Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The park was lovely in the sunshine, and Louise marveled at how bright and colorful it was. The greens in the trees and the grass were fresh and clean, and the water on the nearby lake sparkled as the ripples lapped over the surface, turning into waves against the bank. Even the blue sky was clear of clouds.

Certainly a beautiful day for a walk, if there wasn't one slight problem.

"God, that smell." Lara wrinkled her nose. "I'm never going to get the hang of that. Why do they need to have the factories so close to where everyone lives?"

"You think it is bad?" Louise laughed. "Before I went to live with my aunt, my parents lived within smelling distance of a tannery."

"What's that?"

"It's where they make leather, for things like horse saddles. And do you know what they use to create leather from a cowhide?"

Lara shuddered.

"I have a feeling that it's really disgusting, and you're going to tell me anyway."

Louise grinned.

"They used the excrement from animals and heated it up."

"WHAT?"

Lara's squeak of shock had people turning around to look, but then they went back to what they were doing. Louise couldn't stop giggling at the younger woman's expression.

"Apparently, some sort of reaction happens, and it gets rid of the bacteria still stuck to the cowhide after it's been de-haired. And it's left for quite a while, in an open warehouse. The smell lingers and spreads, to put it mildly."

"God!" Lara looked nauseous. She pressed a hand to her belly. "I can't believe that. And I thought a soap-making factory close to our house was bad enough. I'm sure it turns the flowers a different color with how horrible it is."

"They do make soap with animal remains and caustic soda, so that's not a surprise."

Lara grimaced.

"How on earth do you know about all of this?"

"My governess taught me. I got through my lessons pretty quickly, and I would ask about other things. I think those two were part of science lessons to show how things worked when put together." Louise paused. "My apologies if that is a little sickly, Lara. I always found it fascinating that the most disgusting things made some really incredible items."

"It is fascinating, but it's also rather revolting. Can we talk about something else?"

"Of course. I didn't mean…"

"It's fine." Lara smiled. "I'm sure Archie will be more interested in it. He always liked something that was out of the ordinary. Not that I'm offended by your interests…"

"You don't need to worry about offending me." Louise was genuinely not upset. "I can understand that I can say things that people are not comfortable discussing."

"Maybe once I've got used to the idea. Might be a while." Lara giggled. "I think you would surprise my father with that. He wouldn't expect you to come out with something like that."

"I know it's not very ladylike…"

"On the contrary, he believes that we should know more about the world. We should learn whatever we can and take on whatever interests us. Our mother was exactly the same. She would encourage us to have fun with whatever we liked."

Louise heard the softness in the girl's voice talking about her mother. That left an ache in her chest. She couldn't remember much about her mother; it was twenty years ago, and her memories before going to live with Aunt Harriet were limited. She could remember a smile, and how it felt to be embraced lovingly, but that was about it.

Louise couldn't even recall what she looked like anymore; her aunt wouldn't allow any portraits in the house. She simply said that Louise didn't need to mope around after dead people.

It made her feel a little resentful toward her aunt, mixed in with all the other emotions.

"Louise?" Lara nudged her. "Are you all right? You went a bit quiet there."

"Oh, right." Louise gulped. "Forgive me, I was thinking about how hard it must be not to have your mother around."

Lara sighed.

"I do miss her and wish she was back, but we can't turn back the clock. And it's been five years now. It's something we've gotten used to, Archie, Father, and myself." She paused. "She would have liked you, Louise. You two would have gotten along really well."

Louise didn't know what to say to that. She cleared her throat.

"Do you mind me asking what happened? I remember you mentioning yesterday that her death was rather sudden and came out of nowhere. Did she suddenly become ill?"

"I wish it was like that. It would have given us some closure, and we could have prepared for it." Lara bit her lip. "She went out riding on her own one day and fell from her horse. She fell down a slope and broke her neck."

Louise stopped, shocked at what she heard.

"What? She died like that?"

"Yes. We were confused at the time. She never went out riding on her own, and the one time she decided to do it, she ended up…" Lara gulped. "Forgive me, I didn't think I would start getting upset about it after all this time."

"No, don't apologize," Louise said hurriedly. "It's my fault for bringing it up in the first place."

