The Fourth Mistress

AN: An early chapter.

Louise sat on the patio, holding the hand she had injured two hours ago. The severe pain that she had felt when the nail had pierced into the palm of her hand had turned dull as she remembered the sound of the footsteps while she was in the cellar.

She turned to look at the door, noticing Graham enter the room followed by the butler, who carried a tray with cups filled with tea in his hands.

"Thank you," Louise picked up the teacup with her left hand. The butler placed the tray on the table, bowing his head, and he took his leave.

"What were you looking for in the cellar?" questioned Graham, taking a seat next to her. He picked up his teacup and took a sip.

"I went to look at the old portraits," replied Louise, searching for a clue.

Graham placed the teacup on the table. Looking at Louise, he asked, "Does it bother you?"

"Hm?"

"That the caskets have been brought here to be buried?" Graham asked her, his olive-green eyes fixed on her.

Louise pursed her lips before she answered him, "I don't think it matters. If they are in Midville or here." She had experienced the strange happenings before the caskets had been moved to Reed's estate. "If I told you there's a ghost in this manor right now, what would you say?" she asked him.

If there was one thing she had confirmed, it was that there was a ghost in this manor.

For a few seconds, Graham was quiet, and he asked, "Did the ghost hurt you?"

"No, not yet at least," Louise shook her head.

She hoped that after the ghost had, had its fun in the cellar, it was away and not listening in on their conversation.

"I won't lie to you that the idea of a ghost being around sounds absurd," responded Graham to her, "But at the same time, I don't think you are someone who likes to indulge yourself in the concept of ghosts for no reason. Since the last three years we have been living here in this manor, there have been no such experiences or complaints made of any of the members living here. Not even during the time when we were in Warlington for two years after Lisa's death."

"Could it be because you weren't married that time?" questioned Louise, trying to make Graham see the pattern and that what was happening around her was not because of coincidence. "I don't mean to reopen the past-"

"That's fine, Louise. I am not a wall to not understand your concerns. You do not have to explain it to me," replied Graham, and his eyes fell on her injured hand. "If it makes you feel better, we can go and meet the priest tomorrow. Possibly he can purify the manor," he offered his suggestion to her.

That was one way to solve it, thought Louise to herself. But would the priest be able to find who it was?

"Also," started Graham, bringing her attention back to him from her thoughts, "I need you to promise me something. Don't go anywhere alone by yourself. I am aware you like to be tough and independent, and that you are brave to have walked in the forest at night. But it isn't too bad to rely on me. If you want to go somewhere, I will be more than willing to accompany you."

Louise offered him an awkward smile. It wasn't that she wanted to prove to him that she was brave. The cellar was part of the manor where the servants and the family members were present. She hadn't expected the door to close on her.

Seeing Graham wait for an answer, she gave him a nod, "Okay."

She was grateful towards Graham that he hadn't mentioned any of this to his family members, and so far, everyone had continued to view her as a sane person, which she was. However, she doubted moving somewhere else with Graham would solve the problem.

"Did you find anything new from the investigating officer?" Louise asked him, wondering if there was any news from the person.

"On my word, the officer went to Warlington to inquire, but they didn't find the particular man you described. He said he would search for the person in the other nearby towns to see if anything comes up," explained Graham, picking the teacup one more time and drinking it. "Gilbert told me earlier when you were outside, when Lisa' casket fell open."

"It did," said Louise, remembering the little mishap that took place. "I think the latch on the casket was weak and it broke from falling. Why are the doors in this place so strange?"

"What do you mean?" asked Graham.

"Like the cellar's door. The key works only from outside and not from inside. And the other day I was in this room, and that door didn't have a knob from the inside. It is so strange."

Graham seemed to agree to what she said as he nodded his head, "Mr. Lestrange was a man with strange tastes. After we moved in here, we had to get some of the things fixed, while some remained untouched as nobody makes use of it. In the beginning, there were a lot more strange things that my mother got rid of. They got it reconstructed."

She watched the green estate that stretched and touched the horizon. Louise remembered Chloe's words.

With the investigator who was looking into Mr. Wensley's death again, Louise asked Graham, "Do you think it would be alright to go and meet Lady Gianna?"

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"When do you want to go?" asked Graham, being true to his word.

"Maybe tomorrow? If you are okay with it." Though she was trying to get answers, she didn't want to make him uncomfortable. Graham gave her a nod.

As if reading her concerned expression, Graham offered her a smile, "The Boville's and the Reed's are on good terms. And there's nothing wrong with wanting to know more."

