"My... My lady," Lisa stuttered. Inese could see from where she stood that Lisa's hands were quivering.
"Do you think we could have a little of discussion right now?" Inese asked.
"Right now?" Lisa asked in a strangled voice.
"Yes, right now," she said firmly.
"My lady has instructed me to make fire, and she would be angry if I do not do as she has instructed," Lisa said, with her back still turned to Inese.
"Freya is my friend. She will not be mad that you decided to have a small discussion with her friend. Now, turn around and face me, Lisa."
It took Lisa a moment before she finally turned around to face Inese, and even when she had done this, she averted her face quickly so that Inese's eyes and hers would not meet.
"Very good. Lisa, I was just wondering what you knew about the scandal that broke out about me."
Lisa shook her head. "I'm but a lowly maid. I do not know of anything that happens in the noble's social scene."
"I know," Inese nodded, "however, I have a piece of information that can get you arrested if it gets to the right quarter."
Lisa's raised her head. Fear was evident on her face, and her lips quivered a little as she spoke. "Arrested? I have done nothing."
Inese moved closer to Lisa while the maid stepped back, intimated. "Quite a number of people saw you that night when you locked me in, and they are all ready to testify if there is ever a need for a constable."
Lisa gasped.
Seeing that her words were having quite an effect on Lisa, Inese intensified her effort. "Lisa, do you think you will stand a chance against three noble men and women? Do you think that your words would be believed against that of three noble men and women?"
Lisa slowly shook her head and fell on her knees. "I don't want to go to trial, please. Help me."
Inese chuckled. "You are the only person that can help yourself. Tell me what really happened that night and I promise you that you would not be tried."
Lisa sniffed as tears well up in her eyes. "It is my lady. Lady Freya told me to do it."
Inese felt as though she had just been kicked below the belt. She shook her head frantically. She could not believe it; Freya was supposed to be her friend.
"You are lying, Lisa. Freya would never do that."
"My lady, I assure you, I had no pleasure in locking you in that room. My lady was the one who instructed me to do it."
"No," Inese shook her head, "it is not possible. Why would Freya ever want to that?"
"She told me that she wanted to get you in a compromising situation so that she would be free to marry the Earl of Bedford."
"What?" Inese could not believe her ears, "I have no desire in taking Bedford as my husband, and she knows just as much."
"My lady told me to make sure... "
"What is going on here?" Inese could hear Freya's voice say as she entered the room.
Lisa quickly rose to her feet and started looking from Freya to Inese and back to Freya.
"What is happening?" Freya asked yet again when no one was ready to say a word to her.
It was then that Inese decided to dignify her with a response. "Lisa was just telling me about how you instructed her to lock me in the room with Coventry."
Freya's eyes widened with shock, then she covered it up with a smile that now irritated Inese.
"I'm... I'm sure that Lisa is a little under the weather. You were telling me moments ago that you were somewhat ill, weren't you?"
Lisa did not respond.
"I'm quite sure that Lisa is in fine health and that she knows perfectly well what she told me. What do you have to say, Freya?"
"I did not give Lisa any instruction of such. I am..."
"My lady," Lisa cut in, and Freya gasped at the disrespect, "you indeed told me... "
"I forbid you to talk, Lisa. I forbid you to say a word," Freya said so loudly that Lisa's next words were drowned by her voice.
"My lady, I have to..."
Freya bounded over to where Lisa stood and placed her palm over Lisa's mouth. "I forbid you to say one more word. You are ill, and you need to see a physician. If you utter another word, you will lose your position here and I will make sure that no one in London ever employs you."
That seemed to simmer Lisa down because when Freya finally removed her hand from her mouth, Lisa pressed her lips together as tightly as possible.
"Now, leave this room," Freya said, and Lisa walked slowly out of the room.
"Inese, I would like you to take your leave of my house too," Freya said, her lips set tightly.
"Why?" Inese was surprised, "Why don't you let us talk about what your maid has said."
Freya rounded up on Inese. "Why would you believe something so callous of me? Do you really believe that I am capable of something so wicked? You are not worth being called a friend."
Inese was dumbfounded at the turn of events. "It is you who doesn’t deserve to be called a friend," Inese replied angrily. "Do tell me, are the words of Lisa true or not?"
Freya moved over to the door of the salon. "I have no choice but to force you to take your leave."
Seeing that Freya would not be yielding her stance, Inese made for the door.
"I will not stop until I get to the root of this, Freya," Inese said before she walked out of the salon.
She didn't know what she could do, but she was pretty sure that Bedford would think of a solution. All she had to do is write him and inform him of the newest development.
Chapter 7
The Second Scandal
Bedford had not been himself ever since he received the letter from Inese. Even though he had been able to figure it out himself, he was still shocked that Freya indeed had been the one that orchestrated the whole scandal. From the letter, he had realized that Inese was heartbroken. After all, she had a scandal to deal with, and she had also lost her friend.
