The Secret Of The Lady

Light

I will send word that I will be heading home; I am sorry this is how your first season of London is ending. I would love it. I turned towards my room; I should pack if I wanted to leave today. It will be night soon, and I want to get home.
There lying on the trunk was the dress that Lord benedict first met me in. I stuff it in the chest.

I travelled through the night, much to Lord Arches advice not to. I arrived early the following day, Lizbeth greeting me as I exited the carriage. I look up at the Archer estate home. Are you alright, Kiara? Just glad to be home. I might take a walk, Lizbeth, stretch my legs after the journey, okay Kiara, watch the sky rain is coming; I can feel it.

I walk toward the stable, mount Lady and head out into the fields.
I hadn't been watching the sky, as Lizbeth said, so I kept riding through the fields when the rain drops started. I took shelter under a big oak while the rain was heavy, and I didn't turn around to head back when it easied. I kept going; I felt so free, here.
I wasn't aware when the sky turned dark. I stopped under the nearest tree to take cover. My dress was damp; I pulled it tight as I curled into the tree trunk, and my eyes started to drift shut. I'm startled awake when a figure pulls me into the chest. I start slapping the person my crys to put me down unheard in the pummel of the rain.

When I wake and feel the warmth, I slowly open my eyes; the sun shines brightly. I look down where I lay in my slip. I notice a figure by the fire across a room, Mama?
She looks up; Kiara, I notice more movement, Lizbeth? They each walk towards me. Lady Katherine grabs my hand. What were you thinking riding in weather like that? How did I get back here? I remember a man, I think, pulling me into his chest. Yes, Lord Benedict, he arrived not long after you. He was waiting for you to return from your walk when the groomsmen informed me that you had taken Lady out. When the rain became heavy, he went out looking for you; he said to send word to Lady Katherine. I also sent word to Lord Archer. They arrived together last night. I didn't realize you had been informed of who your mother and father were until this morning. Is Papa here? Lady Katherine smiles yes; He is with Lord Benedict. I sit up. Lizbeth, please let them know I am awake and send Papa in here, certainly Kiara.

Lady Katherine squeezes my hand; You scared all of us, Kiara. My eyes turn wide, remembering everything. How did telling the king go, Mama? I like hearing you call me Mama the king took the news like a gentleman, know why did you go riding in the rain?

I am so confused, Mama, confused about what, my love? Lord Benedict asked for my hand. Did He? yes, and what did you answer him? I asked him to court me; I am so confused; everything is happing so fast; I just gained you and Papa sisters. I don't know where I fit. I don't know my place.
There's a knock at the door. It's just me; Lord Archer walks in. This is your home Kiara; with Me, Edgar and Susanna, Mama, but you don't live here.
Lord Archer looks at Lady Katherine and mouths Mama Katherine nods with a smile, a tear sliding down her cheek. Papa, why are you still standing by the door? He strides towards the bed with a giant smile on his face. Papa; I like you calling me that.
Kiara, do you love Lord Benedict? I think so; my heart starts to race. I can't keep steady when I am around him. I get a feeling when I am in a room that he is there. Lady Katherine and Lord Archer look at each other with a smile. There is no denying it then you love him. But Papa, I don't know my place; your place is beside Lord Benedict Kiara; this will always be your home, but your place is with him.
Do you think that he loves me as I love him? Papa chuckles. I believe that young man is smitten with you, Kiara. He has been unable to keep still while you've been asleep. Papa, can you get him, please? I need to tell him everything.
Why don't we get you to dress while Papa goes get Lord Benedict? Mama, it's fine! At least put a gown over your slip; if only then knew he had seen me swim Nude in the pond, I chuckle to myself 'fine.

There's a knock at my door; Mama stands. Enter Lord Benedict; Mama smiles at me before leaving the room. She touches his shoulder as she exits.

 Lord Benedict enters, worry stretched across his handsome face; Kiara, he rushes to my side. I smile at him the worry slips from his face. Archie ask me that question again. He looks at me, puzzled. I move from the sheets, Kiara; he rushes to grab me. I hold his forearm; the electric bolt sends shivers up my arms. Go for a walk with me, Archie. Are you strong enough? I batt Lord Benedict's concerns away. I walk towards the dressing panel and ring the bell; Lizbeth enters. I wish to dress Lizbeth. She looks at Archie. He's okay; I'm behind the panel; Lizbeth shakes her head. Archie puts his hands up in defence and turns so he's not facing the panel.

Lizbeth steps out behind me from the panel. Is that all Kiara? Yes, Lizbeth walks out of the room. I push the door open to the tunnel and grab Lord Benedict's hand; where are we going? Throw caution to the wind, Archie. We exit at the pond, the gravel crunching underfoot. Lord Benedict stands staring at me.

I will never be dull, Archie. I will never be caged; you understand me, don't you? I never want to contain you, Kiara; yes, Archie, to what; Marrying you, silly.
He scoops me up and spins me around. You want to be my wife? Yes, I giggle.
He drops me to my feet. I slide down the front of his body, my hands on his face; I want to be your wife.
The moment I saw you in that dress, Kiara, I knew I loved you. I touched his chest the moment you helped me make the bed. I knew I loved you too.
I want to marry you as soon as allowed. I don't want you to change your mind, Kiara. I tap his chest. In a playful manner, I will never change my mind, Archie. We walk back to the house to announce our engagement.
Papa stands serious, looking at Archie from across the room. I love him, Papa; he kisses the top of my head; I want you to be happy I am more than happy, Papa; I can't wait for my life with Archie to start.
Susanna glides over. This is so romantic, Kiara; he rescues you and asks to marry you; Susanna swoons. I watch Archie talk to Mama. He catches me watching him, a smile on his face. I blush like I have been caught.

A few days later, the church bells ring across the country fields; I walk towards Archie, my white dress catching the sun like a halo shining. We hold each other in our kiss as the priest proclaims us man and wife.

And this is where my secret unfolded the secret of the Lady was me.