All the Things You Never Knew (21 page)

* * *

“That shirt looks a bit tight on you,” Longsword commented as he watches Leon tug at it uncomfortably as they rode back to London.
“This is all that shop owner have since he’s basically Avange’s personal tailor. He only makes clothing big enough for her to wear.”
“Whoa. Your sister is something.”
“I guess.”
“How did she come about that village and rule over everyone?”
“I have no idea,” Leon answered, and then to change the subject, “Do you think Lansing would be at his villa?”
“I doubt it, but we can force one of the servants to tell us where he might be heading to.”
“You think we could do that?”
“Most definitely,” he nodded.
Leon winced and touch his forehead. He still feels a little dazed from having to be held captive for so long in that dungeon of that ass Lansing and knocked out senseless.
“Look,” Longsword pointed as they drew closer to Lansing Villa. “One of the footmen of Lansing. We best get off here and creep over to get him without causing a racket.”
Leon squinted to see in the dark and nodded.
They dismounted their horse and dash off to get inside the fences of the villa and hid behind the bushes.
“Where is he now?” Leon asked, peeking out to find the footman.
“Heading back this way. Quick. Let’s get to the corner to snatch him up. And here.” Longsword pulled out something from the inside of his coat and threw it at him.
“What is…How did you get this?” he asked when he realized it was his dagger.
“Lady Rose gave it to me. She said she found it in her room when you guys were ‘
romping’
about.”
Leon laughed. “She did not really tell you that we were romping about, did she?”
“‘Course not, but Hargate and I figured that you did. How else would it end up with her?”
“Many ways it could but you’re correct so I won’t argue.”
Longsword merely chuckled and slid farther out to the side of the house.
“Besides,” he said. “Hargate and I both knew that you and Lady Rose are to marry after this so you better invite us to be your best men or else you’ll regret for having to leave that dungeon of Lansing.”
Leon laughed again and slid up to him. “If we get my bride back, that is.”
“Shhh, here comes the footman.”
Longsword quickly grab a hold of the footman as he walked by and covered his mouth to stop him from alerting others.
“Stop struggling before I slit your throat,” Leon threatened, bringing his dagger to the footman’s neck.
He stopped struggling and relaxed.
“We’re going to ask you a couple of questions,” said Leon. “If you don’t want to die then you better speak. And if you alert anyone, then your life is at its end. Do you understand?”
The terrified footman nodded and Longsword released his mouth.
“Where’s his lordship?” Leon asked, not wanting to lose anytime.
“Out to Islington, sir,” the footman answered shakily.
“Where in Islington?” Longsword asked. “Tell us or else you will never get to speak again.”
“At the lord’s torturing chamber.”
“We just came back from there,” Leon snapped. “Tell us where else he might be.”
“I don’t–”
“Don’t say you don’t know or your bloody throat would be slit,” said Leon impatiently.
“At the lord’s regiment!” answered the footman. “Please don’t kill me.”
“He has a regiment?”
“Yes,” nodded the footman.
“Where?” Longsword asked.
“About an hour north of Islington.”
“Show us,” Leon said, pulling the footman to him. “Take us to him.
Now!
”
“As you wish. As you wish,” the footman replied, frightened to the very end of his soul. “I will take you.”
Leon put his dagger back and securely held onto the footman as he pushes him toward the coach parked out on the driveway.
“You can sit inside the coach, Heartily,” Longsword said, walking over to push the footman up to the driver’s seat. “I’ll make sure this bloody bastard takes us to the right place. You had just got back from that dungeon. You must rest a bit to regain some strength.”
“Sure.” Leon figured that’s probably best since he does feel a headache coming on.

* * *

“I’ve prepared your…”
Damn it!
Avangelene just couldn’t seem to hold her temper with this duke. That Duke of Hargate has fallen asleep…on
her
bed!

