Anthony was restless in sleep as Pastor's words keep haunting him. If it was any other man then Anthony may have doubted but the information about Beaumont's tragic story came from a religious man and then again why would a Pastor lie to him?

Opening his eyes, Anthony finally tries to gather his bearings and once again found himself clutching his wife's pillow instead of her.

Frowning he sat up and tried to remember if he ever found Kate asleep by his side but no matter how much he tried he couldn't recall one instance where he could remember waking up before her.

Donning his robe he quickly left his bedroom to search for his wife. He checked everywhere he could think of but he couldn't find her in the Viscountess room, in the Library nor in the kitchens which she often claim to visit in search for milk to help her sleep.

Feeling frustrated and a little bit worried he walked towards the hallways when suddenly he found her.

Through window as moonlight fell on the lilac fields Anthony could make out his wife sitting crossed legs beside Kathani and uncle Sharma memorial.

He tried to understand what she is doing out there but it is too dark to see her face for reaction.

A Few minutes later he watched as his wife wiped her eyes. 'Is she crying?' He wonders and then stepped back as he saw her getting up and walking back towards the house.

Anthony quickly ran back towards their room pretending to be sleeping exactly as she left him. He even clutched her pillow close so she wouldn't suspect anything.

A Few minutes or so later he felt the door slowly open as his wife slipped inside. It was remarkable as she walked carefully without making a noise.

Anthony took peak and saw Kate taking her shawl and robe off until she was standing in green nightgown.

With a dejected sigh she carefully extract her pillow from his arms before taking its place.

He could feel his wife's eyes on his face as she whispered in a sad voice. "You are my life Anthony. I promise I will love and protect you and our family as long as shall I live."

He tries to remain calm as his wife didn't fell asleep but instead keep gently caressing his face and sometimes she would leaned in to leave soft kisses on his lips and face.

That night two things were certain to Anthony, one, that his wife is not what she appears to be and two, she never slept a blink and stayed awake all night caressing his face lovingly whispering promises of love and protection.

In morning they were all preparing to depart and Anthony was pacing in his study trying to figure his wife out while she was busy preparing for their departure.

His musing were disturbed by footman's knock. "My Lord letter from Duke of Hastings."

"Give it to me!" Anthony all but snatched the letter and dismissed the footman before closing the door as he began to read his friend's letter.

Dear Anthony.

You will be pleased to know that the one who left clues for us is indeed our friend and not a foe. With his help, not only were we able to get control of Kilmartin but also rescue the earl John Kilmartin, his mother, his aunt and the entire Kilmartin household. Although unfortunately Earl and his aunts are very weak due to suffering of two years worth of imprisonment, my doctors assured that they will make recovery but it will take some time but I am afraid their condition is similar to those slaves that were found in Queen grounds.

They are now under my protection and travelling with us as we head towards our next leg of journey.

Now there is two important things that I discovered. One that our helper went ahead of us, eliminating any threat that we could face. Not there was much because the entire mansion was roughly guarded by thirty armed men. We only find one tied to chair and all he could tell us that they were placed by Willis Herbert although we ransacked the old ledgers and it seems Earl's land was lend to Sheffield's since the time his father got sick.

Another thing we found and it could be a strange coincidence but two years ago when they were taken imprisoned Earl's only male relative, his cousin Michael Kilmartin, was captured and imprisoned by Herbert. A woman here overheard the name of the prison and it was the same where they imprisoned your friend Kathani Sharma. Mount Désespoir.

I don't know Anthony but ever since I heard this name along with Michael Kilmartin I have this uneasy feeling inside me which grows even more after I saw Kilmartin family and they all remarkably resemble your cousin- in- law Michael Sterling. Now I am not pointing any fingers and maybe I am wrong to assume because how can it possible after all we were introduced to Michael by none other than your wife as her cousin. Just ask Kate weather they are related to Kilmartin's family or not. For now that's all I have to inform you, will write to you soon until then give my love to Daphne and Auggie and Anthony please look after our family.

Your friend Simon.

Anthony read and then re read that letter over and over again until he couldn't take it anymore as he rushed outside only to be collided with his wife.