During the evening and before the sun was about to set itself, Louise was in the room when she remembered something.

Picking up her bag, she opened the side zip and pulled out the letters she had forgotten to give to the concerned family members. With a lot of things going on, this had slipped out of her mind. She quickly sorted out the letters, placing two letters that came for Graham on the side table and then went to the drawing-room where Lady Agatha usually sat.

When she got near the door, she heard Lady Agatha's and the maid Jemma's voices.

Lady Agatha used a sharp tone that Louise had never heard before, "I thought I told you to report to me quickly everything you see and hear in this manor."

"My apologies, milady. I didn't know it was important," the maid said in a low voice.

"I want to know everything-"

Louise stepped to the front to let the people know of her presence.

"Good evening, Louise dear," the woman greeted her with a much polite tone, and Louise bowed her head in greeting. Looking at the maid, she waved as if to dismiss her from the room.

"Good evening, Lady Agatha. I hope this is not a bad time," said Louise, her eyes following the maid who left the room.

"It is fine. Jemma forgets how much I like to know about things. She told me about your hand, how is it now?"

"Much better without the nail," replied Louise with a smile and then apologized beforehand, "My apologies, I forgot to give these letters before and remembered it now. I hope it isn't too late," she handed the letter that was addressed to the woman's husband.

"A letter," said Lady Agatha and asked, "Is it for Ernest?"

"It is," answered Louise and heard the woman let out a tired sigh. She handed the letter to Lady Agatha.

"Without him, the manor feels empty. Who would have thought that something like this would happen," the woman shook her head in disappointment. As Lady Agatha opened the envelope to read, she said, "This is one more of those false letters."

"False letters?"

"Yes," said Lady Agatha, walking towards the fireplace. "Ernest received a letter similar to this once before. Someone named Elias Latton was demanding for the rest of payment to be completed immediately. Ernest even wrote back that the person, mentioning that the person had mistook him for someone else. My husband had never worked with a person called Elias. Ignore those kinds of letters next time."

Before Louie could react or say anything, Lady Agatha threw the letter in the fireplace to burn it up in flames.

Seeing the letter burn in the fireplace, for a good second, Louise was stunned. Lady Agatha had thrown the letter without bothering to see what it contained. Did the woman not want to know if it was somehow connected to her husband's death?

"What's the matter, Louise?" questioned Lady Agatha, on seeing Louise' shocked expression.

"Is there any possibility that this person who sent this letter was not a fraud but a genuine person?" Louise's words were polite while she tried not to pry more than she was supposed to do.

Lady Agatha offered Louise a smile. She went back to sit on the couch and said, "That cannot be possible. If we don't have any idea of who the person is, what is the point? You don't have to worry about it." And though Louise wanted to say something, she only bowed her head.

Walking away from the drawing-room, she made her way to the study room where Graham was right now. Knocking on the room, she opened it and stepped inside.

Graham raised his eyes from the documents that were in front of him and looked at her.

"I found something," said Louise, closing the door shut and coming to stand in front of his desk. "Few days ago, Mr. Wensley received a letter from a man named Elias Latton. Similar letters before his death but the couple concluded that it was a false letter."

"What was it about?" questioned Graham, placing his quill to rest on the desk.

"She didn't read the recent letter, but the previous ones mentioned about payment that was still pending," Louise informed him. "What if he was the same person whom I saw that day?"

"I will ask the investigating officer to find this person. Maybe it will help in getting to know quicker," offered Graham. "Did Aunt Agatha say anything more?"

Louise shook her head, "That was all she mentioned."

She wasn't the kind of person to read a letter that belonged to someone else because it was considered to be extremely rude. But she wished Lady Agatha would have read the letter because maybe it would have contained something more this time than the last letter.

"As far as I know, Uncle Ernest has never dealt business with anyone outside or in any kind of financial matters. I will also ask father to see if he knows anything about it," added Graham. A frown on his face.

The following day, Louise and Graham left Reed's manor to go and visit the Boville's manor where they had first met. Lady Gianna was kind enough to welcome their surprise visit. They were now sitting in a room.

"It is good to have you both here. How are you and your family doing?" inquired Lady Gianna.

"Much better than the day the incident took place. Thank you," Graham offered the woman a polite bow. "We are here because Louise had some to ask you."

"Is that so?" asked Lady Gianna while looking at Louise, who sat next to Graham. "How can I be of your help, dear?"

