Hyde Page 14

  Jeremiah handed me a pair of gloves.

  I obeyed, after first stripping off my shirt and coat to bare my chest and removing my shoes. The gloves resembled more an oversized pair of mittens. Rebecca helped me laced them up around the wrists.

  Jeremiah spoke as I worked to get dressed. "The fair-size gloves have changed things in the game. The bouts have become longer. There's more strategy. That's why I taught you more defensive maneuvers such as slipping, bobbing, countering and angling, blocking opponent's blows with your gloves. Stick to that, and you'll do fine."

  Once prepared, I left the room, ascended the stairs to the ring, and stepped through the ropes. More customers had come for the fight, and the air felt thick like steam with the stench of unwashed bodies and alcohol. Men had gathered around the ring and cheered as I entered.

  Labonte served as referee. He raised a hand to calm the crowd and addressed them. "In this corner, we have Antonio Rodriguez, the Spaniard. In this corner, a newcomer to the ring, Edward Devlin. Gentlemen, place your bets."

  To the two of us, Labonte said, "We follow the Marquess of Queensberry rules here. You fall through weakness or from blows, the other man must return to his corner, and you must rise unassisted in ten seconds. If the fallen man gets to his feet, the round is resumed. If the ten seconds expire, I shall award the victory to the other man. Likewise, if any man hangs on the ropes with his toes off the ground or if a man falls to one knee. Wrestling, hugging, butting with the head, biting, and striking below the belt are strictly prohibited."

  These last seemed directly towards me. I took it under advisement.

  Labonte raised a fist. "To your corners!"

  My opponent moved to his corner. I moved to the opposite. We regarded each other from across the ring as money changed hands all around us. Some in the room paid us little mind, clearly anticipating this to be a short fight with little in my favour. We were merely the undercard, an appetizer for the main event.

  In time, Labonte raised his hand. "No more bets, gentlemen, no more bets. Fighters, fight!"

  Rodriguez and I came out of our corners to the center of the ring. I noted the smirk on his face as I approached, thinking this would be a quick fight. Yet I could see how Jeremiah's training had given me the advantage. Rodriguez used the classic pose, with his forearms outwards, and torso leaning back. I used a more defensive pose with my torso tilted forward and hands held closer to my face.

  Rodriguez swung quickly, and I blocked his jab with my globes. When I reached striking range, I lashed out with a punch. Devlin surprised me by ducking to one side and driving a punch into my jaw. I stumbled back, stunned more by the speed of the blow than by the impact. I sought to change that by landing two early jabs to his chin, then his stomach. I stayed active with my jab and landed a short check left hook to his jaw. I heard the roar of the crowd in shock and surprise as I flicked out a two-punch combination down the pike of Rodriguez’s guard. I hit Rodriguez with an overhand right.

  Rodriguez stumbled back, clearly taken off-guard by my speed. His eye had gone wide, and I could see a touch of fear as he realized he had underestimated me. I tagged Rodriguez with a few more jabs. I hit Rodriguez with two quick left hooks to his temple and Rodriguez looked hurt. Rodriguez swung a lunging hook at me. I dodged it, then gave a jab. Rodriguez recovered quicker than I expected and hit me with an overhand right. I shook it off, hitting Rodriguez with a short uppercut that snapped him back. He roared as he moved in on me, but I slammed jabs into him that put him against the ropes. I kept up a flurry of straight right hands, leaving him no choice but to take the blows.

  A bell rang, forcing me to pull back my assault. I returned to my corner, giving Rodriguez a quick wink as I did so. The crowd roared as they took note.

  Jeremiah gave me some water as he murmured, "Well done, Devlin. You got some good hits in there. But don't get cocky. Much of your advantage came of surprise. He's had a chance to see what you can do, and shall be ready for you. Next round'll not be so easy. He'll be goin' in fast and hard, so this time I want you to use your speed. Keep moving, wear him out, pick your shots."

  The bell rang. I moved to the ring, and noted the blood in Rodriguez' eyes. He felt shamed by my first round, and wished to punish me for it.

