The orange light of dawn crept into the room. Melissa sat up, drawing a deep breath. Today was the day. She had no idea what it held, but her father’s words echoed in her mind: Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. She might be in another universe, in a different time, where supernatural creatures existed, but despite all this, she was still herself, and she would approach this problem as she always did. She was still herself, after all, no matter how outlandish her circumstances. Three gentle knocks on the door interrupted her thoughts, pulling her back to this strange reality.
“A pleasant morning to you, Miss Bennet. I trust you are rested. Perhaps today we shall be successful in returning you to your own time.” Collin said, his voice lacking its usual enthusiasm.
Melissa took a deep breath. “Good morning, Collin. I’m ready to go home.”
She moved around the bedroom, gathering her belongings, bolstering her courage one last time before opening the door. Collin sat on the couch, a teacup in hand. He looked up at Melissa, offering a small, reassuring smile and a nod.
“I don’t think these shoes are quite suitable for wandering through the woods. Could I borrow something more comfortable, something that won’t slow us down?” Melissa asked, gesturing to her closed kitten heels with their large rose embellishments.
“You are quite right. I shall ask Mrs. Wilson if she can lend us a pair of her shoes.” Collin said, rising and heading downstairs.
Melissa’s heart began to race. A part of her knew this wouldn’t be as simple as a carriage ride and a stroll into a maze. There was always a catch; why would interdimensional travel be straightforward? She began to imagine the maze leading to another universe entirely, not her own. What if there was only an empty void at the other end, where she would freeze and suffocate? What if there were dinosaurs, and she would be devoured by some prehistoric beast? But staying here was not an option. She had to try. Nothing came from giving up and accepting fate. Melissa had given up once in her life, and she had paid dearly. Staying here with a limited supply of medicine, no modern doctors, and as a woman with no skills applicable to 1825, she was doomed. No, she must enter the maze and face whatever lay on the other side. Her thoughts were interrupted by Collin’s return.
“Here they are! I've found a pair that should do nicely. Let us be on our way,” he said, slightly out of breath, holding a pair of small, grey lace-up shoes. “Unless you have an appetite and would like a bite to eat first? I presume, however, that you are eager to proceed without delay.”
“Food is the last thing on my mind, but thank you for asking. Let’s go,” Melissa said, her voice calm and determined.
As the carriage rumbled through the morning streets of London, Melissa was once again lost in thought. She couldn’t shake the feeling that their plan was too easy.
Collin glanced at his guest, whose mind seemed to be elsewhere. He had so many questions, so many topics he wished to explore, but he didn’t want to disturb her. He felt a strange sense that some things were simply not meant to be fully known, like a fleeting glimpse of something beautiful that vanishes before it can be grasped. The thought of accompanying her to her own time briefly entered his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. He had duties here; if he left, he would abandon those who needed him, leaving them at the mercy of the powerful and corrupt. He could not allow evil to win.
As they neared the theater, they exchanged a look, a shared acknowledgment of the gravity of their task. With each passing moment, as the trees closed in around them, Melissa’s anxiety intensified. Finally, Collin brought the carriage to a stop.
“We have reached the location. I shall make the carriage secure, and we shall continue our journey afoot.” Collin said.
“Agreed. Let’s try to retrace our steps.” Melissa said, taking Collin’s hand as he helped her down from the carriage.
As Melissa followed Collin, she could already see the gate from the previous evening. However, as they drew closer, she found only an empty, overgrown meadow. The maze had vanished. She hurried to the gate, examining it closely to confirm it was the same one. After a few moments, she turned to Collin. “This must be the wrong side. The gate seems different—taller, I think. Take me to the other side.”
“I regret to inform you that this is the only gate; the theater is otherwise enclosed by dense hedges and trees,” Collin said, his tone sympathetic.
“But where is the maze, then? This is clearly the wrong place. I’m going home today, and that’s final—with or without her help,” Melissa declared, her voice laced with anger and frustration.
“My apologies. Of course. This way,” Collin said, turning onto a narrow path leading into the woods.
As Melissa followed, her breathing grew heavy, and a lump formed in her throat. She had known this would happen; it had all seemed too easy.
After they had circled the entire theater building, the reality of her situation sank in. She was trapped here, with no immediate prospect of returning to her own time. Melissa gasped for air as Collin wondered, “I have observed the maze myself on prior occasions. It is quite baffling that it is not apparent now; it simply must be somewhere on these grounds.
In a panic, Melissa ran toward the gate beside where the maze was supposed to be. Collin followed. Reaching the gate, she turned to face the meadow and said, “It must only be visible from a specific angle,” she muttered, twisting and turning, trying every possible perspective. Collin watched, knowing this was a long shot, but he said nothing; she was right to try everything. This was, after all, akin to magic, and who could know its workings? Hours passed as Melissa tried every conceivable approach. She even repeated the words she had spoken before entering the maze and put on the shoes she had worn originally, but nothing made any difference.
