The Secret Of The Lady

London

The following day as I helped pack the trunks into the carriage, I did not need to look at Lord Benedict to know that he was watching me. I said my goodbyes to Lizbeth and hoped into the carriage alone, just the horsemen above to keep me company. Lord Archer had told me my place. But I didn't understand what He was protecting me from for Lady Katherine.
As the carriage moved through the country plains, I looked out the window with enchantment. I did not sleep during the trip to London; I was too excited to witness and explore the city's magic.
The first ball, the King's ball, opened the summer season. The King's ball was Susanna's first introduction to the season. To womanhood to marry a worthy Bachelor.
The Archer townhouse wasn't as grand as the estate but classically elegant. You would know that the Archers provellied here.
It's beautiful, is it not Kiara? He clasps my hand, yes beautiful 'I am so glad Papa let you join us for the season. Kiara, I honestly couldn't do this season without you. You don't need my encouragement, and every man will be begging to dance with you.

As we enter the foray, a carriage pulls up outside Papa. Is that not Lady Katherine's carriage? Yes, dear, it seems that it is. Lord Archer looks my way. Excuse me miss Susanna. I'll prepare your room. Kiara, you need to meet Lady Katherine. She's so captivating; I am sure she is; I must leave.

I climb the stairs. Oh, Susanna, you have turned into a beautiful swan; what a young lady you have been hiding, Edgar.
Lord Archer, I knew he was watching me. He stopped at the stairs. I had not turned, but a tear threatened to run down my cheek; I wiped it; I wasn't going to show weakness.
Lady Katherine why the surprising visit, "I heard that my dear friend was going to be escorting his daughter this season, and I had to see it myself Edgar Archers youngest. Miss, can you please bring me an ice tea? It is so dreadfully hot this season, Edgar. Miss, did you hear me? Ice tea. Susanna specks, Lady Katherine, is talking to you, Kiara.
I turn on the stairs, my eyes damp. I heard Lady Katherine gasp; her eyes dart to Lord Archer. 'll fetch you that ice tea, my Lady. Susanna dear, why don't you change? I'm sure your travel clothes are hot. Lady Katherine and I will be in my study.

I heard the door clasp shut behind Lord Archer.
Edgar, why is she here? You promised me you would protect her and never bring her to London. Susanna wishes Kiara to join her as her ladies' maid for the season. After the season, she will go back home. Edgar, does Kiara know who I am? he does; she overheard a conversation in my study, A discussion with Whom Edgar? Lord Archie Benedict. He guessed Katherine; how can one not put two and two together? You just saw her. he looks just like you. Susanna and I were at her Grandmother's when he arrived. Elizabeth and Kiara greeted him. Edgar, they can not meet again if the secret gets out; I know Katherine. Katherine, all she wants is a mother! You don't think I want to hold my daughter Edgar; she is a piece of me. I think about her daily, but I can not announce that I have a child for her safety and future. I am the King's closest friend. f He knew that she could be his, and things would change. Katherine, I know, and I will protect her.

I knock on the door with the Lady's ice tea. Enter your ice tea lady Katherine. I  look down at my shoes and back out of the room. I  do not look up.
I will protect her, Katherine, as I have for the last nineteen years; tomorrow is her birthday and the King's ball; I won't let her leave my sight.
When the door to the study opened, and I was standing there, I couldn't help but look up Lady Katherine was stunning; Susanna was standing next to me. I had been staring blankly. Susanna and I were the same age. If only my mother had accepted me, I would also be getting introduced this season. I  look down at my shoes and mumble sorry, I was born Lady Katherine. Lady Katherine stops midstep and then begins to leave Susanna. I will see you at the ball tomorrow night, Edgar. Why don't you walk me out to my carriage?

Edgar, this is why I didn't want her to know. Did you hear what she just said? Yes, Katherine, I did, and I wouldn't want any of my girls to feel that way, but how else is she supposed to feel? She doesn't know the truth as we do.