The last weekend of August had always signaled the beginning of the social season in England. Lord and Lady Eddison's grand estate in York was bustling with activity as they hosted their annual social event. The beautifully manicured lawns were teeming with ladies in exquisite gowns and gentlemen in their finest suits.
Lord John Roxton, the earl of Avebury and his wife Lady Marguerite Roxton, the lady of Avebury were there, as expected. This year, they had brought along their friends, Veronica Layton and Ned Malone. Professor George Edward Challenger was also present, much to Lord Eddison's delight, as he was a devoted fan of Challenger's scientific accomplishments. The absence of Challenger's wife Jessie was felt, though it was known that she was away to Birmingham nursing her sister back to health.
The sun was shining bright on the Eddison estate, with guests milling around in the verdant lawns. Veronica and Ned were seen walking in the distance, engaged in a quiet conversation while Marguerite, John, and Challenger stood by the tables, glasses in hand.
Lady Eddison, ever the gracious hostess, elegantly clad in her afternoon dress, approached them with a cordial smile. "Lord and Lady Avebury, Professor Challenger, so delightful to see you here. And may I ask about your friends over there? Who are they?"
Roxton looked in the direction she indicated, recognizing Veronica and Ned. "Ah, they are Miss Veronica Layton and Mr. Edward Malone. They are quite dear to us. You might say they're our closest friends."
Lady Eddison nodded in acknowledgment, her gaze thoughtful. "Good. It's always reassuring to know your guests well. Especially now, with the Unicorn on the loose."
Challenger's eyes lit up with amusement. "Unicorn? Brilliant. Where?"
Lady Eddison couldn't help but chuckle lightly at Challenger's display of goofiness. "Oh, not an actual unicorn, Professor Challenger, there is no such thing. The Unicorn is the name of a notorious jewelry thief. He, or perhaps she, has been causing quite a stir in high society with a series of audacious thefts. Just yesterday, Lady Beaumont reported the loss of her precious rings and earrings. The police suspect it's the Unicorn's handiwork. Quite a mystery, isn't it?"
After Lady Eddison moved away, Challenger turned to Marguerite and inquired. "Do you know anything about this?"
To his amusement, she playfully replied, "I might know something, but I'm not telling unless you reveal what you're up to in Scotland."
Challenger smiled mischievously, refusing to provide an answer. Lord Roxton joined in the lighthearted exchange, laughing at the playful banter between his companions.
The afternoon sun was beginning to sink lower in the sky, casting a golden hue over Lord and Lady Eddison's estate. As the garden party reached its height, the laughter and chatter of guests filled the air, mingled with the soft strains of music.
The gentlemen, as was custom during these affairs, had excused themselves from the company of the ladies, retreating to a more secluded part of the garden to enjoy brandy and cigars. It was a time for them to discuss business, politics, and other matters deemed "men's stuff."
Among them, Malone found himself engaged in conversation with some fellow journalists, while Roxton, Challenger, and Lord Eddison discussed the recent advances in scientific exploration. The mood was jovial, with the warmth of the brandy enhancing the fellowship.
Meanwhile, the women continued to socialize, sipping cocktails and enjoying delicate pastries. Veronica, feeling somewhat out of place among the elaborately dressed ladies, decided to take a leisurely stroll. It was during this walk that she stumbled upon the cluster of young ladies, their whispers and giggles carrying through the air.
Clarissa, the one with the garish feathered hat, whispered not so discreetly, "I heard Marguerite was quite the adventurer before marrying Lord Avebury. Such a wild past, wouldn't you say?"
Lavinia, with a smirk, chimed in, "Adventurer is a kind word. I heard tales of her being involved in some rather shady dealings."
Arabella, not wanting to be left out, added, "And now she's a countess. I wonder how Lord Avebury could have fallen for such a woman. There must be more to her than meets the eye."
Lavinia nodded, "It's all rather scandalous if you think about it."