Collin had been considering various ways to make the maze reappear, and finally, an idea struck him. “I wonder if it only appears at certain hours. Do you happen to remember what time it was when you arrived?”
Melissa turned around and ran toward Collin, exclaiming, “Collin, you’re a genius! I think it was ten o’clock at night. You said you’d seen the maze before—was it dark when you saw it?” she asked hopefully.
“I cannot speak with absolute certainty, but I am inclined to believe that such is the case,” he replied, his expression serious.
“Then we shall wait,” Melissa said, sitting down on a few bricks and some dry grass, her back to the gate.
Collin sat beside her. He was disappointed and saddened by Melissa’s predicament, yet a selfish part of him felt happy—a feeling that immediately filled him with guilt. He secretly hoped she would stay. Her otherworldliness intrigued him, but beyond that, he felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity with her. Everything about her felt close to his heart, dear and precious. He felt as though fate had brought them together. He longed to express his feelings, but he saw that Melissa’s sole focus was returning home. She was consumed by this goal, ignoring everything else around her. He understood. When one is lost, escape is the only thing that matters.
“Pray tell me of your world. I cannot help but believe it must be a most wondrous place,” Collin asked, turning to face Melissa.
“Amazing? No. Far from it. Comfortable, perhaps. It has so many things I wouldn’t know how to live without,” Melissa said, finally calmer.
“What are those? I must know at once,” he asked, glancing at the sky.
“Countless things—things you wouldn’t even understand. You’d have to experience them; simply describing cannot do them justice.” She paused, thinking. “I’m also someone back home. I’ve worked hard to create my own little corner. Here, I’m a complete nobody—just a burden to you,” Melissa said, twisting her ring.
“You are mistaken! You are two centuries ahead of us! You possess the power to transform this world beyond our wildest imaginings.” He paused, his voice softening. “And a burden? Such a notion is preposterous. You are a gift, a treasure I am not deserving of.”
“Oh, Collin. Thank you. I wish I had a friend like you back home,” she said, taking his hand and giving it a small squeeze.
Collin was taken aback. This was a moment he would cherish, even if she left that very night; he would forever remember how he felt in this moment. He gently placed his other arm around her waist, offering comfort and seeking it himself. Melissa leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. Collin rested his chin on her hair, feeling the silent tears that began to trickle down her cheek and onto his sleeve. He held her closer.
“I want to go home,” Melissa said through her tears. “I just want things to be as they were.”
“Maze existence is confirmed by your use of it and my own observation. It is logical to assume that others have also encountered it, and they may have a more comprehensive understanding of its nature. Should the maze not reappear as we hope, I have certain persons I believe we could approach for information,” Collin offered, suggesting alternative solutions.
“I don’t think that will be necessary, but thank you, Collin,” Melissa said with newfound certainty.
Collin took out his pocket watch and placed it on his lap so they could track the time. The sun began to set around six o’clock, and Collin knew he should be vigilant; the area was not safe. He drew a pistol from his holster and held it in his left hand, resting his arm on his thigh. Melissa said nothing; her greatest fear at that moment was the maze’s continued absence. No monster or vampire could compare to that fear.
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As the hours passed, Melissa told Collin about the future and the remarkable inventions humanity had created over the centuries. The longer he held her and the more he heard, the more he longed to travel to her time with her. As they grew more comfortable with each other, Collin finally mustered the courage to ask, “At your home, is there perhaps a gentleman experiencing considerable distress due to your absence?”
“It’s just me, myself and I,” Melissa said, pulling away from Collin. “There are plenty of people who will be worried sick, don’t get me wrong, but the one who’s likely tearing his hair out right now is my father.”
Collin couldn't entirely conceal his relief, but Melissa avoided his gaze. She had been in similar situations before, and leading this man on was never her intention. She hadn't even considered that the hug they shared might have been misinterpreted.
She glanced at Collin’s pocket watch; it was half-past nine. The next half hour was agonizing. To Melissa, hope was a dangerous thing. If their hypothesis proved wrong, and that hope was extinguished, despair would surely follow, making her return even more difficult.
Ten o’clock came and went, then eleven, then midnight, then one in the morning—but still nothing. Melissa stood abruptly and began to shout, a mixture of rage and frustration. She wished the ground would simply open and swallow her. The pain she felt was unlike anything physical; it was a deep, aching despair. In her frustration, she tried to climb the gate, but she lacked the strength to get more than a few feet off the ground, clutching the bars and lifting one foot at a time.
“We shall find a solution,” Collin said, trying to soothe her. “I will consult with persons familiar with this area; I have no doubt we shall find someone who can offer us some information.”