When did he get up? No one–no man is allowed to ever sleep on her bed.
Well, maybe they can as long as she’s not in there with them. And as long as they have her permission, which that duke did not. He’s really got to go.
That…that
Laguna
!
Avangelene was about to go up and pull the cover off, but then stopped.
He was sleeping so soundly with the cover tightly wrapped around him. He looked so…so exhausted. She doesn’t know what he’s been through, but since he had saved her brother’s life it must be something major.
His Grace.
She sat down at the foot of the bed and sighed. Might as well go out for a stroll while the duke sleeps. After all, it’s not really her job to watch a grown ass man sleep. He will wake up eventually and live another fifty years or so. She needn’t worry.
With that, Avangelene left the room, leaving the charming duke to sleep.

She’s infuriatingly…
Mad…
Have eyes of hazel green…
Hairs of silky brown…
Exquisitely…
Dull…
With a harsh and cold voice that rung enchantingly through

him…
Rather hot temper…
And by lord…
She’s Avangelene!
Laguna woke up with a more lighted head and a smile across his

face.

He can’t believe he’s being cared for by Avangelene, the infamous sister of his best friend!
He had heard that she can make all young ladies drop dead at her feet. She was known to be a rakehell with women always following her due to her disguises. Quite ridiculous, although he’d only caught a glimpse of her from time to time. Today was the closest he’d ever gotten to her.
He had always thought her dull and plain with her ridiculous disguises and cropped wigs.
However, today, just today, as much as she was dull, what is it about her that made him see her so infuriatingly exquisite?
But
dull.
Perhaps, that isn’t the right word to describe her anymore.
Today she wore her garments of a lad but she had her features of a breath-taking celestial being sent down to earth.
Celestial being?
He must be out of his mind.
But still, he rather likes her. A lot. Though he barely knew her.
It seems his view has changed.
Under all her disguises for whatever reason, she’s a beauty. The ideal woman of all men’s dream. Well, maybe not all men. He used to think that the younger Heartily Sisters were more beautiful, but today…
Hell and blazes, what the heck is with him?
Laguna cupped his forehead and shook his head, feeling a sting of guilt. How could he be thinking of his best friend’s sister like that?
Staying here any longer would definitely make him go mad.
How nice of her to let him stay even when she wanted to kick him out.
God, he wished he had gone out when she first ordered it.
Laguna got up from the bed and sniff the air as a scent of something delightful flown by.
What is that smell?
he wondered as his stomach growled.
He followed the scent out with his nose and was surprise when he noticed that it had led him into the kitchen.
Set in the center of the wooden round table of the room was a tray of raspberry scones and shortbreads with sweet honey tea steaming, and two small bowls covered up to keep the gourmet warm.
Laguna walked over and removed the covers from the bowls only to be swirled by the scrumptious smell of what seems to be beef stew and chicken broth.
Had Avangelene really cook this for him?
Where is she now?
Why didn’t she wake him up to eat?
And by lord, he had gotten up to sleep in her bed, too. That probably ticked her off. He can’t help it. The floor was killing him. He will apologize to her when she gets back.
Avangelene.
He went out searching around the house, calling for her.
When it appears that she had gone out somewhere and probably won’t be back, he settled himself back in the kitchen, pick up a spoon that was next to the bowl of stew, and begin sipping his way through.

