VII

The day before the wedding had arrived, and Westlin felt as though time itself was playing a cruel joke on him. He had spent the previous night wandering through the few places where he still thought he might uncover information about the Countess of Hesse. But every door he knocked on seemed to shut in his face. No clues, no trace of certainty. How could it be so difficult to find something on a woman who, according to rumors, should have been infamous for her scandals?

Sitting in his study, he stared at the fire crackling in the hearth. The dancing flames did nothing to soothe the turmoil within him. The warmth of the liquor in his hand didn't calm him either—it only fueled his frustration. " What am I missing? " he thought, over and over again. The missing piece of this intricate puzzle remained elusive.

Grace. He knew that was her real name, but he wasn't sure if he was familiar with the name Collier. He had noticed her reaction when Cassian had mentioned it—an almost imperceptible frown had crossed her face. It seemed to bring her pain or maybe even resentment. But why? Marcus slammed his fist on the arm of the chair, exasperated. He was exhausted, both physically and mentally, but the thought of letting the wedding take place without discovering the truth was unbearable. He jumped to his feet and marched toward the decanter. He poured another drink—his fourth that afternoon. "None of this makes sense," he thought, swirling the liquid in the glass. "None of it."

Just as he was about to take a sip, a soft knock interrupted his thoughts.

" Milord, there is a gentleman at the door who wishes to speak with you, " the servant's voice called from beyond the entrance. " He claims to have important information that may interest you. "

Marcus raised an eyebrow, his gaze still fixed on the fire. " Another one, " he thought with disdain. He had lost count of how many false leads and opportunists had come to him, offering worthless information in exchange for a reward. Yet, something inside him stopped him from dismissing this visitor.

" Send him in, " he ordered, swirling the liquor in his glass thoughtfully.

The servant left silently, and moments later, another soft knock indicated the visitor's arrival.

" Come in, " Marcus said, still not taking his eyes off the flames.

The door opened, and in walked a middle-aged man, dressed plainly but neatly, wearing a starched suit that indicated a respectable, though not noble, background. His posture was steady, but his eyes held a blend of respect and caution.

" Milord, " the man began with a serious tone, " I apologize for the intrusion. My name is Donald Walter, and I believe I have information about the Countess of Hesse that might be of interest to you. "

Marcus didn't look at him immediately, still holding his glass, the liquor swirling slowly inside. His usual skepticism about these encounters washed over him.

" And what information could possibly interest me? " he asked in a gruff, almost dismissive tone, expecting nothing of value.

The man, however, didn't flinch. He stood in the doorway, waiting respectfully to be invited further into the room.

" I understand you are looking into her life, and I believe I can help. "

Marcus finally looked up, regarding the man with more interest. He still hadn't decided whether this man was worth his time or just another charlatan hoping for an easy reward.

" How much do you want for this information? " Marcus shot back, not moving from his chair.

The man shook his head ever so slightly.

" I ask for nothing, milord. Only that you consider the value of my information after I have given it, " he replied, his calm demeanor unwavering.

That response was enough to surprise Marcus, who stopped swirling the liquor in his glass and regarded the man more carefully. The man's posture and steady tone indicated that he wasn't a beggar looking for coin.

" Go on, " Marcus said, with a hint of interest. " Tell me what you know about the Countess of Hesse. "

The man stepped forward a few paces, still keeping a respectful distance. His hands, clasped in front of him, trembled slightly, but his voice remained steady.

" Milord, I was Lord Hesse's valet from the time he turned twenty. I served him loyally, and for that reason, when he and the Countess married in secret, I followed them. They lived in France for many years, and I was promoted to head butler. I know my master's life well and can answer any questions you may have… "

The man paused, as if weighing his next words carefully.

Marcus narrowed his eyes, his interest piqued. This man, it seemed, was not like the charlatans he had encountered before. The way he spoke, the precision in his descriptions… There was something different about him. This man had genuine knowledge.

" Why have you come forward now? " Marcus asked, his voice more serious. The disdain had disappeared, replaced by growing curiosity. " Why didn't you speak before? "

The man lowered his gaze for a moment before answering.

" Milord, I stayed silent for a long time out of loyalty to my master. But now that the Countess is about to marry again, I believe it is time you learned what little I know of her. It isn't much, but it might help you find the answers you seek. "

Marcus, though cautious, couldn't help but feel drawn to the man's words. He didn't seem to have an ulterior motive; he spoke with the certainty of someone who had carried secrets for years.

" Speak, " Marcus said, more calmly now, but with his full attention on the man in front of him. " And make sure what you say is worth my time. "

The man nodded slowly, stepping forward another pace.

" I saw the Countess of Hesse on her first night in the hotel where she's staying, and while she bears a striking resemblance to the woman I once knew, she is not the same person. When milady left France, she was gravely ill, accompanied by a maid and the maid's daughter. I assumed that during these years, without any news of her, she must have passed away. In fact, when I heard she had returned to London and was marrying again, I sought her out, hoping to offer my services once more. "

" And? " Westlin pressed, his heart pounding in his chest.

" The maid is the same woman I remember, but the Countess is not, " the man confirmed.