All the Things You Never Knew

CHAPTER FOUR

Dawson House

“Ah, Susy, wasn’t the ball a delight?” Rose asked, sighing dreamily

as they returned home and dropped down on her bed. “I had such a wonderful evening dancing with Marcus.”

“I did, too,” Susannah said, going behind the screen to change out of her gown into something lighter for the night.

“I saw you dancing with a charming young gentleman. I was quite surprise.”

“I was, too,” Susannah said, coming around to the other side of Rose and prop down.

“You two looked like Cinderella and Prince Charming.”

“Do we?” Susannah smiled. “He was a Prince Charming. I almost couldn’t believe it.”

“Yes, you in your lovely blue laced gown and him in his navy blue coat and dark breeches. Quite a manly figure. His arse looks rather nice, eh?”

“Oh, I didn’t know you were looking,” Susannah scoffed. “I thought you had your full attention to that Lord Lansing. Didn’t know you had wandering eyes.”

Rose smiled and elbowed Susannah in the shoulder. “When it’s for you, I’ll wander my eyes off anywhere to find you a respectable, handsome groom.”

“Well, you’ll be surprise to know who this gentleman was,” Susannah said, and raising a flirty eyebrow added, “You’ll want to take back that comment of him having a nice arse, too.”

Rose merely laughed. “He does,” she said merrily. “No joke at all.”

“If you say so,” Susannah shrugged. “Monsieur Leon does have a nice arse.”

“Monsieur…” Rose trailed off and looked at Susannah in shock. “Did you just say ‘Monsieur Leon does have a nice arse?’”

“I was merely agreeing with you,” Susannah replied.

“What do you mean?”

“You had so much fun that you didn’t even recognize him.”

“Recognize him? Who? What do you mean?” Rose inquired, narrowing her eyes at Susannah. “Tell me who, Susy.”

“That charming gentleman I was dancing with.”

“Who was he? Tell me,” Rose demanded, anxious to know.

“I told you. He was Mr. Leon Heartily, your old amour.”

“Leon?” A hysteric laugh rise out of her. “That was a good one, Susy. For a minute, I almost believed you.”

“It’s not a joke, Rosy,” Susannah said sternly. “He’s really back.”

Noting the seriousness in her voice, Rose turned and looked at Susannah, a part of her heart twisting heavily as she listens to her speak.

“The Heartilys are back, Rosy,” Susannah repeated. “They’re really back.”

The anchor in her heart deepens as Rose heard the words slip out again.

“No,” she murmured, shaking her head in disbelief. “No. You’re lying. It can’t be.”

“Come on, Rosy,” Susannah said, sitting up next to Rose. “We’ve been friends for so long. I would never lie to you. In fact, I wouldn’t even tell you if I’m not positively sure about it. I spoke to him myself, and as you saw earlier, I danced with him.”

“But how could it be?” Rose asked, embracing herself as she stood up to pace around the room. “They had disappeared over a decade now without a trace left behind.”

“I don’t know, but they’re back, all right,” Susannah said. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Rose asked.

“I didn’t think you would care after telling me so many times that Lord Lansing is the only one.”

“Well, I–” Rose stop short and asked instead, “What did you two talked about? Did he say anything?”

“Just things, you know,” Susannah replied. “Like your upcoming wedding.”

“My–” Rose sat up and shook her head. “No! How could you?”

She was suddenly filled with indignation.

“It hardly matters, right?” Susannah said, and mockingly added, “You’re marrying Marcus after all.”

“Please, don’t throw my words back at me like that,” Rose said. “This is serious.”

“I see nothing wrong with it,” Susannah said, lying down on the pillow. “He was nothing to you.”

Rose flinched and closed her eyes, trying to keep the tears from flooding out.

True, she had said Leon was nothing to her, but does Susannah have to ail her with it?

“Rosy,” Susannah whispered, gently squeezing her shoulders. “Don’t worry. You’ll get to marry your marquess. Mr. Heartily showed no interest in gaining you back,” she said. “Don’t worry yourself with it.”

