Reginal S. Killingsworth

Oh, Sterling....do you not wish to join in the merriment? I am certain that your dull witt and sharp tongue would be a great asset to the amusement...we've seen you in good sport in year's past. therefore, we are sure that with a little help of the 'green fairy' from Maddogge's private stock...you will in rare form.

Splendid, my sweet dear flower. As I see by the good Captain's list, Nick and Finn be there; as I will be happy to help out.

Blurry-eyed and still drowsy from his dream state, Reggie slowly stirred from his disturbing dream. Started to find a bisketed faced man staring back at him through silver rimmed spectacles, he jerked back into the leather Chair. “Where the blazes am I? And who the hell are you?” Reggie asked still disoriented from the night’s excitement. The old man narrowed his eyes and looked back at this stranger.

(still in dream state...Killingsworth lingers between dream and memory).... Lady St. Claire waited impatiently in the dressing rooms of Reginald Killingworth's private apartments at university, summoned there by him, then left alone. With a bobbed curtsy, the maidservant told her that Master Killingsworth was preparing to leave for York but would be with her presently. In the next room, just beyond the closed heavily carved doors, she could hear Killingsworth along with several of the Head Master's staff whispering then raising their voices in disapproval. With a sigh, she realized that her new shoes were too tight, her feet hurt and she was angry that Reggie would dare to keep her waiting like this. Oh, there was a time, not so long ago, when he would seek her counsel, ask of her the deepest of confidences, for they were partners in all things. Now, apparently, she was to consider it a great fortune to be summoned like a servant! After more than half an house, the heave carved-oak doors were pulled open, the conversation faded as Killingsworth strode through, hands linked behind his back. Lady St. Claire was reminded in that instant, as the sun gleamed through the wall of windows, the bright light hitting his face, what a fine man he became. He radiated confidence, sensuality oozed from him. A man of his upbringing and power could make a mark on the world. She stood regally, every bit the noblewoman, in a dress of deep claret brocade, as the doors were closed by the maidservant and Killingsworth approached her, his heals echoed across the parquet flooring. Yes, she knew something was wrong and mostly likely it was about a girl – another pathetic serving wench, of all things – and that he had brought her to his apartments here at University, as she was sure that he had done with Jenny, the dairy maid, back at the manor house. Reggie held both of her arms above the elbow in a play of sincerity, then kissed her cheek. "It is good to see you again, dear cousin, "he said, the strain between them now a palpable thing. "Is it?" "Of course, it is. But I shall come straight to the point." "Please do." "I am leaving for York within the hour –" "Yes, so I've heard." "While I am gone, I wish you to organize and assist in the evacuation of my apartments here at University." For the first time in many years, something of the real Lady St. Claire bled through. "You're leaving? But the semester is not over with and your father will most likely be.." "Please do not make this any more difficult than it is." Her eyes narrowed. "Do you honestly believe that I would make this moment easy for you, Reggie? That after all these years of higher education and grooming yourself to take over your father's estate, I would simply let you pack up and walk away from your glorious future? Good Lord Reggie, tell me, please, this is not about some lowly maidservant. He eyes were angry now, his exp​ression closed to her. "Stop it, Sarah. "Stop what?" Reminding you of your silly little exploits, of how your bad choices in women have brought shame to your family name. Did you not think I knew?! She put her hands on his face to make him look at her. "…and what of her, Reggie? Now that you have your new jade to chase and woo…what will become of her after you become bored with this one? Will you toss her out like some used-up old tavern whore?" "Your mouth is as foul and tiresome as....!" "Now there is a great irony! You will open your bedchamber door to the lowest of women, and you are telling me what is foul?!" Reggie slapped her hard across the face –harder, she saw by his exp​ression, than he had meant to. Her hand went up to strike him in return, but he caught her by the wrist until she jerked her hand free. "So it has come to this?" He whispered to her. "I ask you for your help...Please help me." "Are the rumors true, Reggie? Did you kill her?" "I must leave, Sarah. Know only this. It was not me."

