After leaving Crane twins and Kilmartin's in the care of his trusted guards and doctors, Simon and Will along with Constable and Prosecutor were ready to raid Sheffield manor.
They tried to approach cautiously because Lord Sheffield is Earl and a member of the Ton but so far their helpers had not led them wrong and after everything he knew about Lord Sheffield, Simon knew he is going to find something important in there. So without waiting anymore they barged into the house and once again found that their helpers has eliminated the threat.
Only a few people of staff stood huddled together as Constable inquires. "What happened here?"
The staff was too terrified to speak until an old footman bravely stepped forward. "We were attacked. it was a man and a woman and they killed all the leftover guards placed for Lady Mary."
The constable looked around at over twenty dead bodies.
Meanwhile Simon registers one thing. "You said leftover guards? Where other guards went?" "They left with Mr Arthur Smith few hours before the attack happened."
Simon and Mondrich gaped at each other. The man they were searching for this entire time was hiding here all along.
"Do you know why he left or where he was gone?" Mondrich asks.
"I don't know why he left but I can tell you he and his guards left with His Highness who sometimes used to visit Lord Sheffield."
Simon was going to inquire further when a screeching scream reached their ears.
An elderly maid along with a few others made a dash towards the stairs and Simon and Mondrich took only one second before they followed these women.
The moment they reached the room they both had to held their breath because the scent coming from inside is mixture of strange smell and a strong flowery scent. Simon and Mondrich then stepped inside, covering their noses with handkerchief and what they saw made them frozen in their step.
A woman close his mother-in-law's age was chained to the bed. She was trashing and screaming in pure agony while screaming "Monster!" " Help!"
Simon and Mondrich both lurched forward to help this woman when she screeched. "Kill me! Please Kill me!"
Will couldn't take this woman's cries anymore when he noticed a few maids throwing flowers away while a few were making some concoctions of burning herbs. "Simon! Look what they are doing!"
Simon finally took his eyes away from that screaming woman and for the first time he registers his surroundings.
The room was filled with bouquets of two different kinds of flowers and that elderly maid bring a bowl of some burnt herb with a strange scent. "What are you doing?"
"This is Lady Mary's medicine. It keeps her calm sir if she has an episode which she always has whenever she is surrounded by these flowers."
Simon and Will couldn't understand the effect of these flowers but they understand one thing that Lord Sheffield is using those herbs to imprisoned his daughter.
They watched as slowly Lady Mary fell in to catatonic state but not before these words left her mouth. "Don't hurt me. Don't hurt them."
Simon couldn't help himself as he walked towards this unfortunate woman and as he look closer to her prone form he realizes something.
Horrified, he stepped back while his body start trembling in anger.
"Simon! What is the matter?" Will inquires as he notices his friend distress.
"Look at her Will! Her clothes are torn! There are bruises on her neck and wrist." Will finally stepped closer to see the prove of this woman's suffering and it was then that the elderly maid told them. "Lord Sheffield is an evil man! He is going to hell for letting that man violate her only daughter for so many years."
Simon eyes moved from Lady Mary to her maid as he ask. "Who did this to her?" In reply he got only two words. "The Prince."
While Simon and Mondrich were figuring out what to do with Lady Mary, far away in London Benedict and Colin enter a lesser none established man used by the working class.
Colin was a little weary because he had never ventured this part of London ever before but Benedict knew about these places because of his friendship with other artists.
They asked around about a man named Lucian Smith, a distant relative of Arthur Smith.
Colin was following his brother's lead when a flash of red curls catch his eyes. His head snapped towards that bar wench but before he could follow her Benedict snap his fingers. "What's wrong with you?"
"I just saw Penelope here?" He turned around but the bar wench was nowhere to be seen.
Benedict shake his head as he sympathetically assured his brother. "I know you want to see her but Colin it is impossible for Penelope to be in a place like this."
So with that they began their search and finally found the man they were looking for.
Lucian Smith was a middle-aged man but he was not alone and surrounded by ten to fifteen people around him and it seems like they were giving him some money. "Lucian Smith?"