"Anthony we are ready to depart..." His wife began but he cut her off.

"Change of plans, we are staying for a few days more. Something come up in the village and I will explain it later but I have to go now!"

He didn't give her time to reply and rushed outside towards the stable. Anthony don't know how but the moment he was on his horse he was galloping like wind.

In less then half the time he reached church praying with all his might that Pastor Nicholas has not left yet.

Pastor Nicholas smiled when he saw him waiting. "Lord Bridgerton, how good to see you again son."

"Pastor please forgive me but ever since you told me about Beaumont's family tragic story I have had a few questions plaguing my mind and I was hoping you could give me some answers."

"Ask away son, I will be glad to answer your questions with the best of my knowledge." Pastor Nicholas replies with a kind smile.

"This woman Katherine who claims to be Count Francesco Beaumont's wife can you tell me anything about her? You see my wife is related to that family and I do not want to ask her any questions that could distress her."

"I understand son, well as I told you before that woman Katherine was quite young, maybe in her twenties. She was tall beautiful, dark skin, long hair and looked from Indian heritage but her accent was French and British."

Anthony tried to compose his expression as he ask next questions. "Was she alone or accompanied by any male relatives?"

At this the Pastor frowned as he replied. "Lord Bridgerton as far as I can tell that woman was accompanied by her butler. I remember fairly well that our parish asked her about her male relatives so that they can deal with them instead of a widow but she claims that she is an orphan without any Male relatives and that's why all the matters were dealt directly with her."

Anthony felt like his heart failing because Philip and Michael Sterling were more than cousins to his wife, they always treated her like true brothers. He always thought that their bond with his wife were as close as his own with his siblings.

To hear that she was not only alone in Paris but straightforwardly deny to have any male relations make him wonder was she lying then? or is she lying now?

Finally he looked up and ask one last question even though he knew deep down what it will be going to be. "Pastor you mentioned about rumours that Count Beaumont was imprisoned by his step brother in a prison near French waters can any of you find out name of that prison?"

The Pastor face fell gravely as he said. "As I told you son that those were just rumours but I have heard about a sinister prison that kept innocent people until they die and I feared if Fernando indeed imprisoned his brother it could be that place."

"What is the name of this prison Pastor?" Anthony ask hoarsely. Then he said two words that shook Anthony to his core.

"Mount Désespoir."

Jacopo and Genevieve always watched from far as Michael's family were rescued by the Duke of Hastings and his companion.

They didn't linger around to see as they ransacked the house and after leaving clues to the next destination they went ahead towards Romney Hall.

Once they reached the house they found it even more guarded. "How many men do you think are guarding this place?"

Genevieve inquires. "Forty or even more." Jacopo replied as his eyes surveyed the lands to calculate the threat.

It was then they saw Lord Crane. His resemblance to Philip was remarkable but while Philip's eyes were filled with deep pain, this man's eyes is filled with malice and madness.

"Looks like we are leaving with wedding gift for our Kathani." Jacopo told his wife as they watch one of the men who ruined their friends life.

Two mornings later, Simon and Will reached Romney Hall after following all clues they along with Simon's trusted men surrounded that state.

Just like Kilmartin they found the estate unprotected, which they soon find out when they entered the ground and saw more then forty dead bodies of the guards except one bound to a chair.

"What happened here?" The constable inquires.

"They came at night and reek havoc and took our Lord Crane away!"

"Who? Who came here?" The constable asks and Simon and Will knew before the man replied. "A man and a woman. They came last night and killed all the guards and abducted our Lord."

"Our helpers." Mondrich whisper in Simon's ears and Simon knew that once again they came a head to eliminate any threat they could face, although how only two people managed to overpower forty or more men still baffled him.

They went inside and found the entire house hold already huddled together in the main hall.

They looked shaken but not worse like Kilmartin's household.

Simon then noticed two children around the age of seven and out of everyone they looked terrified as they hid behind the oldest maid. "Who are these children?" Simon inquires while giving them an assuring smile.

Instead of replying the maid ask In hopeful voice. "Is Lord Crane gone for good? We saw them dragging him away. The ones who came to rescue us."

