The Colonial Heart

Chapter 39

                                A M A

"I find this quite intriguing," I said, crossing my legs and leaning back in my chair as Victoria finished recounting her adventures from the previous day. While she had not uncovered a wealth of information, her efforts were commendable, and I appreciated her diligence. However, one aspect of her story piqued my interest - the paperwork Reginald had signed. Why was he, and not William, the crown prince, attending to such matters?

"Unless," I mused, my voice barely above a whisper, "Reginald's involvement is more than a mere coincidence. Unless there is a reason William's signature is not required, or perhaps, not desired..." I paused, letting the thought hang in the air.

"Tell me, Victoria," I asked, my eyes narrowing slightly, "can you replicate your husband's signature and handwriting with precision?" She shook her head, and I nodded thoughtfully. "In that case, I suggest you utilize your ample free time to master the art of forgery. Learn to mimic his script flawlessly, and inform me once you have achieved this feat. Additionally, during your next visit to your... friend and the trading ports, I want you to discreetly observe the guard postings. Note where they are stationed and where there are gaps in their presence."

Victoria's brow furrowed, and she asked, "But why do you require me to forge Reginald's signature and handwriting?" I smiled enigmatically, "All will be revealed once you have acquired this skill, my dear."

A flicker of uncertainty danced across her face, and she hesitated before speaking. "Unless... it is too difficult for you, I do not mind-" I waved my hand dismissively, and she continued, "Oh no, I can learn it."

I smiled inwardly, pleased with her determination. "Excellent. I consider this meeting concluded, then. May the rest of your day be pleasant, my Lady." I offered a gracious smile,

"Oh, and by the way, I have a request," I said, my eyes locking onto Victoria's as I continued, "I wish to meet with certain individuals, servants from other manors, to be precise." Victoria's expression turned quizzical, her brow furrowing in confusion. "You mean staff from neighboring estates?" she asked, seeking clarification. I nodded, my gaze unwavering.

"Indeed, I do. Is there a way to arrange such encounters?" I pressed, my tone polite yet firm. Victoria pondered the question, her lips pursed in thought. After a moment, she responded, "I believe it is possible."

"Splendid," I said, a hint of triumph in my voice. "I require directions to Sir Michael's manor. Pray, tell me where I might find it." Victoria's expression turned puzzled once more, her eyes widening in surprise. "I am afraid I don't know the location of Sir Michael's estate," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of embarrassment.

I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "How is that possible? Your husband, Reginald, is the commander, is he not? Surely, he must be acquainted with Sir Michael's whereabouts." Victoria's face flushed, and she hesitated before responding, her voice barely above a whisper, "We do not discuss such matters, okay?"

I sensed a hint of tension beneath her words and pressed on, my tone firm but measured. "Well, then, I suggest you ask your husband about Sir Michael's residence. Discreetly, of course." Victoria's eyes darted nervously, and she protested, "That would arouse suspicion."

I sighed, a hint of exasperation creeping into my voice. "Then initiate a conversation, ensure Sir Michael is mentioned, and casually inquire about his estate. It's not an arduous task, Victoria." I concluded, my tone brooking no argument. With a swift spin of my heel.

"Wait," Victoria called out, her voice halting my departure. I turned to face her, my expression inquiring. She sighed, her shoulders sagging under the weight of her words. "Reginald doesn't like to discuss such matters with me like I said before," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "In fact, he doesn't like to discuss anything with me, I am not his preferred company."

"What do you mean is he not your husband?" I pressed. "He is but I remember quite well that I told you we were forced into marriage and he does not feel like he must partake in his husbandly duties since it was not his will to wed me." She confessed and I felt terribly sorry for her.

"And you are fine with that?" I questioned and she signed helplessly.
"I cannot do anything about it...even if he was to bring six women home and bed them, I still cannot do anything about it...that is why I want his head." She expressed. I truly would have felt the same if I was in her position and I was going to help her have her treacherous husband's head even if it cost my life.

I raised an eyebrow, my curiosity piqued. "Have you ever attempted to engage with him in conversation, to persuade him to open up?" I asked, my tone gentle yet probing. Victoria's eyes dropped, and she nodded. "Of course, how else would I know if I had never attempted?" she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.

I sensed the depth of her frustration and uncertainty. "I don't want to pressure you into doing something that makes you uncomfortable," I said, my voice softening. "If you are not willing to ask Reginald about Sir Michael's estate, I understand."

Victoria remained silent, her face a mask of conflicting emotions. I nodded sympathetically. "In that case, I shall have to find the information myself. May the rest of your day be pleasant, my Lady." With a courteous bow, I departed, leaving Victoria lost in thought.

As I walked away, my mind turned to the challenge ahead. How would I uncover the location of Sir Michael's estate? The urgency to find him grew with each passing moment. I needed to see one of the girls, to reassure myself that they were alive and well. The memory of Reginald introducing one of the girls to Sir Michael flashed in my mind, and I knew I had to find that man... as soon as possible.

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