All the Things You Never Knew

CHAPTER ONE

London, England

1817

Lady Rose Dawson sighed, as she threw down the one hundredth

wedding dress she had tried on for the afternoon.

“Enough,” she said, slipping her gown back over her head. “Susy,

can you get these buttons for me.”

“Of course,” Lady Susannah replied, rushing over to help her.

“I’m guessing you didn’t find a dress to your interest.”

“There are too many,” Rose said, fixing the pins in her hair. “If

only Lord Lansing was here to help me pick.”

“Oh, please,” Susannah derided, finishing the last of her buttons.

“Like he knows anything. Always in his cups and dallying away with

lightskirts.”

“I know you don’t like him, but his lordship isn’t that bad,” Rose

said, smiling as she turns to pinch her friend on the cheeks. “Besides,

he’s an honorable man. He would never do such a thing. It’s only your

imagination, True that he drinks sometimes, but he’s a man. What can

you say?”

“I say he’s unfaithful,” Susannah answered, moving to look at the

rack of dresses beside her. “And would not bring you much

happiness.”

“He makes me quite happy, actually,” Rose said picking up one

of the white dresses she had left on the floor and hanging it back up on

the rack.

“Oh, please tell me you’ve found a dress to your taste, m’lady,”

said Madame Marionette de Florette, shop owner of Florette’s Dress

Emporium.

“I’m afraid there are too many to adore that I cannot decide on

which one to pick,” Rose answered. “I think I’ll wait for a day when

my fiancé is not too busy so he can come and help me decide.” “Oh, that will be splendid,” Madame Marionette exclaimed. Then

to Susannah, “You’ve got to find your true amour soon and return to

get your wedding dress. I’ll be waiting here to be call at your service.” “I’m afraid I’ll just find an unfaithful drunken arse like somebody

here and have to shoot him dead,” Susannah replied, looking back at

Rose.

“That’s most improper of you to say, Susannah!” Rose said,

alarmed. “My apologies, Madame Marionette. I’m afraid it’s time for

Susy and I to get back home to not miss our uh…afternoon tea.” “Oh, that’s all right, ma cherie,” Madame Marionette said

cheerfully. “I’ll be waiting for your return. Au revoir.”

Rose took Susannah by the arm and dragged her out of the door

into the carriage.

“I truly appreciated that comment in there,” Rose said crossly,

tapping on the wall for the footman to drive away. “You didn’t have to

say that to Madame Marionette.”

“You know what I said was true,” Susannah argued. “Why can’t

you see that he’s no good?”

“Because he is good,” Rose countered. “He’s nice and gentle. Ah

and charmingly sweet.”

“I think I’m going to spew up pebbles,” Susannah said, making a

sick face and fanning herself with her hand. “Ugh, I need some air in

here.”

“Stop it, Susy,” Rose laughed, swatting at Susannah’s hand.

“Lord Lansing is the most charming man in the world.”

“I’ve heard that before,” said Susannah. “It was to a different

beau though. What’s his name again? Hm…it was–”

“Don’t you dare say it,” Rose snapped menacingly. “Don’t you

dare!”

“Why not?” asked Susannah. “He is who qualifies to be called

charming. He is who’s nice and gentle. He is who you can trust to be

faith–”

“Stop! Stop!” Rose cried, covering her ears. “Please, just stop.

There’s no one that can compare to Lord Lansing.”

“That is where you’re wrong,” Susannah said. “You know well

that–”

“Leon is nothing to me!” Rose fumed. “He is nothing!”

“Ah, yes,” Susannah clapped. “Leon. Monsieur Leon Heartily,

that’s his name. Thanks for reminding me.”

“You’re not welcome,” Rose answered irately.

“Surprising that you still remember his name after all these

years,” said Susannah. “You don’t actually think I will believe you

when you say he’s nothing to you, do you?”

“Susannah, I don’t want to talk about this.”

“But I do.”

“Please stop torturing me,” said Rose, flinging her arm over her

eyes. “I’ve worked hard enough to forget him.”

