The next morning, Lexa sat with Edward for breakfast. His Grace has gone out earlier to meet with the Lords in Parliament. As she sipped her tea, she wondered what new bill they would be passing. She had been pleased when the Criminals Amendment Act was legislated into a bill.
"Would you like some more tea?" asked the kitchen maid. Lexa nodded and the maid poured her a hot cup of Earl Grey tea. Immediately after, the maid went back to work leaving Lexa alone to her thoughts.
After breakfast, Lexa made her way to the library. The library had become her haven ever since her marriage and Lexa enjoyed the many books from the duke's literary collection.
Lexa scoured the bookshelves looking for something to read when the butler entered holding calling card and informed her that she had a visitor calling on her.
Lexa pauses her search and turned to the butler, "Who is calling?" she asked
"Mrs. Abernathy," read Dooley.
Lexa wondered excitedly. Was it Phoebe paying her one last visit? She dear hoped so. In her heart, she wished to speak to her friend before she departed the Trans-Atlantic.
But deep in her heart she had a feeling she knew who it was. Her mother's warning ringing in her head. Pas på ulven i forklædning. Beware of the wolf in disguise.
Taking a deep breath, Lexa turned to Dooley and said, "Please send her in."
It took a few minute before the doors of the library opened. Charlotte was escorted inside. Lexa looked up and stood. Charlotte looked beautiful and graceful as ever.
"Lady Douro," said Charlotte, "it's a pleasure to see you again."
"Charlotte," Lexa replied, "A pleasure to see you as well. Is there a reason for calling?"
"Come now. May I not get to know my new daughter?"
"I have a mother, madam," Lexa said with finality.
Charlotte smiled. "May I sit? I do wish to chat with you. Would you be kind to ring for tea?"
Lexa pursed her lips and turned to Dooley who was still standing by the doorway.
"Please bring our guest some tea," Lexa told him.
Dooley bowed his head and departed. Charlotte came over and sat on the sofa beside Lexa. After sitting down herself, Lexa cleared her throat and spoke, "I didn't think you would be here, Charlotte."
"And why is that, my lady?" Charlotte asked.
"The summer months are far approaching. People spend it in the country." Lexa said.
"It is a fine time to go the countryside. Do you wish to go as well, Lady Douro?" Charlotte inquired of of her.
"If Edward insists that we go," Lexa replied.
"How is my dear son," Charlotte asked of her.
Lexa pursed her lips, it was oddly strange that Edward harboured a strong dislike for his mother. Just what did she do to garner such hatred?
Lexa paused, then spoke, "If you wish to know how your son is doing, you ought to see him."
Charlotte's lips downturned and her tone became angry. "That boy is too much like his sister. Too begrudging in seeing me."
The maids came in as they spoke, quietly as they placed the tea set between them, careful not break the delicate china.
"I'm sure if you spoke to himâ," Lexa began. She stopped when she realize Charlotte's earlier statement. His sister, Lexa thought in shock, she said his sister. Does he have a sister?
"Did you say his sister? Does Edward have a sister?" Lexa asked. She couldn't believe her hearing. Was Charlotte telling the truth? Or was it to throw her off balance?
Charlotte smiled and said, "My darling Edwardâ."
The door of the library opened with a forceful bang that startled Lexa as she turned. Standing there was Edward. His dark hazel eyes narrowed at the sight of his mother and his lips pursed.
"My," said Charlotte, "Edward. How pleased I am to see you."
"What are you doing here, Mother?" Edward asked, flatly.
"Your wife was most kind to me. She offered me some tea and biscuits. I merely wished to know my new daughter-in-law."
"My wife is very much generous in her kindness," Edward said, "but I am not. Dooley," he turned as he faced the butler, "Escort Mrs. Abernathy out."
"Abernathy?" Lexa asked him, in confusion, "Is she not Lady Douro."
Edward looked at his wife and shook and said, "She has a way of deception. My mother remarried a long time ago. She is no longer the Marchioness of Douro. The law states that a former wife of a peer will automatically lose her title if she remarries."
"So," Lexa began, but Edward continued.
"She married Watson Abernathy."
"Watson Abernathy? The hotel mogul?" Lexa asked.
She never felt overwhelmed in her life. This mystery sounding her husband's family was beyond what she expected. The puzzle piece where starting to piece together.
There was so much Lexa didn't understand. Family secrets that where purged in sin. Sooner or later the truth would out, and then, hell would break lose, and worlds would shatter.
Calming herself, Lexa looked at her mother-in-law and asked, "Are you familiar with Miss Phoebe Abernathy?"
Charlotte looked away. And for a minute, Lexa thought she saw shame on her face. However, it was for an second as Charlotte quickly collected herself and asked, "Miss Abernathy? She and I are of no relation."
Edward looked at his wife and said, "I think it is best that you leave Mother."
Lexa was determined to learn the truth. Charlotte was hiding something. Something that would have major repercussions. It was now or never.
"Now dear," Lexa said, turning to her husband. Edward raised an eyebrow in question. "I do wish to speak to your mother. I find her...interesting."
Edward pursed his lips and said, "Then you may." He started to leave, "However, I shall leave."
Quickly, Lexa grabbed Edward's wrist, and before he could pull away, she said, "You ought to stay. It's much to rude to leave a guest."
And so, She and Edward had Charlotte in their company. For once, Charlotte looked rather uncomfortable in her position. It was almost hysterical with how calm and in control she had been up until now.
"...as I was telling your mother, the countryside is a most splendid place to visit in the summer."
"Indeed," said Charlotte, "especially your Hampshire estate, Stratfield Saye House."
"I have yet to see my country home," Lexa told her.
Edward spoke for the sake of conversation, "we are going when Parliament concludes."
"I would enjoy nothing more than to be established as the new mistress," Lexa said.
"How lovely," said Charlotte.
"Do you intend to go to the countryside to see someone?" Lexa asked, politely.
"No." Charlotte said, "though I heard New York is lovely this time of the year."
"I'm sure you'll enjoy New York," Edward said, neutrally.
"Have you been to Paris?" cooed Charlotte.
"I have not," Edward said, begrudgingly, "my trips to the United States have been mostly to Boston."
"I took a day trip to New York once. To visit my dear friend," Lexa told Charlotte.
"I've been to New York," said Charlotte, "to see my daughter, you see."
And there it was. Edward looked in his mother in shock as if his hearing wasn't clear. Lexa could feel the tension between mother and son resurfacing. What now, she wondered. After all, the fact that he had a sister changed everything.
Edward recovered himself as his looked at his mother. Charlotte, for once looked at a complete loss of what to do.
He then spoke, anger and bitterness in his voice, "What did you just say?"