Simon and Will stared at them in confusion because it seem like they are relieved that their Lord has been taken.

"It seems like Lord Crane is abducted..." Simon began but before he could say another word the entire staff, including those two children start cheering in joy.

"I say good riddance." The maid said while wiping her happy tears away as she bend down to stare at two children. "You hear what this kind man is saying to us children? That monster is gone and now we are all safe from him."

While the household were still cheering they didn't notice the astonishment on other faces who came to rescue them until finally Simon ask in a frustrated voice. "What is going on? Why are you all so happy that your lord is abducted?"

"Oh I hope they kill him so he won't return to terrorize us." One of the men told them.

And then one of the children, a little boy, stepped forward as he told them. "Lord Crane is our grandfather but he is a bad man! He killed our parents and he used to beat us if we so much look at him."

Simon who knew what it like to have an abusive elder flinch when the boy and his sister showed them their hands filled with red welts.

Then the boy turned around and lift his shirt and they saw lashes scar on his back. "Amanda has those too." He told them as his sister sniffs behind him.

Simon felt his heart breaking for these kids as he got down on his knees and held out his hands. "Come here children. I am your friend and I swear that no one will ever hurt you ever again."

Both children then rushed into his arms and as he embrace them he promised himself to keep them safe at all costs.

"Do these kids have any relatives other then Lord Crane?" The constable inquires when it was clear what the Duke of Hastings was planning to do.

"No sir, Lord Crane killed their parents and we don't know what he did to his other son."

"His other son." Will ask while Simon frowned as he looked around.

"Yes he has two sons and we haven't seen Master Philip in the last two years."

Simon eyes snapped at the maid as he inquires. "Master Philip?"

It was then the girl Amanda told him. "He put uncle Philip in a bad place and sometimes he said that he will send me there too as he only needs George in his life."

Simon gently caressed the little girl's hair as he ask. "Do not worry, I won't let anyone harm you but do you know the name of that bad place so I can find your uncle and bring him back to you."

The girl frowned in concentration and then struggled to say the words but finally managed to say them.

"It was Mount, Mount Désespoir."

For the past few days Violet watched as love blossomed between Colin and Penelope and Benedict and Sophie. Although Benedict and Sophie's feelings are fairly new, they are growing deeper.

Colin, on the other hand, is ready for the next step. He even came to her and selected an engagement ring. A sapphire encrusted ring surrounded by diamonds. "When will you propose to her?"

Colin smiled as he told her. "Tomorrow, I am planning to visit her and after taking blessings from her mother I will propose Pen straightaway."

"Why wait tomorrow? Son, Portia already approved of this match and if you go now..."

"No mother, not today. Today I have to deal with some urgent matters that can took most of my time but I promise tomorrow I will propose to Penelope and you can start planning our engagement and wedding party."

With an assuring smile, Colin left his mother's room and returned towards his room but then stopped as he watched Hyacinth and Gregory slipping inside his and Benedict's rooms.

Feeling curious, he slowly walked towards the rooms and first peak inside Benedict's room.

There his eyes widen when he saw Gregory copying today's appointments from Benedict's dairy.

He stepped away in disbelief and then peered inside his room and then saw his little sister doing the same thing with his dairy.

He watched for a few seconds and then angrily stepped outside to catch them red-handed.

A minute or two later he watched as Hyacinth and Gregory carefully stepped outside and closed the door without making any noise.

The only startled noises they make once they turned around and found him standing there watching them angrily.

"Brother!" Both children yelped together and trying to hide something behind their backs.

Colin knew exactly what they are trying to hide. "Hyacinth! Gregory! Hand over the papers right now!"

Hyacinth's lips quiver hearing his hard voice and even Gregory looked troubled seeing his usually calm and fun brother looking so angry.

Under Colin stern stare both children hand over the papers to him. "Come follow me and do not even think about running away otherwise the consequences will be far grave for you both!"

He led both children towards Anthony's study and sure enough he found Benedict sitting on their brother's chair while he was fulfilling his duties.

"Both of you get inside!" Colin told his young siblings before closing the doors behind him.

