November 2011

Sorry it's taken so long to get onto this chapter. I was doing a little bit of research into regions of France prior to the French Republic; it's to do with Arianna and her maternal side as I didn't want to pick a region of France that was constantly occupied by the same family pre-Revolution but I've hopefully found one that, according to my research, didn't really seem to stay with anyone much and was given out sporadically. That will hopefully be mentioned either next chapter or sometime soon.

Also, I've had some family matters arise that needed dealing with, emotionally, so that's why there's been such a delay as I needed to deal with that and I didn't want to give you a substandard product whilst I felt that rotten.

Alright, on with the story.

Arianna Blakeney and anyone you don't recognise are of me; everyone else is of Emmuska Orczy

Please enjoy

Chapter One: Suspicions Unveiled

Percy and Marguerite, as soon as breakfast was over, set to making arrangements for Arianna's arrival. Marguerite went off in search of Percy's housekeeper, the kindly formidable Mrs Davies and the butler, Worcester, to arrange which suite of rooms would be suitable for the youngest Blakeney. Percy meanwhile retreated to his study to compose several letters, including one to the Prince of Wales.

He took up his seat and rested his elbows on the smooth wood, steepling his fingers, his forehead creased in thought. He hadn't told Marguerite about another post-script further down Arianna's letter.

He took it out again and read it.

P.P.S. Percy, forgive the inappropriate nature of a second postscript. I realise that it is not perfect letter etiquette but I feel you deserve to know.

I do not think Papa's death was accident or suicide; I think it was murder. He has not been to the lake, willingly since Mama's death; even I could not persuade him to venture to the water's edge. He also did not drink; he poured all of it out when we returned home after the funeral and was ruthless when it came to dismissing people who were found with or carried the smell of alcohol on their breath.

There had been some people lurking around the estate recently – all of them were seen off by the staff but the episode was enough to make Papa suspicious and to order that I was not allowed to ride without an escort of three employees and the dogs.

I also believe, with the good Lord as my witness, that whoever murdered Papa was responsible for Mama's murder as well. They, whoever they may be, must be under the misguided impression that with the parental influence out of the way, I will be a sitting target; not comprehending that in fact they still have to deal with you and Uncle George.

I understand that is not a pleasant thought; it makes my stomach churn but Percy, my dear sweet cousin, what other motive could there be?

All my love,

Arianna

xxx

Percy took a moment to think.

He knew his Uncle had become teetotal, to the amusement and shock of the ton, though Percy and the Prince of Wales had understood why. Guilt could be an all consuming emotion and Bartholomew had been overwhelmed with it – all due to his own conceived ideas surrounding the death of Arianna's mother.

Arianna's mother, Annette, had ridden on ahead because Bartholomew had imbibed a little too much red wine the night before and had been a devil to wake up and thus, Bartholomew believed that drink and his foolishness had helped his wife's murder.

Furthermore, Percy believed Arianna's assumptions had some merit; an orphaned heiress was seen as an easy and tempting target. Despite not inheriting any wealth from his grandfather, his Uncle had been given a profitable estate and in turn had married a wealthy heiress; an heiress who in turn had helped to turn an already successful stud farm to a formidable one. The stud-farm was so successful that monarchs were eager to own one of the horses, or pay a vast fortune to stud their mares at the stables in the hopes of producing a grand horse. With both her parents dead, Arianna inherited everything – regardless that it would be held in trust for her until she was one and twenty.

Percy sat up and reached for quill and parchment; he decided that he needed to discuss this matter with the Prince of Wales in person and it was imperative to do so before making firm arrangements to bring Arianna to London.

George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales and heir to the throne of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland sat behind the desk of his study in Carlton House, his fingers steeped and his forehead narrowed in thought. Percy stood before him. His letter had been delivered at break neck speed and the Prince had summoned his favourite to see him instantly.

"You believe her?" he asked finally, raising his head to fix Percy with a piercing stare.

"I have no reason to doubt her Your Highness. She has valid points; my Uncle abhorred drink following Aunt Annette's death – I am certain you recall how he banned it at her wake: Also when I visited the estate, albeit not very regularly, I would only ever see my Uncle standing at the window of the Viewing Room.

She is not one of the flighty young things that you see at the balls and garden parties; partly because she has been running things at the estate since my Aunt's death and my Uncle's descent into grief therefore, she has a well exercised mind and a keen intelligence."

Percy gave a modest shrug of his broad shoulders.

"I was kept aware of what was happening – financially and other things; mainly to do with the reclusive nature of my Uncle as his doctor was expressing grave concerns over the pallid nature of his skin. As I'm sure you may recall, Uncle Bartholomew was inconsolable following Aunt Annette's wake. It was all Ari could do to encourage him to take a sedate walk around the gardens with her."

"Personality wise, she is very like Marguerite," the Prince of Wales observed drily. "Vastly determined, courageous and intelligent into the bargain." Clarified the Prince at Percy's faintly questioning look.

"Remarkably Sire." Agreed Percy.

The Prince of Wales, normally the life and soul of the ton, was thoughtful; absorbing everything Percy had imparted to him.

"What do you need from me Percy?" he said finally.

"I want to give Arianna some security Sire," Percy stated slowly. "I believe my Aunt and Uncle's murderer is a part of our ranks and I desire to root them out. Something I'm sure that Arianna will gladly assist with. She might not have conveyed it but she possesses her own suspicions about who may be responsible.

Many people to do not pay attention to a child but a child sees everything and you always said she has an uncanny ability to judge people as soon as she meets them. She always used to say to Andrew and myself that there used to be a lot of courtesy displayed around her whilst you, my father, her own father and mother were present due to her position as your godchild but as soon as they were absent, she was ignored. People watching, as she calls it, became a hobby and a hobby that has come to serve her well when it comes to employing people and seeing them for what they are."

"What is the plan for moving her and her menagerie?"

"The horses will be split into groups and will set off at different days and take different routes to reach my Richmond estate; Arianna has already arranged that. I will arrange a route for her to follow in an enclosed carriage. I have also instructed that she keeps two of the more intimidating canines close at hand. Her governess (of whom she has a low opinion of) will accompany her within the carriage which will be driven by two of the servants who have been with my Uncle since before his marriage to Annette."

The Prince nodded slowly.

"It sounds to me that all eventualities are covered Percy. I want her here safely as much as you do. Letters are only so enlightening; it will be an honour and a delight to see how she has matured."

"And of the perpetrator for these heinous crimes against my kin?"

"We will uncover the vile fiend first and then, we will have to follow the law in how they are dealt with – no matter how we and Arianna feel they should be punished for the emotional damage they have forced her to endure."

"Yes Sir."

"Get her here safely Percy," the Prince said softly.

"Oh believe me Sir, I have every intention that she arrives safely. However, I believe that she will make sure she reaches London safely herself."

With that cryptic remark, Percy bowed low to the Prince of the kingdom and left; leaving the Prince of Wales slightly confused – and slightly amused.

November 2011
Sorry if it seems a little shorter than the previous chapter; it probably is by 200 words or so but I wanted to see the scene up for how Arianna is a little unorthodox and I thought that would deserve a little chapter of its own but I wanted you to see that Percy respects his cousin's judgement and in turn, so does the Prince Regent.

I look forward to seeing what people make of this.

Love,

Angelus Draco

"There's always a way to release what you feel. Let the creative energy flow and inspiration runs wild."