Next morning Penelope arrives at the outhouse and found Jacopo, Gen, Philip and Kathani going over the maps which she saw previous night.
"They are harvesting even more these last seven years because of the vast lands they had under their control." Philip told everyone as he showed copies of various ledgers.
She watched as Kathani frowned while reading those ledgers. "Five years ago They had added a deadline for this year." She informed them and then pointed at that page. "This year they are harvesting and trading triple amounts. The deadline is given around the end of the season and then the control of these lands will be given back to their owners."
"Why?" Penelope asks because none of this is making sense. "If they are befitting from these lands for so many years and can benefit more years to come, then why suddenly stopping this year?"
"That's one big question?" Kathani mused. "Why this year? What is so special about this season?"
While they ponder over this, Penelope looked around. "Where are Michael, Brimsily and Sophie?"
"They have returned to their posts." Jacopo told her as Kathani got up. "Jacopo, Gen find out about Willis's Mistress, we find her we find him. Philip try to find out why they are stopping this year? Come Penelope, its time we start next step."
"Next step? What Next step?" She asked and found Gen and Jacopo smiling at her.
Quickly she followed Kathani out as they walked deeper in state until they reached a small clearing at the edge of woods with a small hut situated between the rocks.
Penelope followed Kathani inside and found that the small hut is actually armory in disguise.
She saw various kinds of rifles, guns, explosives, knives, bows and arrows and swords and amongst all the collections of swords she saw sword of... "That's your sword? The one you used as Zetara?"
Kathani smiled as she picked it up and showed it to her. The sword was shining steel, sharp and light to hold. In the end of its handle she saw FB initial in French alphabets. "FB?"
"Francisco Beaumont the man who saved my life in that prison, the man I called Priest. When Jacopo and I killed his stepbrother we found this sword in his possession."
"And you take it for yourself?" Penelope concluded and saw remorse in Kathani's eyes. "Priest never wanted me to take revenge even when he thought me everything to fight and survive. He wanted me to find peace and love in my life but he forgot that peace and love does not exist for a woman like me. I am broken beyond repair my friend and it will be cruelty to hope for any kind of love and peace in my life."
Penelope's heart shattered after hearing these words but what pained her even more was that Kathani truly believes the words she just said.
"Anyway , enough about me. The reason I bring you hear is to prepare you for what is coming. To teach you how to survive and triumph if you ever find yourself in dangerous situations."
With that she picked one of the swords and handed it to her. "Come, it's time to start your training."
At the same time In Bridgerton house
Everyone was enjoying their breakfast when the door opened. "Good Morning Bridgerton's!"
"Daphne! Simon!" The entire family stood up to greet the Duke and Duchess who was holding her son Auggie in her arms.
"What a lovely surprise to see you all here." Violet told them while holding her grandchild.
"We are not only here to visit mama, Simon has to leave for business matters and my brother suggested that Auggie and I stay here until Simon returns."
Violet looked delighted at this news as Anthony stepped close to embrace her sister. "Well I thought instead of staying in Clevedon you could stay with family and assist me with certain tasks."
"Oh, is this about a certain beautiful Countess everyone has been talking about in their letters, I have heard you are quite dedicated to your courtship." She watches how by just mentioning Countess name Anthony entire being has lit up.
"Courtship part is well taken care of sister but I want to use your expertise to see if Countess is ready for Proposal." As soon he said these words a joyous whopping sounds echoed around the room as his family looked extremely happy with his decision.
"Oh! Anthony! You truly wanted to propose her?" Daphne asks and her brother nods his head.
He can see their minds start planning things when he stopped them. "Now just wait a moment, I said I want to propose to her but I am still reluctant because there is a chance Kate could say no."
"That's impossible brother, everyone can see how much Countess is taken with you." Eloise assures him.
"I know that sister but you are forgetting Countess is quite an independent woman who loves her freedom. I fear our affection will not be enough for her to commit."
Daphne can see why her brother is being doubtful, after all freedom is not something a woman can get easily in this society. "Do not worry brother, since you were such a great help in my season its time I returned the favor."
Behind her, Simon and his brothers snicker as he ask. "Is this promise or threat?"
His sister gave him a cheeky smile as she shooed them away. "Now go and leave us girls, I want to catch up with all the gossip of the ton."
As ladies and family of the family settled down the men ventures towards Anthony study.
Once Simon, Benedict and Colin settled down Anthony locked the study door. "I thought you and Daphne would arrive here early. What took you so many days?"
