The Sinful Count

by Amaya Evans

  I was right to fear love, Angustias thought sadly.

  ****

  Isaac had been living for more than two weeks in the country house. Everything he saw reminded him of Angustias. He imagined seeing her in the garden and even thought he could smell her scent unexpectedly. When he ate he remembered the food she liked. He was aware of his own blindness, by thinking it would be easy to marry Angustias, and at the same time live an independent life without bothering each other. He wanted to ask how she was, but he couldn’t. He could still see the look in Angustias eyes the day of the fight when she had realized who Isabella was. He had sensed so much pain in her that he didn’t dare to visit her. How was he ever going to be able to look straight into her eyes? He knew that he had failed to keep the only promise that she had ever asked of him. He had given her his word that he would respect her inside their house and never bring mistresses to their home. They had agreed that he would be free to see other women discreetly and have affairs. He should have never even agreed to something like that. Angustias was a good woman with a good heart. She always wanted to help others. It had been unfair to tell her that he would see other women while she stayed to play the role of a wife.

  Isaac tried to distract himself by taking long rides on his horse in an attempt to forget about his troubles. He hadn’t slept well in several days. The only thing that brought some joy into his life was riding on Azabache and thinking of Angustias. He remembered their first encounter. He thought of how much she had changed since the first day he saw her. She had turned from being a religious fanatic that dressed like an old maid, to an elegant lady with excellent taste. She had even changed her way of walking. She was more confident now and didn’t hesitate to speak her mind if it was necessary. Nothing was left of the girl that was scared to speak in front of others. Even in bed, she was a passionate lover that surprised him every time.

  I should have told her the truth, Isaac thought irritated with himself. He should have never allowed Isabella to enter his house. Not even because she was his late father’s widow. Isaac felt desperate and the only person that would be able to help him probably didn’t want to see him.

  He stood on a hill. He thought that he had never been a coward. He had not been perfect, but nobody could say that he didn’t fight for the things he cared about. He wouldn’t be a coward this time. He would find his friend the marquess. Robert would be able to give him advice, or at least to talk to his wife Sonia. Maybe she could help.

  Some days later in London....

  Robert looked out the window. He thought about everything Isaac had told him while watching the people on the street.

  “It is hard to lose the people we love. But it is harder when it is because of our own mistakes. Men like us are stubborn, and sometimes we do not understand women because they are more sensitive. I had the same experience with Sonia. She wanted me to open up to her and to tell her everything about my feelings but I am not that way and I almost lost her because of it. She thought that I did not love her,” Robert said.

  “Angustias is certain that Isabella and I are lovers. She is sure that I used to have relations with every woman that I could while we were living together,” Isaac told his friend desperately. “She has no idea how much I changed since the first time we were together. Ever since we got married she has been the only one for me.”

  “Why don’t you tell her?” asked Robert.

  “She does not want to see me. I have written her letters that she does not answer. I have been to places where I know she is going to be but she just ignores me. Last time I almost lost my temper and forced her to listen to me but I know that would have been worse.”

  “Will you stay for dinner?”

  Isaac gave him a sad smile. “I would like to. But your wife would probably kill me.”

  Robert started laughing. “It is your own fault, my friend.” He tapped Isaac´s shoulder. “Come on. Sonia loves Angustias very much, but if she sees that you are truly sorry for what you did, she will help you. My wife has a soft heart.”

  Dinner was excellent. The entire time they were eating Isaac received murderous glances from Sonia. He had to swear that he truly wanted to fix things between him and Angustias. At last, Sonia gave in and started to give him some useful advice. She told him a plan to get Angustias back, and they started to make arrangements immediately. The idea could not fail. Isaac had a hunch that this could really convince his wife to forgive him.

  In the middle of the conversation Isaac brought up the topic of how Angustias had learned about Isabella and him.

  “Tell me something, Sonia. Do you know who sent the note telling Angustias that I was having an affair with Isabella?”

  Sonia felt petrified when she heard the question. A little red colored her cheeks.

  “Sonia?” The marquess reacted when he saw his wife blushing. “Did you tell her?”

  Sonia stood up irritated. “How can you believe that Robert? Haven´t I shown you that I am not that kind of person?”

  Isaac didn’t want to start an argument between his best friend and his wife. “Please don’t fight. I just wanted to know,” Isaac explained uncomfortably.

  “It wasn’t me,” Sonia stated, irritated. “Angustias came to visit me. She told me that she had received a letter on the same day. She was so upset that I decided to tell her what I knew. Angustias was thinking about going to the location where the letter had told her to meet. First, she told me she had no intentions to attend, but later I could see it in her face that she was too curious about it. She was going to make a mistake. Angustias was upset about your lack of honesty. She told me she was going to confront you that very night. On top of everything when she arrived to confront you, you were... well... busy.”

  “I swear that I did not do anything with Isabella, but I understand it is hard to believe. I am the only one to blame for my reputation,” Isaac recognized.

  Sonia looked at him with pity. “Don’t think about your past mistakes anymore, Isaac. All that matters is that you redeem yourself in Angustias’ eyes. You have a chance now to become a loving couple.”

