All the Things You Never Knew Read online

  With that little fact in mind, she scurried off back to the house and pulled out her journal

  She had written herself three simple little tasks to complete and get Leon fairly to open up.

  Firstly, she had written, lie.

  She made a check mark to the first accomplished task and down to the next.

  Secondly, wait.

  She has to be patient and wait until everything clears up for Leon to see that she’s still as faithful to him as always.

  She move on to look at the third and chuckled at her writing.

  Lastly, love and consummation.

  She would give everything to Leon. Her love, her life, her virtue– anything he wants. She just doesn’t understand why he was making everything so complicated. She wished he will just tell her what he was hiding and get it over with.

  He was going to tell her something, but she–

  Darn it!

  Rose cursed herself and fell on the bed, shaking her head in disbelief.

  Perhaps she should have let Leon spoke first. She had been a little too excited with her plan that she went…a little too far.

  No, she shook her head again. She was just taking a risk–another shot at gaining Leon’s love.

  Yes, he had said that he love her the night before that was why he did what he did and left her. It was highly unreasonable but that gave her hope and brightens up her heart. She just had to test him and make sure it was true. It’s quite complicated but with a little faith and courage, she can do it. She will do it!

  Hargate Inn

  “Stop!” the Earl of Longsword ordered for the a hundredth time. “You are drinking like there is no tomorrow. You will soon be lying in your deathbed, Heartily. What the devil has gotten into you?”

  Longsword had just returned from his three day trip to Somerset and couldn’t believe what has gotten into his friend after such a short leave. Leon was in a massive drunken state, his cravat dangling loosely, shirt half buttoned, hair mussed with dark sack under his eyes. He looks a fright. Totally rank him down to the most unattractive man in London at the moment.

  “Y-you d-d-don’t understand,” Leon stammered as he lift another glass of brandy to his lips. “S-she’s i-in love with h-him.”

  “She? Who?” Longsword asked, not quite understanding. “She’s in love with whom? And must you drink another glass? What happened to your hand?” he asked, as he saw the bandages around Leon’s knuckle.

  “Rose!” Leon answered as he finishes his glass and readied himself for another. “She’s…”

  Longsword sigh at his friend and kicked the glass out of his hand before he can drink the life threatening fluid down his throat.

  “What the hell was that for?” Leon bellowed angrily, getting out of his chair to face Longsword.

  “You are torturing yourself over a God damn woman!” Longsword snapped back at his face. “Why the hell did you do this to yourself? You are better than this, Heartily! And a thousand times more wise! Can’t you think of something else other than drinking your ass to hell?”

  “Shut the hell up!” Leon said furiously, pushing Longsword away from him. “Rose…She’s everything to me!”

  Longsword was struck by surprise at Leon’s word. His foolish friend sure has a lot of courage to admit such thing. No–he would never say such thing unless he was foxed.

  “And what happened between you two while I was gone?” Longsword asked him, cautiously walking around the table incase Leon was to flare up again.

  “She let that L-Lansing take her, all right! Do you know how much that–” Leon cupped his forehead and fell down onto the floor with a loud thud.

  “Heartily!” Longsword scrambled over worriedly to shake him up. “Heartily! Are you okay? God, you are such a besotted fool! I thought Hargate would be–but you…Damn if only that Hargate was here.”

  “I-I’m f-fine,” Leon groaned, swatting Longsword’s hand away. “Rose…”

  “What the hell happened between you two? Tell me,” Longsword demanded. “Do I have to send words to your brothers to take you off for a while?”

  “It’s n-none o-of their c-concern,” Leon said with a wince. His head was throbbing like hell. It was worse than that day he went to confess to Rose. He had over ten bottles of brandy. It was more than he could usually handle.

  “I’m surprise you’re not out cold yet,” Longsword said, helping Leon up to the couch in the room. “You slept like the dead that other day. I must admit that I will be all used up and unconscious by now.”

  “G-Gareth…” Leon was going to say something, but the shadows fell over him and Rose was the last thing that he murmured out before snoozing off.