"Well, enough time has passed that it will be less painful. Although we're still full of questions as to why she went off like that." Lara frowned. "If we could get answers for what happened that day, it would make things better, but I'm afraid we're never going to get an explanation for what happened that day."

"Your mother was an accomplished rider, was she?"

"Yes, so for her to go out like that alone when she was adamant about having someone accompany her surprised us all. Needless to say, Father was devastated. He pulled away from everyone, including us, for several months. We barely recognized him when we saw him, and we all lived in the same house."

"He pulled away from you and your brother?"

"We had the staff to look after us, and Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Harvey let us stay with them whenever we needed to. We've always been incredibly grateful for their help, but we were all worried about Father. He loved Mother, and it broke him when he found her body."

Louise's stomach clenched. Chesterfield had found his wife dead? She couldn't begin to imagine how that felt for him to discover someone he loved in such a state. She took a deep breath, hoping that the knot would ease eventually.

"I can't imagine what he went through with that."

"Archie and I couldn't, and this was our mother. We were devastated, but we could see how it tore Father apart. Then we came of age, and we decided that this would be the best time for him to come back into Society properly. He had gone out now and then after his official mourning ended, but he was still reclusive.

We wanted him to remember that life was too short, and he should join us." Lara gave a half-shrug. "I'm surprised that it was easy to get him to come out with us, and I'm glad we did. Hopefully, new developments will help him remember our mother fondly, but he can move on and not get stuck in the past."

Louise had a feeling that she was saying something in reference to her, but she wasn't sure. She looked over her shoulder, wondering if Chesterfield and Simmons were going to join them anytime soon. They were still on the path talking, getting smaller as they walked around the lake.

Louise focused back on Lara, glancing back to check that Bethany was still there. Her maid was walking just out of earshot, looking over the lake warily. She was just as nervous around water as she was around dogs. Louise adored Bethany, but she was surprised that the maid could step outside the house with the fears she had.

"I do want to see my father happy again," Lara went on, giving Louise a knowing look. "He shouldn't be a parent all the time, if you know what I mean? Archie and I are eighteen now, so he should be able to focus on something for himself. Get to know people on his own. Find someone more interesting than hanging around his children."

"Why do I get the feeling that you're trying to say something, Lara?"

Lara giggled.

"Well, maybe. I did see how you and Father interacted yesterday. It was quite sweet witnessing the two of you together."

"But we didn't do anything except talk, though."

"There was definitely something there. I've never seen Father like that with anyone except with Mother. Why not explore that?"

So she really was trying to push the two of them together. Louise arched an eyebrow at the other woman.

"Aren't you concerned, though?"

"How do you mean?"

"I mean, I'm closer to your age than your father's. Isn't that a bit worrying for you?"

Lara shook her head.

"Why would I? We're not little children, so having someone closer to our age isn't a problem. Besides, attraction doesn't have an age restriction, does it?"

"Well…"

"You know I'm right about that. And I think you might be good for Father, actually."

"What?"

"Yes. Father needs someone interesting to bring him out of his mood, and I think you'd be just the right person for that." Lara winked. "If there's something in the air between two people, why ignore it?"

Louise had no idea how to respond to that. She could see Lara's point, and she was glad there wasn't any antagonistic behavior coming from her, but this attraction could be fleeting. It could be just an initial thing, and then it would end up fading away. That was more than likely going to happen. Louise didn't want to wish for something that would stop eventually.

But she wasn't about to say that to Lara. She didn't think she could protest without it sounding like she was denying it all.

Then again, maybe the girl had a point. Why not explore it? There was no harm in doing that.

***

Charles was a little nervous about being around Louise, but he put that down to Elizabeth having put stray thoughts in his head. She was, according to her, concerned about him being around someone who was, essentially, a stranger, and she didn't want Charles hurt. He could understand that, but he felt that Elizabeth was trying to stop him from spending time with new people.

Which was odd. She was the one who wanted Charles to go out and spend time with others, to get himself socialized again. That was fair enough, but then why would she object to Charles talking to other people? How did that work when she was the one pushing for it?

Elizabeth's behavior was just odd. Charles wondered if he should have a word with Harvey about it. Maybe something had happened on his side of the family, and it had changed Elizabeth's opinion.