“No!” she screamed. “Nothing will work! I’m stuck here forever. There’s no hope! You might as well shoot me now; I’m as good as dead!” She stared blankly at Collin.
“Hope remains a constant,” Collin said, extending his hand. “Our efforts thus far have been minimal. Even if my theory proves flawed, we shall devise a more effective one in due course. With concerted effort, we shall undoubtedly find a means of egress. No puzzle is so intricate that it cannot be deciphered; we must simply maintain our composure, for a clear mind is essential to rational thought.”
“You don’t understand!” she cried, ignoring his hand. “My… my beauty will fade. My eyebrows, my nails—they’ll be gone! I won’t be able to replace them; the technology simply won’t exist here in my lifetime. All the things I took for granted… I’ll have to use newspapers instead of toilet paper! And what about medicine? What happens when I run out?” She looked down in despair. “My family… what about my family? I’ll never see them again. How am I supposed to live knowing that?”
Collin gently placed his arms around her from behind. Melissa released her grip on the gate and turned to him, tears streaming down her face. “What am I supposed to do?” she sobbed.
“Do not despair,” Collin said, holding her close. “I swear I will find a way. I have given my word, and I shall uphold it, even if it is my last act.” He held her tightly. “We ought to leave. The lateness of the hour renders our continued presence in these woods precarious.”
In a daze, Melissa barely registered their return to the carriage and the subsequent journey back to Collin’s townhouse. Soon, she found herself changing into her pajamas. Collin approached the doorway. “I propose we host a dinner tomorrow,” he said. “I shall invite individuals of considerable local knowledge, given their ownership of the surrounding lands. They are likely to possess accounts or other details that could assist us. I beg you, do not relinquish hope.”
She wiped the tears from her face. “Very well,” she said quietly. “Let’s discuss it tomorrow. I want to help in any way I can.”
The following day, Collin bought Melissa a gown from a neighbour. He then personally delivered invitations to the individuals he had mentioned, hoping they might possess useful information. He returned home with additional staff to assist Mrs. Wilson in preparing for the evening’s gathering.
Collin went upstairs to discuss his plan with Melissa. He suspected she had never encountered anyone quite as vapid and self-absorbed as his guests.
“Melissa,” he began, “I must speak with you briefly regarding the importance of our conduct this evening.”
“Just tell me what to do,” she replied lifelessly, the spark she had shown the previous day entirely gone.
“The guests tonight are… not all of them are entirely human, and every last one of them believes themselves superior. They are merciless; they can sense fear and desperation instantly. I know how to manage them, however. If you could keep the Duchess occupied, I will speak with her husband; he owns the theater and most of the surrounding area. A few glasses of wine may render him more… forthcoming, and we might obtain some valuable information.”
“Alright,” Melissa said. “What does she like? What can I talk about to hold her attention?”
“I am pleased to see you have not lost your spirit," Collin said with a smile. "You are fortunate; she has a particular fondness for those who have journeyed far. The more unconventional a person's experiences, the greater her interest, as she finds her own existence somewhat monotonous. I am certain you can fabricate some tale that will not betray your true origins.”
“I’ve been told I’m a good liar,” Melissa said. “I’m sure I can concoct something. I will try to wrap lies in a truth paper, hope it’s enough.”
Mrs. Wilson assisted Melissa, helping her into a peach-coloured gown with ruffles that Collin had gifted to her. Respecting Collin’s instructions, Mrs. Wilson refrained from asking questions. Collin had explained that Melissa was a private person, yet the truth was that Mrs. Wilson’s tendency to gossip with the neighbours’ housekeepers, could be dangerous. The last thing they needed was to attract unwanted attention.
When Collin came upstairs to escort Melissa to the guests, he paused in the doorway, momentarily speechless.
“Is there aught you require, sir?” Mrs. Wilson inquired.
Collin shook his head, a smile spreading across his face. “Yes, I wished to inform you that our guests have arrived. I apologize for the interruption, but we ought not to keep them waiting.” He turned and began descending the stairs, then turned back. “Mrs. Wilson, if I might have a brief word with Miss Bennet in private?”
Mrs. Wilson excused herself and went downstairs to attend to the guests. Collin approached Melissa, standing behind her as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.
“The melancholy in your eyes does not diminish your beauty in the slightest,” he said softly. “You shall undoubtedly charm them all.” He gently placed his hands on her shoulders, drawing slightly closer. “As I have said before, I assure you, we shall find a solution. I give you my word of honour upon my life.”
Melissa remained silent but placed her hand over Collin’s, a silent gesture of trust. Together, they walked down the stairs, and Melissa was introduced to the Duchess, as Collin had previously instructed.
