darcy hesitantly gave it to Hannah.

"Oh, Inspectors, this is my sister Miss Tal----Miss Belay" she faltered almost giving way to her true identity.

"Miss" nodded Darcy and Richard. Although Darcy didn't buy it because her noticed her falter.

"Snooping young men?" questioned Richard.

"Yes, we were uh-cleaning out this room for a new dancer and then this man came, so we had to hide some where."

Elizabeth could see Inspector Darcy wasn't buying the story. Hannah looked quickly at her sister with pleading eyes.

"Uh-Hannah and I have to get some fittings for some dresses. Gentlemen" she curtsied and they left.

"That women will be the death of me yet" Darcy cried through clinched teeth. He stalked out with Richard close behind him.

Lancashire Street

"That was close" sighed Hannah.

Elizabeth smiled.

"Come. I have something to show you."

Hannah followed her sister to a room in the back of the house. Elizabeth unlocked the door and turned on the light. She let Hannah step in. Hannah saw it had oak wood floors. There were bars and clothes and ballet slippers around it.

"What-is this?"

"My dancing room."

Elizabeth smiled. She went behind the screen and changed into the ballet costume. She put on he ballet slippers and came out before her sister.

"I hope you'll dance."

Elizabeth then went up on her toes. Up, down, up, down. Going to the bar she held it. She went to 1st position, point.

"Come Hannah. You shall never learn by standing there. There is an outfit and shoes in the trunk."

Hannah quickly changed and came to join her sister at the bar. Elizabeth smiled.

"The French can dance and I'm sure she taught you well, but there are just some things that are better learned from a professional."

"Right," Hannah smiled.

Westminster Station

"Darcy, tell me what you are doing."

"Posting two constables outside Miss Belay's house. I don't trust the woman. Also, were paying her a little visit."

Richard shrugged and followed Darcy.

Lancashire Street

"The mistress is busy, sirs."

"Well see her anyway."

"Follow me, but Miss Elizabeth ain't gonna' like you interrupting her dancin'."

A minute later the Inspectors were looking on a scene of sisterly love.

"Hannah, you must keep your back straight. Hold the bar with both hands and go up on your toes. Keep your derriere tucked in and-look at it this way, you are a proud rich girl that thinks herself above everyone."

Hannah fell off her toes in laughter. "Me proud and disdainful. Never" she mocked.

Elizabeth's brows rose. "You were always the haughty child."

"Yes, but you were the stubborn, willful, and independent one."

Elizabeth slapped her sister playfully. "Am not."

"You are too stubborn. Don't you remember when mama and papa said you couldn't visit Ally and you did anyway? Then it rained and you were in bed for a week. Actually, you never stayed in that bed."

Elizabeth's rich laughter filled the room. "And I'd do it again too."

"No doubt."

"Now,----Inspector" Elizabeth cried in surprise. Hannah turned.

"Miss Elizabeth. Miss Hannah. I would like to speak with you."

Both ladies nodded.

"I have posted two constables at the front of the house and the back. Miss Elizabeth, I asked you to leave this to the police. You are now under surveillance, unless you hand over what you found in that drawer because I know you found something."

"I found nothing" Elizabeth cried.

"Then you are under surveillance. Good evening ladies."

Elizabeth sat up in bed. Someone was in the house. There was the sound of breaking crystal. Suddenly the door opened and she was about to scream when Hannah came in. Hannah ran to the bed and jumped in. Elizabeth took Hannah in her arms. They sat silently while they listened to the stairs creak and the footstep's come closer to her door.

Part 3A ~ Faith in You

Posted on Monday, 17 July 2000

'Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations.'
Elton Trueblood

Elizabeth held Hannah who was shaking violently. Elizabeth slipped out of the bed and put her hand over Hannah's mouth to let her know, be quite. Taking her hand away from Hannah's mouth Elizabeth took Hannah's hand and led her to the door adjoining to the other room. They slipped though it silently just in time because the door to Elizabeth's room was opened.

Grabbing Hannah she pulled her down the stairs with her. The noise of pounding feet echoed through the house. So much for a discreet escape, but then your only thought is to get out of there alive. Elizabeth pulled Hannah in the sitting room with her. She headed for the fireplace and moved one of the candlesticks on it. The fireplace swung open and they went inside. Elizabeth shut it firmly behind her. Leading Hannah a little ways they came to a locked room. Elizabeth took out the key and unlocked the room. She stepped inside along with Hannah.

The room had two beds and small window at the top of the room. There was a desk and chair in the corner and there were some clothes for the ladies on the bed. Hannah looked at her sister.

"You must always be prepared. Hurray and get dressed. We must get out of here soon."

The ladies quickly dressed in suitable attire. Hannah followed Elizabeth a ways down the passage. They came to a place where the light pooled in. Elizabeth moved the grate and pulled herself up. She put her hand out and pulled Hannah up. She replaced the grate back in its place quietly.

Hannah sighed.

Elizabeth sighed.

"What do we do now?" Hannah whispered.

"Follow me. We must not let the constables see us or they will think we are up to no good."

Hannah followed Elizabeth who held her hand. The darkness of the night was defining. Here were two women dressed as they normally would in morning, but with hair flying roughly around their faces and they were walking and running. They silently crept through the London streets. Hannah followed Elizabeth and Elizabeth leading Hannah.

"Where are we going?" Hannah asked finally.

"Just follow me."

Elizabeth and Hannah walked calmly down the street. It was cold and a light wind swirled around them. The sun peaked up in the sky setting it in a picturesque dawn. Hannah stopped to study the sky. There was a mist in the horizon that lined with the sun giving the houses a mysterious look. Hannah smiled into the sunlight as it warmed her face.

"It's beautiful, Lizzy."

