All the Things You Never Knew

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Leicester

“Luther, you are a traitor!” bellowed the furious Wilson Carmen

Dawson, Viscount Herring, as the marquess sat and watches him struggle out of his chain. “Let me go this instant! I’m through with your game!”

“Will, the game has only begun,” Luther said, getting up and walking over to the viscount. “You can’t end something that has barely started.”

“If this is all about my daughter, then release me. I can get her back!”

“I have no need for that little whore daughter of yours,” Luther answered. “It’s that bastard lover of hers that I want. My son would take care of your daughter once he returns from London.”

“I can help you get the bastard, but if you don’t need my daughter anymore, leave her out of this. She is no whore, though she might have been a sin,” Lord Herring put in defensively.

“How do you plan to get him here, then, Will? You betrayed your daughter and you’re out after her lover. Now that they’ve both escaped, why would they return?”

“My Rose has a kind heart. She will come back for me if she knows that I’m held prisoner by you. She will make that foolish lover of hers come to the rescue, no doubt. You should know he will do anything for her by now. This would be easy.”

“Hm.” The old marquess stop and thought about Herring’s words. “Perhaps you’re right. Maybe that bastard of Windsor will come.”

“See, you shouldn’t have tied me up. Now release me.”

“No,” the marquess snapped. “Not until the plan goes through and he sets foot in through that door,” Luther said, pointing at the old crusty door of the room.

“You’ve got to find a way to trick him in, or I doubt he will fall for your trap.”

“Ah, but he will. He’d fallen once, he would do it again,” the marquess replied, rubbing his hands cunningly together. “Leicester. His death bed. Yes, that Windsor bastard is totally in for a big surprise. He will have his tail trailing between his legs here in no time.”

“And my daughter?”

“Marcus is to decide on that.” The marquess went back to sit down and rubbed his beard triumphantly. “Ah, I cannot wait to have my hands on that fool Windsor again.”

* * *

The sun struck through the cracks of the old wooden barn as Laguna lay on the bed of hay on the ground, and shine in his eyes.

“Morning already?” He rubbed his eyes and sat up, realizing that he had been covered by a woolen blanket. He didn’t have one yesterday.

Avangelene was evil to really make him sleep in the barn without much but the clothes on his back.

Did she gave him the blanket, or was it the stable boy?

His wound had pained his side through the night. He couldn’t even sleep until dawn breaks. Why is it that he didn’t hear it when Avangelene, or whoever it was, came in to give him the blanket?

Laguna stood up to stretch and pick up the blanket, folding it neatly. He then caught sight of a small white bundle placed next to the pile of hay that he had slept on.

“What is this?”

There was a note folded on top and a blue ribbon tied around the bundle. He picked it up and read the note as he sat back down.

“For you, Duke,” he read the note, saying it the way Avangelene would have said it. Short and simple with an A signed at the bottom, making Laguna smile.

Avangelene.

She brought him the blanket, no doubt.

Laguna examine the small bundle again and pulled off the ribbon to reveal a set of new garment. It consisted of a dark brown trouser with a dark green waistcoat and a white undershirt. It looks exactly like the one she wore the day before but larger.

Did she want him to change into it now, or later? He has got to wash up.

But his stitches…

Laguna lifted his shirt to examine it, but was surprised to find it plastered with some sort of cool ointment.

Hell, when did all this happen? He barely slept last night.

Sneaky Avangelene.

When did she come in to do this?

The barn door creak open and in steps Avangelene, making him scramble to his feet.

“Merry morning,” she said, flashing him a smile.

“Morning,” Laguna nodded.

What’s up with her today? he wondered. She’s, surprisingly, not acting cold towards him.

“Slept well last night?” she asked, coming around him to tend to the horses.

“I think you should know,” he answered, following after her.

“No?” She laughed and looked at him. “You were cold?”

“You would know.”

“I’m sorry,” she said so unexpectedly with a sigh.

“Too late now.”

She shrugged. “I guess.”

Minx.

“Your…wound…is it better?”

Ha! She did come in to tend to him.

“Much, yes,” he answered, reaching out to pet one of the horses. “Thank you.”

