The Bitter Taste

Chapter 21: Failing Fever

"Earl Chichester, I need to speak with you." Said the marchioness, sitting poised as always on her comfortable chair.

"What is there not to speak about with me?" He asked, snickering but not as much as before.

"Absolutely nothing." She answered as she placed both her hands on the table. "Now take a seat beside me." The marchioness directed her gaze on the chair by her side. The Earl nodded.

The Marchioness placed her hand reluctantly on her son's and breathed out a sigh. "It's about your trip to France."

"So, I won't be needed to leave anymore?" The Earl hoped so much that he wouldn't need to leave for France anymore since it would certainly lift a couple of loads off his shoulder. He might have accepted the first time she asked, but that was before he discovered that the Vanderbilt and the Runciman had made an agreement between their son and daughter.

"No, fortunately, your father has a close friend who resides in Paris and is willing enough to take care of you." She said. "Also, I discussed the matter with The Duke and he permitted it. He said your duties would still be carried on by the Viscount temporarily until you return." The Marchioness spoke with a voice of sophisticated beauty, however, the Earl still deemed it quite ugly according to the news she just explained to him. Things were not going well as planned.

The noble blinked multiple times and swallowed. "Uhm... Mother, I am afraid that I must inquire to cancel the trip to France." He said. "I cannot leave london, or England for that matter." 

"Might I ask why?" His mother squinted her eyes at him, resting her chin on top of her hands that balled up below it. She exhaled air out of her nose and was practically waiting for something to force out of the question.

"You may not like my answer." He said. "But then again, you never approved of anything I did even way before I accepted my title as Earl."

The marchioness's eyes widened and blinked, shocked to have heard something like that come out from her son's mouth. "W-what?" She muttered.

"Mother, I have fallen deeply in love with someone, and I cannot leave to France without marrying her." His stern voice shook like earthquakes in her chest, and at first she didn't know what to say. She was still guilty, afterall. She still carried the heavy burden of failing to raise a child with more love and compassion.

"What is her name?" She asked.

It was the Earl's turn to look slightly surprised. His mother, if not never, barely listened to what he had to say because she knew her insights were of higher importance than his. However, he still stood his ground and carried on with his explanation. At least this time, he wouldn't have to lie about Jane's identity.

"She is currently living under the Barnett's roof - Miss Hackett." He answered.

The Marchioness quirked her eyebrow. "You mean she's close with Mr. Barnett and his wife? Do you know her full name?"

He nodded, and smirked. "Her name is Jane Hackett, Mother."

The mother pause for a while and simply looked at her son. "You met her in his manor, am I right?" She asked.

"Yes." He answered.

"This means the both of you are currently living under the same roof, correct?" Her tone began getting higher and higher after every ending syllable.

The Earl hesitated to answer at first, but nodded and said, "yes."

His mother crept closer to him as her hands slammed against the cold wooden study table. "What have you done with her?"

"Excuse me!?" He exclaimed, leaning as far as he could away from the marchioness's terrifying gaze.

"Don't act like you know nothing, Henry." She said, not faltering one bit. "I don't trust you. I only wish for this woman's wellbeing."

"And she is! We're lovers and I don't think lovers are supposed to despise each other."

"We both know that rule only applies to everyone except you." She said, sitting back to her original place on the chair, proper and poised. "Anyhow, I cannot believe you yet unless you show her to me. After then, we may discuss about your plans in marriage."

The Earl immediately stood up and placed both his hands on top of the brown platform. "Agreed." He said. Before she could say another word, he dashed off and left her to her own contemplations.

---

As the noble stormed his way back to where he had last seen Jane, he couldn't help but notice how the crowds seemed more overwhelming compared to before. Had more guests arrived while he was discussing matters with his mother or was it simply his head creating all the unnecessary fuss through out his entire system? The Earl wasn't sure. All he knew was that this may be the ultimate key to finally unlocking the door he had been trying to open since the viscount's and Miss Vanderbilt's engagement. If the marchioness were to observe that they obtained a requited and proper relationship, she might just let him go from any supervision. With this, he could finally deal with his own personal matters without being enclosed from the limits of only following Mr.Barnett's demands. 

"Miss Hackett!" He exclaimed, trying to find the woman in green. He decided that as soon as everything was over, he would never step foot into another ball again. Moreover, the Earl was beginning to feel quite dizzy from the heat that was emitting from his body and his head was beginning to ache like a migraine.

Suddenly, his vision caught sight of a familiar green ball gown and he called out. "Miss Hackett!" He exclaimed once more. True enough, the woman turned around to face him, but instead of a lover's normal expression, she was scowling. After a few people have cleared out before his eyes, he realized that Miss Hackett was standing beside the very person who he had just disrespected a while ago.

"Mr.Runciman." The Earl muttered to himself, feeling even more heavy by the second.

Miss Hackett glanced at the man beside her before fully transferring her gaze on her supposed lover. "Explain to me, Mr.Chichester, darling." She said, stepping closer to him. "Why did you say such horrible things to Mr.Runciman?" Her voice was slightly cracked, as if she was about to cry.

It was then that the Earl realized that Jane had already figured out what had happened earlier between himself and the viscount. "M-miss Hackett." He said, his right hand reaching to touch his forehead. It was hot.

"A-are you alright?" The Viscount walked over to the Earl and firmly planted his hands on his shoulders. "Answer me"

The noble's sight began turning blurry and everything he was seeing up to this moment seemed like smudged ink. "Mr.Runciman?" He spoke.

"Look, I know you humiliated me and all but if you're not feeling well, then I think it's best that you take a rest." Said the Viscount, furrowing his brows together. He was still upset for what the Earl had done earlier, but nevertheless, his old habits from supporting him failed to die out easily.

Jane proceeded to walk towards the nearest table and grabbed a chair for the Earl to sit on. They were near the wall so it didn't cause any inconvenience to the other guests. Soon after, the Earl lethargically sat on it and rested his head against the wall. His forehead was soaked with sweat and the throbbing sensations spread all over his body. Then, everything went black.