  Isaac hoped with all his heart that Sonia´s words would come true. At the same time, he wondered who the mysterious sender of the letter was.

  ****

  Angustias was cleaning her necklace. She was putting all her efforts and concentrating on what she was doing. She was trying to forget all the thoughts that were circling in her head. Isaac was back in London. Her maid looked at her like she had lost her mind. The maid thought Angustias shouldn’t be doing that kind of work, but she had been clear about wanting to do it herself. Angustias didn’t care about the disapproval of her maid. She was too busy trying to find an end to the situation and deal with the feelings she still had for her husband. Angustias still loved him even though she told herself every day that Isaac was bad for her. She remembered the day that she had gone to the dressmaker and had run into that slut Isabella. Isabella was there acting like a queen. She was choosing dresses and clothing for her journey. It was the worst scenario imaginable to have a confrontation. The place was full of women that were ready to spread some gossip.

  As soon as Isabella spotted Angustias her eyes brightened with evil intentions. “Lady Beaufort.”

  Angustias wasn’t ever going to honor her enemy with a title again. “Isabella,” she snapped.

  Isabella’s smile was full of hypocrisy. “It is good to see you again.”

  Angustias ignored her and went to a shelf to examine some fabric. The dressmaker greeted her immediately. “Lady Beaufort, if you would please come into the changing area? We can serve you there with more privacy.” The woman had a clear idea of what was happening and she wanted to avoid an uncomfortable situation between two of her best clients.

  Isabella didn’t catch the hint and followed the dressmaker. “That is perfect. We can talk while we choose the fabric for our dresses.”

  “I would prefer to choose the fabric for my garments alone, Isabella. Than
k you very much.”

  “Oh, I understand. But my dear I have some things that I want to tell you. I am sure you don’t want everybody to listen,” Isabella said.

  Angustias was well aware that Isabella had nothing to lose by making a scene. She had been evicted from her previous home, her lover had used her, and dropped her later like an old piece of cloth. It was the gossip among the people of high society. According to the rumors, Isaac and Isabella weren’t together anymore and the only option for her was to leave the country. Isabella would be glad if she could leave a lasting memory of herself. Something like a good scandal, but Angustias wouldn’t give her the chance.

  “All right,” Angustias agreed and turned her back towards Isabella. “Say what you must and then go. I won’t stay long to hear your babbling.”

  “I see you have decided to be aggressive,” Isabella said. She was clearly enjoying herself. “It’s a pity that it didn’t help you. In the end Isaac returned to me again.”

  Angustias felt a familiar pain in her stomach when she heard the words, but she hid her feelings in front of Isabella. “If he did he is no better than you. You two deserve each other. I will have nothing to do with a man like that.”

  “And what are you going to do about it? Split up with him? It would ruin you.” Isabella smiled happily.

  “You are wrong, my dear. There is no ruin waiting for me. Remember I am a wealthy woman.” Angustias turned to face Isabella. “I can easily get a divorce. I can also tell my uncle to ruin Isaac. He has the means to do it. If someone could ruin Isaac financially it would be my uncle.” Now Angustias was smiling. “I guess you won´t like him when he is poor,” Angustias said innocently.

  Isabella eyes showed pure hatred. “You would not dare.”

  “I don’t think I have to lecture you about what a woman is capable of when she has been betrayed.”

  “You are an insignificant brat. Where did you learn to talk like this if you used to pray all day?”

  “That is something I can thank you and my husband for.”

  “You mean your ex-husband,” Isabella replied.

  “He is still my husband. Even if it bothers you.”

  “Didn’t he tell you that we will meet in Paris?”

  Angustias was petrified when she heard the news.

  “I see that you are surprised,” Isabella said, satisfied.

  “You can go wherever you like. If he goes with you he will have what he deserves. A selfish, insolent, and twisted woman like you.”

  “How dare you?” Isabella screamed lifting her hand to slap Angustias’ face.

  Angustias was not about to allow the unworthy woman to hit her. Angustias stopped her hand in the middle of the movement. “Touch me and I won´t care about a scandal. I will rip that pretty hair of yours and will drop it all over this floor,” she said.

  Her maid Juliette witnessed the entire confrontation. “Milady, please. I can hear people coming. They are listening.” Juliette was about to panic.

  “I will go,” said Isabella. “I have picked everything I need anyway. I have a beautiful set of underwear that will make my man lose control,” Isabella mocked Angustias. But Angustias was aware that on the inside Isabella was as upset as she was. She didn’t reply and just turned to continue examining the fabrics as if Isabella wasn’t there.

  Finally, Isabella left telling the dressmaker to send everything to her hotel.

  Angustias jumped in her seat as the butler knocked on the door, pulling her out of her thoughts. The butler informed her that Isaac was downstairs. Isaac said that he wouldn´t leave unless she talked with him.

  ****

  Isaac had returned only to find it almost impossible to get into his own house. After a long argument with the butler that finished when he reminded the butler who was the one that paid the staff salaries, he was finally allowed to enter. Angustias sat by the window looking outside with sad eyes. She didn’t turn when she heard him enter.

