All the Things You Never Knew

by Angealica Hewley

  Miss Lavender suggested that they visit the conservatory next and this time it was filled with young ladies only.

  “Can you believe this was Sheik’s idea to have only ladies tend to flowers when some of the young gentlemen wanted to?” said Namine.

  No, Rose would never think of it.

  “He said it’s a feminine job and that all men would be emasculated if they touch flowers so he told Leon not to let any man in here.”

  “He even said that the ugly flowers are the one that men touched,” Lavender laughed. “Foolish brother.”

  “He wouldn’t even let Avange in here sometimes because she dresses like a man,” Phoenix put in, waving to one of the lady pupil.

  Boy, Leon’s family sure is interesting.

  The Heartily Sisters introduced Rose to the pupils and they all squeal with excitements when Phoenix said that she’s to become their future sister-in-law.

  “Oh, you’re so beautiful,” one of them commented. “Headmaster Heartily is so lucky to have you.”

  They move on to the next section of the school after a few minutes in the conservatory and brought out an assortment of flowers. They went to the room where Leon aided with hairstyling and all got their hairs done with the flowers they gathered on their head.

  “Don’t tell Leon we brought you down here,” said Lavender after they got out. “He said he never wanted to ever let his wife see the place and have her think wrong of him. It was mother’s fault that he gained those hairstyling skills. He said it took away all his dignity. Although I think it’ll come in handy for you, Lady Rose, once you two are wedded. You don’t need a maid to do your hair ever again. My brother can manage it.”

  Rose beamed at the idea of Leon dressing her hair every morning. It brought her thoughts back to the inn when he had saved her and helped her dress her hair. He’s certainly one out of a million.

  “Okay, this is Avangelene’s section of the school,” Namine told her as they got down to the last of the school through a series of spiral stairs. “Upstairs is for all the pupils of the ages thirteen to twenty-one. Down here, well…” she stopped and set her hands on the door handle. “…You’ve got to see for yourself.”

  The door opened and a rush of sunlight spill out at them.

  Inside was like a total different place. Children of all sizes were hard at work. Many were doodling; others were singing and reading; some were playing around. Some toddlers were napping in tiny mattresses on the floor, and Rose almost couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw infants being held by who she assumes to be hired wet nurses, and ran up to hold one of them.

  “Oh, she is so adorable,” Rose said as she cradles the baby and cooed to it. “Do parents really let their babies come here? Look at her little blue eyes. It’s so round and pretty.”

  “The infants are…well…” Somewhat the question made Miss Namine and the others uneasy.

  “They’re orphans,” Phoenix managed out. “Well…some were abandoned.”

  “Some were…abandoned?” Rose nearly broke into tears as she echoes the words.

  “Most of the toddlers here are, too,” Namine add in. “The rest of them are orphans.”

  “Oh.” Rose totally wanted to cry for all these poor children. How can anyone give up their child like this?

  “No one would let their children go off to a school like ours at such a young age,” said Lavender. “These are all children who has no one to care for them.”

  Rose cradled the baby girl close in her arms and rubbed her tiny cheek with her finger.

  “And your sister Avangelene took them all in?” she asked, kissing the little baby’s forehead.

  “Yes,” Namine nodded. “She’s really fond of children. She has a gigantic orphanage built at her village that she forbids us to speak of.”

  “Her village?” That raises Rose’s curiosity.

  “It’s nothing really,” Namine went on. “My sister just found this place and started a civilization there for people in poverty. She found them jobs and homes, provided them with foods and shelters. Sometimes, I think she is just weird. I mean, all the things she did was good, but it’s way too much. I don’t even know if she has time to pursue her own happiness. She’s always helping others.”

  Rose was just amazed at the information.

  No wonder they’re called the Heartilys. They are truly passionate and caring people.

  “It seems to me that your sister has the biggest heart with the most love anyone can ever give,” Rose said, rocking the baby back and forth as it starts whimpering.

  “As the oldest sister, we see her as a mother figure,” Lavender said. “Even though we’re only a couple years apart, Avangelene takes care of us well, cooking and dealing with our mess. She and Leon are the best brother and sister anyone could have. Not that you guys aren’t,” she said quickly to Namine and Phoenix before moving on. “You’re very lucky to have my brother, Lady Rose, and he’s lucky to have you. I just hope Avangelene could find a man fit enough for her, although that’s really what she’ll be throwing in my face. She doesn’t know that it’s her who needs it.”

  Rose just couldn’t help but feel touched by those lovely words. She wanted to meet Miss Avangelene, too, and tell her how much she envies her. Being the only child, she’d never had the opportunity to experience those feelings. These Heartilys sure are a loving family that looks out for one another. They may be view as nothing more than bastards as Leon had said, though she never really understood why, but in truth, they are God’s angels. God’s gift.

  She wonders why God even let her into meeting such a beautiful family. She doesn’t fit anywhere at all. Through that, she feels herself being the luckiest woman ever. She’ll make sure Leon never regret marrying her. She will love him with all her heart and together, they will find their bliss. They will have their own family with their own charming children.