Benedict watched distress on Gregory's face and Hyacinth's eyes were filled with tears but it was nothing next to the rage on Colin's face as he threw papers on the desk. "Look at these papers. I found these two sneaking into our rooms. Stealing our private dairies and copying our days appointments."

Feeling shocked, Benedict stared at his siblings and then at papers and sure enough their entire day appointments were written on these pages. "I don't understand? Why would these two are copying our day's appointments?"

"That's what I want to know!" Colin told him before turning to face his siblings. "Alright you two! Start explaining yourself."

They both seems hesitant until Benedict ask them in a stern voice. "Gregory! Hyacinth we are waiting for your reply."

And then what they said shocked them even more. "It was Penelope and Sophie! They paid us two shillings ever since we returned from Aubrey Hall."

Benedict and Colin stared blankly at Gregory while Hyacinth sniffed beside her brother as she told them. "We do not mean any harm and Penelope and Sophie promised they only need your appointments so they could spend time with you whenever you are free. Truly that's why we were helping them."

Colin didn't know what to say anymore and after a few minutes Benedict took a quill and two new papers before giving each to Gregory and Hyacinth. "Copy the schedule again only this time you will add a time and place I told you to write."

Colin watched as his younger siblings followed Benedict's instructions and then he gave them four shillings each as he instructed them. "Deliver this to Sophie and Penelope but make sure that they didn't find out that we knew the truth. Understood?"

They watched as both children nod their heads and run outside.

Once they were gone Colin turned to gaze at his brother. "Now what?"

"Now we wait for girls to find us again."

Sure enough soon as dinner begins Penelope and Sophie entered Billiards room hoping to get rid of retired constable who has appointments with both brothers.

But instead of finding any constable inside waiting for Colin and Benedict they found ambushed by both brothers.

"Penelope, Ms Bennett what are you two doing in the Billiards room?" Benedict ask as both women looked startled for being discovered.

"Is it another invitation for tea?! Promenade under moonlight?! Or Penelope you stumbled downstairs again and hoping to be taken care for?!" Colin asked in a harsh voice, making Penelope step back.

Sophie, on the other hand, stood her ground as Benedict suddenly stepped close to her, his face contorted in rage. "What about you Ms Bennett? Are you helping dear Penelope with her monthly problem?!" Both girls flinched as Benedict continues with his interrogation. "Or she lost her way again in our house? Please don't tell me you are still interested in my art or my feelings because we both know that it was just means to distract me."

At this her face fell as her eyes got wet. "Benedict."

"Its Mr Bridgerton to you and now you both better tell us why you were using our younger siblings to stole our days schedule?"

"We know you were trying to distract us every time we tried to leave for our personal matters but I want to know why?" Colin snapped, making Penelope whimper.

"Colin, please calm down?"

"Calm down! You both betrayed us?"

"If saving your lives is Betrayal then yes we betrayed you!"

Sophie snapped harshly, making both brothers stared at her in surprise.

"Saving our lives? From what?"

But Sophie shake her head and give Penelope a look and finally she stepped forward as she told them in a brave voice. "We cannot tell you anything but please believe us whatever we did is to protect you and your family."

"Then tell us what is the truth?" Colin begs but it was Sophie who replied. "I am sorry Mr Bridgerton but the less you all know the better."

Benedict give her a long hard look and then stood straight as he said. "Get out! If you cannot trust us with your truth then I don't trust you at all! From this moment you are not our employee!"

"Benedict! Colin! Please don't do this!" Penelope begged but Colin shake his head as he told her. "You hurt me Ms Featherington and you hurt my trust so I think it better you leave too."

"Colin." Penelope gasp but Sophie pulled her friend back. "Come Penelope, they have made their minds and nothing we could say can change it."

Both brothers watched as the love of their lives turned around and walked towards the door but before leaving Sophie said final words. "If you want your family's safety then stopped this investigation you four are doing." With that warning, both girls left, leaving stunned brothers behind as they ponder on these words.

Life is strange and sometimes the thing we are searching for most is right in front of us but we couldn't recognize it.

Anthony knew deep in his heart that his wife Kate is none other then his Kathani.

If he now thinks about it his soul recognized her that very first day when he saw her riding that horse. Even his heart recognized that deep love and that's why he fallen for her instantly.

