The Outlaw (Now on Radish)

Chapter 15

"Come, my dears, breakfast is nearly over!" She exclaimed from beside Papa. Victor helped me into the seat beside my sister, then took his own. It was too quiet for breakfast, since the only chatter was the forks and knives scraping against the china. I could not take the silence, I needed the buzz of chatter and hearty laughter.

"Are we at church?" I asked sourly. My mother looked at me with wide eyes. "I can only assume we are a church because no one is speaking to one another. I cannot fathom any other reason to the unnerving silence."

"Abigail, I do not understand—"

"Are we mourning someone today? I thought today's events were to see my husband arrested and to plan a course of action to free him. Or should I change into a mourning gown?" I snapped, bawling my hands into my skirt. Victor grasped it below the table and rubbed his thumb over my knuckles.

"Thank you, Mama, for this wonderful meal. I know you have put a great deal of thought into it." Victor said to my mother, smiling politely. Mama smiled back as she took a bite of her food. I felt my father's gaze as I picked at my food. I was in no mood to eat, but my child needed it.

"Abby, are you alright?" Papa queried, placing his utensils down. I nodded my head as I stroked my stomach.

"I am alright, Papa. I'm not terribly hungry."

Victor closed his eyes as his empty hand found mine once again. I knew he felt guilty, but there was no use dwelling over it. I squeezed his hand as I placed it over the swell of my stomach. I couldn't bear to see him so distraught. I had a duty to keep him safe, as well as our child.

"Beg our pardon," I announced, standing with Victor's hand in mine. I led him to a corridor, probably one frequented by servants, and kissed my husband. He needed to know that this was never his fault, no matter what he told himself.

"Victor, you are most descent man, brother, husband, doctor, human, I have ever known. No matter what they tell you, you must know that I know you did what was right. You were brave, my love, and no one can tell you otherwise. Do not ever let them change your mind. Because I will always be nagging you with the truth." My lips brushed his lightly before I moved to look at his face. His eyes were brimming with tears, and his arms were tight around my waist.

"You are the greatest thing to have ever happened to me, Abby." He pressed a kiss to my forehead. I rested my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. I didn't want to forget its steady rhythm. The pounding of feet against the hard floor pulled us apart.

"They're marching up the road, Victor!" Helen exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with panic. Victor grabbed my hand and headed towards the rest of the family. Helen followed behind us, nervously chattering away. I did not blame her. I felt as though I were going to empty the contents of my stomach. When we re-entered the dining room, my parents were standing in front of the windows.

"It's time," Victor announced, squeezing my hand tight. Papa turned and nodded once before moving towards the foyer. We followed, like a processional to a grave yard. It was time to say good-bye. Victor hugged my brothers and sister, then my mama and papa. I heard him mutter thanks as he squeezed my mother one last time. Albert stood next to me, his arm around my waist as Helen jumped into her brother's arms. The knock on the door did not phase their intimate moment, but it made my heart skip a beat. He was leaving me. Victor released Helen as my father opened the door to reveal the blaring red coats of his arresting officers. Victor rushed to my open arms and held me close. I held back my sobs as he kissed me ferociously. He was saying an indefinite good bye, but I would not accept it.

"I love you, Abigail," He croaked as he released me.

"Lieutenant Grey, upon Her Majesty's orders, we here by arrest you—"

"Come home to me, Victor," I begged as I watched him back away. He turned towards his arresting officers, who looked at him with pity.

"—on the grounds of murder, treason, and deserting Her Majesty's Army—"

"I love you, Victor!" I exclaimed.

"The details of your discharge will be determined by the outcome of your trial against Lord Neville and the murder of his brother, Lieutenant Matthew Neville." I watched as Victor was hand-cuffed and escorted calmly from the building. Albert grabbed me around the waist and held me as my world came crashing down.

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Hello Lovelies!

So sorry about the long waits between updates. I've had terrible writers block and not to mention I had so much to do at work over Christmas break. I will try to update some while I am back at school, but I can't make any promises.

Keep an eye out for other story updates and always check out Radish!

Lots of Love,

DoctorWho