It hadn't been long after the ball and I was with Mina and Lucy as we celebrated Mina's grades on her final exam which she had surpassed everyone in her class. We were just getting ready to leave when I found a small note taped outside my door. It was odd that I hadn't even heard footsteps but I guessed I had been distracted. I opened the message and it read 'Swinburn club at 10pm. There is something you need to know'. There was no name which made me all the more curious but I quickly hid the note in my purse and left with Mina and Lucy for a little while before separating from them around 9:30pm, hailing a coach and taking off to the club to find out what was going on.
I paid the cabbie and then got out at the door of the club when I saw Alexander Grayson and another woman. "What's going on" I asked, getting even more suspicious. "Lady Everwood, Lady Laurant; I am afraid there is something you two need to know about. I had my doubts you wouldn't believe anything unless you witnessed it with your own eyes" he answered, opening the door to the club. The three of us walked in and I saw that Lady Laurant was about to faint. My intended, Daniel Davenport and her husband, Stephen Laurant were secret lovers which would embarrass not only their families but they would be shunned from society.
Lady Laurant and I left the club quickly and she told me that she was taking their son and leaving immediately. I wished her the best and prepared to confront Daniel tonight soon as he got back. I knew Lord Davenport would likely go out tonight but before he left, he allowed me to wait for Daniel.
It was around two in the morning when the door opened and Daniel was completely drunk. I pushed him on to the bed and slapped him about four times. "What was all that about" he asked, sounding slightly more sober. "Don't you dare ask me that Daniel Matthew Davenport! I know the truth now. You and Lord Laurant are secret lovers. That kind of love will get you two shunned. You disgust me and now, I can't possibly marry you" I told him.
"But how did you find out where I would be" he asked, rubbing his cheek from where I had slapped him. "That doesn't matter and I will never tell you" I told him. "Please swear you will never tell my father" Daniel pleaded. "It's not in my nature to conceal the truth from anyone Daniel" I told him. "I'll do whatever you ask for you to keep the truth from my father" he pleaded once again.
"There's nothing you can do and the wedding is off. Stay out of my life Daniel" I replied, storming out the door. Lord Davenport had just come back in as I was storming out and he didn't even try to stop me as I stormed out the front door and returned to Lucy's. Lucy and Mina were in Lucy's room, having just come in from their night of fun. "Skyla, what happened" Mina asked.
"I found out something dreadful. Daniel has been cheating on me" I answered. "With who" Lucy asked as she looked up from braiding her hair. "It's taboo and I have no wish to open that discussion with anyone" I told them, tears now threatening to fall. Lucy patted the bed and I sat down as the two hugged me tightly. "Skyla, maybe this means you can finally meet with Alexander" Lucy told me.
That eased my tears a little and I replied "I guess I can." "And who do you need permission from now? Go on and accept the invite" Mina said with a giggle. "Thanks, now I'm going to retire to my room. It's late and Mina, I know you have to be up early. I've set the alarm for you" I told them as I finished setting the clock.
I left the room and realized they were right. It was time for me to take a chance and find love now that I was free. I decided tomorrow I would send word to Alexander, accepting his invitation. Was I ready though to later learn the ultimate truth?