All the Things You Never Knew

CHAPTER TWO

Dawson House

“You and that Lord Lansing were an embarrassment,” Susannah said

to Rose as they sat to have their afternoon tea. “Kissing and hugging on horseback in public. Please, you have higher morals than that.”

Rose hadn’t particularly lied to Madame Marionette about that part of having tea.

“Why? Leon and I always–” Rose caught herself and shrugs it off instead of responding.

“Leon and you what? This is Lord Lansing and you. I wouldn’t have minded if that was Mr. Heartily instead of that marquess, but–”

“It shouldn’t matter now, Susy. We’re getting married anyway,” Rose argued, reaching over to ring the bell for the maid to come and get the empty trays.

“But Rose, what if–” Susannah wasn’t quite sure how to put out the words, for Rose would never listen.

“What?”

“What if…what if there’s someone out there that loves you more than anyone else in the world but you just never knew? Would you…would you still want to marry his lordship and live in misery?” Susannah managed to ask. “Wouldn’t you want to be with that person that loves you?”

“There’s no such person,” Rose said with a sigh of despair, but her expression changed rapidly. “And stop making me give up Lord Lansing! He’s the best man anyone could ever have for a husband.”

“Well, that’s because you never look past his drunken arse and–”

“Would you stop calling him a drunken arse?” Rose interjected, irritated by Susannah’s constant insult. “You should start finding yourself a husband. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life as a spinster.”

“Is that why you’re marrying Lord Lansing? Are you afraid of having to face spinsterhood?”

“What? Of course not!” Rose answered. “I love Lord Lansing. I told you that earlier.”

“No, you don’t. Everything you did was just to get rid of Mr. Heartily from your mind. Don’t say I’m wrong.”

“You are wrong,” Rose argued. “Leon has nothing to do with any of this. He was gone from my life years ago.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“Rosy, you’re such a bad jester.”

“Can we stop this? I’m tired of arguing about Leon. He left more than a decade ago. Please. I’ll admit it. I do still misses him very much sometimes, but he’s gone now. I can’t spend the rest of my life prying after him, can I? Please understand me, Susy.” There, she said it. She just wishes for Susannah to stop this pointless argument. It had been going on ever since Lord Lansing and her got engaged, which was five years ago. They just haven’t yet found the perfect time for the wedding. “Can’t you just wish me a happy marriage?”

“No,” Susannah replied. “I can’t. I can’t let you marry someone you don’t love.”

“So you want me to do what? Wait for the one person that I love to return when he’s forever gone? I’ll pass. That’s just a dream. This is reality.”

“What if he does return? What then, Rosy?”

Rose blew a breath of annoyance and stared out the window.

“He won’t,” she answered softly. “It’s been so long. I’ve moved on.”

“But it’s never too late to turn back.”

Rose closed her eyes and just shook her head. “It’s too late,” she murmured. “Too very late.”

“You gave up hope too quickly.”

“If you were in my slippers, you’ll know how it feels.”

“Ugh. Never mind,” Susannah said finally. She was rather annoyed herself.

“Anyhow, Lord Lansing said that Lady Bethia is hosting a ball next week,” Rose said, changing the subject. “Would you like to attend the ball with us?”

“Lady Bethia, the Marchioness of Chatsworth? No thank you,” Susannah answered. “I hate how she always plays matchmaker, pairing all the belles with the bêtes.”

“Oh, come on, Susy. It isn’t that bad. Maybe this time you’ll get paired with a better gentleman. She paired me up with Marcus after all.”

“Exactly,” Susannah pointed out. “Besides, I haven’t received an invitation.”

“I’ll tell his lordship to get you one.”

“I’ll see.”

“No ‘I’ll see,’” Rose said. “We always go to balls together. You will go. End of the argument.”

“Fine, fine,” Susannah answered. “Means I have to go shop for a new dress then.”

“That’s no problem at all!” Rose exclaimed happily. “We’ll go to Florette’s again.”

“All right,” Susannah answered.

“I hope you meet your Prince Charming.”

“Perhaps I might,” Susannah smiled. “And perhaps a miracle would happen and you’ll find someone else better.”

