Hey, Miss J!

So, I tried, and I actually like this part! Though I could be biased because I’m the one who wrote it. My writing style is distinctly different.

Here’s Part 3 of the story!

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The Nobleman’s Pen, Part 3 – Untying the Weeds

Barony Silverstream

One day.

Kaelen allowed only one more day to pass before his man returned, bringing some intriguing information. Now, not only did he have Nara’s finances to wade through… but an entire dossier on House Valerius.

The heavy padfolio that sat on his desk was so full, it a was a wonder it hadn’t already burst. Kaelen frowned as he focused on it, his shoulders sagging. Instead of the thirty-one-year-old Baron of Silverstream, he felt like he was fifty…

There was an abundance of information there. Everything that he could have wanted was found here—right from the lips of the family’s butler. The ease with which the older man shared this information gave weight to the utter detachment and distaste the staff had with their Lord and Lady.

Mister Alistair Croft had avoided much of the violence that had befallen many of the other servants at the hands of Lady Valerius… mostly due to his identity. In truth by this point, it was Alistair himself who was the face of Ashwood Manor. He was the one who was welcoming and polite when guests arrived.

And when guests came, they always inquired about him. Alistair was valuable.

And that value had more than likely saved his life.

It was obvious by the way Kaelen’s man detailed the encounter, along with his personal notes… that Alistair was more than aware of his position… and that he wanted none of it. Not anymore. The older man had watched, broken-hearted, as Ashwood Manor quickly twisted to the state it was in today.

Swallowing hard, Kaelen steeled himself and opened the padfolio. The first thing his eyes landed on was a somewhat worn photograph. It was of Lord and Lady Valerius—the former Lord and Lady.

They were at a formal dinner, but pressed close to one another, their shoulders touching. Lord Valerius must have said something amusing because Lady Valerius had her fingers pressed to her lips, her eyes squeezed shut as she tried to restrain her laughter. The back of the photo read: “Leighton and Adeline, dated xx.xx Benefit Ball.”

Leighton Ian Valerius and Adeline Cassandra Valerius were known in their social circle as the “golden” couple, not only due to their pale hair, but also their sunny dispositions. Leighton himself had an extensive background, noted to being the one to strike out for more independence than his siblings and one who was not content to sit and do nothing. He’d begun working alongside his father as early as he was able to and had a hand in several decisions that affected the residents or the Manor.

Leighton wasn’t a difficult man. If anything, some were suspicious of his kindness, finding it strange amongst a class of people who were aloof when in contact with the ‘common man.’ But Leighton never made his people feel as if they were any less because of their stations. Under him, Ashwood Manor grew in even more splendor, finding solid backing from the monarchy. Though for all the glitter that Leighton possessed, he wasn’t weak by any means.

Being in his position meant that he needed to make difficult decisions. One of them involved punishment of his son Ashton—

Kaelen lifted his eyes from the page, his dark brows furrowed. “Punishment…” he murmured. “But according to their will, Ashton received…” Pausing, Kaelen frowned, his jaw tightening. He pushed back from his seat and stood, staring at the pages in front of him.

Ashwood Manor

Groaning, Ashton stared at the ceiling. He was casually seated in his office, one leg slung over the armrest. The heavy tumbler he’d taken to drinking from was lying on the carpet, its amber-hued fluid sinking into the expensive material. He was drunk, his head hurt… and he had no clue what had happened the day before, but even Mr. Alistair was avoiding him. Ashton had been drinking almost nonstop now, especially when he realized what was in Nara’s financial records. Stumbling to his feet, he went to pour himself another drink to ‘calm’ his nerves and staggered down the hallway, looking for his wife. Twice now, she’d claimed she had a migraine to avoid being in his presence.

He would not tolerate her words a third time.

Sylvia looked up, her upper lip curving upwards in distaste at the sight of her husband. Her eyes narrowed as he approached her. She could smell the musk of his unwashed body, mingled with the stench of urine and alcohol. “Husband—” she began.

“You are not,” Ashton snarled, his voice already loud. “Going to lie to me again, Sylvie!”

The servant girl who was tending to Sylvia moved out of the way.

“Of what have I lied?” Sylvia asked, pursing her lips. She blew a stubborn lock of her dark hair off her forehead.

Ashton hesitated, his watery gaze focused on her. He was trying to find an objection or a way to disagree with something… anything that she said. Yet, she gave him nothing… just as he was unable to take anything from her. He scowled. “Nothing…” He finally replied, taking a deep swallow from his drink. “But when I come for you again…” He warned, the threat in his tone easily heard. “You will not turn me away.”

Sylvia inclined her head. “As you wish, husband. Only… do be kind to me, and do not harm your son.”

Ashton froze in place after swallowing. Green eyes widened, and he cleared his throat. “You… could have told me another way, Sylvie,” he replied, his voice a soft whisper. Without another word, he turned and left.

The servant girl started warily at her mistress. She knew that the Lady had just finished her monthly courses… so pregnancy wouldn’t be possible. Would it? She looked away before Lady Valerius turned to her.

“Finish your task,” Sylvia snapped. Now weighed down by yet another deception, her terrible mood turned on the nearest target. A lie. Women lied about things all the time, did they not? And yet…

What would the price be should Ashton find out his wife was… dishonest about something so simple?

Though the simplicity was not on his side.

This was a lie Sylvia had told before. She’d been with Ashton for three years now and put their absence of children down to a lacking on his end. She never spoke of this to him… only used the knowledge that her husband might be sterile as a way to get herself in a position where she could eventually leave him.

Without any two-legged distractions around.

Barony Silverstream

Afternoon

Nora sat up, yawning just a bit as she was given a measured dose of the tincture to heal her wound. The taste wasn’t the best, but the pleasant haze the medication made took an edge off the pain. The blonde gratefully ingested the broth that Amaris and Lyra brought her. She had many questions… about everything.

She watched Lady Seraphina as the woman engaged in a discussion with the tailor who’d been sent for. Nora blinked hard, watching the ease with which the young brunette spoke with the older man.

“Is…” She lowered her voice, looking at Amaris.

The young woman arched a dark brow. “Yes?” she whispered.

“Are they married?” Nora asked. At Amaris’ blank stare, Nora elaborated. “Lady Seraphina… she is Lord Kaelen’s wife, correct?”

Amaris looked at Lyra and moved to speak.

To Be Continued…

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~J. Lyst

Maybe this can be a weekly deal or monthly? I’m curious to see how the story goes.