Charles had no idea what was going on. He just knew that he needed some space from Elizabeth for a while. That would be upsetting for everyone, as their family was close, but it needed to be done. Maybe Elizabeth was overwhelmed with everything, and she needed time on her own.

He could suggest that she and Lucy went to their place on the coast to have some time away from the city. Lucy had only just entered Society herself, but she was still rather shy and reclusive compared to everyone else, to the point that Charles was worried about her. Her relationship with Elizabeth was not good, either, but Elizabeth always said that it was fine despite never doing anything to show otherwise.

Charles and Harvey had discussed that once, and Harvey was sad that he didn't have a son to carry on his title once he passed, but he loved Lucy with all his heart and wouldn't change her for anything. Maybe Elizabeth resented herself for not having a son? It wouldn't be the first time someone hated their child because they weren't the sex they wanted.

Although, saying that Elizabeth hated Lucy was a big stretch. Charles didn't believe that. He was sure there was some semblance of love there, but Elizabeth had a strange way of showing it to everyone.

He forced himself not to think about his sister-in-law and her odd declaration earlier. She could be dealt with later if there were any more protests. Right now, it was the time to spend with his children and with Lady Louise. Once Charles had discussed something pressing with his son, Archie had bounded over to join his sister and her new friend.

Then, once Charles joined them, it felt like they were pushing her in his direction almost literally. Lady Louise certainly stumbled toward him after Lara nudged her in the back, and Charles had to catch her before she fell over. They stared at each other before Charles helped her back on her feet, amidst a lot of giggling coming from the twins. Charles was going to have a word with them about how they behaved; whatever they were up to needed to stop. Otherwise, Lady Louise was going to get embarrassed and avoid them.

Charles found that he didn't want that to happen.

"Are you all right, my lord?"

Charles blinked. Lady Louise was sitting beside him at the table, watching him curiously. They had entered a tearoom and both Lara and Archie had gone up to the counter to order. Bethany sat at another table, seeming to be content to watch the world go by out of the huge window of the tearoom.

"I…I'm fine." Charles stretched his legs out. "I think I'm getting old. My feet are hurting from all that walking."

Lady Louise smiled.

"You're not that old, my lord. I think you're healthier than your son."

"Thank you for the compliment, but Archie certainly has a lot more in him to use than I have. I wouldn't be able to keep up with him if you let this go on any longer."

Lady Louise's eyes twinkled.

"You don't need to sell yourself short. I'm sure you're able to keep up with him."

"Well, you certainly seem to be able to keep up with them."

"Are they normally so…spritely?"

Charles chuckled and looked over at the twins, who seemed to be whispering between themselves. They didn't appear to have noticed that they were meant to be ordering their tea.

"Archie is, but Lara's the quieter one. Normally, she doesn't go to the extent that Archie does, so their contrast is quite stark. But she seems to be just as…spritely…as her brother." He gave Lady Louise a meaningful look for the word ‘spritely'. "I'm beginning to think they're plotting something."

"Like what?"

Like they're trying to put us together romantically. Charles was not about to say that out loud, though. He didn't want to scare and embarrass Lady Louise with that talk. He was still trying to come to terms with it himself. After all, she was far younger than him, so it shouldn't work.

But the attraction was still there, and Lady Louise was very interesting to talk to. It just seemed to flow between them, both the attraction and the conversation. Bit by bit, Lara and Archie left them to talk, something Charles was aware of, but he didn't care. He got to talk to an interesting girl like Lady Louise.

He was beginning to forget the fact that there was a fifteen-year age difference between them. Lady Louise was certainly more mature for her age. Beautiful, intelligent and level-headed, Charles liked talking to her.

Mary would have approved.

God, he needed to stop thinking about what Mary would think. Charles didn't think it was appropriate to have his wife on his mind while talking to Lady Louise. Even she would find it daft and tell Charles to stop.

Enough.

"I'm glad that you're coming out more often," Lady Louise said as she settled back in her chair. "Lara told me about how you seem to be entering Society at the same time as them."

"So you're aware of why I left Society in the first place?"

"About your wife's death, yes." Lady Louise paused. "I hope you don't mind me talking about her. I know it can be a sensitive topic…"

"No, it's fine." So much for trying not to think about his wife, but Charles wasn't about to be rude. "I'm surprised and glad that Lara talked to you about all that. It's good that she can open up regarding her mother."