Elizabeth just nodded in amusement. Elizabeth and Hannah turned to leave, but Elizabeth stopped dead in her tracks.

"Mr. Darcy" she squeaked. As soon as the words were uttered she wished she hadn't. He had not known of her presence until then.

Hannah took the lead this time, grabbing Elizabeth she pulled her through the bushes and down the street. Elizabeth could hear Mr. Darcy's footsteps behind her and struggled in Hannah's grasp.

"What are you doing, Hannah, kidnapping me?"

"No" Hannah called.

"Well then let me go" Elizabeth screamed.

Hannah let go and would have continued running, but Elizabeth grabbed her arm and jerked her back.

"You have just put us in worse trouble than before, Hannah" Elizabeth curtly cried through clenched teeth.

Hannah's violet eyes flared wide. "How dare you blame me."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "You shouldn't have run."

"You always run, Elizabeth" Hannah hissed.

Elizabeth raised her hand to strike her sister, but was restrained by another hand. She jerked it back, but was jerked forward and in order to keep her from falling the gentleman had to catch her in his arms. Not that the gentleman minded for the lady was attractive.

"Now, Elizabeth," the man said "You will refrain from running and striking other young ladies."

"Inspector Darcy," Elizabeth cried jerking out of his arms, "I would like if you would stay out of family business."

"Yes, but no proper lady strikes another."

"In case you have not noticed" she said taking another step back "I am not always a proper lady."

"What are you doing out of your house?"

"Someone was in it and coming to my room. Do I look like I want to be murdered?"

The Inspector's face became a surprised look. "How did you get out alive?" he asked shocked.

"There's a secret passage in the house. It is quite old, as all the other houses on Lancashire Street."

"Miss Belay may I escort you and your sister home and then have a private word with you?"

This time it was Elizabeth's turned to be surprised. "Of course."

Lancashire Street

"Elizabeth you said all the houses in this area are old?"

"Yes, they were built over twenty years ago. They all have secret passages. It was a precaution when they thought it dangerous."

"It still is."

"Yes, but if I remember correctly there is was particular house owned by a Mr. Jake Gudgeon. Italian if I remember right and he is quite mysterious. He is quite known for his pursuits of young girls."

"How young?"

"Oh, seventeen if he dares and as old as twenty-four, maybe higher."

"Why do you presume him mysterious?"

"He's not the sociable type. He comes and goes at late hours of the night. Never married, but he might have, but she could be deceased. He has this air about him, you know, the kind that makes one think he has something to hide. I remember asking him once if he had any family and his response was 'How is that any of your business? Family is nothing when they desert you.' Those were his exact words Inspector. I've seen him at balls that my cousin takes me too and he is always eyeing the young girls. Usually the first or second, sometimes third season girls and by the end of the night he has at least three girls hanging on him. Once in a while you'll see those girls coming out or into his house un-chaperoned" she finished emphasizing the un-chaperoned.

Inspector Darcy took a seat and leaned forward. "Anything else?"

He watched Elizabeth think about it. At that time he observed her beautiful sapphire eyes. They sparkled and set off her lively face with the help of her coppery auburn hair.

"I believe he used to be in the Royal Army."

"Royal Army?"

"Yes, Captain, I think. It could have been Private though."

At that moment a constable coming in to tell the Inspector that after searching the house they found nothing, but a button, interrupted them. Everyone claimed that the button was not theirs so naturally it was assumed it was the intruders. When the constable closed the door the Inspector turned back to Elizabeth.

"Tell me, is he rich?"

"As far as anyone on this street knows, but then no one really knows much about him. Although he is often in the company of and officer of the Royal Army. I know not his name, but he has dirty blond hair and brown eyes, I think. Also he is about your height, but he always seems to be a might reserved in the company of the poor. It is almost as if he hopes to better himself. I guess we all do, but he strikes me as the type not to better himself mentally or educationally or with a profession, but by means of money and perhaps a title. He is a lot more open that Mr. Gudgeon, but he has a certain evil gleam in his eye." Elizabeth looked at Darcy for understanding. He nodded. "I look at it this way, the eyes are a window to are emotions. Are souls. Mr. Gudgeon makes me uneasy. He is not very friendly."

"How so?'

"It's one of those things you can not pin point, but it's there. You know?"

"Yes, I do, but tell me has Mr. Gudgeon given any cause for suspicion?"

"No, Inspector. I am afraid he has not. The friend has not either, but you can't help but feel unnerved."

He smiled slightly. "Tell me about the secret passages."

"Well that should be fun. They are usually in the library bookshelves of the fireplace. It can open by moving a book or a candle. They usually have a few rooms. The rooms are about three miles into the passages ways. They could also be priest holes. They used those during the religious reformation. Many old homes have them. Not all, but most."

"Where do they lead?"

"Well my passage way leads into the park across the street."

"Do you have rooms?"

"Yes."

"Then how can they be three miles in if it just goes to the park?"

"There are branching tunnels that all meet in the middle and then lead there. They go in a large circle to throw off any followers. The reason there are so many tunnels is because they branch from many houses in this area and then connect to the park. I could easily get into the house across the street without using the entrance it I wanted to."

"So the intruder last night could have gotten in that way?"

"Yes, that is possible Inspector."

He sighed and stood up. "This case is impossible."

Elizabeth stood up. "It is not."

Darcy leaned on the fireplace. "It is. There is not enough evidence. I wish they had given this case to someone else."

"What are you saying?"

"It's not that I don't enjoying bringing criminals to justice, it's just that----You can never be sure you are safe. What if I don't find this murderer? All the dancers in the world would be in danger. I just don't think I can do it."

Elizabeth came and stood in front of the Inspector. "What if I said" she said softly "I had faith in you? "

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