“I’m not changing my mind on marrying Lord Lansing, no,” Rose said. “A miracle would just be my handsome marquess riding on his white horse and coming to sweep me away to his villa.” She sighed dreamily and smiled. “Now that’s a real miracle.”

“Oh, you’ll see what a real miracle is,” Susannah replied, mirroring back the smile. “You’ll see.”

Stanford Hall

“About time we get out of that place,” Sheik said, yawning as he and Leon walks to the stable to get their horses. “I hope this was worth the wait. Did you obtain the information you needed?”

Leon led his horse out and nodded, “Quite enough.”

It took a good long hour or two for Leon to gather all the answers he needed before taking leave. Mr. Stanford didn’t have all the complete answers, but it was enough for the time being. He had been searching for five men–or rather five suspects that had been in charge of his parents’ death. Stanford was able to provide him enough clues on how to find the men, though not exactly where. He didn’t give him names either, except that they were all of high nobility. One is a duke, another a marquess and it follows with an earl, a viscount, and lastly, a baron.

Leon would have never expected so. If only Stanford could provide him with the names. He had known Leon’s father for life and knew every enemies of his father.

Why doesn’t Stanford know these ones now? He even knows the reason of why his parents’ were killed too.

Why not the enemies?

According to Mr. Stanford, these men were looking for some old ancient jewels. It appeared that his father had them, causing the enemies to attack. Mr. Stanford asked him about it, but Leon had denied the knowledge of knowing such jewels existed in the family. For one thing, he doesn’t trust the information to be out, not even to Mr. Stanford.

He knew well about the jewels’ existence, just not of their purposes. If those jewels caused his parents’ death, then surely they are worth more than he would have thought. It’s better to just leave them hanging than bring them up to cause further issue.

“I am never coming to the Stanfords with you again,” Sheik said, mounting up on his horse and riding out after Leon.

Leon laughed and reached over to ruffle his little brother’s hair. “You won’t have to again. I promise you that.”

“Stop that,” Sheik said, pushing away his hand. “Where are we heading next?”

“Back home,” Leon answered. “I have many things to discuss with Jack and them.”

“Seriously? We had been riding all day.”

“Yes, we’ve got to return home.”

“Can’t we rest for the night?”

“Sheik, you can’t call Phoenix a baby anymore. You sound just like her at the moment,” Leon chuckled.

“Me, a baby like Nix? That’s absurd!” Sheik exclaimed. “I’m almost twenty.”

“You’re just a wee puppy,” Leon joked, slowing his horse so that he was side by side with his brother.

“You’re an old fart, then,” Sheik laughed. “I think it’s time for you to marry, don’t you think so?”

“No, it’s too early,” Leon said. “Way too early. Besides, I can’t get marry when there’s business everywhere up my sleeves.”

“You’re but eight and twenty already. That annoying Miss Stanford seems to adore you.”

“I’ll cut off my left arm before getting myself leg shackled to her,” Leon answered.

He would never get things done if he were to get with Delilah. She will cling on to him like a piece of driftwood and keep him from tending to any affair. He would not settle for that kind of woman.

“I’ll probably let Nix shoot me if I were to be with that Miss Stanford, too,” his brother seemed to also agree. “How about that Lady Rose?”

“Who?”

Leon could’ve sworn he heard it wrong.

“Lady Rose. I don’t really quite remember,” Sheik said. “I was eight back then. You liked her a lot, didn’t you?”

“Rose?”

It has been so long since he had spoken her name.

“Yes, that’s right. Miss Lady Rose Dawson.”

“Are you jesting? It’s been over ten years now,” Leon said. “She’s probably married now.”

“Didn’t she love you? Why didn’t you marry her?”

Why didn’t he? Leon had no idea. He was a mere lad back then who didn’t think much.

“I couldn’t,” was all Leon said, though there was so much more. “You loved her, right?’

This has got to be the most awkward conversation he has ever had with his brother.

“I didn’t,” Leon replied, though his heart said otherwise. “I only liked her, that’s all.”

“Sure.”

“Seriously.”

