All the Things You Never Knew (28 page)

Laguna stared stupidly at his reflection in the pond and tried to adjust the collar of his shirt and tie his cravat.
He cursed out when the fishes sprung up and distorted the reflection. There were just too many of them that seem to hate the very image of him that formed on the surface of their home. He wondered if they were trained to do so by their evil landlady. He wouldn’t be surprised if they were.
“Oh well,” he said, giving up with a light chuckle. “This will do for now.”
He turned around and flushed lightly as he saw Avangelene sitting up in the tree above him with her lips tightened to keep herself from laughing.
“What are you doing up there?” he asked, cocking his head to the side as he stares up at her.
The laughter broke through and she jump down to stand in front of him.
“Hm, not bad at all,” she said as she starts circling around him.
“Me or the clothes?” he asked, just for the sake of it.
She flashed him a grin as she stops back in front of him and answered, “Both.”
It nearly took the breath out of him. He never thought to see the angel out of her devil soul.
“Thank you,” he answered, still mortify at the thought of her watching him curse the fishes all this time.
She is such a sneaky wench.
“You’re so amusing,” she said, reaching over to fix his cravat for him. “I’m surprise the fishes didn’t gather their army and jump up to attack you.”
“I’m glad they didn’t or that will be bad,” he answered in agreement.
“Yes.”
She moved on to adjusting his collar as he had tried to do.
“I knew you’ll look handsome in this outfit,” she said giving him a start.
That was the last thing he had expected for her to say.
“Thanks to you,” he answered, feeling himself heated at the touch of her fingers across his skin.
You can’t do that
, he told himself as his mind starts forming up erotic images of her.
“There we go,” Avangelene finished, patting down his collar.
Thank heaven above!
“Are you okay?” she asked, staring up into his eyes when he said nothing.
“I–” He looked away before those beautiful emerald eyes brought in anymore effect and manage out a weak laugh. “I’m fine.”
She must think him a true idiot now.
“Your eyes…did they just…”
Laguna rubbed his eyes and turned back to her. “My eyes what?”
“Never mind,” she said. “You did have breakfast, did you?”
Well, she seems considerate today.
“No,” he shook his head.
He had come right to the pond to bathe and then dress himself up.
“Then you better come in and eat,” she said. “I have something for us to do.”
“Something for us to do?”
She smiled and flicked his nose. “Yes.”
This is bad
, he thought.
Really bad.
“Come on,” Avangelene said, taking his arm. “We don’t have all day.”

Longsword inquired as Leon and he rode out their horses down the path.

“No, not Islington. Leicester,” Leon corrected. “That’s what it said in the note this morning.”
“Are you sure it’s not a trick?”
“I can’t say, but it’s Rose’s father. I have to give it a shot.”
“Should we get Chance and them to come along?”
“No, they need to stay here on the lookout in case there’s another attack,” Leon said. “Jack and they are not back. Sheik’s too young and reckless and Gabe’s hurt. There’s only Blake and Chance that’s really capable of fighting.”
“Would we be able to fend off Lansing’s guards?”
“Don’t worry about that,” Leon said. “I have it planned out already. All that Lansing really need was my stone.”
“What’s so important about it?”
Leon reached into his pocket and pulled out his dagger with its shining jewel glistening in the light.
“We’ll find out as soon as we reach Leicester.”