The warmth of the fire and a bottle of Madeira caused Reggie to fall into a drunken induced slumber remembering the things of his past… The oversize coach, with its black lacquered paint, gilding, rich velvet cushions, and six black horses pulling it, swayed along the paving towards Newmarket. Reggie and Sabastian Seymour arrived at this charming village of thatched cottages and clean streets, nestled amid the lush heath land of Suffolkshire, at half past six in the evening. Outside, it was still as light as day. Reggie stepped from the coach amid a porte cochere ringed by neatly trimmed emerald hedgerows and held out his perfumed hand to assist Sabastian from the coach. “We are at Newmarket!” He proclaimed. “Let us away to some revelry at last!” “This is yoursss?” asked Sebastian standing awestruck before the vast brick estate nestled into greening woods. “My family’s actually. But they do take pity on their dissoluted son in springtime and allow me the use of it.” Reggie pointed the way with his silver walking stick and presented Sebastian to the staff that stood in the starched straight line on the outside stone stairway. “Tis very grand, indeed,” smiled Sebastian as he looked up at the entrance hall, with its gleaming black marble floors, soaring ceilings and portraits lining the walls in heavy gilded frames. “Yes, designed to impress, like everything about the Killingsworth family.” “Well, I am rightly impressed, Killingsworth!” “Good,” Reggie smiled. “Now, do you wish the staff to show you to your rooms before the banquet this evening? “Yes, of course.” Then Sebastian paused for a moment at the top of the stairs. “Will your beautiful cousin Lady St. Claire and Mrs. McKinney be attending the banquet as well?” “Indeed! And as rumors abound, there is even talk about Moll Davis attending as well.” Sebastian’s eyes widened. “I do believe it is going to be a grand springtime here in Newmarket!” The rolling green Newmarket Heath had been transformed into an exotic sheik’s harem. Lights twinkled over a canopy of red silk like stars in a summer night sky. Servants, dressed as slaves, strolled up and down bearing silver trays filled with figs and nuts and jeweled goblets of wine. The royal musicians played just beyond. Inside, the tent was lit up brightly with candles. There were two other men standing with Lady St. Claire and Sebastian. They were all standing in front of tent’s arched opening with the view of the rolling green lawns behind filled with fireflies dancing about, all of them holding full glasses of wine. “...certainly you cannot mean that,” one said. “It’ll be so frightfully dull.” “I mean it, entirely. You are both to b6e on your absolute best behavior,” Lady St. Claire warned. “Give me at least a chance to appear redeeming.” “Appear, if not quite become, I hope?” Sebastian quipped. Lady St. Claire looked up, seeing Lilly McKinney then. She smiled and held out her hand to him. “Ah, Lilly. Do join us. Gentleman, this beautiful lady is the famous Lilly McKinney, about whom you have heard so much in London. Mrs. McKinney, this is Master Sebastian Seymour, Esq.” “It is an honor to meet such a fair prize as you, Mrs. McKinney.” Sebastian took her hand and kiss it. “Right charmed I am to make your acquaintance, Master Seymour.” She said smiling in return. From the corner of her eye, Lilly spotted the royal person and it was then Killingsworth moved forward. “Are you enjoying the evening’s entertainment given by our most gracious king?” Lilly bit back a smile. “Oh? Is his Majesty here?” She replied with a coy smile. Reggie looked upon her soft porcelain features. “He is. And it is his custom to host many such banquets as often as twice a fortnight when he is in town.” Lady St. Claire drained her goblet in single sip then stood next to her cousin, Reggie. “As you see Mrs. McKinney our family is very well connected, you could say. My Uncle; Reggie’s father, was a great favorite at court when His Majesty was a boy, and fortunately for us, this king is given in to strong bouts of nostalgia.” “Is that so?” She said grabbing a fig from a near by silver platter. “His Majesty seemed quite different when I met him.” “Royal persona.” Killingsworth said, passing another full goblet of wine to Sebastian. “Important things like war and asking Parliament for more money. Both full-time occupations, the way I hear it.” Killingsworth said blithely. “Once you come to know him here at Newmarket though, he is a very different sort altogether. You will see he is really quite tolerable human, full of all the same warts as the rest of us!’ “Speaking of warts, is he likely to bring Mrs. Davis?” Asked Sebastian as he mumbled over the rim of his goblet. Killingsworth laughed. “I rather doubt it. The king is not known for his consistency with the fair sex. Especially not here in Newmarket, where there is an abundance of beauty and options.” And with that Killingsworth nodded his head to the ladies before him.