  Longsword looked at Leon now sound asleep and snoring loudly, then walk off to pour himself a cup of brandy and sat down.

  Should he get Hargate back to help? he wondered as he took a drink. It would seem like a waste of time since his friend is crazy over a woman. Leon could handle this on his own. Who are they to get involve with his love affair?

  Wait, Longsword paused to think as he was about to drink another glass of brandy. Did Leon say that Lady Rose let the Marquess take her? Longsword let out a light chuckle at that.

  His best friend was maddening over his old lover’s virtue being taken by her soon-to-be husband? It should be expected, shouldn’t it? And he said she was in love with the marquess? Of course she would be to agree to the engagement. Even he understood. Why can’t Leon accept the fact and leave the trouble? Things would be so much easier. But he guessed it would be hard if you really love somebody that you have to let them go without a really good reason. At the end, they’re throwing everything in your face and you are only left to sulk around. Longsword has never really experience anything like this, but he knows the role and it could hurt quite a bit.

  Perhaps he should explain to Lady Rose and make it easier. No. On second thought, Leon should still do it. He has to hurry and get it done. Sure she had given up on him, but it doesn’t mean Leon should hide what he feels. The only way to lessen his burden was to release it.

  All right, Longsword snapped his fingers. He was going to force Leon to go on and tell Lady Rose. Even if it means nothing now, something good would sure to sprung. Everything should be all right. If that doesn’t work, then he will do it himself.

  Three days passed by and still, Leon was soaking himself in brandy and Scotch. He couldn’t seem to forget what Rose had said to him. She really is leaving him for another. How could she? Yes, he’d done something regretful and hurt her badly, but he’d apologized. He had tried to explain but the moment was never right. Just the day before Longsword had told him to seek Rose out and explain it all to her once more. He can’t do that. It would pain him to see her and know that she would never be his again. The thought was too much to bear. He might as well let it go and finish off with the marquess to get to his next victim.

  Rose should be fine. If that Lansing really loves her and she loves him, then he shouldn’t really care. It’s none of his business anyway. He won’t have an affair with another man’s wife. He could let her go. It may take a life time to forget Rose, but he will manage. There had been many hardships that he had overcome. Rose would just be another.

  This is what he had convinced himself of, but yet could never accept it. All he wanted was another bottle of Scotch and alcohols of all sorts to sooth his soul. He can’t forget her no matter how hard he tries.

  Longsword has grown really quite irritated and annoyed with his new habit that he’s been spacing out, which was good. He doesn’t want Longsword to be lecturing him about his foolish drunken state and the possibility of him having a failing health. He won’t die, Leon know that much as the truth. He just needs something to occupy his mind and alcohol was the perfect solution. It’s men’s best friend. When all else fail, it’s there to give company. Though he should really listen to Longsword and stop since his head is going insane.

  What am I to do? he asked himself.

 
He needs to get rid of that Lansing but Rose–God she’s driving him mad. Incredulously, she’d moved on, took another man in life and is to have a family soon. She ruins his plan at every turn. He wants to proceed on to his next scheme but she’s there and he has to hold back.

  Damn, blast it all to hell!

  He can’t do anything without telling Rose the truth, but it seems a total waste of time. He could just go and slaughter Lansing and go on to the next four suspects. She should just be happy that he’s sparing her betrothed. Plus, he’s never ever going to cross path with her again so it shouldn’t matter.

  Yes, that’s what he will do. But first–

  “Heartily!” Longsword barged into the room, and came at him.

  “What?” he asked, rubbing the aching side of his head.

  “Get up,” Longsword ordered, pulling him up by the lapel of his coat. “Let’s go. You can’t go rummaging through all the whiskies of Hargate’s Inn. If you want to drink away your love sickness then we might as well go to Phillipa’s.”

  “Why the hell would I want to go there for?” Leon asked, lightly pounding his forehead with his fist.

  “You need it,” Longsword answered. “Just straighten up and let’s go.”