  Rodriguez swung jabs at my jaw, my chest, and my stomach. I took all the blows with my gloves and forearms, throwing him off-balance, then countered with three hard jabs to his nose. Blood sprayed from his face, adding to the stains on the canvas. Rodriguez roared as he lunged at me again. This time, he caught me against the ropes, and delivered shots to my chest and stomach that forced the wind from me. I tasted the coppery tang of blood in my mouth. The crowd howled, thinking that perhaps the tables had turned.

  I swallowed back the blood and pain, and lashed out with a three-punch combination to the face. Rodriguez doubled over as more blood poured down his lips, and I hit Rodriguez on the back of the head.

  Labonte came up to shove me back. "Devlin, no pushing his head down. Keep it back."

  Rodriguez recovered, but his eyes swam in their sockets, hot with rage. He launched himself at me, quicker than before, and this time I found myself against the ropes. He peppered me with left and right hooks to the body. I took them all, working through the pain to make out the right moment. When the opening came, I whipped a right uppercut to his jaw. His head snapped back, his eyes rolled up, and he tumbled onto his knees.

  He stayed on all fours, raised his head, gasping. I punched the side of his head. He fell over and collapsed. Rodriguez rolled his eyes up at me

  The room fell into silence that was broken only by Labonte calling out, "One...two...three..." Then the men began to shout encouragement to Rodriguez, calling for him to rise. I went to my corner to wait.

  Labonte finally called out ten seconds, then threw up his hands. "Devlin wins by K.O.!"

  A chorus of groans and shouts of anger filled the room, broken only by Lucky who cheered wildly at his winnings. The crowd began trading their losses as I climbed out from under the ropes.

  Rebecca ran up and gave me a passionate hug and kiss. "Well done, Edward. You were wonderful in there."

  Labonte approached me. "Indeed. That was quite impressive for a first bout. I do believe there's a place for you in my stable."

  He held out a sack of gold sovereigns. "Your winnings. And well-deserved."

  "Thank you, my lord." I took the gold with the knowledge that it was the first money I had ever earned. And it was more than Jekyll could make in a day at his practice. I was so used to receiving my money from Jekyll's earnings that it was an awe-inspiring thing.

  Labonte pointed at my chest. "You did well against Devlin, but I fear a more skilled opponent will beat you handily. You're fast and strong, but you lack skill and strategy. I'll schedule a match against one of the better fighters. You need to get some training before then or you shall fare badly."

  I nodded. "Yes, my lord."

  As he left me, Rebecca helped me unlace my gloves and said, "We must go out tonight."

  "Go out?" I asked as she finished. "Go where?"

  Rebecca handed me my clothing. "To the theatre."

  I felt flushed with rage, and had to grit my teeth to prevent myself from striking her, until her expression made me realise she was not making sport of me. "I cannot go to the theatre.'

  "Why not?"

  I spread my arms wide. "I am not of the higher class."

  Rebecca shook her head, throwing her blonde curls aside. "Nonsense. Your money is as good as anyone else's. Better even. You worked harder for it."

  "Rebecca, I do not belong there. I would not fit in."

  She took my arm. "Now we must definitely go, if for no other reason than to prove you wrong."

  Despite my protests, she dragged me to the cab outside and climbed in. She called out to Lucky, "To the theatre district. We wish to see a show."

  "Straight away, Miss Webb," said Lucky as he snapped the reins.

  As we rode to th
e theatre district, I became more and more pensive. I knew how others looked at me in a filthy pub. I could only imagine the treatment I would receive in a high-end theatre such as the ones I had seen Jekyll attend. I thought I had grown accustomed to the scorn and mockery of others until that moment.

  Rebecca seemed oblivious to my discomfort, chattering excitedly about the night ahead. She settled on us attending an opera production that she had heard much about. I had little interest in her choice. It all seemed as if it would end the same.

  It took a moment before I recognized that Rebecca had ceased to speak and was staring at me.

  "What is it?" I asked.

  She looked into my eyes. "Where are we going?"

  I paused a moment before saying, "I had thought we were heading to the theatre."