“Whatever you say, then.”

They rode on in silence, not saying a word.

Sheik whistled a soft little tune while Leon’s thoughts drift back to their previous conversation.

Rose.

Leon didn’t know what to say. He didn’t expect his brother to bring her up again. She had been…a memory he has never forgotten. Not even for a second. She lives deep down inside his heart like a scar that never fades.

She haunts him like a nightmare with much torture. No matter how hard he tries to wipe her out of his mind, she will always come back. She had become a part of his life–a necessity. She fills his every thought and dreams.

If only…if only their world were not so different apart.

Maybe…just maybe…They could have…

Bloody fool, Leon cursed himself.

These thoughts were ridiculous.

A whole decade had passed. She must have moved on already. He had no doubt about it, especially after what he did. He regretted that day so very much, but what more can he do?

His family were facing major crisis. He couldn’t let Rose be a part of it and be in danger.

What he did was for the best, though she will hate him forever.

He just hopes for her to find the best man that will love and care for her, like he once did.

Like he always will.

If only she knew.

If only–

“Hey, look who’s coming at us!” Sheik exclaimed, breaking his thoughts.

Leon looked up and was surprised to see who it was.

“Hargate.”

It was Laguna Black, the Duke of Hargate, one of his very best friends. Leon hadn’t seen him in two years. They had only met twice in the five years that he had returned to Bridlington.

Hargate had been helping him hunt for his parents’ murderers for years. He was one of the most influential individuals in the House of Lords and was able to obtain access to every private government files. It was thanks to Hargate that they were able to narrow down their suspects before he went to consult with Stanford about it. He would still have been so far behind the investigation if not for Hargate’s help,

“You didn’t tell me that you were coming, Heartily,” Hargate said, riding over to shake Leon’s hand and nodded to Sheik. “I could’ve planned something special for us, like the brothel, game at Maurice, or endless brandy at my family’s inn.”

“I wasn’t thinking of staying that’s why I didn’t send you words,” Leon answered. “I was going to get home to handle some matters and then return.”

“I’m tired as the devil,” Sheik whined. “Laguna, I beg you, please, tell Leon to let us rest for the night. Takes almost two days to get back to Bridlington and I’m not in the mood of returning, especially when we just got here and was stuck for hours at the Stanfords.”

Hargate laughed and turned to Leon. “Let’s stay over at the inn and catch up on things for the night, shall we? I know you’re probably eager to leave like always, but stay this time. I have a little information that could probably help in our investigation.”

“Have you found one of the men?” Leon asked, turning serious.

“Possibly,” Hargate nodded.

“Then we have no time to waste,” Leon answered, turning his horse to line with Hargate’s. “Let’s go. I have some things to discuss with you as well.”

“Lord, amen!” Sheik exclaimed, following suit.

They arrived at Hargate Inn half an hour later.

Dusk had fallen around them and crickets began their chirps.

The inn was packed with men gambling and drinking to no ends. Women chased their children and fed their babes, not paying much attention to their surroundings.

“Well, this is kind of a mess,” Sheik said as they got inside. “That’s how my father runs the inn,” Hargate explained.

“Keeping up with the tradition.”

“You do have an extra room for us, don’t you?” asks Leon as

they stroll up the stairs.

“A private sector, yes,” Hargate answered. “It’s where

Longsword and I usually meet up. I just had it built after you left.” “Is Gareth going to come?” Leon wanted to know.

Gareth was his other friend. He hadn’t seen him in a while either. “Longsword should be here. I invited him over to meet up about

the investigation. Planning to call on you afterward but I guess not

anymore since you’re already here,” Hargate replied.

He led them down the hall to a door, pressing a button to slide it

open to a room of luxuries.

“I think we have to update the rooms in our house to look like

this, Leon,” Sheik said, gaping at the sight.

Golden chandeliers with crystals hung from the ceiling and red

silk curtains covered the windows. A long cherry wood table was

centered in the huge room, covered in a royal red cloth with a vase of

mixed flowers and accents on top. Old rare ancient paintings in golden

frames lined the walls, and a French door opening out to a balcony lies

in the east of the room. Matching red couches were settled in the west

with a gigantic bed along with it.