North of Islington

imprisoned her to the wooden pole holding up the roof of the small shack that he had brought her to.
“Shut up,” he said, tightening the ropes on her hands.
“Leon’s going to kill you once he gets here, you devil!”
Annoyed, the marquess gave a lazy wave to one of the guards in the room and he came over with a cloth to tie over her mouth.
“Much better,” the marquess grinned. “Now we can have some peace to think.”
Rose tried out some curses but it all flew out like little whimpering noises with no comprehension. Once she’s free, she swears she will make sure that Lord Lansing dies! His evil father killed Leon’s parents, and now they’re targeting him next–Hell, they both have to die!
Leon should have killed him when he had the chance. It was all her fault. If she hadn’t stupidly fell into their trap and get herself engaged with this despicable lord, Leon wouldn’t even have to waste so much time. If only she wasn’t so stubborn and listened to him…If only Leon didn’t love her, or consider her feelings and the after effect, maybe Lansing and his father would have been dead.
Oh, she hated herself. Leon had been sacrificing everything for her even when he was supposed to move on to avenging his parents’ death. She had been such a fool.
Leon.
Is he ever coming to save her, or is he too hurt by her action? He might never forgive her, but she understands. She would have felt the same if he’d done what she did. But he will come. If not for her, then for his parents. He would be here. Her hopes are still high.
But when?
When is he coming?
Does he even know where she is? This place is an hour up north of Islington. Does Leon even know?
There’s got to be a way. Even if he doesn’t know, Lord Lansing would find a way to lead him here. She’s the bait after all, luring Leon to the trap. She needn’t worry.
He will be here, she reassure herself. No matter what, Leon would never leave her, at least not in the hand of his enemy.
Besides, he was going to marry her.
But what if he changed his mind?
The thought saddens Rose.
What if Leon calls off the wedding? How would she live–how could she live without him? Would he be so cruel to do that after all this is over?
No, she doesn’t want to know. It hurts her too much to think that she will be alone again for another few decades. All she ever wanted was Leon. If he let her go again, then that would be the end of her world.
She knows she had done him wrong, and he had done the same for her own good. But this time, if she ever gets the chance, she will make sure that everything turns out right, and that Leon would be with her till the end of time.
Leon.
She closed her eyes and prayed.
Please…help me.

Leon woke up from a high bump and then a loud crash as something fell apart outside.
“Shite!” he heard Longsword cursed. “What the hell did you do?”
He and the footman of Lansing were arguing over what seems to be a broken wheel. Had the wheel of the carriage fly off?
He feels himself weighing down to one side and figure that must be it.
Leon sighed rubbing his eyes and kicked the carriage door open to check on Longsword and them.
“What’s wrong now?” he asked, breaking the argument between the two.
“This fool went over a high curve that threw off a wheel. Now we’re stranded in the middle of nowhere,” Longsword said.
“It’s dark. I can’t see,” the footman argued. “Plus, we’re not stranded. I know exactly where to go from here.”
“Good,” Leon said, yawning as he walks over to the front of the lopsided carriage. “We will take the horses then. They should be faster without this rotten carriage burdening them.”
“But there’s only two of them,” the footman replied.
“Have your parents ever taught you how to share?” said Longsword as he went over to stand by Leon.
“Yes, but it’s rather awkward for two men to–”
“You don’t have to go with us,” Leon interjected. “Just give us directions. I know you wouldn’t want your bloody arse kicked by Lansing.”
“True,” the footman nodded, “but how am I to get home?”
“Walk,” said Longsword. “Didn’t we pass a cabin not far from here but a couple miles back? You can check and see if there’s anything that would get you home.”
“That’s too far. I’m too old to walk those distances.”
“Too bad,” said Leon impatiently. “We have to go. Just give us the direction. I need to go save my wife.”
“Not if you two are going to leave me to walk.”
“Don’t toy with us,” Longsword said, walking over to grab the footman’s collar. “We can find the place on our own and leave you, or you can tell us now and I’ll give you a couple of gold to get your arse back. Which do you pick?”
Leon raised an eyebrow at him. “You brought gold?”
Longsword just smiled and turned back to the footman for an answer.
“The latter, of course,” said the footman, “but can’t you give me a hand back to that cabin first?”
“Don’t waste it, Longsword,” Leon said. “Let’s just go on our own. Who knows what’s happening to Rose right now. That Lansing is unpredictable. Who knows what he’s got up his sleeves as we talk.”
“Whatever you say,” Longsword replied, detaching the horses for them. “Mr. Footman, your offer has expired. Have a nice trip walking home.”
“Wait!” the footman cried as they jump onto the horses. “Don’t leave me! Please!”
Leon blew an exasperated breath and kicked his horse on the gallop.
“Longsword, take care of him!” he called back. “I will find Rose on my own!”
“Heartily, wait!” Longsword cried, but he was already gone. “Get on, old man,” he said, turning to the footman. “I’m taking you to that damn cabin! Better not say anything or my fiery temper right now will kill you.”
“Yes, m’lord,” the footman bowed.
“I’m not your lord!” Longsword snapped. “Get on quick! I have business to tend to.”