It was his mind who took time to recognize her but subconsciously even his mind was leaving big hints that there are similarities between Kathani and Kate.

He could blame the fact that he considered his friend dead for so long that it stopped him from looking at the truth so closely but ever since they arrived back at Aubrey Hall it felt like a mask has been slowly lifted from his face and after the revelation of Kathani's imprisonment and then the name of same prison coming out from Pastor's mouth is making his believe stronger that his wife is his long lost friend.

The only thing which is bothering him and hurting him is why she won't tell him her secret? Why kept him and their family in the dark?"

Over the next few days in lieu of urgent matters, Anthony observed his wife closely and now watching her with this new insight is making him see things more clearly.

Like Kathani her eyes lit up at lemon tarts. "Hmmm, I could eat this forever."

One night he especially ask for cauliflower and broccoli gravy and just like Kathani she scrunched her nose in distaste. "Who ask cook to make this dish!" She snapped at the staff but then reluctantly finished it because like her childhood friend she also hate wasting food.

That night he experimented reading to her and his heart filled with warmth as she snuggled closer to him while he read to her and just like Kathani, his wife told him. "You have such a soothing voice."

Like Kathani every morning ride with his wife is a competition. "Ha! Beat you again!"

He watched her giving him the same triumphant smile on her face like Kathani used to have when they were young,

She caressed Toofan's mane as she coos at her horse. "Well done my boy!" Another similarity to confirmed his suspicions.

One evening, They were laying on grass nearby lake when Anthony ask. "Darling, do you trust me?"

She laughs at his absurdity. "What kind of question is that? Of course I trust you."

"Then you will always tell me everything, promise me you won't keep anything from me, right?"

But at that moment she averted her eyes and fake a yawn. "Its getting late, come let's get ready for dinner."

And as she walked away his heart breaks while his mind filled with rage as he questions himself. "Why don't you trust me with your secrets?!"

Apparently her identity is not the only secret she is keeping.

After that night he also start playing games. He only pretend to sleep and every night he observed his wife slipped from his embrace, place her pillow in her stead and then left the room.

The only difference is that now he knows about this and each night he follows his wife. All he could understand was that she is searching for something.

He watched her searching family rooms, his father's private drawing room, a storage space where his father kept his guns and hunting rifles along with skins.

He also observed that whatever she is searching for she couldn't find and to wallow in her failure she sometimes visits the lilac fields and sometimes his father's grave.

There she would cry in silence and stay there until she's cried out.

He would always return to their room before her and like every night instead of sleeping he observed that his wife was caress his face and whisper her love for him.

Anthony could not remember when he fell asleep hearing his wife's whisper but he knew for sure that she never once slept at all.

Anthony would always wake up to see his wife with her mask on and he wants to snatched it away and screamed at her for hiding herself from him for so long.

On the last day he got another letter from Simon and once again it mentioned that Prison name along with the name of Philip Crane who was captured around two years ago.

His brain was ready to explode after receiving another solid connections of that prison and a familiar name related to his wife but he remained calm because tonight he is going to confront his wife and get the truth out of her in one way or another.

That same day Jacopo and Genevieve arrive in Somerset and they were watching over Sheffield's mansion.

Suddenly a royal carriage arrives and even though they cannot see the face of the man who arrived and could see his back.

They heard a man greeting the royal guest. "Master! My Prince! How good to see you here but we were not expecting you otherwise Lord and Lady Sheffield would have stayed behind."

The Prince laughed as he walked towards this man. "Its okay Smith, I am here for someone else."

At hearing Smith's name, Jacopo and Genevieve were sure that this steward is none other then Arthur Smith.

They keep watching as with snap of Prince's fingers many bouquet of two of a kind flowers came out from the carriage.

Jacopo and Genevieve watched as Prince caressed flower as he told Smith. "Rhododendron Gladiolus, my favourite flowers and according to Crane their combined scent always left great impression in ones mind."

With that they start walking inside but not before they heard Prince's last order. "Pack your bag Smith, in one hour we are leaving this place."

With that they went inside followed by bouquets of Rhododendron Gladiolus.