She merely nodded and walk back towards the open door.

“Breakfast is in the house,” she said, turning back to him. “Eat and wash up. I hope that fits you.”

He looked down at the bundle in his hands and nodded.

She flashed him another smile and went out.

Laguna tried to remember when he had last received a smile from a woman as enchanting as that, and yet Avangelene was the only one stuck in his mind.

“Avangelene.” He said her name and sat back down on the hay, smiling crazily to himself.

This cannot be, he told himself. This certainly cannot be.

* * *

Rose woke up to the sound of the birds chirping, followed by an angry bellow from Leon out the window.

What is the matter now?

She sat up and stretched, straining her ears to catch a bit of what he’s saying. He seems to be arguing with his sister. Miss Namine, Rose assumed. It sounded like her.

“I see no reason why we can’t run off to the altar now and bond together in holy matrimony,” she heard Leon said.

Was he that desperate to have them wedded?

“No,” countered Namine. “This is the first wedding in the family. We have to make it special. Jack and they has to get home first, and Avange. You can’t have the wedding without them.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Nam. How about I just get a special license so that Rose and I can share a bed without sin?”

“Like that hadn’t happened already,” Miss Namine scoffed.

Rose flushed at the conversation.

Leon is bringing it a little bit too far with his sister.

Perhaps she should go out to stop them before she die of mortification from eavesdropping.

Rose slip off from the bed and walk over to wash her face with the lukewarm water that Miss Namine had put out in the wash basin. She checked her appearance briskly from the dresser mirror and stroll off downstairs, and out of the house.

She still couldn’t believe the sight of it. She didn’t see much yesterday due to the limited amount of light, but this morning…this morning was a delight. She feels as if she’s inside of a conservatory filled with a garden of white blossoms. Jasmine bushes seem to circle the place and white morning glory twined around the marble columns lined on either side of the lawn. An immense water fountain was centered in the front, encircled by tiny little bushes of white crocus.

The Heartily manor was white and pure as the snow with dark iron framed windows all lined up from top to bottom and across. Vines of white morning glory entwined along its bar and dangled beautifully in the breeze. Little intricate designs of floral and nature life was also carved onto its granite wall as well.

It was a paradise so pure and exquisite as the Garden of Eden would have been. Rose had never seen anything like this. It’s almost like seeing the palace of the Kings and Queens of England, or yet better! It changed so much from the wasteland many years ago after they left.

She wondered who came up with the design and architecture. She will have to ask Leon when she has the chance. For now, she has to go save the fighting sibling.

Leon didn’t know whether to strangle his sister or tie her up and throw her in the cellar. She was being such a pain. All he wanted to do was get wedded and be gone with business. Why did Namine have to be so opposed to it? He understands that he should wait for Jack and Edward and them to return but his time is limited.

Hell, his time is always limited!

He has to go back and clear things off with Lansing or things would never end. He thought he could endure it for a while and have his peace, but Lansing sent out his troops to attack them. How many more attack has he got up his sleeves?

Just this morning a flying arrow came by and almost hit Gabriel in the shoulder where his gun wound was. The arrow contained a folded up message. Such a convenient way to deliver mails these days. Viscount Herring was now held captive by Lansing. Leon doesn’t know if this was some kind of a trick, but he has to tell Rose and she’s likely to make him go save her father.

He wouldn’t mind doing so, but he fears it might be a sham and that it would hurt more than Gabe the next time around, if there’s to be another attack. Gabe’s like the target of pain. That is why he’s trying to talk some senses into his marriage-ruiner of a sister so that he will have Rose secured under his care.

It’s ironic how Namine ruins every wedding, yet she wants the best for him. He is her brother, of course, but she should’ve done the same for others. He can marry Rose with just a piece of paper binding them, but come to think of it, she deserves better. But as for now, a paper is their only choice, although they could have a reception later or some sort of wedding ceremony.

Why can’t Nam just leave it? She’s making things so complicated.

“Please, Nam. Special license for now and ceremony later,” Leon said again to Namine.

He can’t believe he has to beg her. It’s his marriage for God’s sake!