“But you never did forget, did you?

Rose pales and turned away to look out the window without a

response

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

“You don’t understand, Susy,” Rose murmured with a sigh. “I understand one thing for sure,” Susannah replied. “You still

love him.”

“I don’t!” Rose protested. “I don’t love him–not anymore. Not

even an inch!”

“Or so you say,” Susannah countered. “Tell me, do you love Lord

Lansing then?”

“Of course I do!” Rose blurted. “Why would I want to marry

Marcus if I don’t love him?”

“Oh, so now he’s Marcus?” Susannah smirked and went on. “I

don’t see it,” she said. “I just don’t see it. It was different. Different

from the way you were with–”

“You have no idea, Susy. Please, let’s not talk of it anymore.” “Very well, but still, I know you don’t love Lord Lansing.” There were no more comments made for the remainder of the ride.

Rose felt like crying as she reflects back to the past. She didn’t want to.

She had spent ten years of her life forgetting, yet something always brings

it back.

Leon.

She had loved him very much.

He was like the world to her.

And yes, Susannah was right. He is who qualifies to be called

charming. He is who’s nice and gentle.

But he is not one you can trust to be faithful.

That was where Susannah went wrong.

He had broken her heart by–

Rose couldn’t even bear to think of what happened between them. It was Leon’s fault. It angers her every time when she thinks back to

that day. She just…she just wanted to strangle him! Yet she knew she’ll

never have the heart.

Their love was one of a fairytale.

She still couldn’t understand why it ended the way it did. Why did Leon do that to her?

Was she not good enough?

Or was it because she’s too–

A loud crash outside the carriage took away her thoughts, and she

looked out the window to see what was going on.

“Did we hit something?” Susannah asked, looking out of the

other window.

“Just a little rough turn, m’lady,” the footman answered from

above. “Somebody was heading fast towards us and I was trying to

make way.”

“Who was it?” Rose looked about to see a galloping horse

charging forward, and tried to make out the feature of the man on top

of it.

“Lord Lansing!” Rose exclaimed, waving her gloves at him. “Lady Rose!” He came to a rough halt beside her window with

his horse and reach out his hand. “I’ve come to sweep you away, my

love.”

Rose smiled and took his hand, feeling a sense of déjà vu. “Great, you’re going to climb out of the window and leave me,”

Susannah pouted. “What a great friend you are.”

Rose laughed and turned back to her. “I told you he’s charming.” Susannah rolled her eyes and gave Rose a dismissive wave.

“Whatever, then. Just leave me be.”

“I love you, Susy.” Rose gave her a brief kiss on the cheek and let

his lordship pull her out onto his horse.

“Did you miss me today?” Lord Lansing asked, giving her a kiss

on the cheek as they turned and rode back down the path.

“More than you’ll ever know,” she answered, sliding her hands to

hold his on the reign.

Everything felt so familiar.

“Well, I hope you’ve found the perfect dress for our wedding.” “Uh…about that…it was rather difficult,” Rose answered. “I was

thinking that we’ll go together on a day you’re free to Florette’s and

pick the dress out together.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Lord Lansing agreed.

“How was your day today?”

“Quite gloomy without you,” he answered, pressing a kiss to her

neck.

“You’re such a joke,” Rose laughed, and then caught herself. Everything they’re doing now seems to have happened before.

She had experienced it.

Not with Lord Lansing, no. It was with someone else.

Oh, thanks Susannah so much for ruining everything!

Susannah rise up to peek out the window at Rose and his lordship and stuck her tongue out at them, shaking her head as she sat back down.

“Stupid drunken arse of a marquess,” she cursed as she twiddles her thumbs. “I can’t believe my friend would fall for such an unfaithful man like you. She has no idea what she’s getting into.”

She thought back to Leon.

Mr. Leon Heartily.

He was the best catch of London.

Rose was so lucky to have caught his eyes out of the rest of the

ladies.

