The Secret Of The Lady

The Tunnels

I made my journey back up the green. We need to talk in the study Lord Benedict. I follow Lord Archer towards the study. The door slams shut behind me. I hope my eyes deceive me, Lord Benedict. I did not just see you kiss the hand of my housekeeper; your eyes do not deceive you, Lord Archer, but what if I did? Are you going to send her to her room until I leave? What if I told her the truth I discovered while here. I think the King would be interested too, to what I have found out STOP!
Am I not correct in guessing that she is Lady Katherine's daughter and, if not valid, the offspring of the king 'your assumptions are not all correct, Lord Benedict, and as a guest in my home, I hope you keep your beliefs to yourself.


I stood behind the walls. My mother was Lady Katherine, the heiress my mother was alive; I could have found her this whole time she was under my nose she had stayed here. I push closer to the panel to hear more but push it forward; I stumble back a jar.
Lord Benedict, please let me remind you that this is my home and what goes on in it is no concern of the King or country. You came here to get to know my daughter to marry, not to discover Kiara's origins. I gasp. Lord Benedict was here to select a bride. I cover my mouth as soon as I hear myself gasp. The Lords must have heard it too because I recognise Lord Archers' step towards the panel. I run. I slip into the shelter of darkness as Lord archer steps in, and then I hear the panel close again. I take a deep breath as Lord Archer steps back into the study.

At dinner, as I served, my eyes lingered on Lord Benedict; my heart felt raw; Susanna was excited. The King's ball was the first ball of the season. I felt Lord Archers' eyes watching me as I poured him his wine, 'Oh papa, please can Kiara come to London as my ladies maid for the season? My head snapped up from pouring Lord Archer's wine spilling all over him and the table. My eyes full to Lord archer, 'papa, please, Kiara has never been to London in all her nineteen years, please let us take her. How can I say no to you, my daughter? Did you hear that Kiara, Papa is letting you come to London? There will be rules and terms that will be discussed later. 'Kiara, I'll see you in my study when the night is over, Sir.

Later in the evening, Susanna had gone to bed, and Lord Benedict was out for air. The conversation on the rules was about to be had. 'Kiara, I have raised you like you were my blood, one of my girls' sisters, but in London, you will not be heard, seen or act overly friendly with my daughters. You are only there to dress Susanna at her request; the rest of the time, you will be in your room in the attic. You shall not leave the townhouse for any means, and when we have guests, you shall be in your room. Like it is here, yes, Sir. 'Now, Lord Benedict, what is your relationship with him? 'There is none, Sir; I have kept my distance where I can. Is that because he figured out who I am, Sir? It was you in the wall, Kiara, you are my ward, and I promised when the time is right, I will share with you, but for now, I need you to trust my word for your safety. So Lady Katherine is my mother; yes, Kiara, you can not act on your emotions when you see her this season. Sir, if lord Benedict figured it out, would not everyone else?

Rule number two, Kiara, I shall not be seen. Sir? Kiara, can I glance at her through a panel? I have heard so much about Lady Katherine and have always wondered if I would look like my mother. I am sorry, Kiara, but if Lady Katherine knew that you knew, it would be me betraying her trust, and she trusted me to Protect you. Yes, Sir, Lord Archer steps forward and puts his hands on my shoulders now, hug me and go up to bed; we have a big day tomorrow travelling to London. Sir, I am at the door, my hand on the handle, 'will you marry Susanna to Lord Benedict?

'You like him; Lord Archer stands before me, Kiara. I turn. He is the first man who has made me feel like a woman and treated me with kindness and as a human, not below him in status. Kiara. Good night Sir; Goodnight, Kiara. When I open the door, Lord Benedict strides towards the door. He stops when he sees me, 'Lord Benedict, I step past him. He grazes my hand. Kiara, what is wrong? I bow my head goodnight, Sir, 'Kiara; Lord Archer stands in the doorway. I run down the hall and up the stairs to the attic.