Rose didn’t know if that was a lie or not, but her heart faltered.

Should she really be having these feelings when she had already decided that she will not care about him anymore?

“Although,” Susannah went on. “I wish he’ll change his mind and sweep you away from that Lord Lansing.”

Rose merely groan in reply.

“I can help if you change your mind to be with your Mr. Heartily. He is still in town,” she heard Susannah say, but didn’t stir. “He’ll be at the Duke of Hargate’s Inn if you ever want to–”

“I don’t want him to be in any part of my life anymore!” Rose snapped angrily. “Haven’t I told you? I just can’t believe you told him about my wedding. I don’t want him to know anything about me!”

“Oh, he won’t know any more things about you after you’re wedded to that Lord Lansing!” Susannah stormed, matching her tone. “He was merely a nobody and can’t compare to your noble marquess. I know that. Rest assures. I won’t ever speak of you to him or him to you again!”

And with that, Susannah stood up to gather her things and march to the door. “I’ll sleep elsewhere so that you can have your peace. Night, Rosy.”

Rose threw aside her blanket as Susannah stepped out and jumped into bed.

Tears were strolling one by one out of her eyes. She didn’t mean to be so harsh on Susannah.

It’s just that she’s rather, well, shock.

She thought she would be immune to all the talks of Leon, but this one threw her off, especially because he had returned and she did not recognize him.

He didn’t even bother to confront her either.

Why really should she care? She shouldn’t anymore.

Ten years. Lord, ten years had passed.

She thought he’ll never come back, yet now out of the blue he appears.

Rose wondered what his intention in returning to London was.

Could it be to win her back or possibly to stop her wedding?

The thought seems absurd.

Leon doesn’t care about her. He didn’t even listen to her, nor stay when she begged him to. He always goes his own way.

If he wants to do something, he does it. No one can stop him.

If he wants to go somewhere, he goes.

If he wants to stay, he stays.

If he wants to leave, he leaves.

He doesn’t give a damn.

If he wants to ruin her wedding, then of course he would, though Rose highly doubted that would happen.

Leon doesn’t care for her anymore. If he did, he wouldn’t have done what he did years ago. It pains her like a drilling knife to think back about it. It’s better to just let it go. What’s done has been done. There’s nothing else to say or change.

But then two little words lingered at the back of her mind.

What and if.

What if Leon does care enough to return for her? What then? And what if–No!

No, this isn’t happening to her. She had made up her mind

already.

Whatever Leon’s intention was to be in London, she doesn’t care.

She’s about to get marry to one of the best catch of London. Marcus Lewis Dent, the Marquess of Lansing.

Yes. She was going to marry him.

He had promised her love and happiness. Everything Leon had

lacked to do.

If she was to marry, it would be to a man that loves and care for

her. Not one that she cares and shares a one-sided love with. That

made Lord Lansing the most perfect candidate. He will be there to

watch out for her and provide her with all the necessities she needs.

That should truly be enough to make her feel...content.

Content?

Oh, pish-posh! She loves Marcus. He makes her happy. She’ll be

happy with him.

Oh. Oh. Oh.

Why did Susannah have to tell her? Doesn’t she know what it

does to her when she speaks of Leon?

Rose closed her eyes and pulled the blanket over her head,

praying that sleep would devour her soon and that everything would

be forgotten in the morning.

Hargate Inn

The next morning was quite a pain for Leon and his friends. After leaving Lady Chatsworth’s ball and discussing the news Hargate had discovered, they went gaming at Old George’s Tavern and got themselves foxed to the max.

Hargate almost turned over the rig as they were driving back and Longsword vomited all over the horses as he tries to ride it back into the stable. Leon was dazed out of his mind that he didn’t even know what was happening. He didn’t even know when he had gone to bed.

As he woke up, he saw that he was sprawled out on the bed with Longsword by the post and Hargate sitting in a chair rubbing his head.