  The thought brought her to wondering what hers and Leon’s would look like.

  Rose looked down at the baby in her arms and all the children around her. She decided they must look like Leon, for he’s perfect and charming in every way. If they look like her, well, it wouldn’t be as pleasant, but she’ll love them despite how they turn out.

  “Missy Nami,” came a little girl about the age of four in a little yellow dress, tugging at Namine’s pants.

  “Yessy, Ellone?” Namine asked, kneeling down to stroke the toddler’s hair.

  “Where issy Missy Lene?” Little Ellone asked.

  Rose assumed she was talking about their older sister Avangelene.

  “Yes,” a little boy of the age of six said as he came up to them. “Where is Miss Vange? We were supposed to play pirates. I’m the captain with the eye patch and she’s the first mate.”

  Lavender laughed and patted the boy on the head. “She’ll come, Faelan. Just not today.”

  “Why not?” Faelan asked, looking as if he’s about to cry. “She promised.”

  “She’ll come tomorrow,” Phoenix said, trying to cheer him up. “With a lot of goodies for you, I promise.”

  “Okay.” With that, the little boy ran off to play with the others.

  It seems all these children love their Missus really much.

  “You better find an explanation for Little Fae tomorrow if Avange don’t show up,” Namine said to Phoenix. “You know he doesn’t react so well when you break a promise to him.”

  “He loves Avange. She’ll take care of it,” Phoenix said, waving at Faelan when he turned back to look at them. “Let’s go back for tea.”

  Rose kissed the baby good-bye and hand her back to the nurse.

  They returned back to the house and stopped by the barn when Lavender said she heard something rustling in the woods behind them.

  “Not another attack, do you think?” Phoenix whispered, listening closely. “I don’t have my sword.”

  “I don’t–” Lavender cut off with a shriek when something zoomed pass her and hit the barn.

  “We’
re under attack again!” Namine cried, dodging a bullet that flew straight at her. “Quick! We have to get to the house.”

  She grabbed Rose by the arm and broke out into a run.

  Bullets were charging towards them like a swarm of bees.

  Rose’s heart was pounding so fast with fear that she thought she will collapse if they didn’t reach the open door with Leon’s brother running out.

  “This isn’t good,” Blake said, shaking his head as he saw the army of men charging out of the woods shooting.

  “Not again,” Sheik groaned, pulling out his pistol.

  “At least they’re less than last time,” said Chance.

  “You ladies get inside,” Gabriel said, bring forth his gun. “Don’t even dare come out.”

  Rose realized that last comment was directed to his little sister.

  “I won’t,” Phoenix said, waving him off. “Just be safe.”

  The four of them hurried inside and peer out the window as the Heartily Brothers ran off to meet the men.

  “They better not harm any of the animals,” said Lavender. “Good thing I had them locked up early.”

  “I’m worry about the children and pupils at the school,” said Namine. “They’re still out and about.”

  Rose’s heart faltered at the mention of the children.

  “Oh, what if they get hurt?” she said, shuddering at the thought of little innocent children getting slaughtered.

  “I think they’re far enough away from here to be bother,” said Phoenix. “Although they would be wondering what all the racket is about.”

  “We have to do something to help,” Namine said, looking around the room, trying to find something to use as a weapon.

  “Gabe said not to go out,” said Lavender.

  “Pish, that was for Nix,” Namine said, now digging through a bag.

  “Hey, that’s Lord Longsword’s,” Phoenix said, snatching it away from Namine to peek inside.

  “I know,” Namine said, grabbing it back. “I saw that he had something useful for military battles.”

  “That’s so improper of you, Nam,” Lavender said, coming to lean against the wall next to Rose.

  “Lady Rose, don’t be afraid,” she said. “Us crazy sisters would protect you.”

  Rose smiled weakly and tried to stay strong through the assurance but jumped each time she heard a gunshot.

  “Ah-ha.” Namine pulled out a weird rounded object out of Lord Longsword’s bag and ran off towards the door. “Lavender, come with me. Nix, watch Lady Rose.”

  “Aye, m’lady!” Phoenix straightening up in a salute.

  Rose was so struck with fear that she couldn’t even breathe out a word.

  “Lady Rose,” Phoenix said, flashing Rose a grin. “How good are you at handling a pistol?”

  “A pistol?”

  She had never touched one in her whole entire life.

  “Wait here.”

  Phoenix went upstairs to grab the two pistols she had found hidden in the attic after the last battle and came back down.

  “Got it, Lady…” Phoenix gasped in horror as she saw that the room had become a mess with Lady Rose nowhere in sight. “Oh, lord!”

  She ran to the door and realized that it had been knocked down to the floor with glasses shattered everywhere.

  “This is not good.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  Lansing Villa

  “There he comes,” Avangelene whispered to Laguna as they spied

  up in the tree of Lansing Villa.

  The Marquess of Lansing, or rather his son, was coming out of the house and walking to his carriage.

  “We follow him now, then?” Laguna asked, moving closer to where she stood on the branch.

  “Hey, not too close,” she said, holding up her hand for him to stop. “You’re wet and if you soak up this branch and it breaks, you’ll be in deep due.”