  “Isaac, I think the best thing for us both is that you leave right away. Why don’t you go back to your lover?”

  Isaac was surprised to hear her say that. He had thought that she would have heard about Bella and him not being together anymore. The last time he had seen Isabella was quite long ago.

  “I don’t know what lover you are talking about, but if you are refering to Isabella she must be in France by now. I hope she stays there forever.” Isaac walked towards her. “Angustias, I want you to know that ever since I met you you have been the only one for me.”

  “Who would ever believe that from the best known Casanova in London?” Angustias sounded tired. “I know you are not with her anymore, but how will you prove that you weren’t sleeping with Isabella while we all lived together under the same roof? I couldn’t care less about this Isaac. I have told you. The best you can do is to go with her.” Angustias face was of someone that had given up.

  “You have to believe me, my love. Those women did not have your face, your skin. They never made my blood burn the way you do.”

  “Isaac, just go. Please.”

  Isaac felt irritated because of her rejection. He took both of her arms. “Good God, Angustias. Can´t you see what my eyes tell you? Can’t you feel that I am honest? I know that you have reasons enough to judge me. But even the worst criminals have a right to a trial.”

  “I can´t!” Angustias screamed out loudly. “Can´t you understand that I gave myself to you? That I gave you my heart and trusted that you loved me. That you broke my heart in pieces when you brought that woman into our lives.”

  Isaac saw that Angustias wasn’t going to give in. On the contrary, he was hurting her more by trying to convince her about his innocence regarding Isabella. He decided to leave for the moment, but he would return at a later time. Somehow, he would bring her back to her senses. He was willing to do whatever it would take even tie her up and take her somewhere else.

  CHAPTER 10

  A few days later Robert told Isaac to meet him at White´s. He wanted to discuss some things and he didn’t want Sonia to hear about it. It was regarding his cousin and the best place in town that he could think of to meet was in this gentlemen´s club. When Robert entered he could see Isaac sitting at a table. In the room next to them there was a noisy group of men that seemed to be talking about something very entertaining.

  Robert joined Isaac and they started to talk while drinking a few glasses of wine. Suddenly they heard Isaac’s name mentioned followed by laughter. Robert heard it too and looked at him with surprise.

  “Do you know who those people are?” Robert asked.

  “I have no idea.” Isaac approached the table slowly trying to hear better.

  “That man is a complete idiot. He has a terrible taste regarding women. The first was only interested in money and turned out to be a whore. The second is almost a nun. Though she has now improved in the way of dresses herself. The only thing good about the countess is the money she brought with her.” Bexley said out loud. He was surrounded by a few of his friends.

  “Maybe that is why he went crazy and decided to live with both women at the same time.”

  Everyone thought it was hilarious. “Good Lord, I do not want to be in his place when his wife finds out.”

  “Me either, my friend. It is sad that both will end up with a broken heart.” One of the men put his hand on his heart in a dramatic gesture.

  “Well, I just couldn’t stand by witnessing all this nonsense. As the Good Samaritan that I am I had to put some light on these things personally.”

  That was the last thing Bexley said as Lord Beaufort´s fist hit him right in the face and he fell on the floor. When he woke up Bexley saw Isaac ready to hit him again.

  “So it was you, bastard. You could not stand that I married Angustias instead of you. You were the one who was interested in her dowry. When you saw yourself without it you had to mess with my marriage. I thought you had hit rock bottom after trying to damage Angustias reputation, but I was wrong. You
keep embarrassing yourself.”

  All of Bexley’s friends went silent. Bexley tried to get up with no success.

  “Come on. Get up. Piece of garbage!” Isaac yelled at him. “At least be a man and face me. Take responsibility for your actions.”

  Bexley cleaned some blood from his mouth. “I am not the one to blame for your damn actions. You were the one that exposed your wife to a scandal in front of the entirety of high society of London.”

  Isaac couldn’t stand Bexley’s sarcasm. He bent over Bexley to hit him again, but Robert stopped him. The marquess feared that Bexley would end up seriously injured. He was very skinny wouldn’t be able to receive another blow.

  “That woman is not my lover. Isabella was my father´s wife. She came because my wife invited her. Already aware of what happened between us in my youth. You felt so dissappointed that you could not have Angustias for yourself that you had to fill her mind with filthy ideas that are only true in your rotten mind.”

  “Nonsense! If that is true. Why are you living apart?”

  “That is something between my wife and me.” Isaac looked at Bexley with a small ironic smile on his lips. “Why do you find this is so interesting? Are you out of things to do? Can´t find anything better than to delve into other peoples affairs? Be careful Bexley. I think you interests may be changing. Gossip is usually a feminine interest.”

  The entire club burst out laughing.

  “Nobody insults me like this. I challenge you to a duel, right now.”

  Robert interfered. “Bexley, are you sure of what you are saying? Remember my friend is an excellent shot. He was once part of the navy. On the other side, you have been walking the countryside of your father’s country estate for your entire life. The most exciting thing you have ever done in your life is to play businessman here in London.”