“I feel like somebody dropped a stone on my head,” groaned the duke as he turned to Leon. “Good morning.”

Leon rubbed the side of his head and muttered the same.

“Hell, what time is it?” came the earl as he rolled down from the bed to sprawl across the floor. “I need to piss.”

Hargate chuckled and sighed. “This has got to be the worst hangover I’ve ever gotten.”

“I don’t remember a time I’ve drank this much,” Leon said, sitting up on the bed.

“How many pounds did we lose at Old George’s place?” asked Longsword. “I don’t remember a thing.”

“More than we could remember,” Hargate joked.

“I know I won that last game,” Longsword said, getting up from the floor to stretch.

“I don’t remember a thing,” Leon groaned, getting up and walking over to the wash basin to dump some water over his face.

“I’m hungry,” Hargate said. “I’ll ring in some breakfast for us.”

“I’m famished,” Longsword replied, patting his stomach. “I think I vomited everything out of me yesterday.”

“Tim would be so angry to have to clean your waste off the horses that you threw up on last night,” Hargate said.

“You almost killed us, Hargate,” Leon said, as he recall a little of the event last night. “The rig would have fallen over if the wheel hadn’t been caught on that stone.”

“Did I really?” Hargate couldn’t quite remember that part. “My apology then. Good thing we made it home.”

“Wait a minute,” Longsword said, striding towards the window. “Where did we park the rig?”

All three of them went to look out the window for it.

“Well, look here,” said Hargate in amusement as he looks down. “The wheels flew off.”

“How did we even get home, then?” Longsword inquired in awe.

“Who even brought us to bed? I swear I was so out of my head that I didn’t even know what was happening,” Leon said, scratching his head.

There came a knock at the door that took away their attention, and in came one of Hargate’s servants with a stroller.

He cleared his throat and bowed down. “Your breakfast is ready, Your Grace.”

“Thanks, Sam,” Hargate replied with a smile. “Mighty fine day, is it not?”

“Yes–”

The old man looked up at them and his jaw dropped.

“Lord, what happened to the three of you, Your Grace?” he asked. “You all look like you just got back from a romp in the fields.”

All three of them turned to look at one another and laugh at how mussed their hair were and the disarrangement of their garments.

“I assure you, Sam, we were not romping in the fields but partying in the barn,” Hargate winked. “Please leave the foods there. It would be nice if you can ask the maids to drawn up three warm baths for us.”

“A pleasure, Your Grace,” the man answered with a light chuckle, and slip out of the room.

The three of them smiled and raced to the stroller.

“I smell bacon,” said Leon, his stomach growling with needs.

“Pence on the jelly biscuits!” Longsword exclaimed.

“We are some hell of a grown man!” Hargate laughed, setting out the plates and silverwares on the table and running to get the wine and cups from the shelf.

“Allow me,” Longsword bowed, as he took the cups and wine bottle from Hargate and poured them each a glass.

“Breakfast is served!” Leon beamed, as he finished distributing them their share of bacon and biscuits.

Hargate held up his glass of wine in a cheer and shout out, “Let the party continue!”

Leon and they all took a nap again after eating and sobering in their warm baths.

There had not been any talk of the marquess or any worries about anything. They totally had a night going yesterday.

Leon decided that today would just be a day of rest in preparation for what’s to come in the near future. Hargate and Longsword had done so much for his sake. It’s only fair if he let them rest. After all, they’re noblemen and he is nothing more than a commoner, or bastard for all it matters. It’s quite a long story.

How ironic it was that Hargate and Longsword should be the one serving him instead of the other way around. Every bit of him twists with guilt. This wasn’t how he wanted it but it appears that his stubborn friends would go on with it to help him. They were the best companions he has ever had and is truly grateful. He had never thought in his entire life to become friends with a duke or an earl, or any man of title.