"I was taking care of things with my new steward in duration of my absence. I am still fixing the mess of old steward but Thank God my new Steward is far more trustworthy."
Simon then noticed worried expressions on all three Bridgerton brothers' faces. "What's the matter Anthony, did something happen in my absence?"
It was then they started telling Simon everything that had happened in these past few days. Once they were finished telling him about their trip to Featherington's lands Simon looked deeply worried. "My old steward has lent some of our lands to Earl Sheffield too."
"What?" Anthony looked surprised as his friend explained. "It was after my father got bedridden and since I was not around the control of land fell in the hands of my father old steward."
"Who surprisingly left as soon as you came back to London?" Colin asked and the brothers could sense something wrong with this situation.
"Do you know what they are harvesting on your lands?" Benedict asked.
"No, the lands are situated on the outskirts of Clevedon and neither I nor my steward got a chance to venture there."
"Then you better start your investigation from there." Anthony suggests as he stood up. "I have this feeling that the appearance of this masked hero Zetara, those prisoners, Welsh surrender and whatever is happening in these lands, somehow everything is connected with each other."
"If only we had picked some of those mushrooms we would have some sort of proof." Colin told them dejectedly.
As Anthony and Colin started advising Simon for the upcoming journey, Benedict excused himself while leaving Anthony's study.
Once outside he quickly started searching until he found her alone in the gardens as she was collecting flowers. "Sophie, I mean Ms Bennett, can I have a word with you?"
He watched as her pretty face filled with worry as she asked. "Yes Mr Bridgerton, How can I help you?" Once again Benedict was taken away by her innocence, her simplicity, her beauty but he contained those feelings as he inquires. "That day when we went to Featherington's Lands. I saw you taking a few of their mushrooms..."
He trailed away when he saw her eyes widen in fear before she composed herself. "Oh, that. I am sorry Mr Bridgerton if you were offended by me but the steward said it was for medicinal use and that's why I took it to make some remedies."
Hearing this and knowing Colin's experience with them, he worriedly asked. "Did you use those mushrooms? Are you alright." In his concern he touched her arm and she stepped away as if she too felt that spark between them. "I am alright Mr Bridgerton and as for those mushrooms by the time we reached back they started smelling badly and looked rotten so I had thrown them away."
Benedict sighed in relief and smiled at her. "Good, those mushrooms are bad news and I am glad you didn't used them."
"What?" She asked and her eyes were assessing the words he had just said.
"Oh, nothing. I just meant that if you used those rotten mushrooms someone would have got sick."
With that excuse he hurriedly walked away but something tells him that Ms Bennett may not believe his lie.
Around afternoon when Kathani and Penelope were having their lunch they were disturbed when Jacopo entered and dismissed all the maids before handing Kathani a note. "It's seem Gen has succeeded in her mission ."
Kathani smiled as she turned to stare at Penelope and Jacopo. "Send message to Bridgerton, Featherington's and Lady Danbury. Tonight we are all going to see Opera with me."
As soon as she said this the notes were sent and Anthony smiled as he read the note before handing it to Daphne. "Get ready sister tonight you are going to meet the love of my life."
At the same time Portia and Lady Danbury both got the same message but Lady Danbury got another one with Royal seal. "I am summoned post-haste." She read it to herself and quickly called for her carriage.
By the time Lady Danbury was shown in the Queen's sitting room, she found her pacing looking deeply distressed.
"Agatha!" thank God you are here."
Taken aback by her friend using her given name after so many years, she could see that at this moment her friend Charlotte needs her.
"What's the matter?" She asked, making herself and Charlotte sit as she saw her friend dismissing all her maids except Brimsily who like herself looked clueless about their Queen's distress.
"I just got the most dreadful news. I didn't tell this to anyone but Welsh confessed his hands behind Kathani Sharma exile and imprisonment."
"Imprisonment? What do you mean by imprisonment?! I thought she had died..." She stopped when Charlotte shook her head and started telling her everything about Welsh's confessed in dungeon.
After listening this Agatha Danbury felt like she was going to be sick and Brimsily's face was a mixture of pain and rage.
"After hearing Welsh's confession I had ordered my most trusted soldier to find Kathani Sharma and I tried to find those old negotiations papers made by My husband and Late Viscount Bridgerton to keep Kathani in his family."
"What did it say?" Lady Danbury ask.
"Viscount Bridgerton had arranged a marriage between his oldest son Anthony and Kathani Sharma. From that moment they both were betrothed to each other and were to get married after Kathani was presented for her first season."