Clarissa, always ready to add fuel to the fire, teased, "Or perhaps Lord Avebury has some secrets of his own. Birds of a feather and all that."
The group broke into a round of knowing laughter, savoring the juicy gossip.
Veronica, her protective instincts flaring up, decided to intervene. With a graceful yet determined stride, she approached the group. "It's always so fascinating to hear foul stories, especially when they're far from the truth."
Clarissa, feigning innocence, replied, "Oh, we were just discussing some rumors we've heard. Nothing too serious."
"You are being quite rude, particularly you," she said, pointing at Clarissa.
Clarissa, clearly irritated but maintaining her poise, retorted, "And who are you to judge my character? You hardly know me."
Veronica met her gaze unflinchingly, "I know enough to recognize ill will when I hear it. You are being coarse and mean and I don't like you at all."
The ladies were stunned into silence for a moment before Clarissa recovered, her voice dripping with condescension. "Well, my dear, I hardly think your liking or disliking matters to me."
Veronica, her cheeks flushed but her voice steady, responded, "Perhaps it should. Because deep down, you know you're just filling the air with empty talk. That hat of yours is as ostentatious as your words, by the way."
The other two girls, Arabella and Lavinia, couldn't help but giggle at the comparison, causing Clarissa's face to turn a shade redder.
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving behind Clarissa, her face flushed with anger, and her friends, still suppressing their laughter.
Veronica stumbled upon Marguerite, her brows furrowed in evident frustration. Marguerite, noticing her friend's distress, put down her glass and approached her with concern.
"Veronica… Whatever is the matter?" Marguerite asked, her eyes filled with worry.
Veronica tried to brush off her irritation with a shake of her head. "Oh, it's nothing. Just some insufferable prigs at this party."
Marguerite's eyes narrowed, her curiosity piqued. "Insufferable prigs? What happened?"
Veronica waved her hand dismissively. "I don't want to trouble you with stupid gossip. It's not worth our time."
Marguerite took Veronica's hand and led her to a nearby bench, insisting, "Sit down and tell me."
They sat, and Veronica's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Well, I overheard some women talking ill about you. I couldn't help myself and confronted them. It's just so frustrating how people can be so judgmental without even knowing a person."
Marguerite's face softened, and she squeezed Veronica's hand. "I appreciate you standing up for me, but don't let them get to you. People like that thrive on reactions. They'll get bored and move on soon enough."
Veronica sighed, leaning her head on Marguerite's shoulder. "I know, but it still annoys me. I don't understand how people can be so shallow."
Marguerite chuckled softly. "Welcome to high society, my dear. I always knew I couldn't expect to be fully free of gossip. There will always be people who talk. But let's not let them spoil our evening."
Veronica smiled, the frustration melting away under Marguerite's calm reassurance. "You're right. Let's forget about them and enjoy ourselves."
With that, they rose, linking arms and heading back to the party, their spirits lifted and their connection deepened.
As twilight settled over the Eddison estate, casting a delicate purple hue across the landscape, Marguerite and Veronica were enjoying a quiet moment away from the bustle of the party. The mingling sounds of laughter and clinking glasses seemed distant as the two women talked, the near-set sun lending a serene calm to the scene.
Suddenly, Marguerite's eyes were drawn to a figure approaching them from across the lawn. Her breath caught in her throat as recognition washed over her, a wave of surprise and confusion mingling with a flurry of memories.
It was Aiden. His confident stride and familiar smile were unchanged, but his presence here was wholly unexpected.
"Marguerite, are you all right?" Veronica asked, noticing the change in her friend's demeanor.
Marguerite's voice was barely a whisper as she replied, "Veronica, would you excuse me for a moment? There's someone I need to speak with."
Veronica followed her gaze to Aiden and nodded, withdrawing with a look of concern.