“You are too fancy, Hargate,” Leon said, after examining the

room.

Hargate chuckled. “All in honor of you.”

“Right.”

“I’m taking a nap,” said Sheik, taking off his coat and boots as he

headed for the bed.

“You already did at Stanford’s,” Leon reminded him. “Then I’m just going to sleep for the night,” Sheik yawned. “You

two can stay up if you like. Please don’t wake me up so early, Leon.” “We’ll see,” Leon said. “Don’t hog it all.”

“First come, first serve,” Sheik smiled, and went away to rest. “So, Hargate,” Leon started as they went down to sit at the large

table. “Tell me about your discovery. You said earlier that you’ve

found something helpful.”

“Right,” Hargate nodded, opening up a bottle of brandy and

pouring out two glasses for them. “I found this old book at the House

of Lords. It seems to be some sort of record or documentation journal.

It had your father’s name in it along with some other lords.” “But my father was no lord,” Leon said, shocked to hear. “Are

you sure?”

“It said Solomon R.W. Heartily. What does the R.W. stand for,

do you know?”

“No clue,” Leon shook his head. “I wasn’t aware that my father

had a middle name.”

“Well, there were portraits of each lords,” Hargate added. “Your

father was in it.”

“He was?” Now that caught more of his attention.

“Yes,” Hargate went on. “There was this other portrait with him

standing with five other men. You know what I’m getting to, do you?” “The five men?”

“Our five suspects.”

It then hit Leon.

“I need that book, Hargate. I have to see it.”

“It’s not easy to get it out of the office,” Hargate replied, sipping

his brandy.

“Did it have their names?” Leon needed those names. If he has

them, things would be much easier.

“Yes,” Hargate answered. “But it’s barely visible since the book

was old and worn.”

“That’s a shame then.”

“Actually,” Hargate snapped. “I saw part of one.”

“Part of a name?”

“Yes,” Hargate nodded. “It said Marquess…Lan…something.” “Well, that’s really helpful,” Leon scoffed.

“Perhaps I could ask–”

The door suddenly flew open and banged against the wall,

causing one of the paintings to fall off.

“What the hell!” cursed the duke, as they turn towards the door. “Hey! Sleeping here!” Sheik said swiftly, pulling a pillow over

his face and ignoring the rest.

It was Gareth Coleridge, the Earl of Longsword, in a fury mood. “Blast it all!” the earl cursed, walking heavily forward and

kicking out a chair to sit. “To hell with all these society women.” “What the devil is wrong with you, Longsword?” Leon asked. “Need some brandy?” Hargate asked, holding up a cup. “Like that will help.”

“What’s wrong?” Leon asked again.

“He probably was out searching for a countess again. You know

him,” Hargate said, just loud enough for him to hear, which Leon find

was probably true.

Gareth had been out hunting for a bride ever since he inherited

the title as the earl after his father’s death.

“Your search for a bride failed again?” inquired the duke. “Obviously,” Longsword groaned, reaching over and taking

Hargate’s glass of brandy. “I need this now,” he said, taking a big

gulp. “Whoever thought finding a wife would be so complicated.” “You’re working too hard,” Leon said. “Take a rest.”

“Yes,” Hargate said. “I’m the duke here and I’m not even

stressing myself out for a bride.”

“I’m not stressed, okay,” Longsword replied. “Just had a very bad

evening at Lady Mayhem’s ball.”

“What happened? Why is your left cheek so red?” Leon asked as

he examined Longsword.

“Let me see.” Hargate grabbed Longsword by the face and turned it

from side to side. “Holy, are those fingermarks? Don’t tell me you got–” I was slapped by three ladies today, all right,” Longsword

answered madly. “Five of which stomped on my toes.”

Leon couldn’t hold it in and burst into laughter with Hargate. “What did you do to them?” Hargate asked, getting up to get

another glass to pour him a cup of brandy.

“Nothing,” Longsword said. “They wanted me to tell them the

truth of what I think about them and–”

“And you did, I assumed,” said Leon.