The man looked up at Benedict and sneered. "You gentleman seems far from home."
"We actually came to meet you?" Colin informed him and Lucian stared at them amusingly as he ask. "I can see that, Now tell me? How can I help you?"
"You can help us by telling us the whereabouts of your cousin Arthur Smith?" Benedict told him in a calm voice.
Lucian raised his eyes in interest as he ask. "What's your business with Arthur? If you gentlemen need anything you can tell me because he left me in charge."
Understanding dawn on both brothers and then Benedict threw money on the table as he told him. "Tell us where we can find him because its him we want to do business."
Lucian gave them a long hard look as he grabbed the money and told them. "Follow me gentlemen, I will take you to my cousin."
Feeling elated Benedict and Colin began to follow him and as they left the bar Benedict saw a hooded woman staring at him.
They followed Lucian for a while until he led them into a deserted alley and it was then Benedict and Colin start feeling worried when they couldn't see another man. "Why have you bring us here?" Colin ask while trying to keep his fear at bay.
"I brought you gentlemen here so you can tell me what business you have with my cousin?"
"We told you before! Our business is with Arthur Smith!" Benedict told him in plain words and it was then they noticed footsteps approaching from all the corners.
Those fifteen men they left at the bar ambushed both brothers as Lucian Smith sneered at them. "Friends these two gentlemen are not being cooperative, so let's teach these guys what happened to those who questions about Arthur Smith."
Benedict and Colin stepped back clearly outnumbered as these goons stepped forward to attack them.
They both were ready to fight back when suddenly an arrow hit Lucian's shoulder, making him howl in pain.
All eyes snapped behind them and in darkness they saw four people standing together.
Benedict and Colin gasp as these four people stepped in to light all dressed in black and they instantly recognized them. "Sophie!" Benedict gasp.
"Penelope!" Colin he whisper in awe watching his Penelope in black attire that matches with Sophie.
"What are you waiting for ! Attack them!" At Lucian orders the goons left brothers and charged towards four people.
Benedict and Colin watched as Michael and Philip shot four people while three went down because of Sophie's arrow.
Colin screamed as two men coming to attack Penelope but before he could reach her she grabbed her attackers' arms and stab one with her dagger while head butted another one.
"When did you learn to fight like that!?" Colin yells impressively as Penelope winked and yelled.
"Get down!" She threw her dagger straight at the attacker chest.
In a few minutes all the goons were down as Sophie walked towards Benedict and gently caressed his face. "Are you alright!"
Benedict was too shocked to say anything that he only managed to nod his head. Sophie smiled in understanding and grabbed his hand as together they walked towards injured Lucian.
Philip and Michael approach this guy as they yank him on his feet and interrogate him. "Tell us! Where is Arthur Smith?" Philip inquires.
"I don't know!" Michael punched him hard as he screamed. "Tell us where he is!"
It was then he spoke up. "He is in Somerset! He is hiding at Lord Sheffield's house."
They all watched each other and with one more hard punch they left Lucian unconscious in that dark alley.
Under their protection, Benedict and Colin safely reached towards their carriage.
They both have so many questions in their minds but before they could even utter one word Philip began instructing them. "You two! You should heed Sophie's warning and stopped with this investigation! Now look what danger you both have landed yourself in!"
"Now wait a minute!" Benedict began but Philip glared made him shut up as he instructed. "Sophie! Penelope, you both go with these two and under no circumstances should they should leave your sight."
"You cannot order us around!" Colin yells angrily.
"Watch us!" Michel snapped. "We just safe your life and you will better start listening to us if you want to protect yourself and your family!"
Benedict and Colin glowered at them but they couldn't match the stern stares of these four and finally have to lower their eyes in surrender. "All right, we will do whatever you want from us but at least tell us how you four are involved with this."
At Benedict question all four of them stared at each other clearly having some silent conversations.
Colin then grabbed Penelope's hand as he told her. "Penelope, you want us to trust you all blindly and after saving our lives we are ready to trust you all but I hope that you lot can trust us too."