  Leon scowled but gave in to the order. Perhaps he does need it even though it sparks no interest. It’s been a good ten years of celibacy that he had persisted. It’s probably time for him to release himself.

  This was what Phillipa’s House of Pleasure was like? Leon couldn’t quite recall it being so…dull. The last time he came was the week he had played his act and left Rose. That was it. All these demimondaines stirs nothing in him. Drunk or not, he feels and see nothing in them. Longsword was much the same too. He’s really quite a gentleman. Leon doesn’t know why he chose to bring him to Phillipa’s of all the places in the world when he’s not even interested.

  “You two are boring my girls,” Phillipa told them when they just kind of sat around and drink.

  “Your girls are not…seductive enough,” Leon answered plainly, lifting a cup of whiskey to his lips.

  Longsword kicked him under the table and smiled at Phillipa. “We’re just about to get into the mood,” he said, feigning interest by pulling one of the cocotte onto his lap. “Sweet thing.”

  Leon’s jaw dropped and then he heard a voice that drew all the attentions out of him.

  “Ah, my wonderful Lord Lansing!” Phillipa squealed, scurrying off towards it.

  Leon turned to that deafening voice and nearly jumped out of his seat to maul down the person.

  Lansing!

  “Heartily.” Longsword shook his head at him and pushed the harlot off.

  “My, your girls here are wonderful,” said that bastard as he fixes his cravat and tuck in his shirt. “Never feel this good in my whole entire life.”

  Blast that Lansing to hell! Leon cursed, clenching his fists. Why the devil is he here? Didn’t Rose say they had consummated their relationship and pledge faith and loyalty to one another? What reason does he have to be–Oh, hell no!

  Rage rushed over Leon, and before he knew it, he was on his feet and heading straight off towards Lansing.

  “You son of a bitch!” Leon burst, spinning Lansing around and splitting open the marquess’s lips and breaking his nose before he’s even aware of Leon’s approach.

  “Heartily!” Longsword rushed over to stop him but Leon was so furious that he couldn’t stop. He was beating Lansing down like a mad man. And yes, he was mad–totally!

  “Stop! Oh stop!” Phillipa wailed, along with her service girl. “Stop before I get the magistrate.”

  The cries and screeches of the harlots filled the room as they panic and scattered at the scene. All the men in the brothel rushed out from their rooms to watch the racket and cheered with applauses at the sight.

  “Stop, Leon!” Longsword shouted, trying to pull him back.

  “Let go,” Leon said, pushing him off. “I have to kill this son of a bitch!”

  “Stop!” Phillipa hollered over the noise and rushed out of the place.

  Lansing’s face was a bloody mess, and he seems about to fall unconscious.

  “Why the hell did you do this to Rose?” Leon spat out, grabbing Lansing by the collar to face him. “You think you can just toss her aside after you’re through with her? That’s not how it works!”

  He gave Lansing a final blow, then stood up swaying slightly off his feet and collapse to the ground.

  “Heartily!” Longsword rushed over and shook Leon up. “Heartily!”

  Leon winced in pain and blinked several times to focus his vision before slowly moving up.

  “We have to go, Heartily,” Longsword said, helping him up. “The magistrates are coming. Phillipa’s off to get them. Hurry, let’s leave.”

  Leon shrugged off Longsword’s helping hand and manage to his feet.

  “I can face it,” he said. “Rose–I need to–”

  “Let’s go to her,” Longsword suggested. “Let’s go to Rose.”

  “To Rose?” Leon cupped his forehead and shook his head. “We can’t. Not in my fury temper.”

  “Well then let’s get our ass out of here.”

  Leon turn to look down at the marquess lying in a pool of blood and kicked him in the side before gesturing for Longsword and them to head out.

  What had he done? He has no idea. It makes him feel so much better. He thinks he will never need to drink again.

  “You are quite a beast back there,” Longsword said to him as they stop to rest at a nearby bench on the walk.

  Was he? He did feel out of control.