The evening progressed as planned. Melissa, wearing a fake smile, masterfully engaged those around her in conversation. In a corner, an elderly man with a long nose listened intently, silently observing. Unbeknownst to Melissa, she had attracted the attention of someone dangerous and powerful. The Duke's wife, having drank too much wine, excused herself to the washroom. The moment she left, the unsettling man from the corner took her seat. Collin, preoccupied with securing information from Duke Ensworth, didn't notice.
“Miss,” Mr. Montgomery began, his voice low and smooth, “it is plain to all here that you are not being forthright about your… background. But, rather than risk the unpleasantness of calling you a liar to your face, everyone politely pretends otherwise. A most diverting farce, wouldn't you agree?”
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand,” Melissa replied, taken aback.
“Don't play coy with me. You heard every word. But if you think a few questions will gain you some time, be my guest.” A wider, more unsettling smile spreads across his face, exposing his yellowed fangs.
Melissa, having only witnessed vampires in films, was shocked. She paused, composing herself before answering, “Excuse me, but I really don’t appreciate your rudeness.”
“Continue with your charade. I thought you possessed more wit. Clearly, I was mistaken. A damned shame.” He shakes his head with a look of open disgust.
Melissa felt trapped. With Collin sitting further away, his back to her, she needed to act quickly. Feeling exposed, she decided that the only way to deter this intrusive man was to confront him directly.
“What do you want?” she asked.
“Well, well, well. There you are. I recognize a kindred spirit when I see one. You know I’m not fooled. Now that we’ve established that mutual understanding, I require only one truthful answer. I don’t ask for your origins, nor even your true identity. But I must know: what is your game here?” He stared intently, his eyes narrowed with suspicion.
Melissa took a bite of her food, buying herself a moment to think. This man was a bloodhound, and she was a cornered sheep. She had no choice but to fight fire with fire, or he would devour her.
“I owe nothing to you, nor to anyone else at this table. You say I’m pretending, but so is everyone here, including you.”
“Aye, that’s the truth of it. Everyone has their secrets. But yours… I wager they’re something truly… sweet.” He slowly licked his lips, a predatory gleam in his eye.
“Sweet?” Melissa asked, a hint of disgust in her voice.
“Indeed. It's clear as day you're out of place here, and it's not simply because you lack a title. You've a strange mix of learning and… uncouthness that throws me completely. Your hands are soft as silk, you're pale as death, meaning you've never done a day's honest work, yet you handle a knife and fork like a common stable boy. You speak like you've had some schooling, but your manners are so lacking one might mistake you for a street urchin. And let us not even broach the subject of your… adornments – your nails, your brows, those… arches above your eyes – I've never seen such a thing. I haven't the slightest notion who or what you are, and I know you won't tell. But he knows," he jerks his head in Collin's direction, "and he's given you a roof over your head, his own bed to sleep in – alone, mind you – dressed you in another man's wife's finery, and he can't take his eyes off you. So yes, your secrets are indeed… sweet” A more pronounced smirk spread across his face.
“You think you’re so clever. You say you don’t know who I am or what my game is, and yet you seem to think you have me figured out. The way you describe it, it seems I don’t belong here, but I do come from somewhere, so there must be a place where I do belong. Which begs the question: why am I here if I have nothing to do with any of this? Perhaps I have no choice but to sit here and talk with you. But why would that be? Why would I choose to be out of place? I’m clearly not enjoying this. Would you care to continue this speculation, fellow kindred spirit? You seemed full of ideas just a moment ago.”
He placed his fingers beneath his chin, his eyes gleaming with an unsettling intensity. “Hmm, spirited. I appreciate that. I anticipate a great deal of… entertainment in your company. I shall savor your secrets as one savors the finest confections, each bite revealing a new and unforeseen delight. You may think you understand what lies within, but I assure you, there will be constant surprises.”
“The speculation was amusing,” Melissa responded immediately, “this creepy pervert speech, not so much.”
“My apologies. I became carried away contemplating the possibilities. You enjoyed my… guessing? Then I assure you, I shall endeavor not to disappoint.” He stood, gesturing for the Duchess to retake her seat with a slight, almost mocking smile.
Melissa tried to act as if nothing had happened, continuing her stories to entertain the guests and distract them from the Duke. After a while, Collin signaled to Melissa that he was finished. She excused herself and asked Collin if they could speak privately. They went into the kitchen.
“Well? What did he say?” Melissa asked hopefully.
“I have discovered something of great significance! I shall reveal all once we are alone, but know this: I know how to return you home!” Collin declared enthusiastically.
Melissa’s knees weakened. “So, all is not lost?”
He chuckled, taking her hands. “Of course not! That would be far too dull. There’s always hope, and frankly, I rather enjoy a good challenge.”