Coupled Betrayal

Chapter 2

September 16, 1875

Mr. Fergusson returns from Spain with his son. Both are eligible bachelors with many accomplishments...

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As promised, I was forced to give Mr. Fergusson senior a tour of my mother's garden in the glasshouse. It was her pride and joy. Some orange roses here. Some golden dahlias there. It was infernal, and layers of fabric took a toll on my hair in the form of sweat.

"How did you find Spain, Mr. Fergusson?"

"It was a fine state. It bustled with life and business."

I asked about Mr. Claude who I had the pleasure of meeting in the library.

"He's my son from my first marriage... What type of flower is this?"

I had no idea. However, the curiosity inside me burned for more information, but I politely informed him that I could not recall the name of the beloved flower.

Before it became dinner time, I headed to the library in hopes of finally finding a book. Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" caught my eye, and I had the urge to reread it. I could imagine James as Romeo, and his mistress as Juliet. Then they could both die. A gruesome thought, but I didn't mind. I picked it out, and cradled it in the crook of my arm.

Usually, I would have simply taken the book to my room, but something inclined me to read in the library. I settled in a chair with my legs on top of it. Quite the scandalous act.

Everything was silent except for the ever so often turn of a page.

Fully immersed in the book, I failed to notice someone entering.

With the turn of page 162, dust flew up, and I sneezed.

"Bless you."

A small yelp escaped me, and I scanned the room. I saw Mr. Claude Fergusson.

"How long have you been there?" I accused. A big stack of papers stood in front of him, and I wondered how I didn't hear him flipping pages.

"I've been here for around an hour, Lady Angelica."

"Why didn't you tell me you came in?"

"Pardon me, my lady. You were so enthralled in your book, I didn't want to disrupt you."

"I fear I've spent far too much time here, sir. I need to get ready."

"I'll walk you."

With furrowed brows I replied, "I can walk myself, thank you very much."

"Of course." He chuckled. "Would you like me to leave this incident between us too?"

"You may do what you will with this meeting." If my mother heard me, she'd scold me for being rude, but with Mr. Claude, rudeness felt natural.

"I will then."

Before I exited the library, I stopped at the door and asked, "Do you mind me asking why you work in the library?"

My father and Mr. Fergusson always worked in his study, and I couldn't think of a possible reason to be working alone.

"It's silent here, usually."

I glowered at the comment.

He looked up from his work at me, "I'll see you at dinner, my lady."

See me at dinner he did. Thankfully, I had the pleasure of not speaking to him since I was with my mother and other female guests, including my best friend, Charlie Burks. My stories about him entertained her very much.