  "That's not what I mean. I mean, where are we going in our relationship? What are your intentions?"

  "My intentions are to enjoy your company."

  "For how long? A week? A month? A year?"

  "I do not know. I had intended to enjoy it for as long as it was available."

  Rebecca lowered her eyes. "My company will always be available for you, Edward. But it only goes so far. You are a mysterious man. I find that intriguing. I wish to know more, to dig deeper within your soul. I wonder what drives your anger, your violence, and your brutality."

  "If you wish to know why I am angry, you have but to look upon my countenance."

  "Your appearance is not who you are, Edward. It is merely what you wear. But you are driven by such dark urges. I wish to know what shaped your soul."

  I glared out the window. "Your wish cannot be granted."

  "But why? At least give me a hint about the cause for your secrecy. Are you married and hiding me as your mistress? Were you involved in a scandal? Injured in an accident? Did you come from higher classes?"

  "The answer to your question is beyond your understanding. No one can know who and what I am."

  "But why?"

  "'Why?'" I mimicked and turned on her so quickly that she jerked back. "Is that all you can ask is 'why?' Why is the night sky black? Why does fire burn? Better you should ask those questions first, then come to me. I am this way because that is who I am. I am a foul and lecherous man shunned by all of Mankind. That is all you need to know. Do you think that by asking questions you can make me a better man?"

  "No, Edward," she said quietly. "I ask because I wish to know more about the man I care so deeply for. It is only natural. I see you so little and know even less."

  "And I know little of you," I said. "Where do you go during the day? Where were you born? Are you of noble birth? Why are you a whore?"

  "I have no difficulty with answering those questions. I do little during the day. I prefer the night. And yes, I am of noble birth. As to why I am a whore, I found it a convenient way to acquire what I wished, and go where I pleased. Now since I have been forthcoming with you, I would appreciate your being forthcoming with me."

  I had not expected her honesty and had no answer for her. I simply turned away to look out at London rolling past. "I am sorry, Rebecca. The reasons behind my behaviour and my history are not your concern. From the day I was born, I have lived in shame and loathing. I have no past, no present, and no future. If that is not enough for you, then better you should find someone else with which to spend your time."

  "Perhaps." I heard the rustle of clothing as Rebecca turned away from me to gaze out of her own window.

  We rode silent, save for the rattle of the wheels on the road below.

  We arrived and I hung back as she climbed out. I took a deep breath and stepped out onto the street. The theatre was lit by gas lamps as bright as day. Men and women in fine garments milled about, waiting in line for tickets or waiting for the show to begin.

  We went to the ticket booth. The woman's smile flickered a little at the sight of me, but when I produced the gold to pay for the tickets, her smile broadened.

  A small boy approached me. I expected him to cry "Monkey Man," but instead he smiled and asked, "Care for a shoeshine, sir?"

  "Yes. Thank you."

  As he began to brush the mud and snow from my boots, a woman approached me with a handful of roses and asked, "Care for some flowers for your sweetheart?"

  I smiled. "Absolutely. All you have."

  The woman gushed, "Thank you, sir" as she handed me her entire collection. I gave her more than they were worth, and likewise overpaid the small boy.

  As the time for the show's opening approached, we entered the lobby along with the other patrons. I flinched at the prospect of being surrounded by upper-crust, but they paid me no mind. Far from it. Some of them smiled at me. I was mystified.

  Rebecca whispered into my ear, "Look at them watch you. You are young, you are rich, and you have a beautiful woman on your arm. When you have enough money and power, even Satan himself would be accepted in high society. You are not one of them, Edward. You are better. They envy you."

  It seemed hard to believe, but I noted the admiring glances thrown at Rebecca from the men in the room. One man winked at me and nodded.

  It was true. I was not one of them. In that moment, I felt above them all. In that moment, for the first time, I felt what it was to be a man.

  I smiled at Rebecca as I said, "I love you."

  She smiled and took my face in her hands as she whispered, "I love you, too."