He remembered when he first met Hargate. They were close neighbors and met as mere children. His parents used to have a house in London until problem arises that made them move to Bridlington. Before that, Hargate, who was just a young master back then, would always sneak away to the woods with Leon and play pretend shooting animals and fighting wars. It was most improper of him to play with a duke’s son. His parents always warn him about it, but no discrimination can stop the true friendship that had developed between the two young boys. It brought Hargate and his family close together and soon all rules of society were dropped.

Hargate’s family invited his over for dinners, events, balls, anything of the high social class. Yet to save the reputation of the Hargates, his family limited the attendance of the events and only went when it’s of high importance. Other families of high classes resented them, but with the Hargates’ relationship, no one dares to harm them in any way or speak to them with ill manners.

Leon finds himself in much debt to Hargate. He could never repay back all the things Hargate has done. The least he could do was let Hargate court one of his sisters, though all his senses disapproved. Hargate is a duke and his sisters are just, well, they’re just…common hellions, he concluded. They are not suitable for a duke or an earl.

Longsword had spoken with interest the other day, but he can’t allow them to court. It’s highly improper and he doesn’t want to blacken the name of his dear friend. And knowing Longsword’s family, they are really into the rules of society. They will never speak to those of lower status. His parents nearly went out on a rage when Longsword befriended Leon and invited him over to a Christmas dinner. It nearly caused a riot until Hargate and his family showed up with appreciation of Leon’s presence that they all settled.

Recalling all the things that happened, Leon didn’t want any of his sisters to go in and suffer the family of Longsword’s. He’s a nice man and would make a fine husband, no doubt, but his family is just intolerable, not that Leon’s family’s any good, but they don’t discriminate against statuses. They will accept anyone that’s willing to accept them. Longsword’s the only one in his family that accepts Leon for who he is. It’s not enough for his sisters to get involve. Things wouldn’t go well. It’s best to keep them all apart as friends and nothing beyond that.

Besides, if anything goes wrong, their friendship would be at loss. Leon couldn’t risk it. There are so many well-bred ladies out there that his friends could have. He needn’t worry.

Leon opened his eyes and laughs at himself in stupidity as he sat up.

Did he really just go through a whole damn criticism in his head concerning his friends getting leg shackled to his sisters?

Dear Lord, he needs to return to Bridlington. Staying in London had stripped away his sanity. He’s thinking of the most outrageous thing. He told them it’s not going to happen and is staying true to his words.

Christ, he rubbed his head. He needs to get going with business.

Leon looked around to see Longsword snoring by the foot of the bed like before and Hargate napping in a hammock across the room.

He stretched and got off to get dress, trying not to wake them.

After putting on his hessians, he went to take out a piece of paper and an ink quill from the bureau and jotted them a quick note.

He soon went out to get his horse saddled and rode off on his way back to Bridlington. He has had his fun. It’s now time to be serious.

Grantham

“I’m really sorry about our quarrel last evening,” Rose said to Lady Susannah as they rode out on the carriage to Grantham where Susannah’s family resides. “I must have gotten carried away.” Susannah didn’t say anything and just stared out the window. “Please say you’ve forgiven me. You’re my best friend. I can’t

bear to have you hate me because of that little argument.” “I don’t,” Susannah muttered. “I know you’re hopeless. I

shouldn’t even have bothered.”

“What do you mean I’m ‘hopeless’? I’m just doing what’s right.” Susannah gave out an exasperated sigh. “I’m not even going to

bother.”

“Oh, Susy, please cheer up,” Rose said, patting her friend on the

shoulder. “I know you disapprove of my decision, but please know it’s

for the best. Here,” She took a small bundle out of her reticule and

handed them to Susannah. “This is for you.”

Susannah reluctantly took the bundle and opened it.

“These are…?”

“Invitation cards,” Rose said merrily. “I’ve decided that you will

be my personal secretary and send out invitations for everyone to

attend Lord Lansing and my wedding. There’s a list in there, too, of

the people that his lordship wanted to invite.”

Susannah almost went into a fit when Rose finished. “You–” She threw her hands up in frustration and cup her head.