If only he had explained himself and not do such a foolish thing and left. He was a really nice gentleman. Better than his lordship even if he lacks a title.

He would still have made Rose a fine husband.

An ideal husband that every lady will want, actually. Oh, she was so looking forward to attend their wedding, but…but

Leon just had to ruin that opportunity.

Susannah was angry with him at first until he sought her out and told her the truth before he left. He had made her vow to keep it a secret from Rose. She had agreed and concealed it for ten years. At times, she just wanted to burst out everything. At least then Rose would think twice before agreeing to wed that marquess and let him–

Susannah shook her head to wipe off the thought and closed her eyes, hoping one day that Rose would see what she’s about to lose.

Stanford Hall

Trafalgar Square

“Bless you, again,” said the young Miss Delilah Stanford as she sat and stares dreamily at the charming Mr. Leon Heartily. “Your tenth sneeze, if I’m correct.”

“I haven’t been counting, but thank you,” Leon answered, taking out his pocket watch to check the time. “When is your father going to be available?”

“Yes, I’m growing rather hungry,” his younger brother, Sheik, groaned from the small stool he had sat on to warm up by the fireplace. “When is he going to be available?”

“In half an hour or so,” Delilah answered, her eyes fixed on Leon the whole time.

Leon turned away and run his fingers through his wet hair. They had been caught up in a storm as they were making their way to London from Bridlington. It was rather bright when they had set out on their trip, but as they drew closer to their destination the weather had taken a turn and before they knew it, they were drenched to the bone.

“You owe me for this,” Sheik said, glaring at him.

He had forced his younger brother to come along just because he knows Sheik will help him get away from the place, especially from Miss Stanford who’s always finding ways to keep him in her presence for as long as she can whenever he visits. She’s just like the young lady pupils at the school.

The Heartily Academy of Management, the school established by his parents before their death. He has to get back to manage a schedule with his secretary on how to run the school while he’s gone. He has a quest awaiting him for the next few weeks and won’t be able to handle things. His siblings won’t be of much help since they are all occupied with their own things.

There were eleven of them, twelve including him. They all were very talented and can teach in almost every subject at the school, but they were more into their work that Leon’s taking the whole responsibility to fulfill their parents’ dream. He had hired a few teachers with the budget he had to prepare lectures for the pupils while he’s gone. He just hope his pupils would go easy on them, for the last time hadn’t been so good when he took leave on a trip to meet a friend for an important investigation.

But whatever happens, he will come back to show them his wrath. He warned them before that if they were to misbehave again, he will make them clean the school yard and scrub every wall and floor until he can see his own reflection. He had made them done it once and was sure they didn’t enjoy it. It should keep them out of trouble, although he has a feeling that it would be his siblings causing problems this time around. It happens from time to time. It gives him a headache to think about it. His pupils are certainly enough.

The door creaked open and in steps a young girl about the age of his little sister with a tray of cups and saucers for tea. Along with it were some raspberry scones that gave off an enchanting smell that filled the room. She set it down on the table and curtsied towards Sheik and Leon.

“Leave, you muted wretch,” Delilah yelled at the girl. “Didn’t father tell you not to come out when there are guests? Shoo! Go away!”

“Hey, don’t!” Sheik cried, getting up after the girl as she opens the door to leave.

Leon wondered what the devil that was about but didn’t bother to ask.

Sheik dragged the girl by the arm and pushed her down on the couch across from the table.

“I don’t know if these are really for us or not, but I’m delighted to have them brought,” he said to her. “Why don’t you stay to enjoy it with us?”

The girl gave him a weary look and turned to Delilah who was gesturing with her eyes for her to leave the room.

She shook her head at Sheik and stood up to leave once more.

“Don’t,” Sheik said, pulling her down again. “Are you afraid?” He turned to Delilah. “You must be a really good lady to have your maid be so intimidated of you.”

“Maid?” Delilah gave a hysteric laugh and pointed at the girl. “That thing is merely my idiot cousin, although she does make a good maid.”