However, the most shocking of all the news was that Freya had orchestrated the scandal because of him.
Bedford shook his head in disbelief as he began to remember the number of times when Freya had been too friendly with him. How could he not have known that she had an interest in him?
He read the last part of the letter and ran a hand through his hair.
My parents would not listen to my plea, and they would have me shipped off to Germany in three days. I would love more than anything to see you before my departure in order to say my farewell. However, my parents are becoming increasingly conscious of my movement, and they would not allow me go out of their sight at any moment.
Freya was the only person that could clear her name, and it would be quite hard to get her to agree to the fact that she had orchestrated the whole scandal. He also knew that if he had to do anything to clear Inese's name then he had to set it in motion now.
He picked up a paper as an idea struck him. Inese was his friend, and he loved her deeply. He needed to clear her name, and if it would take him fraternizing with Freya, he would gladly do it. He began to pen the letter.
Dear Freya,
I wish to tender my apology as to how I treated you at the last ball. I have not been feeling well, and it has caused me to be quite disagreeable. I would love it if you can forgive me for my impudence towards you.
To show that you have accepted my apology, I would like to invite you to my house for dinner. I would be the happiest man in the world if you can honor my invitation.
He sealed the letter and handed it over to his secretary with instructions. His secretary was about to leave when another thought struck his mind.
"Buy a pearl necklace and get it delivered to her alongside the letter.” He knew how well women responded to gifts, and he has decided to take advantage of that. He was quite sure that Freya would not definitely honor his invitation, especially since he has added a gift.
He had set the ball rolling now, and all he had to do next was to wait and see how things turn out.
***
Just a l
ook at her parent's face told Inese that something was wrong. Her mother's eyes were hardened, and she sighed intermittently. Her father, on the other hand, had his lips pressed tightly together and with the look he was presently shooting her, she could tell that he was incredibly angry.
She had been waiting right in front of them for what seemed like forever before her father finally cleared his throat.
"Inese, you are leaving for Germany today," he said with a tone that she had never heard him use with her before.
"Father!" she gasped.
Not even after the scandal broke out did he use the angry tone that he used now. He was indeed angry.
"Nothing you say can change my mind."
"But you said that I would be leaving London after Christmas in three days’ time. Why have you changed your mind?"
It was her mother who responded. "That would have been the case if you hadn't gone on to disgrace us once again."
"What?" Unlike the time her parents got wind of the scandal, she knew not what they were talking about this time.
"Are you going to keep pretending that you don't know what you have done once again?" her father snarled, his eyes blazing fire.
"Father, I assure you I have done nothing."
"That is what you would have us believe yet you keep bringing disgrace to this family. We are tired of having our only daughter bring shame to us. You are leaving today, and all that you would be needing for the trip is already in the carriage that would take you to the ship. You should be thankful that we have managed to get you a spot in the ship that would be sailing by sunset."
Inese's temper was beginning to rise, but she tried to curtail it. After all, getting angry at her parents would not make things better. On the contrary, it would only make things worse for her.
"Mother, would you be kind enough to tell me what has happened?" she said in the calmest voice she could afford.
She responded by slapping a newspaper that she hadn't noticed earlier in her hand. She unfolded it and almost immediately, she groaned.
On the page titled society, a short article was there. She didn't have to read it before she knew it was about her.
It seems that a certain German bird has quite a taste for earls. This bird, who had earlier been found in a compromising state with the most notorious rake in London, has also paid a late-night visit to another earl. The visit had been said to have lasted for a long while after which they both departed.
The purpose of the visit is unknown and socialites in London are wondering if the two could be having an affair.
Inese clenched the paper tightly in her hand as anger surged through her body. Her blood riled. Was there any part of her life that could go unnoticed and without comment? Could she not even afford a visit to her friend without society knowing about it? Does she have to answer to all of London every time she took a step?
"It is not what it seems," she said to her parents who were looking at her with disappointment clearly etched on their faces.
"This is what you say every time!" her father bellowed angrily, and she shrank.
"It is not what it seems, is it?" her mother asked, her brows raised questioningly.
"I... I..." she didn't know how to tell them without confirming what was in the newspaper.
"Tell us," her mother said calmly, "did you or did you not pay a visit to a certain earl?"
She bit her lower lip in confusion. Agreeing that she had paid a visit to a certain earl would confirm what they had read and denying it would mean that she had lied.
"Have you lost your tongue?" her father asked, peering closely at her.
"I paid a late-night visit to an earl. However, it was only a vis..."
"Say not one more word before you anger me even further!" her Father snapped as he looked daggers at her.
"But...."
"Tell me, Inese," her father started, "what honorable and respectable maiden pays late-night visits to earls?"
Inese dropped her eyes. She should have known better than telling them the truth. They would never believe no matter what she said. No one would even think that the visit to Bedford was an innocent one.