“Oh, God. I think I’ve taken ill. If you don’t mind, I’ll like to throw

these out the window.”

“No!” Rose cried, snatching them back before Susannah toss

them out. “This is serious, Susy. No more pretense.”

“I’m not pretending. I’m sick and tire of you and your talk of that

marquess. Do you think I’ll want to write out all those invitation when

I disapprove of the marriage so?”

“Please, Susy. I need you to help me. I’ll do anything. Please do

it. Just this once.”

Susannah sighed and snatched the invitations back. “Fine,” she

said. “I’ll do it.”

“Oh, I love you, Susy,” Rose said, throwing her arms joyfully

around her. “You are the best.”

Susannah merely groaned and pushed Rose back to look at the

list of guests she had provided.

“Lord,” she gasped as she read the first few names. “You’re

inviting Lady Jubilee and Lord Creighton? They are such naggers. And Churchill? He’s such a lecherous lord. My, oh my, even the Stanfords? Mr. Stanford’s daughter is such a cocky wench that wants the attention of everyone. I doubt your wedding’s going to be any fun with her, although I could tolerate it since it’s just with that marquess. Oh, and even Lady Withering? Boy, you’ll be in for a surprise. Is this really a list of guests to make your wedding merry or is it to make it

miserable?”

“Susy, you’re just exaggerating. They’re not that bad. Marcus

wouldn’t have added them into the list if they’re going to be a

problem,” Rose replied.

“Your marquess must have been in his cups then,” Susannah

answered. “I’ll just make my own list of people to invite.” Rose’s eyes brightened up. “Oh, that will be so much better then.

At least you’ll enjoy the job.”

“Yes,” Susannah smiled slyly. “It would make the job less

miserable.”

“All right,” Rose answered. “Anything to make you happy. Just

add in a few of those that Marcus wrote down. I don’t want him to

think I’m against his pick.”

“We’ll see,” Susannah answered, clutching the bundle of cards to

her chest. “When’s the wedding anyway?”

“Oh, in three months,” Rose answered gleefully. “I’m so

excited.”

“Why so long?”

“Love is not to rush,” Rose replied. “He can take his time. I don’t

want to force him.”

Susannah just rolled her eyes and muttered, “Sure, after you’ve

been engaged for five years that’s not long at all.”

“You better invite good folks then, since you’re so opposed to all

the ones on the list,” Rose added in sternly.

“Oh, I will,” Susannah grinned. “Don’t worry. I will.” “Good.”

Susannah cradled the little bundle on her lap and turned away

with a secret smile on her face. She knows exactly who to invite.

Heartily Manor Bridlington

“You found that ass of a marquess?” Jack exclaimed at the news his older brother had just revealed. “No wonder you’re back so early from your trip to London.”

“Not exactly,” Leon answered. “It’s his son. He had inherited the title.”

“Meaning the marquess is already dead then? Such a disappointment that we didn’t get to do the job of finishing him off.”

“A bit, yes,” Leon agreed. “But I’m having doubts. I don’t know if this is accurate.”

Jack rubbed his chin thoughtfully, flipping through his barrister law book and answered, “You don’t think he’s faking his role, do you? Or are you afraid that he might be the wrong man?”

“I don’t know what to think,” Leon answered. “I haven’t enough proof.”

“Well, you could always investigate on the situation, or better yet befriend him and see if you’ll learn anything. If he’s the son of that marquess, then just kill him. It does no right for his family to stand after what his father did to our parents.”

“That’s nice coming from an experienced barrister,” Leon laughed, then sternly added, “However, that marquess’s son is getting married.” He thought of Rose for a moment. It occurred to him that she hadn’t crossed his mind ever since his return until now. He shook his head slowly and murmured, “I don’t want his wife to become a widow.”

“Eh?” Jack gave out a quick laugh and set down his book. “When did you become so caring of another man’s wife? The wife of your enemy?”