Brimsily gasped while Lady Danbury's eyes widened as she recalls Welsh's words that day at park. "So that what he meant by Viscount putting Kathani like a noose around Anthony Bridgerton's neck? Because if Kathani Sharma ever came back then Anthony Bridgerton would definitely marry her without any hesitation or second thoughts."
"Unfortunately he won't have to do this anymore." Queen Charlotte told her friend who stared at her outrageously. "Are you still thinking about the match between Countess and Viscount."
"No Agatha!"
"Good because as much we like Countess she can take care of herself. Kathani Sharma, on the other hand after everything she suffers, needs a family that can give her love and protection."
"She would have that , I would have adopted her myself to give her protection after everything she has endured but I am afraid that is not possible now."
"Why? Why do you keep saying that?!" What she said next shattered Lady Danbury's heart while Shook Brimsily to his core.
It was around evening Kathani and Penelope were already dressed for Opera as they went to the outhouse where Gen, Jacopo, Philip, Michael and Sophie were waiting for them.
"Okay everyone before we leave let once again recall our plan."
"We remember Kathani." Michael tried to assure her but one glare made him stop.
"As I was saying, I will be with Viscount and as soon as the first half ends..." She stopped because the door burst open and they watched Brimsily storming inside glaring at Kathani.
"Kathani Sharma is dead?!" He roared and everyone stood up while Kathani looked calmly at her uncle as she said. "So Queen's soldiers had written the sad news of their search?"
"How is this possible Kathani? I was expecting they would send news of your escape or that you were missing but instead."
"They found a pile of burned down rubble instead of that Hell-hole along with skeletons of its inmates and workers."
As soon she said these words everyone's eyes widened in horror. "How did you?" Brimsily began and Kathani sighed as she began to play with her old knife.
( Flashback The Day of Escape
Today was the day, last night their tunnels were finally opened up to other side. She can see that the waters are very deep but she was a good swimmer.
Her father thought her to swim from a very young age and Priest is teaching her to hold her breath for more then three minutes at a time.
"Tomorrow Marks another year and like every week the warden and his goons will come to torture me. That's when I will kill them and then we will escape."
But Francesco Sadly shakes his head. "I am too old my child, I will not survive this journey beside someone will have to stay here to cover your tracks."
"What do you mean?" Kathani asks and Priest then shows her the sulphur he was collecting for so many years to create fire. "Tomorrow not only will you get your freedom but all those poor souls trapped inside here will have their freedom too. You will spread this sulphur on that salted tunnel and right before you will jump you will use this knife to lit the fire. By the time you swim far away this place will begin to blast like a volcano. The derbies will fall on water and you should grab the hard wood to keep you afloat until you can find a ship but beware because only prisoner ships venture this way and you have to quickly kill all their sailors before they can do any harm to you."
And so after killing those monsters and saying farewell to priest Kathani crawled inside that tunnel spreading sulphur as she goes. When she finally reached at opening she sent prayers for priest and those innocent people quick death and with heavy heart she used the Priest's knife to rub on stone until fire lit on sulphur she spread. She then jumped and swam faster then ever in those cold deep waters when a blast stopped her midway.
She watched as that huge prison collapsed like a house of cards. As the priest has told her, many things fallen in water along with the sturdy log of that island tree. She quickly climbed on top of it and sighed as it started floating in the sea.
It was by night fall when she saw a ship approaching. She quickly got rid of that log and pretended to float unconscious on sea while mentally preparing herself to commit more murders to survive.
End of Flashback)
Kathani was lost in her past memories and Penelope noticed the ordinary looking Knife she often saw in her hands. "Is this the knife?"
"That freed those poor souls begging for mercy day and night? Yes. I know you all must think of me as some kind of monster and maybe I am because humanity died in that place. All we were was living dead bodies for their entertainment, getting tortured day and night by them for crimes we didn't even committed. In Priest's eyes what I did was mercy on them. Death is easier and peaceful my friends and life is one cruel bitch. It gives you pain and suffering in many different forms. Only unlucky people like me get the harsh side of life."
After that no one knew what to say. Brimsily, Michael, Philip felt rage for the injustice she faced, while Penelope, Sophie and Gen felt pain for their friend.
Finally Kathani stood up putting knife in her gown secret pocket. "Come everyone, its time." In her words this discussion ends and it's time for action.
Many notable names of ton were in attendance today as Countess arrived with Featherington's.
"Look, that's lady Kittage." Portia pointed to beautiful women sitting with other lords wife. "She is the wife of one of the most respected officers in Britain. Her husband is Commanding leader of his battalion fighting in Spain."