* * *

“You’re mad, we can’t do that!” said the duke as Avangelene told him of her plan.
“I don’t see why not.”
“Like I’ve said before, Leon would thrash me if I let you fall into danger. We were lucky the last time we didn’t get caught by Lansing’s guards.”
“We won’t this time either,” Avangelene said, annoyed by all the duke’s oppositions.
“How can you be so sure?”
“Duke, why are you being such a coward? This is to help my brother. We can take Lansing out for him.”
“You are crazy if you think you could. You’re just a woman.”
That nearly ticks off Avangelene’s temper.
“I am not
‘just a woman’
!” she fumed. “Don’t be feminist towards me or you’ll regret it.”
“Fine, I’m sorry,” he apologized. “But you’re not going. I will do it alone.”
“You’re going to steal my plan? Too bad,
Your Grace
. It’s not going to happen.”
“Avangelene, why don’t you ever listen? You’re so hardheaded.”
“I–Did you just call me hard-headed?”
He stood up and leaned towards her. “What if I did? You don’t even listen.”
“Well, you are not listening either,
Duke
,” she said, standing up to face him, too. “You annoy the hell out of me. I don’t know why I still kept you here. Please leave after you have finished your breakfast. I’ll do this alone.”
“Are you always going to use that on me whenever I do something wrong?”
“Why not? I’m the landlady here,” she said matter-of-factly. “I decide who to keep and who to leave.”
“Well, I’m not leaving if you’re going to trot off to that marquess’s lair and get yourself killed anyway. I’m coming with you. End of the conversation.”
Avangelene couldn’t help but smile again at his submission.
“Why are you smiling now?” he asked, exasperated. “This is not funny,”
“That were simply all you had to say,” she answered, sitting back down to drink her tea.
“What?”
“That you’ll come along with me,” she grinned.
The duke cursed and fell back on his chair, eating his pancake crossly. “I hate you,” he said, after a few bites. “I just hate you.”
Avangelene laughed and watched him knowing he didn’t mean it, but thought to add, “The feeling is mutual,
Duke
,” just to annoy him like always.
He merely groaned and continued with his breakfast.
He looked so dashing in her outfit. She had told her tailor to alter its size to make it bigger so she could see what it’ll look like on him. It was her favorite, and unfortunately, Mr. Tucker was running low on the cloth so she had to throw in hers to add to it for this idiot duke.
There’s no regret at all, for it adds nicely to the duke’s feature. She could have saved her outfit and pick a different color for him but the dark green seems to be the only color that looks good at the moment. Plus, it would take too long for Mr. Tucker to cut out everything and sew them all to shape. Using hers made the process faster, and this duke is in need of clothes.
“Stop looking at me,” he said, when he caught her eyes roaming over him.
She smiled and propped her elbows on the table, cradling her face in her hands and saying, “Just shut up and eat,
Duke
.”
He did so without further argument and Avangelene just sat there wondering if this was how Leon treated his duke of a friend, too, for he always seem afraid of how Leon’s going to react if he does anything wrong.
Someday she’ll just have to show him that he’s a duke and can do anything as he pleases, well, except with her, that is.

* * *

“So this is it? The Heartily Academy of Management?” Rose thought this was a dream paradise.
It was built with the same design and structure as the Heartily

manor. Flowers filled the place and beautiful butterflies fluttered by with the bees for the nectar of the flowers. There were young men and women all about studying and chattering, romping around with joy.

It shocked her when Miss Namine told her that they’ve had the school ever since Leon was born. Must had been over twenty years now.

