Coupled Betrayal

Chapter 7

July 31, 1879

Gossip columnist ill with a fever.

———————

"Are you Lady Angelica?" a maid asked as soon as the door opened.

"I am."

She saw Blade over my shoulder and called someone; I could not discern the name.

"Please follow me, my lady. The stablehand will take care of your horse."

Another maid took the reins, and I followed the first maid. She led me up a staircase and into what seemed to be a library. Seeing him read a book gave me a sense of deja vu, as used by the French, but the image was ruined as soon as he whipped his head towards me.

"Good afternoon, sir."

"Good afternoon, my lady." He stood up. "Please, take a seat."

Mr. Fergusson pulled out a chair across from him on the table for me to sit. I expressed my thanks to which he simply smiled.

"Would you like a drink," he asked, "Lemonade? Wine? Tea?"

"Lemonade sounds delightful."

"And I'd like some tea, please, Cate." He motioned to the maid called Cate, and she bowed slightly before leaving.

"How did you come here?" he asked, "I doubt your mother would just let you come here unaccompanied."

"My mother believes I'm off riding with Lady Charlotte."

"Isn't she with her aunt?"

"She is. But, she's coming back soon, and I doubt my mother will visit the Burks today or tomorrow."

"Also," I added, "I did some investigating just this morning and found that my father has been giving Lady Irvington 5,000 pounds every four months. The check I saw on your father's desk also was for 5,000 pounds and for Lady Irvington."

"Could they be paying for certain services?" he mused, and I shook my head.

"The amount is outrageous for a mistress!" I exclaimed.

"A man will do anything for the affections of the fairer sex."

The comment brought a small blush to my face, but I did my best to ignore it.

"I doubt that's the case. There are payments for Sophia's grandfather prior to Lady Irvington."

"I suppose you're right then."

I reached into my reticule and pulled out the piece of paper with information. After unfolding it, I handed it to him. His brows furrowed as his eyes scanned the note.

"Your handwriting is atrocious. It looks like chicken scratch."

"It's legible," I replied with a curt scowl.

"Perhaps to you." He paused. "These payments could easily be excused for a shared business if Lady Irvington weren't involved."

"So you agree?" I asked, "something is not right."

He frowned, "I think so. Mr. Fergusson has never mentioned Lady Irvington as a business associate, and as far as I know, her late husband was a very rich man. She doesn't need more money."

"Could you look more into your father's relationship with Lady Irvington? We already know the nature of the relationship between my father and she."

"Yes, my lady. It would be helpful to have more information."

Someone knocked and Mr. Claude called them to come in. Cate came in with a glass of lemonade and a cup of tea.