“I–”

Damn him and his quick tongue.

He’s always saying things that he wasn’t supposed to, especially in front of Jack; he bothers the heck out of Leon through every simple little thing he say.

Jack was twenty-seven and has a great interest in laws and politics and had become one of the best known barristers of Bridlington despite his title of a bastard, which is totally a long story for all of them. Still, he’d been called on by many lords to handle a majority of cases that Leon think are totally of nonsense, such as a countess disappearing without a trace for twenty years, then was found married to some blacksmith on the outskirt of town.

Seriously, that is just a waste of his brother’s time. Leon never really understood why Jack has such interest, but he respects all of his brother’s decision. Each and every one of them has different interest. That is what makes them all who they are.

“Jack, Leon, dinner’s ready,” said Avangelene, as she came into the room where they were sitting. “What have you guys been discussing? Care to tell?”

“I thought to wait till dinner to tell everyone,” Leon replied. “It’s really important.”

“Important, huh?” Avangelene just raised an eyebrow, and headed back out of the room shouting for his other siblings to come down for dinner.

Avangelene was the oldest out of his four sisters–three and twenty, bright and talented. She was the sixth oldest in the family and also the best cook that prepares almost every meal in the house, though she’s always busy out doing whatever–Leon has no idea. The fact that she’s always dressing like a young chap with a cropped wig all the time, as Hargate had pointed out, never really bothered him. He knows Avangelene has reasons of her own and that she knows what she’s doing. Though he has to admit, she can be careless sometimes and totally rage out on the path of murder. He hasn’t really seen it but the look she gives sometimes says it all.

“Man! Leon, Jack, hurry!” Edward called to them, sticking his head quickly into the room. “We’ve got to share one great meal together before I set out to the theater.”

“Don’t go. Not today,” Leon said, though he knows it might disappoint his brother. “I have important matters to discuss with all of you.”

“What?” Edward looked bewilder, but nodded.

That is one thing Leon liked about all his brothers. They obey him and know to treat him, the eldest, with respect and not argue back. When it gets to his sisters–it’s a different story, except for Avangelene. She lets it go easily.

Edward’s the third oldest and was a year younger than Jack. In fact, all of them were only a year apart from one another. Not too old, nor too young. He has a talent in acting. He’d been hired as a performer at one of the local theater in town. It has made him vainly proud and highly sensitive and aware of his appearance. Everything on him has to be perfect. Perfect. One little mark or rip on his garments would throw him totally off track. All of them always made sure Edward is presentable, otherwise they will never hear the end of his complaints.

“Have you guys seen Blake?” came Aidan, the fourth oldest after Edward. “He took my compass the other day and I need it back for my trip tomorrow.”

“I gave it back already,” Blake answered, walking past the room. “It’s in your study. I only need it to find the new site for my construction project.”

Now Blake is the fifth oldest and rather like to take things from Aidan mostly just for the fun of it. He has the skills of an artisan and rather like construction.

Unlike Blake, however, Aidan likes navigating and is really connected with his compass. It’s the most treasured item of his life and there’s a well good reason for it. Aidan’s rather stingy too, and hates when Blake or any of them take his belongings without permission. Blake does it anyway just to get on Aidan’s bad side. Even with that, they’re all a pretty bunch. However did his parents manage to handle all twelve of them was still a surprise to Leon.

“Gabriel! Give me back my sword!” Leon heard his younger little sister Phoenix shouted down the stairs.

“Boy, we can’t really all be together at the same time in one household,” said Jack. “Too much going on.”

“I like it,” Leon answered. He really did.

There had been a time when they all were separated for a month that made Leon feel as if he would die of loneliness and tedium. He’d rather they all stick together than ever part again.

“Hey Leon, take this!” Gabriel came in quickly through the door, throwing Leon a sword.

Gabriel was the seventh oldest after Avangelene and loves to bother little Phoenix and cut her off of her plans. They would always be screaming and yelling around the house, which is loving and warming, but at the same time very irritating.