“No,” Namine said again. “We have to throw Lady Rose a bachelorette party and everything before you–”

“Dash it all, Nam! We don’t have time for that.”

“Yes we do. You just have to get on with your ‘business’ and then come back for it.”

Lord, help him. She’s driving him mad.

“Besides,” Namine added. “Don’t you want to have a bachelor party with His Grace and Lord Longsword before you marry?”

“In this situation, no,” Leon answered.

He just wanted Rose. He can’t imagine life without her. He almost lost her to Lansing. He missed holding her in bed, though it has only been one night. He just wanted her with him and nothing else.

“Don’t kid yourself, Leon. All men want a wild night out before they marry.”

“How do you know? Not all men do.”

“Pish-posh, lie to me. With you as my brother, I know you do, and you should. Lady Rose would want some time of her own before you occupy her with a nine month luggage.”

“What do you…” Leon’s jaw dropped as he realizes what Namine was saying and caught himself laughing. “Nine month luggage? That would be your niece or nephew you’re referring to.”

“Exactly!” Namine snapped. “She won’t be having fun with it.”

“No, she won’t,” Leon agreed, but something else came to him. “Do you know that she could possibly be carrying one at the moment as we argue? You should stop your babbling and just let me take Rose to the priest. We’re claimed as bastards already. I don’t want–”

“Morning, Lady Rose. You’re finally up and about,” Namine interjected, waving behind him.

Leon cursed and turned to face Rose. She didn’t appear too happy. She had a dark scowl formed on her face as she looks at him after greeting Namine.

“Are you well this morning?” he asked, nervously walking over to take her by the hand.

She was breathtaking even if she didn’t appear to be on the good side this morning.

“I’m well, thank you,” she answered coolly, pulling back her hand.

“That’s good,” he guessed.

“Breakfast is in the parlor, Lady Rose,” Namine said, walking over to take Rose’s hand. “Come this way. I’ll show you.”

“Sorry, Miss Namine. I’ll like to speak with Leon for a moment. If you don’t mind, please excuse us,” Rose said, eyeing Leon the whole time.

What did he do wrong now?

“No problem,” Namine said, walking over to whisper into Leon’s ear. “She heard everything. Watch your little behind.”

“What did I do?”

Namine just laughed and left Leon to face Rose.

“I see you had a nice conversation with your sister,” Rose said after they were clear of earshot.

Leon ran his finger through his hair and shrugged.

“Did you really have to say that?”

“What?” Leon had no idea.

“That I could be with child already. I don’t want your sister to think–”

Leon laughed and shook his head, cutting Rose off. “She had suspected it anyway. I’m only adding to it so she would allow us to wed.”

“Why wouldn’t she?”

“Because I’m an ass and didn’t court you properly before taking you to bed and ravish you senseless,” he joked.

“Stop it!” she said, pounding gently on his shoulder. “Seriously.”

“Just kidding. It’s because I wanted to rush us to the altar and wouldn’t let her throw you a bachelorette party,” said Leon. “You don’t want one, do you?”

“I don’t care for one,” Rose answered, tip toeing up to kiss him. “I just want you.”

“And I you,” he answered, molding her to him and exploring her mouth with his.

“Ah-hem!” came the clearing of a throat from behind them, breaking their kiss.

Leon scowled and turned to see his sister Phoenix staring at them with her arms crossed and a vixen smile spread across her face.

“Well, I see you two had a good morning,” she said, pretending to examine her fingernails now. “Sorry for the wrong timing. I was never good with times.”

“You were never good with anything,” he teased, pulling Rose to him.

“I am good at some things, mind you,” Phoenix said with a roll of her eyes. “Anyhow, Namine just wanted me to come get Lady Rose and tell you that she haven’t had breakfast yet so don’t try to devour her. She wouldn’t taste good.”

Rose chuckled and hid her face in his chest with an “Oh dear,” while he look dumbstruck.

“Okay, come along now, Lady Rose,” Phoenix said, coming over to break Rose from his hold. “My dear brother has business to do.”

“I do?” “Yes,” said Phoenix irritated. “The school.”