Why didn’t he ever mention anything about it to her? She knows so very little of him. She would make sure he tells her everything when he gets back. He told her earlier that he was going out with Lord Longsword to check on Hargate since they’ve left him far too long at his sister’s place.
Hopefully he comes back soon. She knows there’s still the marquess for him to take care of, but she wants him to stay a night with her before he goes off, just in case something happens.
Oh, she doesn’t want to think about it but after seeing him all wounded the last time, it worries her. She can’t bear to see him hurt like that again. She just hopes that wherever he goes, he’ll return safely to her, for all she knows she could really be with child. It’s too early to know but their last coupling could result so. They still haven’t even wed either. She doesn’t want her child to be born out of wedlock and without a father.
Leon just better go get His Grace and come back to her before seeking Lord Lansing again. She won’t ever forgive him if he dies in the act.
Oh, lord, she has really got to stop the ridiculous thoughts. Leon won’t die. He’ll return no matter what. He will be okay. She just have to believe in it.
“Oh, Lady Rose, come look at this,” said Miss Lavender as she pick something up from the ground.
“Ewe, Lavender, put that down!” Phoenix cried, pushing Lavender’s hand away as she wave up what seems to be a worm.
Rose gave out a startle cry, too, and jumps back when Lavender brought it to her.
“Lavender!” Namine shrieked as Lavender threw it on her blouse and strip it off.
“It’s just a millipede,” Lavender laughed. “Don’t have to go naked.”
Miss Namine colored as she stares down at her light chemise tuck in her pants and shook her blouse out to get rid of the bug.
“You’ll pay for this,” Namine said to Lavender, putting her blouse back on and continued leading the tour.
They went through the art room and watched the pupils paint.
“Aidan taught this class mostly,” Lavender informed her. “Sometimes Avange help.”
Next, they walked down the art gallery down the hall filled with old paintings from famous artist like Leonardo da Vinci to Donatello.
“You were able to obtain the Mona Lisa?” Rose inquired when she saw it hanging on the wall.
“No,” said Namine. “It was just a mock painting from one of the pupils. We just wanted to hang it up to fool people.”
“It looks so real,” Rose said, reaching out to touch it.
“We could probably sell it off, too,” Phoenix added. “But Leon said it’s against the law and we’ll get in big trouble.”
“That’s right,” Rose agreed, trailing along to examine the next painting.
Next, they went to the woodshop around the corner and pass along the shelves and tables made by the students.
Rose realized that there were only males in the class and no ladies at all.
“Leon didn’t want the ladies to cut themselves,” Phoenix explained. “He didn’t even let me in here till I was sixteen.”
Many of the young gentlemen stop their work and came to talk to them. They were all under the age of twenty-two and very charming. They all truly adore the Heartily Sisters. Most of them were disappointed that Miss Avangelene didn’t show up.
“She said she was going to show us how to break a lock the last time,” said one of the young lads. “Now we’ll have to wait because Headmaster announced this morning that we have to go home for a couple of months due to the upcoming constructions at the school.”
“There’s no con–”
Rose saw Miss Namine pinched Phoenix and cut her off from saying what she’s about to say. She didn’t understand why, but didn’t bother to ask.
“Yes, a few constructions would be coming,” said Namine. “I hope you enjoy the last few days. It’s probably going to be about a month or two.”
“Yeah, but I really hope you get it done soon so we can return,” said the boy. “I can’t really stand being homeschooled.”
“I understand,” Namine said. “But remember, Headmaster and us were all homeschooled here. You all had a more diverse experience.”
Oh, yes, Leon had told her stories long ago of his parents being their only teachers that brought them up in life.
They must have been a loving intelligent family.
She wonders if the school makes them sad at all. It sure seems to her that every part of it has a memory of their parents imprinted on it. She shouldn’t have made them take her out here, though they all seem very comfortable.
But deep down she knew that they all still hold a grief for what happened to their parents. Some memories can heal with time, but some would remain a scar that stays forever within you.
She knows this well, for the death of her mother had imprinted on her with the same effect. Her life had been a boring hell until Leon came along and shine down the light on her.
When he left, she felt that same effect closing in once more and thought never to be happy again. She hadn’t even been that happy with Marcus. She tried to by seeking Leon in him, but it was never the same.