Kathani nodded as she continued walking while listening to Portia as she pointed out names of influential people in ton. "That is Lady Sheffield, right? The Queen's Diamond grandmother but where is Ms. Edwina's Mother?"
Portia stared at Lady Sheffield before leaning closer to whisper in Countess ear. "They say that she is sick but long ago one of their maids spread rumors that Lord and Lady Sheffield keep her locked up. She said that Lady Mary Sheffield is mentally unstable and often stays in a catatonic state but sometimes has screaming episodes, of course no one can know for sure and that maid disappears soon after to give any more valid information."
Countess nodded her head indifferently as they walked passed by Lady Sheffield and Lady Penwood.
Anthony was checking his clock constantly smiled when he saw his Priyaey arriving dressed in a scarlet dress with rubies necklace glinting around her neck. "Countess." He beamed as she approached her side. He kissed her hand before greeting Featherington's women. "Come, there is someone I want you to meet."
As soon they stepped into their private box Kathani watched two new people and with delight she figured out her little student, the only Bridgerton she hadn't met again. "Daphne."
Daphne looked surprised as she asked. "Have we ever met before?" Daphne watched a frown appear on Countess face before she laughed while shaking her head. "No , your grace. I have recognized you from your portrait in Bridgerton house, also your brother often talks about you and your husband."
Daphne stared cheekily at her brother. "Oh, Anthony and all my family members talked about you a lot too."
Simon then stepped beside his wife and greeted Countess. "It's good to finally meet you and yes even I have heard praises about your beauty and grace all the way to Clevedon."
"You flatter me Your Grace." Kathani bowed and for a while they had splendid conversations until she saw someone missing. "Where is Lady Danbury?"
"My Godmother has been delayed hopefully she will join us soon." Soon they settled in their seats as the lights dimmed and the Opera began. From the opposite side, Kathani can see Michael and Philip with Genevieve between them. As they watched the show from the back. She knows Sophie is somewhere hidden in the dark keeping an eye on her. On her back Jacopo stood waiting for her instructions and right on her back Penelope was sitting between Colin and Eloise, her inquisitive eyes fixed on stage and on Lady Penwood and Lady Sheffield.
Anthony, who was paying attention to his Countess, suddenly stiffened when two sopranos arrived on stage and started singing together in beautiful harmony.
Noticing tension on his face she whispered in his ear. "You seem tense my Lord, is one of them your old flame?"
He grimaces guilty as his eyes fell on Sienna Russo. "Believe me my darling, she was my past long ago. We parted ways respectfully when she left for Italy to pursue her career."
Kathani didn't say anything as she stared ahead. Anthony thought she must be angry but what he didn't knew is that at same time Genevieve pointed at other Soprano singing with Sienna. The curtains drawn as the first half of the Opera was concluded.
As soon as the lights lit up again Countess stood up. "Excuse me everyone, Penelope will you join me to ladies room."
"Kate, is everything alright?" Anthony stood up but she stopped him with a hard look as she says. "I am perfectly fine my Lord." Anthony flinched as he watched her walk away with her companion.
"What did you do?" Daphne inquires and Anthony shares look with his brothers and Simon, who feel sorry for him.
"It's probably nothing darling." Simon assured her as Anthony stood up and excused himself.
He made his way downstairs between rows searching for his Priyaey who was probably be angry with him.
While Anthony was searching for his Countess, Kathani and Penelope were following Lady Penwood and Lady Sheffield as they walked backstage. Once they were in a deserted room, Lady Sheffield turned towards Lady Penwood. "It's been arranged, a ship has been arranged to sail Florence in four days. Tell your brother to leave London after midnight the day after tomorrow and reach the port by fourth day."
Penelope and Kathani stared at each other while watching as both women parted ways.
They waited in the shadows as Lady Sheffield passed away and returned back to her seats but Lady Penwood turned left and kept walking towards backstage. Kathani was about to follow her when Penelope stopped her.
"Look, Viscount is here." She whispered and Kathani let out a curse as she saw Anthony looking worried as he searched for her. "Go, follow her, I will send a backup to you."
Penelope quickly went after Lady Penwood and Kathani saw Michael and Philip in the corner.
Anthony was now deeper in backstage. He even stopped Sienna and asked if Kate had confronted her about their past but she looked confused and told him that no one had approached her. "Where are you?" He said out loud in his frustration feeling extremely worried about her wellbeing.