Right, the school.

He hadn’t checked upon it yet. He has to tell the pupils that they will be off for the next couple of months, or until he can settle things with Lansing to ensure their safety.

“A school? You have a school?” Rose asked, looking at Leon. “You never told me.”

“I didn’t think you will be interested,” Leon answered, giving Phoenix a thank-you-very-much-for-bringing-it-up stare.

“I would love to see it,” Rose said. “Do you teach, Leon?”

“Leon teaches a whole variety of subjects,” said his little sister. “He even taught the girls how to fashion their hair. Funny, huh?”

“Really?” Rose looked at Leon with a small curve forming on her lips. “No wonder.”

Leon swears he would sew that mouth of his sister shut one day.

“May I come along? I would really like to see it.”

“No,” Leon and his sister both said at the same time.

“You need to have breakfast first,” Phoenix said.

“I can have breakfast later,” Rose countered. “I want to see the school.”

“It’s business only,” Leon said. “Nix and they could show you around it later.”

“Yes, yes,” Phoenix said, nodding swiftly.

Rose gave a sigh of disappointment and nodded. “All right.”

“I’ll be off then,” Leon said to Phoenix. “Watch Rose for me.”

“Will do!” Phoenix saluted. “Come, Sister,” she said, pulling Rose along. “We have much to do this morning.”

“Bye, Leon,” Rose said, giving him a good-bye wave before strolling away with Phoenix.

He did the same in return and then realized he didn’t tell her about the note and her father. His little sister just had to come and interrupt things. Maybe it’s better if he didn’t tell her. She would surely cry if she knew. He doesn’t want her to worry. He will just go and save the viscount.

Everything would be all right.

* * *

Laguna stared stupidly at his reflection in the pond and tried to adjust the collar of his shirt and tie his cravat.

He cursed out when the fishes sprung up and distorted the reflection. There were just too many of them that seem to hate the very image of him that formed on the surface of their home. He wondered if they were trained to do so by their evil landlady. He wouldn’t be surprised if they were.

“Oh well,” he said, giving up with a light chuckle. “This will do for now.”

He turned around and flushed lightly as he saw Avangelene sitting up in the tree above him with her lips tightened to keep herself from laughing.

“What are you doing up there?” he asked, cocking his head to the side as he stares up at her.

The laughter broke through and she jump down to stand in front of him.

“Hm, not bad at all,” she said as she starts circling around him.

“Me or the clothes?” he asked, just for the sake of it.

She flashed him a grin as she stops back in front of him and answered, “Both.”

It nearly took the breath out of him. He never thought to see the angel out of her devil soul.

“Thank you,” he answered, still mortify at the thought of her watching him curse the fishes all this time.

She is such a sneaky wench.

“You’re so amusing,” she said, reaching over to fix his cravat for him. “I’m surprise the fishes didn’t gather their army and jump up to attack you.”

“I’m glad they didn’t or that will be bad,” he answered in agreement.

“Yes.”

She moved on to adjusting his collar as he had tried to do.

“I knew you’ll look handsome in this outfit,” she said giving him a start.

That was the last thing he had expected for her to say.

“Thanks to you,” he answered, feeling himself heated at the touch of her fingers across his skin.

You can’t do that, he told himself as his mind starts forming up erotic images of her.

“There we go,” Avangelene finished, patting down his collar.

Thank heaven above!

“Are you okay?” she asked, staring up into his eyes when he said nothing.

“I–” He looked away before those beautiful emerald eyes brought in anymore effect and manage out a weak laugh. “I’m fine.”

She must think him a true idiot now.

“Your eyes…did they just…”

Laguna rubbed his eyes and turned back to her. “My eyes what?”

“Never mind,” she said. “You did have breakfast, did you?”

Well, she seems considerate today.

“No,” he shook his head.

He had come right to the pond to bathe and then dress himself up.

“Then you better come in and eat,” she said. “I have something for us to do.”

“Something for us to do?”

She smiled and flicked his nose. “Yes.”

This is bad, he thought. Really bad.

“Come on,” Avangelene said, taking his arm. “We don’t have all day.”