"I am sorry, Father. I...."
"Do tell me, Inese. Who is this earl that you visited at night and were you escorted?" her mother asked.
She shook her head. "I did not take an escort because I didn't want to be seen by anyone," she answered, expertly avoiding her other question.
"Who is the earl that you paid a visit to?" her mother asked firmly.
She knew then that she had no choice but to tell them the truth.
"The Earl of Bedford."
"What?"
"I don't believe this!"
Her parents both exclaimed. She shrank away from them, knowing full well that they would definitely vent their anger, not only on her but also on the innocent Bedford.
"I cannot believe that you are also having a tryst with Bedford," her mother said.
"I am not getting personal with anyone," she said hotly.
"I thought you did not want to marry Bedford?" her father asked.
"Yes, I don't want to marry him, but he is my friend, and I paid him a visit at night because I was... "
"You don't want to marry him, but you would gladly have an affair with him. Why have you decided to bring us nothing but shame, Inese?" her father asked.
At this point, she decided that she had had enough. She could not endure another minute of rebuking from her parents.
"I know that you both do not believe me, but I want you to know that I had no illicit activities with either Coventry or Bedford. I paid Bedford a visit because I knew that he is the only person who could believe me and he didn't disappoint."
"You are leaving for Germany today. After all the shame that you have brought to us, you don't deserve to celebrate Christmas with us. Seeing you sit at the table with us will only make us sad. You can celebrate Christmas on the sea with sailors and other passengers."
Inese was hurt deeply by her father's words, but she would rather die than let him know how much his words broke her heart. Instead, she raised her head proudly, straightened her shoulders and looked her father directly in the eyes.
"I have no intention of celebrating Christmas here with you. I would rather be with strangers who would treat me with kindness and love than be with my parents who don't give a care about me. All you care about is the family honor and your name, and you have never tried to hear what I have to say or even believe me. You would rather believe the gossip of the Morning Times than your own daughter who has never given you a reason to disbelieve her before."
Her parents were gaping at her with surprise at this point.
"I will gladly leave your presence and leave for Germany today. I will not miss either of you."
"I will be paying Bedford a visit today. He has a lot to explain to me," her father managed to say, still looking at her with disbelief.
"I will take my leave now," Inese said and walked away.
Chapter 8
A Wonderful Christmas
"Lady Freya Bradley!" the doorman announced as Freya entered Bedford's salon. Bedford rose to his feet to welcome his visitor.
"Lady Bradley," Bedford said with as much enthusiasm and excitement as he could offer.
"Lord Bedford," she curtsied.
She was a beautiful woman, no doubt, Bedford thought as he smiled and welcome her. She was wearing a pale green dress that complemented her green eyes just fine. However, he did not find her attractive in the least. She was just like every other woman to him. The only woman that he had ever found attractive was Inese.
He offered Freya a seat, and she took it, smiling and looking excited.
"Thank you for the gift, my lord. You are too generous," she smiled.
"I'm glad that you liked it," he continued.
"I love it, and that is why I have it on right now," Freya giggled as she touched the pearl necklace that was sitting on her neck.
Bedford
groaned inwardly. He had no idea that the necklace that Freya was wearing was the one that he had instructed his secretary to get for her. Heck! He didn't even know that she had a necklace on.
"It looks quite beautiful on you," he flattered her.
"Thank you," she said again, blushing really hard.
"I certainly hope that you have accepted my apology, Lady Bradley," he said.
He needed to make her relaxed enough to be able to trust him with her secrets, and he would do anything to make that happen even if it meant giving her false hope.
"My lord, you did not offend me. Quite the contrary, in fact. I need to apologize for having come to you with questions about Inese that day. You were so much in love with her, and I understand that you are still quite bitter about it."
Bedford shrugged. "I am certainly happy that she showed me early enough that she was not an honorable woman." Bedford's heart caught in his chest as he uttered those words. He, however, forged ahead. If he was going to gain Freya’s confidence, then he had to speak ill of Inese.
She gave him a wide smile. "I'm glad that you can now see Inese for the dishonorable lady that she really is. I have known for a very long time that she was having affairs with several men in the ton."
Bedford's blood riled up.
"I believe you are not as corrupted as she is then, madam," he said and gave her a little wink which made her blush even harder.
"Of course not, my lord," she shook her head, "I always made sure to admonish and advise her, but she never listens. She is set in her ways."
"You are quite right. I must say that you are a very beautiful lady," he continued. Flattery worked very well on women, and he knew that Freya was not an exception
She blushed again. "Thank you, sir. I have to tell you something even though you might not feel the same way."
"What is that?" he asked, even though he could tell what she was about to say.
"I have always been in love with you ever since the very first day I set my eyes on you," she said, and looked boldly at him.
He feigned surprise, then smiled. "I find this hard to believe," he said.
"My lord, I have always loved you, but I knew not how to make it known to you."
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