"Lady Gianna, it is about Lisa," began Louise, and the woman nodded her head for Louise to continue. "Graham told me that during the last few days of her time before the unfortunate day, there was something worrying her. Did she ever mention anything about what it was to you?"

The woman's face turned as if she tried to recollect the time, and she shook her head, "Nothing that I can remember. She was always smiling when I saw her and was very happy about her marriage with Graham. But Chloe did say that Lisa and she had discussed something, which I have no idea of. You know how young women often are, like to keep most of the things to themselves, without telling the elders."

To Louise, it didn't seem like Lady Gianna was angry at the Reed's in any way, after all, George Boville and the Reed's were partners in the trading business.

"It was just unfortunate that she died that way," Lady Gianna clicked her tongue, the memory bringing sadness to her. "Lisa was very lively, not like Chloe who is dull in nature. A sweet girl. From what I have seen and known, she was a happy girl and turned happier when she met you, Graham."

Graham offered a smile, sharing his sentiments, "She was, Lady Gianna. I was fortunate to have known her."

"Sometimes we never know what fate has in store for us. She passed away too young," stated Lady Gianna, "And as sad as it was, it is good to see that you have decided to move on. I am sure she's happy about it."

They heard footsteps from outside the room, and a few seconds later, Chloe stepped inside the room, "Murray said we had guests. Didn't know it was the Reed's," said the young woman, making her way to where they sat, "Good morning, Graham and Louise."

"Good morning, Chloe," greeted Graham. Chloe seemed to have a passive expression on her face.

"What are we speaking about?" asked Chloe, taking a seat next to her aunt.

Lady Gianna turned to look at Louise and said, "I believe you will get more answers from Chloe than from me, dear."

Chloe had mentioned staying in Habsburg, but Louise hadn't expected to meet her here today. It seemed like she was in luck, and Louise said, "It was about Lisa." She didn't forget the way Chloe had warned her to get away from the Reed's.

"I thought you would ask about it after what happened to Mr. Wensley. My condolences again to the family," said Chloe, but her words held no sympathy, and she looked as if she didn't care.

Graham stated, "We want to know if Lisa had told you anything when she last met you, Chloe."

"What is the point of asking, when she isn't here anymore. Unless you want to protect your new wife because she is suitable,while Lisa wasn't. No offense to you, Louise," Chloe's eyes shifted to look at Louise.

"Chloe," Lady Gianna placed her hand on the young woman's hand. "Always the short tempered one. Louise and Graham didn't come here to fight."

"I know," replied Chloe.

"I believe you have been having a wrong opinion until now," Graham responded to Chloe's words. "Lisa was the first woman I loved and I took care of her in every possible way, trying to keep her safe."

Louise noticed Chloe's bitter smile, "And what about your family members? When they called her crazy and that she had lost her mental stability?"

"It isn't like I didn't protect her from it. I spoke to my family members and made sure no one would say anything to her after that," Graham's eyes narrowed.

Before both of them could go argue upon the matter, Louise asked, "We are sorry for bringing up old wounds, Chloe. We are here to understand what actually happened back then, and we would really appreciate it if you can share it. If Lisa revealed something to you that she hasn't told anyone."

Chloe stared at Louise with a hard gaze, and her lips set in a thin line. Letting a sigh out, she said,

"It was two months before Lisa's death. She had come to attend one of the soiree's and she seemed stressed. She barely ate and it looked like she was losing weight every time we met. She looked anxious and somewhere afraid. I decided to talk to her. I found out from her that she was feeling as if she was being watched by someone and was being followed wherever she went."

"A ghost?" asked Louise, her hands clenched together.

"I don't know. But that is what she believed," replied Chloe, looking away, and she continued, "She told me doors kept closing in on her, locking her in rooms that were opened only at the time of the evening when Graham was about to return to the manor." This sounded just like her current situation, thought Louise in her mind. "At the same time later, I came to hear rumours and people speaking about her behind her back. That she was going insane. Not just people from outside the manor, but also the ones inside it, saying she needed treatment. The same people who you now live with."

"I spoke to my family about it," stated Graham with a frown.

"Maybe, and maybe that is why whoever was trying to send her away from the Reed's manor and you, decided that it was best to have her dead," whispered Chloe.

Lady Gianna, who had been quietly listening, said, "Lisa died because of falling from the chair, Chloe. That is what the investigator affirmed."

"Did she ever see or hear anything unusual?" asked Louise, and on her question, both Lady Gianna and Chloe looked suspicious.