The Professor now stroked his snow white beard and looked puzzled. He now had another stranger invading his home. The professor was more than put off by the very appearance of this man who now sat quietly staring into fireplace flames. The professor stood at the door jam, looking into the dimly lit room. It was apparent that the stranger looked more like a monster than a man. He had taken to sitting in the professors favorite chair, but did not utter one word to his most gracious host or to the servant. The light from the fireplace danced across the man's face, half hidden by the brim of his large beaver hat. The Professor raised his head slightly, eyes darting back and forth from stranger and servant, then he waved the servant boy away. He had to admit, curiosity got the best of him. The Professor inched his way into the parlor. Not a word came from the chair by the fireplace. It was then the sound of snoring caught his attention. As the Professor peered over the side of the chair, he noticed that his monstrous guest was fast asleep.

The dream was soon broken by the sudden sound of footfall behind him. Are you all right, Sir? A soft, shaken voice with an accent made him turn quickly. There in the dark shadows was a young native boy 16, if a day, looking at back at him. Are you all right, Sir? Have you injured yourself? Suddenly Reggie remembered that he still held the cloth soaked in blood. I will call for a physick if you need, sir? From the distance across the way, Reggie then heard the demanding shout of an elderly man. It is my Master, Sir. I must go to him. He can help you, Sir. Come. Again, another shout from the other side of the street demanded a reply. Reggie took a step closer to the servant boy.

Lilly took another long swallow of her wine. Reggie sat next to her as they continued their conversation. All London thinks you a sensation, Lilly! Her eyes peeked over the rim of her fine wine glass, then she placed it down upon the table. She smiled at him, coyly. Thank you, Reggie! I am on top of the world! Yes, too bad Captain Sterling does not feel the same way. Said Reggie as he refilled her glass. Lillys face then fell. She did not expect him to mention his name tonight. Oh! not him again, Reggie. She said with a sigh. I can have my fill of any of the lords and dukes that frequent the theater to see me. I am sure they are looking to add a bit of glitter to their dull lives?! She said with a smirk. "One justs has to find themselves a well-placed man, then make him fall in love with them, that is all She only smiled in return. She again was playing the game. He knew that she would do anything to make Captain Sterling hers and hers alone. It was just that he was not as well off as the rest of those who wooed her. She longed for security and a man with wealth was the only way. Yet, in the meantime, he knew she would take lovers to suit her financial needs. My Dear Lilly, did you ever consider monogamy? I did actually, but Ive since recovered from it quite nicely, thank you!

Hot air of his very lungs rushed around him. He found it difficult to breath. It was like drawing in flame…a feeling that he would rather forget. As he made his way down a narrow alley, he finally stopped and collapsed against a wall. Reggie’s hands now dripping with blood, he knew he had to hide the evidence of his latest crime. Quickly, he found a rag stuffed between a few wooden crates and wiped them off. A knife? How foolish! He thought to himself. A knife leaves blood, and blood is a trail to be found out. He surely will be found out now. Strangulation was so nice and tidy. There is nothing left behind….except the body. He kept running down the narrow passages until he found the back entrance to his lodgings. He will be all right once inside, he thought to himself. “I managed this far…” he muttered as he looked through the little window of inn’s lower hall. There, he saw many a man and woman in jubilant conversation and dance. He could see a woman dressed in robin egg blue satin and her amble bosom peeking out the top of her lace edged bodice. All this to draw the attentions of a suitor towards her. She whispered in his ear and coyly flirted with him. She then took her fan and tapped his shoulder. Reggie remembered this game that all woman play. In a candle lit hall, all eyes were upon her. She joyfully smiled at those she passed by. “Well, if I live and breathe!” Shouted Reggie over the din of a boisterous crowd. “Its’ our very own pretty little Lilly McKinney come to grace us with her presences and charm!” It was then Lilly stopped and greeted them all with her best theatrical curtsy, and was immediately surrounded. “Did you given them what they asked for, Lilly?” “…And them some!” “I would fancy seeing such a fine lady grace the stage.” Swooned an older court lady. Lilly then turned and without missing a beat smiled. “Then you best not be coming to see me! Fancy isn’t what they pay for with Lilly McKinney before them!” A roar of laughter over took the room and Reggie approached Lilly taking her hand in greeting. “Does it ever grow tiresome, hearing that applause and laughter?” He asked her as he kissed her cheek. “Only if I grow weary of being adored!” She replied with a wink!”

