Stinging nettles, Antoinette corrected her, before bursting into renewed peals of mirth. There was no kindness in the soundthe laughter was utterly cruel. This child was showing her true colors and she was without mercy.
Cassies surge of rage surprised her. For a moment her only desire was to slap Antoinettes smug, giggling face as hard as she could. The force of her anger was frightening. She actually stepped forward, raising her hand, before sanity prevailed and she lowered it quickly, appalled by what she had nearly done.
She turned away, opened her backpack, and rummaged for the only bottle of water. She rubbed some over Ellas knee and the rest over her own skin, hoping it would soothe the burning, but every time she touched the swelling, it seemed to make it worse. She looked around to see if there was a tap nearby, or a water fountain, where she could run cold water over the painful rash.
But there was nothing. These woods were not the family-friendly destination shed expected. There were no benches, no notice boards. No garbage cans, no taps or fountains, no well-maintained paths. There was only ancient, dark forest, with massive beech, fir, and spruce trees looming out of tangled undergrowth.
We need to go home now, she said.
No, Marc argued. I want to explore.
This is not a safe place for exploring. Theres not even a proper path. And its too dark. You should put your jacket on now or youll catch a cold.
Catch a cold, catch me! With a mischievous expression, the boy darted away, weaving swiftly through the trees.
Damn it! Cassie plunged after him, gritting her teeth as sharp twigs tore at her inflamed skin. He was smaller and faster than her, and his laughter taunted her as he dove through the undergrowth.
Marc, come back! she called.
But her words only seemed to spur him on. She followed doggedly, hoping he would either get tired or decide to abandon the game.
She finally caught up when he stopped to catch his breath, kicking at pine cones. She grasped his arm firmly before he could run again.
This is not a game. See, theres a ravine ahead. The ground sloped steeply down and she could hear flowing water.
Lets go back now. Its time to go home.
I dont want to go home, Marc grumbled, dragging his feet as he followed her.
Nor do I, Cassie thought, feeling sudden sympathy for him.
But when they arrived back in the clearing, Antoinette was the only one there. She was sitting on a folded jacket, braiding her hair over her shoulder.
Wheres your sister? Cassie asked.
Antoinette glanced up, seemingly unconcerned.
She saw a bird just after you left, and wanted to have a closer look. I dont know where she went after that.
Cassie stared at Antoinette in horror.
Why didnt you go with her?
You didnt tell me to, Antoinette said, with a cool smile.
Cassie breathed deeply, controlling another surge of rage. Antoinette was right. She should not have abandoned the children without warning them to stay where they were.
Where did she go? Show me where exactly you last saw her.
Antoinette pointed. She went that way.
Im going to look for her. Cassie kept her voice deliberately calm. Stay here with Marc. Do notdo notstep out of this clearing or let your brother out of your sight. Understand?
Antoinette nodded absently, combing her fingers through her hair. Cassie could only hope that she would do as she was told. She walked over to where Antoinette had indicated, and cupped her hands around her mouth.
Ella? she shouted as loud as she could. Ella?
She waited, hoping to hear an answer or approaching footsteps, but there was no response. All she could hear was the faint rustle of leaves in the strengthening wind.
Could Ella really have gone out of earshot in the time shed been away? Or had something happened to her?
Panic surged inside her as she headed into the woods at a run.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Cassie ran deeper into the forest, weaving through the trees. She yelled Ellas name, praying that she would hear an answer. Ella could be anywhere; there was no clear path for her to have followed. The woods were dark and creepy, the wind was gusting harder, and the trees seemed to muffle her cries. Ella might have fallen into a ravine, or tripped and knocked her head. She could have been snatched by a vagrant. Anything could have happened to her.
Cassie skidded down mossy tracks and stumbled over roots. Her face was scratched in a hundred places and her throat was raw from shouting.
Eventually, she stopped, gasping for breath. Her sweat felt cold and clammy in the breeze. What should she do now? It was starting to get dark. She couldnt spend any more time searching or shed put them all in danger. The nursery was her closest port of call, if it was still open. She could stop there, tell the shopkeeper what had happened, and ask him to phone the police.
It took her ages, and a few wrong turns, to retrace her steps. She prayed that the others would be waiting safe and sound. And she hoped beyond hope that Ella might have found her way back.
But when she reached the clearing, Antoinette was stringing leaves together in a chain, and Marc was curled up on the jackets, fast asleep.
No Ella.
She imagined the storm of anger on their return. Pierre would be justifiably furious. Margot might simply be vicious. Flashlights would shine into the night as the community hunted for a girl who was lost, injured, or worse, as a result of her own negligence. It was her fault and her failure.
The horror of the situation overwhelmed her. She collapsed against a tree and buried her face in her hands, trying desperately to control her sobs.
And then Antoinette said, in a silvery voice, Ella? You can come out now!
Cassie looked up, staring in disbelief as Ella clambered from behind a fallen log, brushing leaves from her skirt.
What Her voice was hoarse and shaky. Where were you?
Ella smiled happily.
Antoinette said we were playing hide and seek, and I mustnt come out when you called, or I would lose. Im cold nowcan I have my jacket?
Cassie felt bludgeoned by shock. She hadnt believed anyone could dream up such a scenario out of pure malice.
It wasnt just the cruelty, but the calculation in her actions that chilled Cassie. What was driving Antoinette to torment her, and how could she stop it from happening in the future? She could expect no support from the parents. Being nice hadnt worked, and anger would only play right into Antoinettes hands. Antoinette held all the cards and she knew it.
Now they were heading home unforgivably late after telling nobody where they had gone. The children were muddied, hungry, thirsty, and exhausted. She feared that Antoinette had done more than enough for her to be instantly fired.
It was a long, cold, and uncomfortable walk back to the chateau. Ella insisted on being carried the entire way, and Cassies arms had just about given out by the time they reached home. Marc trailed behind, grumbling, too tired to do more than throw an occasional stone at the birds in the hedgerows. Even Antoinette seemed to be taking no pleasure in her victory and trudged along sullenly.
When Cassie knocked on the imposing front door, it was snatched open immediately. Margot faced her, flushed with rage.
Pierre! she shouted. Finally they are home.
Cassie started to tremble as she heard the angry stomping of feet.