Aiden approached, his eyes twinkling in the dimming light, and Marguerite could only stare at him, her mind racing. With very short brown hair, a hint of a beard, and squinting brown eyes that always seemed to hold a secret, he stood out from the crowd. While all the other gentlemen were adorned in classical gentleman suits of black overcoats, white shirts, and black bow ties, Aiden was dressed entirely in black, exuding an air of unconventional elegance.
"It's been a long time, hasn't it, sensei?" he greeted, his voice filled with warmth and nostalgia.
Marguerite's lips curved into a smile, but her eyes remained watchful. "Indeed, it has been quite a while, Aiden. I must admit, I was rather shocked to see you here, of all places."
Aiden's grin widened, and he shrugged nonchalantly. "I thought I'd mix business with pleasure, as they say."
Marguerite's expression hardened slightly. "I trust you've not come here to 'perform,' as you so quaintly put it once?"
Aiden's smile faded, and he met her gaze earnestly. "Of course not. I've come to enjoy the party, just like everyone else."
Marguerite studied him for a long moment, then sighed. "I hope that's true. Aiden, I must warn you. Inspector Albert Wilkins from Scotland Yard has been on your tail. You must be careful."
Aiden reached out, touching her arm gently. "You worry too much, Marguerite. But I appreciate your concern. Truly, I do."
Marguerite looked at Aiden, her eyes filled with a mix of concern and affection. "Well, of course I worry. You were just a young boy when I started teaching you. We were both without real families back then. You were like a younger brother to me. Also, I promised Gunther I would make sure you were alright."
Aiden looked at Marguerite, his brown eyes narrowing in a playful challenge. "I always thought of you as a big sister, too. Nonetheless, now you have a real sister, I heard, and a whole family of your own. I hope they're everything you wished for." A hint of jealousy tinged his voice, but his eyes sparkled with genuine warmth. "I'm glad for you, truly. It must be wonderful to be part of something you've been seeking for so long."
Marguerite reached out and briefly touched Aiden's shoulder, a simple but meaningful gesture. "Thank you, Aiden. Finding my family has indeed been a blessing. It filled a void within me."
Aiden's expression shifted slightly, taking on a more serious edge. "I will tell you the truth now. I've actually come to this party for a reason," he confessed, his eyes scanning the area as though ensuring their privacy. "A particular businessman who is here tonight has become rather infamous for exploiting his workers. He's made a fortune off the backs of people who barely make enough to survive."
Marguerite's eyebrows raised in surprise but also understanding. "I see. Following Gunther's teachings, then?"
Aiden nodded, a hint of warmth in his smile. "Always. Gunther's principles are my guiding compass. He always said we should target the greedy and unscrupulous, never the innocent."
Marguerite's eyes twinkled as she teased him, "Speaking of infamous, I've heard whispers around the party about missing pearls and jewels from some of the ladies here. That wouldn't have anything to do with you, would it? It would be against Gunther's instructions to only target the guilty."
Aiden's smirk returned, and he leaned in closer, his voice a conspiratorial whisper, "If you only knew what I know, Marguerite. Trust me, those ladies are far from innocent. And as for our shady businessman, I intend to learn more about his dealings and, if necessary, take matters into my own hands."
Marguerite's eyes met his, a clear recognition of the path he had chosen. "Be careful, Aiden. These people can be dangerous, and their reach can be far and wide."
Aiden's grin was fearless, yet not foolhardy. "I know what I'm doing. I've become quite adept at my craft. Besides," he added, a sparkle returning to his eyes, "I've learned from the best."
Marguerite couldn't help but smile at his confidence. "Just promise me you'll be cautious."
"I promise," Aiden assured her, his voice carrying a note of finality that told her he meant it.
The connection they had was evident, two kindred spirits who had walked different paths but still understood and respected one another. In that opulent setting, with the twilight casting a soft glow around them, they shared a bond that went beyond mere words, a bond forged in trust, shared values, and a unique understanding of what it meant to live by one's own rules.