Susannah was so right. She feels guilty for having to always argue with her about it.
Whenever she returns to London, she’s going to thank Susannah for everything she had done. She was the best of friends Rose has ever had who was always patient and supporting of her decisions, well, not all her decisions. If Susannah had supported the decision of her marrying Marcus, she’ll be in total disaster right now. She wouldn’t even have the chance with Leon and meeting his wonderful family again. For that, she’s totally grateful. She will make sure Susannah finds her true love one day and experience the same feelings that she does when she’s with Leon.
Miss Lavender suggested that they visit the conservatory next and this time it was filled with young ladies only.
“Can you believe this was Sheik’s idea to have only ladies tend to flowers when some of the young gentlemen wanted to?” said Namine.
No, Rose would never think of it.
“He said it’s a feminine job and that all men would be emasculated if they touch flowers so he told Leon not to let any man in here.”
“He even said that the ugly flowers are the one that men touched,” Lavender laughed. “Foolish brother.”
“He wouldn’t even let Avange in here sometimes because she dresses like a man,” Phoenix put in, waving to one of the lady pupil.
Boy, Leon’s family sure is interesting.
The Heartily Sisters introduced Rose to the pupils and they all squeal with excitements when Phoenix said that she’s to become their future sister-in-law.
“Oh, you’re so beautiful,” one of them commented. “Headmaster Heartily is so lucky to have you.”
They move on to the next section of the school after a few minutes in the conservatory and brought out an assortment of flowers. They went to the room where Leon aided with hairstyling and all got their hairs done with the flowers they gathered on their head.
“Don’t tell Leon we brought you down here,” said Lavender after they got out. “He said he never wanted to ever let his wife see the place and have her think wrong of him. It was mother’s fault that he gained those hairstyling skills. He said it took away all his dignity. Although I think it’ll come in handy for you, Lady Rose, once you two are wedded. You don’t need a maid to do your hair ever again. My brother can manage it.”
Rose beamed at the idea of Leon dressing her hair every morning. It brought her thoughts back to the inn when he had saved her and helped her dress her hair. He’s certainly one out of a million.
“Okay, this is Avangelene’s section of the school,” Namine told her as they got down to the last of the school through a series of spiral stairs. “Upstairs is for all the pupils of the ages thirteen to twenty-one. Down here, well…” she stopped and set her hands on the door handle. “…You’ve got to see for yourself.”
The door opened and a rush of sunlight spill out at them.
Inside was like a total different place. Children of all sizes were hard at work. Many were doodling; others were singing and reading; some were playing around. Some toddlers were napping in tiny mattresses on the floor, and Rose almost couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw infants being held by who she assumes to be hired wet nurses, and ran up to hold one of them.
“Oh, she is so adorable,” Rose said as she cradles the baby and cooed to it. “Do parents really let their babies come here? Look at her little blue eyes. It’s so round and pretty.”
“The infants are…well…” Somewhat the question made Miss Namine and the others uneasy.
“They’re orphans,” Phoenix managed out. “Well…some were abandoned.”
“Some were…abandoned?” Rose nearly broke into tears as she echoes the words.
“Most of the toddlers here are, too,” Namine add in. “The rest of them are orphans.”
“Oh.” Rose totally wanted to cry for all these poor children. How can anyone give up their child like this?
“No one would let their children go off to a school like ours at such a young age,” said Lavender. “These are all children who has no one to care for them.”
Rose cradled the baby girl close in her arms and rubbed her tiny cheek with her finger.
“And your sister Avangelene took them all in?” she asked, kissing the little baby’s forehead.
“Yes,” Namine nodded. “She’s really fond of children. She has a gigantic orphanage built at her village that she forbids us to speak of.”
“Her village?” That raises Rose’s curiosity.
“It’s nothing really,” Namine went on. “My sister just found this place and started a civilization there for people in poverty. She found them jobs and homes, provided them with foods and shelters. Sometimes, I think she is just weird. I mean, all the things she did was good, but it’s way too much. I don’t even know if she has time to pursue her own happiness. She’s always helping others.”
Rose was just amazed at the information.
No wonder they’re called the Heartilys. They are truly passionate and caring people.