"No, she didn't mention anything like that," murmured Chloe and then she said, "I knew it was not good for her to associate herself with Graham, knowing the type of family he has, but I would have never guessed that it would cost her life. Lisa was not just my cousin but my best friend. We grew up together, and she grew up kinder which is what killed her."

"I am sorry for your loss," said Louise and the young woman nodded her head.

Five years had passed since Lisa Reed had passed away, and the pain continued to stay with the ones who cared and loved her.

Before they left Bovile's manor, Graham was speaking with Lady Gianna and her husband.

Louise, who was standing outside the manor looking at the garden, saw Chloe return, who had left them in the room for some time.

"Take this," said Chloe, while carefully giving a paper in Louise' hand.

"What is this?" asked Louise, perplexed.

"It is one of the notes that Lisa gave me, when we last met when she was still alive. I tried to find out if there was any foul play, but I found nothing. I didn't give it to the officer because I felt it would be lost or thrown. I didn't mention it earlier because my aunt is close to Lady Viola. I hope this can help you find something," said Chloe, and Louise looked at the letter before putting it in her dress pocket.

"Thank you for speaking to me and Graham. I appreciate it," responded Louise, her eyes shifting to look at Graham, who stepped out of the manor with the Boville's.

"I know why you are here. You are experiencing the same things like her, aren't you?" asked Chloe, bringing Louise' attention back to her. "I will pray for your safety, Louise. So that you don't have the same fate as my cousin Lisa. A piece of advice. Don't trust anyone, and don't leak the information. Like they say, even walls have ears… and sometimes eyes."

When they left the Boville's manor, in the carriage, on their way, Louise turned to look at Graham.

"I am sorry that you had to hear that," said Graham, his words taking her by surprise as she didn't know he was going to apologize for it.

"I understand where she's coming from and I also understand your side, Graham. Sometimes it is easier to blame others, to hold someone accountable for our suffering, when we are unable to endure the pain," Louise's words were kind.

Graham looked at her and said, "Thank you for trying to understand, Louise. Back then, I spoke to my family so that the matter wouldn't slip out of the manor, but it did anyway. During that time, she said absurd things, saying if anything happens to her, I should marry. That she would find a bride. It was the reason why I got angry during the one time in the soiree. She even went as far as to swear on her and-", and he brought his hand up to feel a throbbing pain in his head.

"Are you okay?" asked Louise in concern, and Graham nodded his head.

"Just a headache. It must be hereditary," murmured Graham.

"It might be because you haven't slept well. Aunt Merlin has this little medicine that helps a person sleep well, and it relieves the pain. Would you like to try it ?" asked Louise.

"Might be worth a try," replied Graham, and Louise nodded her head.

When they reached Reed's manor, Gilbert opened the door and informed, "Investigating officer Frank Burton has come to meet you, Master Graham. He's waiting for you in the drawing room."

"Bring him to the study room," ordered Graham.

When the officer reached the study room, he entered it.

Graham told the officer to take a seat and then asked, "What did you find Mr. Burton?" Mr. Burton was going to speak, but on seeing a woman's presence in the room, he looked back and forth between Graham and Louise.

"I want to listen and know what you found too, Mr. Burton I hope it is alright," said Louise.

The officer looked slightly bewildered by her words, "I do understand, but I don't think you would like to hear or see these things, milady."

"I can handle it," she offered him a polite smile.

Mr. Burton tore his gaze away from the woman and then looked at Graham. Pulling out a file from his bag, he placed it on the table and pushed it towards Graham.

"When I went to Warlington to see if Mr. Wensley had any business with that person. But I didn't find anything. And then I met one of your previous neighbours there, and I found out that he caught sight of Mr. Wensley arguing with the man. Your uncle visited the Mistletoe street where this person was," explained Mr. Burton, while Graham turned around the file and opened it. "I discovered that this man did have some work with your uncle."

Louise leaned forward, taking a closer look at what was in the file. Her eyes widened on noticing what was in there. There was a picture of a person who was lying on the ground while mud surrounded him. By looking at the picture, one could tell that the body had started to decompose.

"The next picture has a closer view of the face. I believe this was the person you saw, Lady Louise?" questioned Mr. Burton.

"Yes, this is the person," replied Louise, and she asked, "What happened to him?"

"One of the town's men found a finger sticking out from the ground. From the looks of it, the person was buried alive in the ground. We are currently trying to find the connection and may need to question your family members again to see if they know anything about it."

"Did you find who this person is?" inquired Graham, looking up from the pictures to look at the officer.

"His name is Elias Latton," replied Mr. Burton.