Reggie raised his head from the table where it had been perched in slumber for the last few hours. There inside the tavern of the ‘Pudding and Pye’ there were low rough-hewn beams, chipped plaster walls, and mice scurrying across the cold stone floor. Earlier the crowd, most of them drunk, red-faced men in soiled shirts, from the docks laughed, coughed, and tipped their head back in great jest. It was an awful site to behold. Yet now…looking around, he noticed that the crowd had dissipated to a lowly few. The barkeep barked his few commands to the lowly serving maid. “When y’er done there…out to the kitchen wif you.” The barkeeps eyes narrowed at the pretty little dark button-eyed girl in the soiled mud-brown frock. “and don’t be think’n you can steal anything from the pantry. I’m keep’n me eye on you, girl!” The young girl threw her hand up in retaliation to the barkeeps comment. “Coxcomb!” She shouted back to him as made her way to the kitchen’s door. Muttering under his breath, the barkeep words could be heard quite clearly from where Reggie was seated. It was then the barkeep realized he was not alone in the tavern. “You dun here? We’re closing up now. Pay me and off with you.” Reggie pulled his cloak closure to his body, his hat further down to cover his face. “Yes…of course,” was the only reply that came from him. As he threw a few coins on the table, the barkeep looked at him. “You owe me a bit more than that…seeing that I took care of that ‘bundle’ of yours the other night.” Reggie’s eyes narrowed as looked back at the squat, ruddy-faced man. “I see that you are not above blackmail.” “Just trying to make my way in the world.” “…just trying to make my way in the world…” Reggie laughed to himself. “yes…of course.” It was then he withdrew his knife from his cloak.

From the other side of the room, a ill-fitted man, a shadow of what he once was, notices the stranger enter the pub with a flourish. Reginal raises an eyebrow to the new visitor once he asks for Sterling by name. "I dare sssay you've come quite far if you wish to ssseek out a man such as Ssterling." He stands from his chair and looks towards the clourfully attired man at the window table. "Regnial Killingsworth, of Warwick and North Hamptonshire." It was then Reginal glanced up and down at the Fop. "I see you favor last year's fashion. Pitty. I am sure you've been abroad far too long to be up on the lates fashions here."

In the dark little room at the top of the inn, Reggie Killingsworth tried to find comfort in sleep. He rolled over on his small bed and saw that day light had given way to darkness. He rubbed his eyes and let out a sigh, but he could not find peace. An old malevolent force haunted his every waking hour. It had never left him since he arrived in Port Royal more than six months ago. It crept in like a ghost and held fast to his soul. In the dim light of a faded fire he noticed the body of Bess lying on the floor. Had it only been a few hours since he killed her? Had anyone heard her cry? He wondered. Had anyone heard her shout ‘Murder’? His mind began to race once more. Nevertheless, the unsettling feeling still haunted him. Killing was relatively simple. It was the aftermath that he had trouble with. His hands flew up to her face as he tried to cover his eyes of what he had done. Reggie quickly lit a candle and grabbed the bible. “God, forgive me…” He whispered as he began to pray… Deus meus, ex toto corde poenitet me omnium meorum peccatorum, eaque detestor, quia peccando, non solum poenas a te iuste statutas promeritus sum, sed praesertim quia offendi te, summum bonum, ac dignum qui super omnia diligaris. Ideo firmiter propono, adiuvante gratia tua, de cetero me non peccaturum peccandique occasiones proximas fugiturum. Amen.

Bess was startled at first. She turned to see the old man beckon her and point to the window where she knew her Master was waiting. Fearing that her Master was watching her from his perch, she quickly turned to the old man." "Ney sir, my Master would have me in an inch of my life if I spoke to you...or any other stranger. I am not permitted. Good day to you, sir." And with that Bess quickly opened the door to the inn and went inside.