  “You didn’t kill that Lansing did you? There would be hell to pay.”

  Leon wasn’t certain if he did or not. “Doesn’t matter to me whether he lives or die,” was all he replied.

  “He looks near dead to me,” said Longsword. “I was in a fret at your action. I didn’t know what to do for a moment.”

  “I spared him enough,” Leon said, rubbing his aching head again. “He will live to see another day or two. I didn’t give him all I have.”

  “That’s good then. I don’t want to see you locked up or even executed for killing–”

  “Don’t talk about it anymore,” Leon said, giving out a deep sigh. “I can’t believe he’s doing this to Rose.”

  “You know, I’m beginning to think that he doesn’t even want your Rose,” Longsword said to him. “Why do you have to be so upset?”

  “He had taken away her chastity all right,” Leon told him. “She had trusted him with her life and vow to be loyal and faithful to him even when I admitted my wrongs and love to her. Just look at him betraying her now. I won’t tolerate that. Rose needs justice.”

  “You actually think she did that?” Longsword inquired with an arch of his brow.

  “She merrily admit it so to me,” Leon answered. “They consummated everything, didn’t I tell you that the other day?”

  Longsword seems unable to recall and just shrug. “If you did, I’ve forgotten.”

  Leon took a deep breath and laid his head back on the bench.

  “What must I do now?” he asked, closing his eyes to rest.

  “Lansing’s sure going to get back on your heels.”

  “I know,” Leon nodded. “I won’t back away if he dares.”

  “Maybe this is the opportunity for you to go back and clarify everything with Rose.”

  “I always fail at that,” Leon said. “I’m not going to.”

  “Well, you don’t want her to marry in lies and cheats, do you?”

  Leon slowly opened up his eyes and shook his head. “No. I would never.”

  “Then take my advice and go to her,” Longsword answered. “Go and tell her the truth.”

  Leon thought about it for a moment and decided that it probably won’t hurt so much to do so now after seeing Lansing at Phillipa’s.

  “Sure,” Leon said. “But I can’t go like this.”

  “No,” Longsword a
greed. “You can’t. You have to be sane with a clear head.”

  “Maybe on the morrow then,” Leon decided.

  “Early on the morrow,” Longsword added with a nod.

  “Damn, Hargate needs to be here,” Leon went on, changing the subject.

  “Totally,” Longsword laughed. “He probably missed the best action of his life.”

  “Well, we must send words to him wherever he is,” said Leon. “I plan to move on after dealing with Rose. It doesn’t matter to me of what she thinks or what she would say. I’ve been wasting too much time.”

  “I would go out to the House of Lords on the morrow while you deal with your affair and seek out where he is.”

  “Good.”

  Leon turned his thoughts back to Rose and wondered again about the things she had told him. She must have either been deceived by that marquess or worse of all; she had tricked Leon into being a dumbwitted fool.

  Dawson House

  “What happened to his lordship?” Rose asked, when her friend Susannah visited to tell her of the distressful news that sounds much too merry.

  “He got beaten almost to his grave,” Susannah replied, flapping her fan happily. “I heard he was swirl in a pool of blood.”

  “Really?” Rose suspect she was to feel all worried and woeful but somewhat, she was indifferent to the situation.

  “Yes, really,” Susannah answered.

  “And why was he beaten do you know?” Rose inquired, turning to look at her friend. “And where?”

  “At a brothel,” she said. “The reason is unclear. But see, I told you he’s unfaithful.”

  “Oh.” He probably deserves it then, Rose thought to herself. Susannah was pleased.

  “You’re not mad, are you?” Susannah asked wearily. “I don’t mean to–”

  “I’m totally fine,” Rose answered, lying back on the couch where they sat. “Now tell me, do you know who beat him up?”

  “Not certain,” she said, setting her fan down on the table between them. “Some say it was an earl, other says a common bastard of a chap.”

  “They’re probably fighting over a whore, I suppose,” Rose said bluntly. “Foolish men.”