  Chapter Eighteen - Prison of Flesh

  WE ENJOYED the opera thoroughly, and I found Rebecca was correct. I was treated with all smiles and fanfare when I showed the money in my pocket. It was, indeed, my ticket into high society.

  When I returned home, it was nearing the dawn. I considered not changing back at all, but did want to miss the pleasure of witnessing my revenge on Jekyll. Yet I discovered that it took triple the dosage of the draught to transform.

  Once Jekyll regained control, he looked at himself in the mirror and growled, "Curse you, Hyde. What have you done?"

  From inside him, I laughed and thought I had done no more to him than he had done to me.

  Jekyll rushed from the laboratory to his bedroom, changed quickly, and bid his driver to rush him to the home of his fiancee'. His carriage thundered through the streets of London, sending pedestrians fleeing with curses thrown in its wake. We arrived and requested to see the genera. Jekyll was ushered in quickly to face the stormy countenance of General Stone.

  "Doctor Jekyll," the general said, "for once, I am actually pleased to see you. If you had not requested a visit with me, I would have paid you a visit myself. We received a visitor last night from an acquaintance of yours, Edward Hyde."

  Jekyll held up a hand. "Yes, I am aware of that, and I am here to say that he was witness to a flurry of lies."

  "Spare me your explanations, Jekyll. I am not interested in excuses. I do not take the words of criminals at face value. However, I also do not dismiss them out of hand. What Hyde said was less important than the fact that he said it. I asked myself why a man hiding from Scotland Yard would take the time and risk to offer his impression of you to me. My only conclusion is that he does have some important connection to you that you have not disclosed. Whether he is a business or personal associate, I know not, and care little. What matters is that Hyde casts a shadow upon your character, of which I already had little faith in."

  General Stone turned away to face the fire burning in his fireplace. "I did not agree with your engagement to my daughter before Hyde's visit, and now I am fully opposed to it. You will not marry Charlotte Glass, doctor. Not now, not ever. That is my final decision and cannot be changed. You may stay for a moment longer to offer her your goodbyes in the study, then your presence here will not be tolerated again. That is all I have to say. Go."

  "General," started Jekyll, "I must insist--"

  "I said, leave me, doctor. Before I change my mind and have you immediately escorted from the premises."

  Jekyll opened his mouth to protest again, but then simply r
ushed from the drawing room to the study.

  Charlotte sat at the window, looking out at the snow falling onto the street outside. She did not look up when Jekyll entered, but whispered, "Who is Edward Hyde, Henry?"

  "It doesn't matter."

  "It matters to me."

  "He's a criminal, a madman, and a liar, Charlotte, nothing more. Give him not another thought."

  Charlotte smiled without humour. "He is in my every thought now, Henry. Hyde has appeared in our lives too often to be ignored. You two seem to be connected in ways I cannot fathom."

  Jekyll dropped to one knee beside her. "My darling, what matters is the two of us. The general has forbidden our marriage."

  She looked at him for the first time. Her eyes seemed to focus on him from far away. "I know."

  "You are old enough that we do not need your father's permission to wed."

  "That is true. But his opinion matters to me, Henry."

  Jekyll took his hand in his. "We can run away."

  "I cannot elope. I am all he has. To leave him in that way would kill him."

  "Please, my darling Charlotte," pleaded Jekyll. "I love you."

  Charlotte lowered her eyes. "I do not love you."

  It took a moment before Jekyll could speak, and then could only manage, "What?"

  "I no longer love you. Perhaps I never did. Recent events have changed my perceptions of you to one contrary to my nature. If the general had not ended our engagement, I would have."

  "How can you say that? Don't you know how much you mean to me?"

  Charlotte raised her eyes and smiled wistfully at him. "I once thought that I knew."

  "Charlotte, I am attempting to enter the field of politics. I cannot do so as an unmarried man. It will cast doubt upon my character. I must be wed."

  Her smile fell. Her eyes softened. "Is that all I am to you? Merely a stepping stone for your ambitions?"

  "No, of course not. I love you. But this is about more than love. You will be the wife of a minister of Parliament. This is about our future."