“I thought women like the truth,” Longsword said.

“It depends on what kind of truths. Haven’t you learn your lesson from the last time you told Lady Anika that her bosoms were too small?” Hargate said, laughing as the scene came back. “That was

quite a sight.”

“I thought it was just her who doesn’t appreciate the truth.” Leon had to laugh at that. “Come on. Even I know my sisters

don’t like the truth.”

“Your sisters?” Hargate elbowed Longsword and raised a flirty

brow. “You know what; I think you can end your bride hunt. Our

friend here–” He elbowed Leon. “He has sisters that are eligible for–” “No!” Leon blurted suddenly. “Don’t you even dare.” Hargate just smiled. “You know what I’m saying, Longsword.” “Heartily’s sisters?”

There was a sudden change in Longsword’s expression that Leon

didn’t like.

“They’re quite the belles, aren’t they?” Hargate went on, just to

annoy Leon. “Four of them, are there? I’ve only met them a couple of

times, but I can see they’re eligible.”

“I’m warning you, Hargate,” Leon growled.

Hargate went on talking, knowing Leon didn’t actually mean his

threat.

“I say they will make perfect brides,” Hargate added. “A countess

for you and duchess for–”

“Oh for God’s sakes! I didn’t come here to discuss the marriage

of my sisters!” Leon bellowed over Hargate. “Besides, they have no

dowries and certainly are not fit to be wedded to men of titles like you

two.”

“I wouldn’t mind,” Longsword answered. “I have enough to feed

a whole country.”

Leon can see Longsword was no longer furious and hated the

sternness in his voice as he said that.

“Same,” Hargate agreed.

Leon took one look at them both and thought them insane. “I say Avangelene–was that her name–the one always dressing

and looking like a young chap? She would make you a fine countess,”

Hargate said to Longsword. “She would be a beauty, too, if she let go

of those ridiculous cropped wigs. You’ve got to tell her that, Heartily.” Leon totally ignored the comment and lay back on the chair. “Fits more for a duchess,” Longsword replied to Hargate. “That little one–Phoenix–I think that was her name. She’s a little

belle too, though far too young.”

Leon couldn’t believe he’s just sitting there in the room while his

friends babbled on about his sisters.

His sisters!

“All right, you asses,” Leon cut into the conversation. “I say it’s

time we be serious.” He turned to Longsword. “Hargate got some

good news. He found a Marquess who could possibly be one of our

suspects.”

“Seriously?” Longsword looked at Hargate and then to the bed.

“Is that Sheik over there? I thought you didn’t want him or any of your

siblings to know about the investigation yet?”

“I didn’t, but I’ll have to now. I found out something quite

serious that I have to tell them when I get back home,” Leon

answered.

“Need any help on it?” Hargate asked. “I’ll be in service.” “Not yet,” Leon replied. “This is personal family matter.” “I see.”

“So are you planning on returning tomorrow morning to

Bridlington?” Longsword inquired, taking the bottle of brandy and

refilling his cup.

“Thinking about it,” Leon nodded.

“I heard that Lady Chatsworth’s hosting a ball in the next couple

of days to come,” Longsword said. “You should stay. Perhaps we

would meet that marquess or some other suspects. I think it would be

helpful attending those sorts of social events.”

Hargate laughed. “Are you sure? Or is it because you need to find

a bride?”

Longsword grinned. “Both. Besides, Heartily had been gone for a

while. We need to reunite and attend a ball together and dance with all

the beauties.”

“Seems a good idea,” Leon agreed. “Although I must really

manage things out with Dalton.”

“Mr. Dalton can manage things on his own,” Longsword said.

“He had mastered his secretary skills already.”

“True,” said Hargate. “Don’t worry. There are your siblings to

handle things, too.”

Leon almost burst into laughter. “My siblings? Seriously? I took

the worst one with me and left the most mischievous troublemaker at

home with the rest. All of them are never in a valid status. They will

just make things worse.”

“They couldn’t be that bad, could they?” said Longsword. “Jack

and they seems pretty laid back.”

“Exactly!” Leon said. “That’s the reason why nothing will get

accomplished.”