  “Well, sorry for having to get blindfolded to get out of your Haven of Light and cross the river again,” he said, backing away and look down at Lansing once more. “He seems to be driving off now.”

  Avangelene look down and move next to him. “We’ll be good to go then.”

  “I’ll get the horses,” he said, jumping off and offering his arms up to help her down.

  She stared down at him for a moment, and then broke into a devilish grin as she jumps down tackling him to the ground with a roar.

  “What the–”

  He hadn’t expected that.

  Their eyes met for a brief second and then she rolled off him laughing.

  “That wasn’t funny,” he said, getting up and brushing away the dirt on his breeches. “What the hell did you do that for? You could have broken my back and leave me crippled for the rest of my life.”

  “Just wanted to give you a warm up for the mission,” she said, walking away to where Lansing’s carriage had parked earlier. “Your back will be fine. Go get the horses.”

  Laguna sighed and did so. He knew better than to argue with her. Yet, she always sparks his temper and he can’t seem to shut up.

  “Here,” he said, walking her horse to her.

  “You’re so nice, Duke,” she winked, taking the reins from him and swinging up.

  He frowned and shrugs. “Whatever.”

  He knew she didn’t mean it.

  “Smile, don’t frown,” she chuckled, reaching down to flick his forehead.

  Laguna hated her for always flicking him on the head, if not there, then on the nose. She treats him as if he’s a nobody. Not that he minds, but he’ll like to be treated, well, a little bit better. Perhaps without the annoying flicks.

  “Hurry, Duke,” she said, already riding away. “We don’t want to lose track of Lansing. He’s the only way we’re going to reach the base of our destination.”

  With a groan of annoyance, Laguna jump up on his horse and rode after her.

  She’s the most maddening woman ever.

  How he wish he had never cross path with her.

  Thanks a lot to Leon.

  For all he knows, he would rather die than get torture by the feelings Heartily’s sister is bringing upon him.

  Bridlington

  “What the bloody hell is going on?” Edward cursed out as he saw smoke erupting from their estate.

  “This doesn’t look good,” said Aidan, as he looks out the carriage to see the fog.

  “Quick! Drive faster, Ed,” Jack called up. “Something bad must have happened.”

  “Something really bad, indeed,” Aidan said when they arrive at the front of their estate.

  Their brothers were fighting off an army and their two idiot sisters were running about. A pile of corpses scattered the ground and many more men were rushing in.

  “Hell, we’ve got to do something,” said Aidan.

  Edward reached into his sack and pulled out a pistol. “I’m on it.”

  Jack and Aidan followed suit and ran after Edward to knock down some of the men.

  “Jack, guys, you made it!” exclaimed their rascal brother Sheik, who ran to them after knocking out a few of the men.

  “What’s this all about?” Jack asked, after shooting off one of the man that was aiming towards him.

  “Lord Lansing sent his army–” Sheik started but then broke off as a bullet slip between them. “There’s no time. Quick, help us. This is already the second time.”

  “You guys were attacked twice?” asked Edward as he came by, dodging and shooting off a foe. “Why do we have to miss all the fun?”

  “This is no fun,” Aidan said, running pass them to where Blake and Gabriel fought.

  “Took you guys long enough to return,” Blake growled as he kicks the gun out of a man and snatch it to shoot him off.

  “We got lost,” was all Aidan said before going off again to help Chance with the ambush closing in on him.

  “Nice to see you, Aide,” Chance greeted in a brotherly manner before charging out at the guards.

  Aidan fol
lowed after and teamed up with him on the job.

  “We couldn’t find Leon,” he told Chance between the fights.

  “He’s fine,” Chance answered, slamming the head of two guards together. “He came and went back to finish Lansing.”

  “Are you saying we could have stayed in Islington to help him, then?”

  “It’s somewhere else,” Chance said breathlessly as he drops down on his knees to avoid getting stab and knock down the man in the stomach.

  “Who’s with him?” Aidan asked when they have out beaten the ambush.

  “Only Gareth,” Chance answered briskly. “Hurry, we have to help Gabe and them.”

  “You guys didn’t go with him?”

  “He didn’t want us to.”

  “We must go after him after this is done.”

  “He’s got a plan,” Chance said, stopping to shoot of one of the men that was sneaking up to his sisters. “We don’t want to ruin it.”

  “Guys!” Phoenix cried, running out to them.

  “What? You’re supposed to stay inside,” Gabriel hissed, when he turned and saw her.

  “Lady Rose is gone!” she shouted.

  That seemed to stop everything. The guards they were fighting retreated and herded back through the woods.

  “What did you say?” Gabe asked again as he came to where his little sister stood frozen in terror.

  “Lady Rose is gone,” she repeated.

  “What’s going on now?” asked Blake as he came to meet them.

  “They took Lady Rose,” Gabriel answered.

  “That explains why they’re retreating,” said Sheik as he overheard the conversation.

  “Then why are we standing here? We have to go help her,” Blake said, rushing off after the men.

  Chance and Sheik followed after and disappear with Blake into the woods.