London

“I hate these bloody road trips!” Edward complained. “Two bloody days. Are we even close to Islington?”
“The site doesn’t look right,” said Aidan as he squints through the dark at the glimmering lights ahead. “The place is far too rowdy.”
“Let’s ask one of the couples over there to see where we are,” said Jack as he got off his horse. “I haven’t been to Islington for a while.”
Edward and Aidan nodded, and followed after Jack as he strolled towards a couple resting on a bench.
“I beg your pardon for the disturbance,” Jack said with a bow. He had never really learned how to greet the aristocrats properly. “May I ask the name of this city that my brothers and I are in at the moment?”
The couple looked at one another and laughed.
“Ah, foolish gents,” said the man as he pulls his mate closer. “How could you not know where you are? This is London, for Lord’s sake.”
“London?” Jack turned to Edward and Aidan. “Oh hell! We missed it!”
“Shit!” Aidan cursed.
“Now our mission is delayed,” said Edward.
“Where are you gents trying to get to?” asked the man.
“Islington,” said Jack. “Sorry for the bother.”
They all turned back and got onto their horses.
“Well, this is embarrassing,” said Jack. “How could we miss Islington?”
“You should have let Avange come with us,” said Aidan. “She seems to know.”
Jack shrugged. “I guess I should have but then Blake and them will starve. Plus, we need someone to cook us a nice hot meal when we return, too, right?”
“True,” Edward agreed. “But then it would have saved us some time. I’m damp in sweats. We need to wash up.”
“Stop worrying about yourself. Leon is more important than baths and sweats,” said Jack as he turned his horse back up the path that they came from.
“You can go cruising with me after this and take a swim with dolphins,” Aidan said cheerfully to Edward. “It would be fun. A brother’s moment.”
“Don’t be insane. I have three rehearsals coming up. I have to get ready for them.”
Aidan laughed. “Suit yourself. It’s rare that I offer this kind of session, especially with my older brother.”
“I have no stomach for the sea. Maybe Jack will go.”
“I have a case to deal with next week. I have to get ready for it, too,” Jack replied.
“Forget it. You guys are always busy. We are
all
busy,” said Aidan.
“You seem to have a lot of free time navigating with your crew mate though,” said Edward. “Not
all
of us are busy.”
“What I do is pretty important,” Aidan argued. “I’m seeking for–”
“Lost treasures of pirates,” Edward laughed.
“Ha-ha. Very funny,” Aidan said, annoyed. “Actually, I’m seeking for an island–”
“Filled with lost treasures, we get it,” Edward interjected again.
“Are you going to let me finish or not?” Aidan said his temper firing.
“Okay, no fights now,” said Jack. “We’re all but twenty something years old.”
“We just need some fun around here,” Edward said, giving Aidan a wink.
Aidan rolled his eyes. “Fun my ass. Not till we get Leon out of that Lord Lansing’s clutch and I’m set on the sail.”
Jack laughed and begins to sing. “Set on the sail, set on the sail. We’re set on the sail to save our foolish brother, Leon. Leon. Leon. Leon. Please don’t wail because we’re set on the sail.”
Edward joined in whistling a tune along with it, irritating Aidan more and more.
“Leon would totally thrash the bloody life out of you two for that.”
“Just join in the fun, little brother,” said Edward. “For this trip is going to take another long dreadful half hour.”