Leon caught the sword with one hand, and set it down on the table. “What the hell is going on?”

“Gabe!” Phoenix came in pushing Gabriel to the side and off to get the sword.

“Don’t let her!’ Gabriel told Leon. “She’s up to no good.”

“Shut up! I need to go gut the hell out of that tavern owner who had cheated the pockets out of Lord Crawford and I,” she bellowed.

“Gut the hell out of that tavern...Did that Lord Crawford take you to–” Leon couldn’t even say it. It’s unbelievable that his little sister, who’s only eighteen, has already begun to turn into a gambling lassie. “We’ll talk about it later,” he said, picking up the sword. “You are not going to gut down anyone.”

“But I–“

“No one,” he answered.

“Then would you let me borrow your pistol–“

“No!” Leon roared. “You are not taking any weapons out.”

“Argh! Fine!” Phoenix gave a little stomp of her foot and left the room.

“There goes our little sister,” Jack said with a light whistle. “Has it ever crossed your mind that our sisters are more dangerous than us? Avangelene can get all the young women in town lined up love struck at our door; Phoenix has a temper to kill, Namine causes trouble all around helping runaway brides, and Lavender nearly sent a stampede of wild animals across the country when her collection in the barn escaped.”

“True,” Aidan and the others agreed.

Leon just shook his head, not wanting to think of all the bad habits that his sisters has shockingly developed and slid the sword he held out of its sheath.

“I think we have been a bad influence on them,” he said, swinging the sword around. “We taught them too much on selfprotection.”

“More like father did before he...” Gabriel trailed off, and shook his head.

He can’t say the words.

None of them can.

The words were too much to bear, especially when it’s something that happened right before their very eyes. All they can do is hope for that haunting memory to vanish one day and leave them in peace.

“Lads, Avange said for you all to hurry and come eat before dinner gets cold,” Namine said, coming into the room with her gown all stained with mud.

“You are such a mess. What the hell did you do, Nam?” Blake asked her before she turns back out.

“Chased by wild hogs,” she answered briskly. “I need to go wash up.” And she left the room.

Leon knew that was a lie. His sister must have ruined another wedding and was probably on the brink of getting herself killed by a bloody mad groom.

Namine has ruined over a hundred marriages in her twenty years of life. Being the tenth youngest of his eleven siblings, Leon didn’t have time to really get on her case. He’d never been able to get on any of his sibling’s case. He was too busy with his own. He fears greatly for Namine’s safety though, for who knows what would happen if one day one of the jilted bridegroom comes after her? He knows he can’t stop her from her passion, but he would surely have to warn and watch out for her closely as well in case that was to happen.

“Hey, what are you all doing in here? Don’t you know that Ed and them are about to eat without you?” Sheik said, stepping in. “Pretty good meal today. It’s Sunday Roast, y’know.”

“Sunday Roast? Why didn’t Avange tell us? I’m going,” Aidan exclaimed, walking out of the room.

“I’m going, too,” Jack said, and quickly follows.

“You get my potatoes,” Blake added, running out after them.

“You did bring in some good ale from Mr. Penchant’s brewery, right?” Gabriel turned to ask Sheik as they both step out, leaving Leon behind.

Sheik came in as the eleventh child, a year before Phoenix the baby of them all. He works for the Old Mr. Penchant down the lane at his brewery, always bringing home fine quality ale. He keeps the cover full of wonderful cognac, too. It seems to Leon that no matter how low their statuses are, they always find a way to stay fit in with society and maintain a stable life.

“When did you get home, Leon? Had fun at the old fart event?” Sheik turned back to ask. “I’m so glad I came back before you did. Mr. Penchant had a whole surplus of ale that I was able to bring home another box.”

“That’s good then.”

“Yes,” Sheik cheered. “Now hurry. Let’s go eat.”

“You go ahead. I’ll be there.”

“Don’t be too long then.”

Leon walks over to the window as his brother left and sighed.

