Kingsley's Bride

Chapter 6: Darius's Unexpected Visit

"Did he take a life?" My voice trembled, replaying last night's unsettling scene in my mind. Sleep eluded me, haunted by Darius' furious glare and the sight of a limp figure being carried away. Desperate for clarity, I sought out Mr. Ralph, trusting him to provide answers.

Mr. Ralph stood before me, hands clad in white gloves, his expression impassive. "That individual was a trespasser," he responded curtly, his gaze unwavering.

"A trespasser would be killed here in this estate?" I struggled to comprehend, my disbelief evident.

"A typical trespasser would be apprehended and interrogated. However, a trespasser armed with intent to harm would face consequences," Mr. Ralph clarified, pausing to meet my gaze before turning to depart.

"I am a medical professional Mr. Ralph, and this things would be difficult for me," I couldn't help but speak out and he stopped in his place, his back tensed but refused to face me.

"I know my lady," he said and with that walked away.

I let out a heavy sigh, but as I tried to steady myself, a wave of dizziness washed over me. My hand instinctively reached out and collided with the table, my body seeking support against the wall as I struggled to regain my composure and calm my nerves.

***

"You are a quick learner," Julian complimented.

It seemed that amidst my busy schedule at Dr. Sinclair's clinic, I managed to carve out some time to learn piano from Julian. In return, he promised to help secure me an appointment with his father, Edward Hughes.

As my fingers tapped on the keys, repeating the notes Julian had patiently taught me, I couldn't help but reflect on the insights he shared during our initial session. I learned that he was the sole child in his family. Despite his father's desire for him to follow in his footsteps as a detective, Julian chose to pursue his passion for music instead. He believed fervently in the power of music to unite people, aspiring to share this gift by teaching others. It was a glimpse into Julian's character, his determination to chart his own path despite familial expectations, driven by his love for music and its ability to foster connection.

"Tell me, why do wish to meet my father?" he stood next to me as I continued to repeat the notes when the thought of Meredith struck my mind and I played a wrong note, stopping in the end.

"Looks like it's a very private" he teased, catching my mistake before sauntering off toward the library, leaving me to grumble quietly to myself, "Very private."

"You are doing great in your first session," Julian smiled down at me as he kept some books on the library rack.

"Thank you, but it's time for me to head home," I said, wrinkling my nose at the idea of calling someone else's place home. Thankfully, Julian didn't catch my expression as he busied himself restocking the shelves.

"It's getting late. I could fetch my horse to give you a ride, if you'd like," he offered with a smile, but memories of the previous night flooded my mind, making me uncomfortable. I shifted on my feet and politely declined.

"My husband will be picking me up," I lied.

"Oh, you're married," Julian seemed surprised, noticing the absence of a ring on my finger.

"I work at a clinic. I have to take it off every time I sterilize my hands for surgery. I only wear it when I'm not working," I explained quickly.

He grinned understandingly. "You don't have to explain to me, Mrs. Ravenswood."

"You can call me Scarlette," I added.

"Scarlette it is, then," he said with a smile as I bowed to him before turning to leave. With over twenty-nine days left since Edward's return from his trip, I hoped he might assist me in uncovering something about my sister.