Verity by Marian Keen

Author:Marian Keen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Verity, Marian’s first novel, for teens, intertwines Marian’s strong interest in historical fiction and her deep concern at the growing trend in bullying. Not unique to present day society, the abuse of young people spans the centuries, and, as Verity discovers, the values of integrity, loyalty, and supportive communities can make all the difference.
Publisher: Keen Ideas Publishing
Published: 2014-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28: Ol’ Aggie Knows

The journey home was much shorter; not having to stop at the Baron’s Castle, they followed a more direct route. Verity was relieved to lie on her own bed in the Garret. This was the first time in weeks that she was alone and could think without disruption.

She couldn’t blame Violet for crying. She felt overwhelmed herself. A tear rolled down her cheek, but she brushed it away angrily. There was no time for self-pity when Violet needed a strong friend. She concentrated on Violet.

A few weeks ago, Violet would have been so excited to be in this position. As a noble maiden of marriageable age—beautiful, graceful, intelligent—she now would have two most agreeable possibilities: the Prince and the young nobleman Lucien. It was plain that Lucien was smitten and inconceivable that the Prince would be disinterested in such a lovely young maiden, so the only factors at odds were Violet’s obvious feelings for Lucien (she loved him) and the Duchess’s feelings for powerful wealth (she loved wealth even more than she loved her own daughter). Euphoria was more than selfish and ruthless. She was wicked. She had no redeeming qualities. She had a formidable power and an evil soul. What a combination.

Verity shuddered. She climbed out of bed, knelt on the floor, and prayed. Then she returned to her bed and hoped that God would inspire her so that she could help Violet. Having called on God for help, Verity felt more peaceful and relaxed. She began to think of the handsome hunter. Visualizing his steady blue eyes made her feel much safer and her memory of the expression in them made her feel worthy and even desirable. She smiled and then dozed.

With startling suddenness, she sat up, wide awake. Inspiration had entered her with total clarity. The Duchess Euphoria was not entirely powerful. She had a weakness—her drugging swamp flowers. But if those flowers could be destroyed… And Verity realized she was not alone. She had an ally—the Wizard. He could tell her how to destroy those wicked plants. She must determine the timing, which would be crucial. Luckily, the Duchess would be preoccupied with preparations for the Prince’s arrival and would never notice the activities or spying by “an insignificant toad.”

The days slipped by as Verity observed the Duchess’s behaviour. There were times when the woman was elated, energetic, and pleasantly cheerful. During this stage, she would treat servants kindly, though always disdainfully. Then would follow a slump. For no apparent reason, she would be highly irritable and demanding. During this time, everyone strove to make no mistakes, for she was quick to dissolve into rages, inflicting damage on any unfortunate bystander. Most of the time, the Duke was absent from the castle, but when he appeared he looked despondent and haunted.

Once, Verity, who was hurrying to run an unnecessary errand for the Duchess, was surprised to see the Duke with his arms around his weeping daughter. His face was a mirror of despair.

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