He has so much to do in very little time. He hopes that Hargate and Longsword would be able to keep watch on the Marquess of Lansing while he’s back home for a day or two. He has much to straighten out with his siblings before he returns to deal with his case in London. He had written for Hargate to take charge in the investigation and hope all would go well as planned.

“Roast potatoes accompanied by some roast beef and assorted vegetables, apple bread pudding…Can dinner get any better?”

“No!” Avangelene snapped, slapping Sheik’s fork off before he can get a bite out of his share.

“Ow! What the heck was that for?” he cried, rubbing his hand.

“Chance and Lavender. They’re not back yet,” she told him.

Oh the hell!

Leon had totally forgotten about them.

Chance and Lavender, the twins of the family, make up the eighth and ninth child of the twelve. One was only a few seconds older than the other. Chance took the lead of course, which had Lavender and him arguing over their age for almost half of their childhood. Thank God they had matured, but sometimes their contradictions brings out the worst of them and no one would be pleased to be there with them at the moment.

But though their minds contradict, they always have to be gone elsewhere at the same time or either stays together at the same place. One can’t really do without the other. If one falls ill, the other one would too. Quite a lot of inconvenience being twins. One thing that is good is that they both can connect with one another and know where one is at no matter the distance between them. It’s quite a thrill to know that such ability exist.

Leon really needs them to get their behinds back right now. He hasn’t much time. He has a lot to discuss.

“I’m starving,” Phoenix whined. “Let them eat later.”

“Where did they go?” Leon asked, pouring himself a cup of wine. “Weren’t they here this morning when I arrived?”

“Chance is probably at Campbell’s game club,” said Edward. “He’s been having such good luck that he’s never really home.”

“One day we’re going to be in debt because of him,” Namine added, drinking her cup of tea.

Chance is the gamer in the house. Only twenty-one and has already become a gambling addict, well, maybe not quite yet but sure is getting there.

“And Lavender?” Leon asked, also needed to know.

“Somewhere in the barn or out riding in the meadow probably,” Gabriel answered.

“I am not!” came a voice from behind them.

“Lavender, finally!” Sheik clapped. “We can finally eat.”

“Where have you been?” Leon asked her once she’d taken her seat.

“Took Bess out for a walk,” she replied, scooping up some potatoes onto her plate. “Do you know that she’s soon to be in labor? We’ll get a new foal soon.”

“I’m excited for that, too,” Namine said gleefully. “Bessie is the best.”

“And where’s Chance?” Jack asked this time. “He’s not out at the game club, is he?”

Lavender shook her head. “No. He should be in soon. I saw him down the road when I came home.”

“I am in here now, thank you very much,” came Chance from the door. “Sorry, fellows, I have been trying to get that Campbell to give me my money.”

“Ha! He was at the club,” Aidan pointed.

Phoenix shot up abruptly. “Did you get cheated, too? Lord Crawford and I did. We were going to go gut the hell out of that Mr. McGillan at the Star but–”

“You went to the Star Tavern with Crawford?” Chance shook his head and came to sit down at his seat. “You can’t be doing that.”

“Well, you go to the Lion Head every–”

“Enough!” Leon cut in, unable to manage this any longer. “Good thing that you’ve all returned. I have a lot to discuss with you all so let’s eat and begin the story.”

Hargate Inn

“That’s so unlike Heartily to just leave us with nothing but a note of chicken scratches,” said Longsword as he fell on the couch and threw the Times paper over his face.

“He must have problems back home,” said Hargate. “What did his note say?”

“He said he’ll be back in a fortnight and for us to start the investigation of the marquess if we wish,” Longsword answered.

“That’s it?”

“Pretty much.”

“He didn’t tell us where to start?”

“No.”

“Good. I’ll just start out by seeking his service,” said Hargate. “I’m a duke and I would use that power to my advantage.”

Longsword cocked his head in wonder and asked, “What are you planning?”

Hargate smiled slyly and rubbed his hands together. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”