"And what about you?" she asked. "Will you be able to open up one day?"

"Maybe. I can talk about her, but there's still that ache." Charles absently rubbed his chest as the pain over his loss returned. It was still muted, but he could feel it. "You know, when you've been around someone for so long, losing them is incredibly shocking."

"Especially when it's out of nowhere," Lady Louise said quietly.

Charles nodded.

"Lara told you what happened, I take it?"

"Yes. And how you…" she gulped. "Forgive me, I know this is several years late, but please accept my condolences."

"Thank you." Charles decided to be honest, even if this made things uncomfortable. "I wish that she was back. That's my honest thought. But I can't change the past, and I've accepted that I need to move on. It's what Mary would have wanted as well. Even if we're not going to get the answers that we want."

Lady Louise frowned.

"That's pretty much what Lara said as well. I have a feeling that you and your children suspect something happened that day."

"You mean foul play might be involved?"

"Was there anyone you know who hated your wife?"

Charles shook his head. He was certain on that part.

"There's absolutely nobody. Mary was loved by everyone. Nobody would have wanted to hurt her, never mind kill her."

"Or maybe it was someone who hated you," Lady Louise murmured.

Charles sat up.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, I was just thinking out loud." She bit her lip. "I didn't mean for that to come out in that manner. But there is a possibility that someone who hated you went after Mary to hurt you the most? Could that be something?"

The thought hadn't occurred to Charles, and it left him feeling very cold, knowing that Mary might have died because of someone who hated him. That was just cold-blooded. He couldn't believe it.

But could that be a possibility? Did Lady Louise have a point?

If so, the implications…

"Lord Chesterfield! Fancy meeting you here!"

Charles bit back a groan when he heard a familiar voice. Looking around, he saw Elizabeth swaggering toward them, wearing a different gown to the one she had been wearing at his house not too long ago. It looked far fancier as well.

Knowing that he couldn't get away from her, Charles got to his feet.

"Lady St. Simon. I didn't realize you were going to be here. I thought you were at the British Museum."

"Oh, I decided that I would come and find you," Elizabeth said breezily as she kissed him on both cheeks, the second one a little too close to his mouth. "You and the children must be so bored without me, so I thought I'd join you."

Charles glanced at Lady Louise, who was now looking a little uncomfortable. He fought down the panic, not wanting her to walk away now. He cleared his throat.

"Lady Louise, this is my sister-in-law, Viscountess St. Simon. This is Lady Louise Price."

Elizabeth looked at Lady Louise, her eyes widening as she froze. Charles wondered what was going through her head at this point. But before Elizabeth could say anything, Lara appeared behind Lady Louise's chair.

"Aunt Elizabeth? What are you doing here?"

"Hmm?" Elizabeth blinked. "Lara?"

"I thought you were going to the museum. Why are you here? The museum is in the opposite direction."

Elizabeth's mouth opened and closed, so Charles spoke for her.

"Apparently, your aunt decided that she would come and join us."

Lara raised her eyebrows, looking disbelieving at that response.

"Oh, really? Well, Archie and I only ordered tea for four of us, not five…"

"Well, you don't need to worry about getting another order," Elizabeth said brightly, sitting down on Charles' other side. "I'm sure we can make it work."

Lara was still frowning when her brother joined them, carrying the tray. He looked bewildered at Elizabeth's presence and looked at his father. Charles sighed and sat down.

"We weren't going to stay for very long, so you might find it a wasted journey."

"Nonsense! I think it's just perfect that I came along now." Elizabeth smiled and put a hand on his arm. "We don't get to spend time together much, do we?"

Archie scoffed as he put the tray down.

"What do you mean by that? You come over every other day to try and spend time with Father, so how can you say you barely spend time with him?"

Elizabeth faltered, and Charles gave his son a sharp look. Archie simply shrugged and moved away.

"I'll go and get another cup."

"And I'll pour," Lara added, shifting to the edge of her seat and picking up the teapot.

Charles glanced at Lady Louise, who was now looking uncomfortable. He wanted to apologize and assure her that this wasn't a part of it, but Elizabeth was now talking in his ear, and he couldn't split his attention.

Which he didn't want. Especially after Lady Louise had made the suggestion that he might have someone who hated him enough to kill his wife.