Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 16: A Web of Deception

I am dedicating this chapter to @nel2ham for supporting the chapters till now.

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The old chapel on the outskirts of St. Ives loomed before us, its crumbling stone walls and overgrown ivy casting eerie shadows in the afternoon sun. Mr. Ralph and I arrived just as the clock struck three, our carriage rattling to a halt on the gravel path. Waiting for us was Mr. Albert, a man who looked every bit as professional as Edward Hughes had promised.

He was tall and lean, with sharp, angular features that gave him a stern, almost intimidating appearance. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the surroundings with keen alertness. He wore a hat and a well-tailored suit that, despite the dust of the journey, looked impeccable. The way he carried himself exuded confidence and a no-nonsense attitude.

"Good afternoon, milady, Mr. Ralph, I presume," he greeted us, his voice steady and businesslike.

I nodded in return, feeling a mix of anticipation and unease. "Thank you for meeting us, Mr. Albert. What can you tell us about Meredith?"

Mr. Albert wasted no time. "Her actions have been quite suspicious. She appears to be with a man from another country. They meet frequently, often exchanging romantic gestures. It's clear they are lovers, but they go to great lengths to remain hidden, meeting in isolated places or in disguise."

I felt a knot form in my stomach. How could this be? Where could Meredith have met such a person, and why hadn't she come home to explain why she ran away on her wedding day?

"Can you take us to her?" I asked, my voice trembling with a mixture of hope and dread.

Mr. Albert nodded. "Yes, but I must warn you, milady. Meredith's behavior has been unpredictable. She and her companion have been acting suspiciously, and she may be dangerous."

"Dangerous?" I echoed, my heart skipping a beat.

Mr. Albert lifted his coat to reveal a revolver at his waist. I gasped, stepping back involuntarily.

"Is that really necessary?" I asked, my voice barely more than a whisper.

He met my gaze with a grave expression. "I'm afraid it is, milady. I've seen her easily beat a man to a pulp for merely bumping into her. Her actions do not seem friendly, and I believe she could be a threat."

What?

I glanced at Mr. Ralph, who nodded solemnly. "We must be cautious, milady."

Despite the fear gnawing at my insides, I straightened my shoulders. "Very well. Lead the way, Mr. Albert. I just wish to meet my sister."

We followed Mr. Albert through a winding path that led deeper into the woods, the dense foliage casting long shadows around us. My mind raced with questions. Who was this mysterious man? Why was Meredith acting so strangely? And most importantly, why hadn't she come back to explain herself?

As we walked, I couldn't shake the image of the sister I once knew—gentle, kind, and loving. What could have happened to change her so drastically?

The path finally opened up to a secluded clearing. Mr. Albert motioned for us to stay quiet as we approached a small, rundown cottage. My heart pounded in my chest as we neared the door. This was it. The moment I had been waiting for—and dreading.

Mr. Albert knocked on the door, his hand hovering near his revolver. The door creaked open, and there stood Meredith, looking more defiant and guarded than I had ever seen her.

"Meredith," I breathed, stepping forward.

Her eyes flicked between Mr. Albert, Mr. Ralph, and me. "Scarlett, what are you doing here?" she asked, her voice cold and unfamiliar.