He was about to get help when he saw her in the far corner talking with someone he couldn't see but only shadow and it looked like a man "Kate!"
His Priyaey turned to face him and at the same moment the man's shadow disappeared as Anthony rushed towards her but his Countess got there before him stumbling into his arms.
"Took you long enough to find me." She pouted as Anthony looked outrageously at her. "Have you lost your mind! I was searching for you everywhere! Where did you go? And who was that man?!"
She nuzzled her face in his neck as she kissed his cheek. "I got jealous of your soprano and wanted you to suffer like I was suffering but I got lost and that man was giving me the right direction when you finally found me."
She watched as Anthony shook his head in disbelief and then gently held her face. "You ran away because you were jealous?! God woman you make me insane ! There is no need to be jealous because she was my past and it's you I love with all my heart."
He watched as her eyes filled with tears as she asked. "You love me?"
"Of course I love you, you vexing woman! You beautiful, bewitching woman!" Before he could say anything else she began kissing him passionately before pulling away to whisper in his ear. "I love you to my love."
The second part of the Opera begins as music starts blaring around the stage. Benedict and Colin noticed that Anthony, Countess and Penelope had still not returned yet.
They both quickly got out of their box and went searching for them. "You go this way, I will go check the other part of backstage." Benedict told Colin and both brothers went there separate ways.
Penelope, Michael and Philip followed Lady Penwood and found her handing bag of money to Soprano. "Give this to Willis and tell him to leave the day after tomorrow. He needs to reach by fourth day to the port, there is a ship arranged for him which will take him to Florence."
"Why wait three days? Why can't he leave now?" The Soprano asks, making Lady Penwood groan in frustration. "Because there is possibility that Welsh has said his name and there is going to be a huge fair happening for local Londoners that day. The fair will carry on until midnight and He can leave undetected among the crowd."
Penelope's eyes widened while both guys cursed at this full proof plan.
"Just get him out of here safely Maria and you will be rewarded with riches beyond your dreams."
With that they watched Lady Penwood returning towards her seats while Maria went towards other side probably leaving to inform her lover about his upcoming departure.
"Someone needs to follow her!" Penelope hissed and Philip put a calming hand on her shoulder. "Do not worry, Sophie is on this task."
As they both escorted her outside they were stopped when they saw Colin approaching towards them. "Penelope? What are you doing here and who are these guys?"
Penelope looked stunned while both men stared at each other. It was then a voice answered them from behind. "Michael, Philip. Thank God you both have found Penelope."
Colin turned just in time as Countess and his brother reached them.
"Mr Bridgerton, Anthony meet my cousins Captain Michael Sterling and Doctor Philip Sterling. They are my second cousins from my aunt's marriage. Cousin Michael, Cousin Philip this is Viscount Anthony Bridgerton the man who I told you was courting me and this is his younger brother Colin Bridgerton."
Penelope sighed in relief as all four men shook their hands with each other.
"You didn't told me your cousins are here?" Anthony asked but it was Michael who answered him. "When dear Katherine wrote to us that she is seriously courting someone. We thought as her male relatives we should come here."
"To see if this man is genuinely interested in our cousins or just interested in her titles and riches." Philip added while giving him a hard stare.
Penelope and Colin snickers as Anthony's face turned red and before he could be more flustered a sharp voice rang out. "I am a grown woman and I don't need chaperoning of any kind."
"Priyaey, your Cousins is right, maybe we should meet again and discuss this topic in the privacy of our homes."
At Anthony's suggestion, the discussion was over as they all quietly walked towards their seats but not before Kathani turned back and discreetly winked at her three friends.
Benedict had just given up when he saw his brothers, Countess and Penelope with two new men returning to their box from across the stage.
Feeling annoyed, he was about to return to his seat when he was frozen on his track because there in shadowy hallways he was sure he saw Sophie quickly walking away.
Baffled he follows after her and by the time he reached outside of the Opera through the backstage door there was no one in sight.
"You are losing your mind." Benedict said it to himself as he walked back inside.
What Benedict didn't knew was that he did saw Sophie as she follow Soprano Maria outside.
She Stealthily walked in shadows hiding in exact moment when she turned around to check if anyone was following her.
Soon she arrives at a small cottage. Sophia watched as Maria knocked five times and then pulled the bell three times. The door slowly opens and even if the house was completely dark under the moonlight glow Sophia saw the villainous face of a monster who still plagued her dreams.
"Willis! Found you at last."
By the time the door closed Sophia had disappeared into the night to inform others that she had found the snake.