To The Traitor in My Bed - Chapter 18
It was a mad, reckless plan. Enticing a young man, full of righteous anger, destined to serve the murderer of his own flesh and blood as his master of life.
<…What if I say I won’t do it?>
Ian tried one last defiant act. Frederick knew how to motivate the newly titled Viscount, who had barely received his title two days ago.
<Then, when this plan succeeds, Darnell’s name will be conveniently left off the list of contributors.>
* * *
Edelweiss Heights had undergone several rounds of renovations to upgrade the heating system, but the windows were an exception. The elegant window frames, built in the neoclassical style, had been kept because Perpetua insisted on keeping them..
As a result, Deirdre stayed as far away from the windows as possible, drawing thick curtains to cover them.
She hadn’t noticed the sound of approaching hooves sooner because of that.
Perpetua’s butler, Parker, opened the curtains just slightly and looked outside.
“The military police are coming, Lady Rochepolie.”
At those words, Deirdre jumped up. Pearl yowled and leapt off her lap, disappearing somewhere.
“The military police…? Why? How many of them?”
Seeing her complexion go pale, Parker reassured her.
“Please, calm down. There’s only one. Perhaps he’s just here to ask for directions, or maybe a colleague is lost.”
When the military police were investigating or making inquiries, there would always be at least two. Deirdre felt a sense of relief at hearing this.
This place was secluded, so as Parker said, it could have been a military police passing by, seeking help.
However, a few minutes later, Deirdre’s hopes were shattered. The person who arrived was the one military police she dreaded the most.
The man, with his confident black eyes, bronze-tinged blonde hair, and the deep purple uniform of the military police, fit him perfectly, just like last time. He had a crooked smile at the corner of his lips.
Viscount Lysander Cottenham.
The last time she saw him was two years ago when he came to the Havisham townhouse to propose. The unpleasant memories from that day still lingered.
Though it seemed like the Viscount had long forgotten them.
“Has it been two years? Lady Rochepolie.”
“…Viscount Cottenham.”
Deirdre deliberately ignored his outstretched hand.
She didn’t want to let him into the house, but ejecting a guest who had trekked through the snow in this weather would go against Rochepolie’s customs.
“During winter, give room by the hearth even to a murderer.”
That was Rochepolie’s unwritten rule.
Reluctantly, she guided him to the hearth.
“What brings you to Rochepolie?”
The Viscount sipped the tea the butler brought with enjoyment.
“I was in Landyke and remembered that the lovely Madam of Rochepolie was here, so I thought I would stop by and say hello.”
“Why were you in Landyke?”
“To punish my unfaithful fiance.”
Deirdre’s hand tightened around the teapot. She immediately knew who he was referring to. This man was the older brother of Lord Jonas, the fiance of Rosina.
‘Did he know Rosina had a lover…?’
But it wasn’t illegal for a young lady to have a hidden lover.
‘No, he came knowing that Rosina’s lover was none other than Viscount Darnell.’
She calmly replied.
“I didn’t realize the military police were concerned with personal matters like that.”
“The military police of Antwerp are responsible for the happiness and safety of the people. Well, except when it comes to traitors.”
At that moment, Pearl, who had been hiding behind the chair, could no longer resist her curiosity and approached the guest. The cat fearlessly brushed against his leg. His uniform pants quickly became covered in white fur.
Deirdre was worried he might kick the cat, but surprisingly, he gently petted Pearl.
“When I went to Count Rochepolie’s residence, I heard you went to visit Lady Perpetua Fairchild. Isn’t she here?”
“She’s resting at the moment.”.
“Oh, I shouldn’t disturb the rest of an elderly person. Guess I’ll have to give up meeting Lady Perpetua today.”
“The Viscount is also disturbing the Countess’s rest now.”
The Viscount chuckled softly.
“Lady Rochepolie, do you treat Lord Rochepolie this coldly as well? Though, I suppose the Count wouldn’t notice.”
Deirdre stiffened at the mention of her husband. It was true that he could be somewhat slow on the uptake, but he had always been generous and gentlemanly towards her. Hearing his name from someone like this was unpleasant.
The Viscount leaned across the table and whispered provocatively.
“I must have told you what is the duty of a woman like you, haven’t I?”
[A woman like you has only one duty—using that half-decent face of yours.]
She certainly hadn’t forgotten that insult.
She set her teacup down firmly.
“Would you kindly leave now?”
The Viscount, however, didn’t seem bothered by her dismissal. He stood up effortlessly and walked to the window. He opened the curtains widely and gestured outside, asking Parker.
“Is that the Merilbon River?”
“Yes, it’s a tributary of the Merilbon River. It joins the main river about five miles ahead.”
“And beyond that is Landyke?”
“Yes, beyond that is Landyke, Viscount.”
The butler replied with utmost politeness.
“Could one walk here from there?”
“In this weather, it would be impossible. Unless it is as sturdy a gentleman as yourself.”
The Viscount narrowed his eyes and stared out the window. Deirdre couldn’t help but recall hearing rumors of how talented a military officer he was, and how he might even be promoted to be a Major next year.
Objectively, Lysander Cottenham was handsome and physically impressive. His tall frame and broad shoulders brought back old memories.
The memory of the man who saved her in the burning Aspen Forest…
Without thinking, Deirdre spoke.
“…Viscount Cottenham.”
He turned around.
“Have you been to Aspen before?”
There was a sly smile playing on his lips. One that made people uncomfortable.
“Perhaps.”
Parker returned with the guest’s coat. Deirdre stood in the middle of the room, coldly seeing the guest off.
Viscount Cottenham bowed courteously.
“I suppose we’ll meet again soon, Lady Rochepolie.”
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