Penelope stared at Colin and then at Benedict's earnest gazes before finally turning to face her friends. "Trust breeds trust guys and I think we can trust them too."
Sophie and Michael also nod their heads as Sophie told Philip. "I think Penelope is right."
Philip sighed as he stared at these brothers. "Alright, come with us and we will tell you everything but you have to accept our protection in return."
And so Benedict and Colin left with them not knowing what truth they are going to learn but they knew in their heart that they can trust these people with their lives.
Anthony walked towards his room in agitation. Tonight is their last night and tomorrow they are leaving for London.
For days he tried to make her comfortable, to assure her how deeply he loves her and ready to share her burden but Kathani was still hiding behind her Countess mask and no matter what he do or say she is not ready to lift her mask.
Well he is done waiting and tonight he is going to make her admit her truth but before that he will give her one last chance.
With that decision he entered inside his chambers but found it empty. Frowning, he walked towards the connecting door and his breath got caught at sight of his wife enjoying a relaxing bath.
He watched in daze as she raised one long leg to wash it with her Lilly's soap. The scent coming from this room is making him forget about everything and all he could remember the love he felt for this beauty.
He smiled as he watched his wife this relaxed until he remember something.
"I tend to take a long bath whenever I am troubled. Being surrounded by water always calm me down."
Watching her wrinkle fingers it's seem she has been taking this bath for long time and there is only one reason behind it. Something is deeply troubling his wife.
"Are you alright my love."
Kathani's eyes snapped as she saw Anthony observing her at the doorway. Its testimony of her troubles that she let her guard down and didn't realize when he entered their chambers.
Anthony watched her momentarily stiffen before she managed to form a smile on her face. "I am completely fine just indulging myself in a long bath."
"Are you sure?" Anthony walked towards her and sit on the edge of the copper tub.
Kathani scooted her body a little so her back was firmly pressed against the tub. She tried to appear calm as Anthony gently caressed her cheek. "You know, you can share your troubles with me. I hope you trust me enough to share any burden you have in your heart."
This is it. Anthony watched as many reactions appeared on his wife's face until finally she open her mouth. "Do you really want to share my troubles, my burdens? Even knowing that it is not yours to bare?"
"Of course Priyaey." He assured her gently. "You are my wife, my lover and my friend (At word friend she let out a small gasp) and if there is something you ever want to share then you should know that I will always be there for you."
They both stared at each other with love filled eyes and then she averted her eyes as she said. "Thank you darling and if there is something that troubles me that I couldn't fix then I will take up your offer."
Kathani tried to sound light-hearted but when Anthony didn't said anything she turned to stare at him and found disappointment in his eyes.
Before she could understand the reason behind them he kissed her forehead and took a deep sigh. "Finished your bath and joined me in bed when you are ready. We need a good night sleep after all."
He then kissed her softly on the lips and walked towards their bedroom.
By the time Kathani returns dressed in her nightgown she found Anthony deep in sleep.
Sighing she went towards their bed to settled in his arms hoping to find some peace in his embrace before she tried her luck once again.
She waited an hour or two before finally getting up and gently kiss her husband's forehead before placing her pillow in his arms as she slowly slipped out of their bed and with one last looked left their chambers in search for evidence.
The moment the door was closed Anthony opened his eyes and tonight instead of waiting he stood up and followed his wife.
He watched in the shadows as she walked towards hallways. Towards his old bedroom.
Anthony frowned because he was sure that she may have already searched his room for whatever she is looking for but then his eyes widened as instead of his old room she approached her own old bedroom.
Kathani didn't knew why she came here and there are higher chances that evidence is not hidden in her old room because as far she knows that only Anthony has this room key but then again maybe uncle Edmund has the spare key and since this room is forbidden to enter, he thought to hide evidence in here.
Anthony kept watching as she used her pin and unlocked the door which key is currently under his possession.
As soon the door open she walked inside and if it was any other then his Kathani then he would have been extremely angry.
The truth is the rage he was feeling was tremendous because tonight he gave her every chance and still she refused to take it. She clearly don't trust him enough to share her secrets and yet proclaim to love him. Well not anymore! He deserves answers and he is going to get out of her.