“It seems to me that your sister has the biggest heart with the most love anyone can ever give,” Rose said, rocking the baby back and forth as it starts whimpering.
“As the oldest sister, we see her as a mother figure,” Lavender said. “Even though we’re only a couple years apart, Avangelene takes care of us well, cooking and dealing with our mess. She and Leon are the best brother and sister anyone could have. Not that you guys aren’t,” she said quickly to Namine and Phoenix before moving on. “You’re very lucky to have my brother, Lady Rose, and he’s lucky to have you. I just hope Avangelene could find a man fit enough for her, although that’s really what she’ll be throwing in my face. She doesn’t know that it’s her who needs it.”
Rose just couldn’t help but feel touched by those lovely words. She wanted to meet Miss Avangelene, too, and tell her how much she envies her. Being the only child, she’d never had the opportunity to experience those feelings. These Heartilys sure are a loving family that looks out for one another. They may be view as nothing more than bastards as Leon had said, though she never really understood why, but in truth, they are God’s angels. God’s gift.
She wonders why God even let her into meeting such a beautiful family. She doesn’t fit anywhere at all. Through that, she feels herself being the luckiest woman ever. She’ll make sure Leon never regret marrying her. She will love him with all her heart and together, they will find their bliss. They will have their own family with their own charming children.
The thought brought her to wondering what hers and Leon’s would look like.
Rose looked down at the baby in her arms and all the children around her. She decided they must look like Leon, for he’s perfect and charming in every way. If they look like her, well, it wouldn’t be as pleasant, but she’ll love them despite how they turn out.
“Missy Nami,” came a little girl about the age of four in a little yellow dress, tugging at Namine’s pants.
“Yessy, Ellone?” Namine asked, kneeling down to stroke the toddler’s hair.
“Where issy Missy Lene?” Little Ellone asked.
Rose assumed she was talking about their older sister Avangelene.
“Yes,” a little boy of the age of six said as he came up to them. “Where is Miss Vange? We were supposed to play pirates. I’m the captain with the eye patch and she’s the first mate.”
Lavender laughed and patted the boy on the head. “She’ll come, Faelan. Just not today.”
“Why not?” Faelan asked, looking as if he’s about to cry. “She promised.”
“She’ll come tomorrow,” Phoenix said, trying to cheer him up. “With a lot of goodies for you, I promise.”
“Okay.” With that, the little boy ran off to play with the others.
It seems all these children love their Missus really much.
“You better find an explanation for Little Fae tomorrow if Avange don’t show up,” Namine said to Phoenix. “You know he doesn’t react so well when you break a promise to him.”
“He loves Avange. She’ll take care of it,” Phoenix said, waving at Faelan when he turned back to look at them. “Let’s go back for tea.”
Rose kissed the baby good-bye and hand her back to the nurse.
They returned back to the house and stopped by the barn when Lavender said she heard something rustling in the woods behind them.
“Not another attack, do you think?” Phoenix whispered, listening closely. “I don’t have my sword.”
“I don’t–” Lavender cut off with a shriek when something zoomed pass her and hit the barn.
“We’re under attack again!” Namine cried, dodging a bullet that flew straight at her. “Quick! We have to get to the house.”
She grabbed Rose by the arm and broke out into a run.
Bullets were charging towards them like a swarm of bees.
Rose’s heart was pounding so fast with fear that she thought she will collapse if they didn’t reach the open door with Leon’s brother running out.
“This isn’t good,” Blake said, shaking his head as he saw the army of men charging out of the woods shooting.
“Not again,” Sheik groaned, pulling out his pistol.
“At least they’re less than last time,” said Chance.
“You ladies get inside,” Gabriel said, bring forth his gun. “Don’t even dare come out.”
Rose realized that last comment was directed to his little sister.
“I won’t,” Phoenix said, waving him off. “Just be safe.”
The four of them hurried inside and peer out the window as the Heartily Brothers ran off to meet the men.
“They better not harm any of the animals,” said Lavender. “Good thing I had them locked up early.”
“I’m worry about the children and pupils at the school,” said Namine. “They’re still out and about.”
Rose’s heart faltered at the mention of the children.
“Oh, what if they get hurt?” she said, shuddering at the thought of little innocent children getting slaughtered.
“I think they’re far enough away from here to be bother,” said Phoenix. “Although they would be wondering what all the racket is about.”