The girl struggled to free her hand from Sheik’s and pushed him away.

“Let her go, Sheik,” Leon said, when Sheik reached back for her. He had a feeling that Delilah would do something to harm the girl later.

Sheik did so and the girl scurried out as fast as she could.

“Sorry about that,” Delilah said, walking over to pour out the tea. “My cousin always makes a scene when there are guests.”

From your actions, I’m sure, Leon wanted to say but bit back his tongue.

“You say she’s muted?” Sheik asked, grabbing a scone and biting into it.

“Of course,” Delilah said in annoyance. “She’s a stupid mute.”

“How so?” Leon asked just to make time fly.

Delilah took a sip of her tea and shrug. “I don’t know. My aunt and uncle got assassinated or something, leaving her traumatized and stupid without a voice.”

“Being mute doesn’t make one stupid,” Sheik said, picking up his teacup and inhaling in the scent. “Mm. This smells good. Do you think Avange would be able to make us this recipe, Leon? What kind of tea is this anyway?”

“Orange something,” Delilah answered. “Really good, isn’t it?” “Did your cousin make these?” Leon asked, as he took his share. “She did.”

“We should hire her as our cook,” Sheik said, munching away on another scone. “She’ll be able to replace Aidan and Avange when they’re not there.”

“Are those your other brothers, Aidan and Avenge?” Delilah asked, curiously.

“Aidan is, but Avange is our sister,” Leon replied.

“Avenge? That’s a rather unusual name for a girl. An avenger, quite funny.”

“It’s Avangelene,” Sheik explained. “Avange for short. A-V-AN-G-E, not like an avenger. She’s the best sister.”

“Oh,” Delilah colored and sat to drink her tea. “I’ll like to meet her someday,” she said, turning to Leon. “If you give me the opportunity to, that is.”

Leon had no idea what she meant by that and just shrugs.

“I think we’ll take leave after this,” Leon said after a while. He was growing a bit heavy in the head. “I’ll come again another time when your father is available.”

“No, you can’t!” Delilah said, jumping up. “You have to stay a bit and wait. He’ll be ready soon.”

“I don’t know what he’s doing but it’s taking forever,” said Sheik. “I do want to go nap a bit.”

“Well, actually, he’d been free for some time now,” Delilah admitted nervously. “I just adore you so much that I don’t want to–”

“Great! You mean we could have left this place hours ago?” Sheik was mad and threw down the scone he was holding.

His brother needed anger management. His temper gets spark easily from little things, but Leon guess it’s a good thing at the moment. He was feeling rather angry himself for having been fooled again.

“Sorry, I couldn’t help it,” Delilah giggled. “Aw…you are so handsome, Mr. Heartily. So very handsome.”

“That’s it, I’m ready to leave,” Sheik said, getting up and pulling on his coat. “This is ridiculous. Could’ve spent the last few hours doing something better.”

“Sheik, don’t,” Leon said. “I have to meet with Stanford. This is important.” He turned to Delilah and releases a breath of indignation. “If your father is available, then please lead me to him. I have many businesses to tend. I don’t have all day here.”

“Should have thought of that earlier,” Sheik said, falling back down on the couch. “I’m going to nap then. Hurry up.”

“I’ll take you to my father,” Delilah said, strolling towards the door. “Follow me.”

Leon nodded and said to Sheik, “Behave.”

Sheik scoffed and took his coat off again to cover him. “Just do your thing.”

With that, Leon followed out after Delilah and down the corridor to meet the old solicitor of his, Mr. Pierce Stanford, who was also the past solicitor of his father.

“Here we are,” Delilah said as they stop in front of a door. “This is father’s study now. He gave up the other one for his secretary. Simply walk in, no need to knock. I’ll miss you.”

“Please keep my brother company.”

Delilah nodded with a smile and walked away.

Leon took a deep breath and placed his hand on the door handle before knocking and entering into the room, hoping to resolve all his problems and fulfill the reason why he came here in the first place.