Kathani didn't need to search for long before she realized that there is no evidence in here. Still she didn't leave the room as she found old painting inside her drawer. It was painting of her Appa and Mary.
Kathani held it out as tears start spilling from her eyes because she is seeing her Appa's and mama's faces after such a long time. "Oh Appa! How much I miss you! I wish you were here to show me the right path!"
"Truth is right path Kathani!"
Kathani gasp and turned around and to her shock she saw Anthony standing there his loving eyes were staring at her with rage.
He slowly stepped inside as he told her in a hard voice. "Uncle Milan always thought us to be true to are selves but it saddens me that you forget your Appa's teachings so quickly."
He watched her horrified eyes as she shake her head while trying to appear calm. "Anthony, I do not understand why you are saying these things. I am your Kate not Kathani."
To her surprise he laughed as he stepped closer. "Oh forgive me, I forget your name is Countess Katherine Beaumont, am I right? Although you didn't like it when I tried to call you Katherine."
Kathani flinched at his cold mocking tone. She is still horrified of getting caught but she cannot admit defeat. "Anthony you must be dreaming or something. Come let's go to bed."
"A bed where you won't sleep! Where you caressed my face and whisper your love for me before leaving our bed to become thief in your home!" He snapped angrily and Kathani was frozen on spot as she realized something. "You knew?!"
"I knew what!? That the woman I love more then my life has similar habits to my long-lost best friend!"
He grabbed her by her arms as angry tears fall from his eyes. "Have you forgotten that I knew you better than myself Kathani Sharma! I admit you manage to fool me for so long with your Countess persona but after we arrived here your mask slowly started to lift and watching you these last few days there is no doubt in my mind that you are my Kathani!"
Kathani was shaking her head in denial as she open her mouth for one last attempt but Anthony saw it coming as he shook her hard. "Don't you dare lie to me Kathani Bridgerton! Because the truth is you are and will always be a bad liar! You could only manage to hide things from me but your lies couldn't hide your true face from me!"
She burst into tears and tried to touch his face but Anthony flinched away from her as if he was disgusted by her and maybe he was.
He shake his head in disappointment as tears fell from their eyes. "I have prayed so long for any miracle that could bring you back! You watched with your own eyes as I mourned for you and yet you never pitied your old friend to take him out of his misery! Why?! Answer me Kathani? Why you become so cruel?! Why couldn't you see my pain!?
"No Anthony! It was never my intention to hurt you! I swear on my Appa's memory! I tried everything in my power to spare you from this pain but I..."
"But you what?!" Anthony yells in frustration. "I gave you so many chances these last few days but not even once you said anything! I gave you a chance today to share your troubles and pain with me but you didn't say anything!"
"My troubles and pain are not your cross to bare!" She told him with a tone of finality. "Blame me as much as you want Anthony but I love you enough to keep you away from my pain!"
They both stared at each other, a storm brewing inside them that destroyed everything in its path.
Finally Anthony looked straight in her eyes as he demanded his answer. "Tell me your truth Kathani? Tell me what you are doing here? I know you are searching for something and if you want to salvage my faith in you then for God sake tell me everything."
God knows how much she was tempted to unload all her troubles, her secrets, her horrors in front of him but then she remembered how this truth ruined so many lives and if she can't save herself then at least she can safe her Anthony by keeping him in the dark.
"Keeping you safe is far more important to me than salvaging anything between us."
Anthony looked heartbroken as he ask. "So our friendship, our love hold no place in your heart for you to save it?!"
She gave him a resign look as she admitted her biggest truth with broken heart. "I won't survive long to salvage our relationship but I will make sure that you survive at every cost and if that makes me fell in your eyes then it's the price I am willing to pay."
For a moment Anthony barely stared at her and when he was sure she won't give in he felt his heart breaking in a million pieces. "Congratulations Kathani you won! You may have kept your truth but today you have lost me instead."
With that he turned around and walked away and he didn't turned around when his Kathani fell on the floor and cried out for him, the cries that reached his ears that were prove of what was lost between them.