Page 64 of The Ambiguous Enigma of the Hunted Lady
Most of her knew that she had to escape, likely to France, or perhaps Ireland. France was much closer. There was a small part of her – the spitfire from White Chapel – that didn't want to go anywhere. But the only way to pull that caper off was to get rid of Riphook, and she had more chance of doing that than she did becoming Queen of England, as she saw it.
“Although it is not something you should begin to advertise among your peers.”
“Fine enough.” Kenneth smiled back at her as they rounded a corner, coming back into view of the house.
“My what is that smell? It's enchanting.” Leah commented as the kitchen's aroma wafted out from the open windows on the fleeting summer breeze.
“A feast for my Uncle, no doubt.” Kenneth sniffed the air as well.
“When will he be arriving?”
“Any time now I feel. He said that he was delayed an hour or two. He told me he was paying a visit to the good Dr. Fowler.”
“Fowler?” Leah became immediately attentive. “Is he the family doctor?”
“Not precisely.” Kenneth had no idea of the significance of poor old Francis Fowler to Leah at that moment. “Of course, I inquired upon his health, and he told me it was nothing to fret about, just a short in and out visit. Regardless, he got a later start on his journey. Fine enough by me I suppose, gives my poor old mother time enough to have a feast prepared.” Kenneth finished his ramble.
Leah had quite looked forward to meeting Kenneth's uncle, if not just for the sake of having another uncomfortable nobleman to torment verbally. But the mention of Francis Fowler had put a terrible thought into her paranoid mind.
It was a memory, a secret occasion to which she should not have been present. She had been there because Riphook had been there. It was an event that she knew would haunt her forever and ever, and now, her survivalist paranoia was bringing it back.
“There he is now.” Kenneth pointed to a coach coming up the drive. “Let's go along to meet him.”
You're being foolish, Leah scolded herself.The world cannot be so crooked.
Chapter 17
Cornelius had gone from enjoying a terribly pleasant afternoon with his favorite relation, to being furious with the inner workings of his organization. Nothing seemed to be going right, and now the one thing that could undo him seemed to be dancing all around him.
His visit with the good Dr. Fowler had been all informative. He knew that the doctor had been to Kenneth's estate that day, and he also knew that he had met with Miss Leah Benson.
It was not until meeting with Dr. Fowler that Cornelius had understood just who Leah was, and her relationship to Riphook. With Francis' confession, Cornelius had learned everything he needed to secure his family's legacy, and himself, from the tendrils of the underworld.
Now, coming up the drive, he could see Kenneth walking with a woman in a fine dress. It was as if the world was laying everything before him, sayingThis is where you went wrong, and you know it. Now here is your opportunity to fix it.
Cornelius saw Kenneth waving, and he returned the gesture through the window, although the pair was too far off the see him through the reflective pane.
The coach rolled into the park, and Cornelius climbed down with help from his cane, although he hardly needed it. He had learned long ago that if one appeared weaker than one was in reality, many advantages could be garnered.
“Uncle!” Kenneth called across the lawn. “Welcome!”
“Hello there Kenneth!” Cornelius grinned, waving his cane. He walked slowly forwards, watching the woman beside his nephew come into view.
“I am glad you made the journey well.” Kenneth and Miss Benson met him at the base of the stairs. “How is the good doctor?”
“Dr. Fowler has never been better.” Cornelius boasted, locking eyes with Leah. He could see in her expression that she remembered him. There was no doubt in his mind.
Cornelius remembered her. How could he forget that scar on her cheek? She was the same girl that had hid behind Riphook's leg that fateful night. He had told the scoundrel a dozen times not to bring the runt along, but Riphook had done it regardless.
She was the one face in all of London, the one mind, that could tie Cornelius's massive income with Riphook's criminal empire.
And here she was, even dressed up as if God had put a bow on her for him to find.
I've got you now.
“Uncle, please, it is my great pleasure to introduce my friend and colleague, Miss Leah Benson.” Kenneth gestured to Leah and smiled widely like this was the happiest day of his life.
“Miss Benson.” Cornelius took her hand and kissed it politely, offering a deep bow. “An honor. I've heard so much about you.”