“You’re just exaggerating,” said Hargate. “They will be fine.” “You don’t know what happened the last time I went off on a trip

to Bath,” said Leon. “It was a riot at home. That thing over there in the

bed got into a fight. Nix broke the nose of Lord Seaton’s daughter;

Namine was shot after by a bridegroom; Lavender almost killed one of

the stallion; and Edward–”

“You’re such a responsible big brother,” Hargate laughed, patting

Leon on the shoulder. “I have to praise you for having the ability to

keep them under control. I don’t think I will be able to manage them.” “Well, enough of that. We’re going to the ball,” Longsword said

to Leon. “I’ll chain you down if needed.”

Leon laughed. “Fine,” he said, finishing his brandy. “I’ll send

words back home.”

“And maybe you will see her again,” said Hargate.

“Her?” Leon wasn’t quite in the mood to comprehend. “Oh, don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about Lady Rose,” Hargate

replied with a grin. “She had you wrapped around her fingers like

nothing.”

“The hell she did.” Leon didn’t want to talk about her again. “Why did you leave her?” Longsword asked. “She was so in love

with you.”

“Duties,” Leon said dryly. “You know that.”

“But you could have married her.”

“I was but eighteen,” Leon answered. “I can’t. She deserves

better.”

“Or so, you say,” Hargate said, crossing his arms. “You’re the

best man anyone could have for a husband, no doubt, especially with

your ability to handle those wild siblings of yours.”

“That doesn’t mean anything,” Leon answered. “I’ve done her

wrong before. I can’t do it again.”

“What do you mean?” asked Longsword. “You’ve been faithful.

You didn’t even go to the brothel with Hargate and I when we asked.” Leon shook his head and drew out a breath. “You won’t

understand.”

“Then let it not be something of a mistake but into something

endearing and true,” said Hargate. “Consider your mistake as a lesson

learned.”

“I’m good,” said Leon. “What happened in the past is best

forgotten. Besides, she probably moved on already. No use

bothering.”

Longsword nodded. “Probably. I did see her with many suitors

after you left. One of them must have offered for her already. Since

she’s a respectable lady, she must have accepted too.

“Would you like to meet her again, though?” Hargate asked. “We

could go and–”

“Rose and I are nothing now,” Leon interjected. “And I don’t

want to ruin her marriage if she had taken a husband. I’d rather leave

things as it is.”

That caused Hargate to shrug. “If you say so, though a part of me

knows that you could still gain a chance.”

“You sound like a besotted fool, Hargate,” Leon laughed.

“Always speaking romantically and believing in the impossible. I’m

surprised you didn’t have all the women in London lined up at your

doorsteps.”

“That is because I have never told any women that they have eyes

that shine like stars or lips as ripe and sweet as the fruit of May,”

Hargate grinned.

“That won’t work,” Longsword told him. “I have said it too many

women and they all thought me to be a fool of dullness.”

“Has it ever cross your mind that maybe you are?”

Leon and Hargate broke into more laughs and this time,

Longsword join in with them.

“Proves why I haven’t gotten a countess, then,” he said, raising

his cup up. “Cheers to the Fool of Dullness.”

“And his failure to flatter and obtain a wife,” Hargate cheered. “Wait a minute,” Leon paused from rising his cup with theirs and

looked at Hargate. “You can’t even find a bride for yourself.” “That is because I’m waiting for the perfect love of my life,”

Hargate replied. “May this toast be for you to do the honor of winning

a bride for yourself. Perhaps, little Lady Rose would take the role.” Leon wanted to believe that he can make that a possibility but

every part of his mind says no. “Seriously, Hargate. Rose and I can

never be again. It’s far too late.”

“Believe me, my friend,” Hargate said, putting an arm around

Leon’s shoulder. “I know you don’t believe in second chances and you

fear of ruining Lady Rose, but if you just play along with the little

game I have in stored, you will certainly win. You may count on it. ” Leon sees it of no use to argue any farther with the case and just

shrugs.

He knows well that things could never be the same again. It’s just not going to happen.

There’s never going to be a second chance for him and Rose to be

together again.