Discovering the Secrets of a Murderer

Chapter 5

Amelia glanced at the fire for a brief moment then looked at Alexander occupied with writing down notes. She looked at him, observing how he moves and how he raises his spectacles whenever it fell on his nose.

He is a very good-looking man. Masculine with his rough features. He is not bulky but he is lean, just the right muscles fitting his fresh, crisp clothes.

Alexander finally looked at her. Amelia watched how the side of his lips tugs upwards for a smile and she immediately looked down. He is always smiling, she observed.

"You know, doctor. I still doubt all of this. This...this treatment, as you said. It only opens old wounds."

Alexander closed his notes. "I am sorry if you see it that way but this is the only procedure I think would be effective. We have to dig in your past to know the source of your illness, identify what it is, then eventually, treat it."

Amelia fell silent for a while then sighed. "I'm tired. Maybe we could continue this tomorrow?"

Alexander nodded. "If you wish it, Miss." After fixing his stuff, he stood up. "See you tomorrow."

"Yes, doctor."

Alexander has no choice but to leave. Her comfort is the utmost priority in this case. He should not force her especially when they are just beginning.

He was down the path, walking away from the shelter when he felt pressure on his back. He was forced to look back and was a bit taken aback when he saw Amelia on the window, staring blankly at him and pale as a ghost. He smiled and raised his hand for a wave. Amelia did not falter from her position and remained her stares.

He went straight to his apartment to have the sleep he so badly needed. But because he slept by day, he awoke before dawn. It was the perfect timing to read the testimonies of the circle of people of Amelia.

Taking his spectacles, with a hot tea, bread, and ham on one side, he seated by the desk stacked with documents of Amelia's case. Mr. Laversi made sure he is very well informed.

He grabbed his notes from his handbag then started reading Gerjen Moring's testimony from the ball held at the Vallen Estate to welcome Amelia into the society for the first time. 

~•~

For the very first time after so many years, Vallen Estate opened for a ball. Sir Barkis arranged it for his daughter's coming out.

No one has ever seen the woman. It is a piece of news that enticed gossipmongers and brings opportunities for mothers to finally have their sons married into the most well-known family in the town.

The hall is filled with men and women dressed in their most glamorous attire. It was filled with laughter and music soothing for the ears as pairs dance in the middle and enjoying the night.

"I heard the child is disabled of some sort. The reason why Sir Barkis chose to hide her," Gerjen Moring said among the other women surrounding her—a group of unmarried women who likes to delve into other people's issues.

"That's a shame. An heir of such wealth but disabled. Good thing she is a woman or it would be a disgrace to the line."

"I agree, Clara. Such inheritance would be a waste if a woman would take it, much more so a disabled one. Good thing, she is to wed a man to fill her...lack," Pamela Pelbrooke said as she covers her face with her fan and whispered the last word.

The others giggled, humored with her vulgarity.

"I don't understand as to why Sir Barkis would hold a ball for a child that is surely a stain on his reputation. His child is naught but a disgrace if ever the rumors are true," Alice Laudern said with a voice merely whispering, afraid for a passerby to hear.

The hall is spacious enough to accommodate the guests and incoming ones. Everyone has their own world: dancing, eating, and socializing. But everything halted when a family entered the estate. A family of five dressed elegantly surpassing the efforts of gentlemen and ladies to dress at their best.

"How preposterous! The nerve of that woman to even show up here!" Clara Relvon said as she watches the family walking.

Their keen eyes watch the new arrival, expecting a flaw to criticize.

"I assume that she thinks she still belongs to the society when she only jumps on different men, one after the other," Gerjen said, followed by the ladies' approval.

They were not the only ones speaking ill from the newcomers. Whispers erupted, made-up stories delivered on every ear. The topic mostly centers on the young woman of the family because of the fresh conflict she just got into.

Amanda Salvatore was caught in the act with a man. It wasn't new for the woman to be on series of gossip but the problem now was that her partner is actually married to another.

It was a show when the man's wife attacked Amanda, grabbing her out of the establishment—completely mad. And with that attack, she got a few scratches on the face which she merely covered with powder as of now.

As their eyes follow the group, they caught the man walking behind. With a new face, they were immediately intrigued by who he is.

"Pamela, is that—?" Alice Laudern asked with a finger pointed at the tallest among the walking group.

"I am not certain. Though, he looks... "

"Lance," Gerjen finished, not able to take her eyes off the man.

Among his siblings, he was given the face of naught but the finest qualities. Hair is as dark as his lazy-looking eyes. Nose proud and cheekbones sharp as his jaw. With his hands on his pockets and posture straight and stiff, he looks more intimidating with the face looking dangerous and with an aura that allures but at the same time is menacing.

"I didn't know he came back," Clara said breathlessly.

"We didn't know as well," Gerjen stated.

It has been years since they last saw him. He was a charming lad and as he becomes a man, he only became more interesting for women of all ages. Everyone knew of his departure way back and it caused heartbreaks to the tons, not able to see him for a long time.

The group went to Lord Barkis who looks exquisite in his suit and tie. 

"Sir Barkis," Francis Salvatore said then bowed his head as a sign of respect. "May I introduce my family?" Barkis merely nodded. "These are my children, Stephen, Amanda and..." Francis purposely hanged his sentence to introduce the last one. "Lance."

They greeted Barkis with the utmost respect but it seems that most of the guests dislike the attitude they are showing off.

"If they think they could enter the society again by being polite, they're wrong," whispered a disapproving guest.

"It has been years, Sir Francis. I apologize for not attending any of your invitations," Sir Barkis said, eyes lingering on the woman beside Francis.

"It is understandable, Sir."

A smile crept on Barkis' lips as his eyes never left the woman. "Madame."

"Sir Barkis," Cassandra said then curtsied.

Barkis held his hand and the lady took it. His eyes never left hers as his lips touched the soft hands of the woman. "It is with great pleasure to see you again, Madame."

"Likewise." Her voice is laced with cold, plain seduction. But her husband doesn't mind. He's just merely watching, excitement visible in his eyes.

The ball continued with both parties never leaving each other's sight. Most of the time, Barkis and Cassandra are seated beside each other with a smile on their faces as they converse.

Some guests are finally witnessing first-hand how Cassandra plays her games with naught but her beauty and wits. The woman has a reputation when she was of young age and they are disgusted yet interested on how she does it smoothly.

On the other hand, her children were socializing. It is truly remarkable how they could blend in easily. Despite the rumors, they got it all covered with just one night of their outstanding socialization skills.

Well, they've got all the looks. Amanda looks sultry with her movements. A flick of her hand, twitch of her lips, and arching eyebrows complete the whole look of a seductress—following her mother's footsteps.

Lance is dangerous-looking but that's what makes him popular. Such a looker but wicked with his games. Gone for years, he was immediately flocked with both men and women to fill them information of what he has been doing lately.

Stephen is the perfect kind of man. With his crisp, unwrinkled clothes, polished shoes, and hair combed neatly, he was looking all dashing and princely.

"You have good children, Madame," Barkis said.

"Thank you, Sir. And how about yours? I still haven't seen her."

"My child has been hidden for years for her protection. I was frightened when my wife died. All I could do is to keep our child away from danger."

"And did you succeed?"

"I think so. Amelia grew up into a fine young lady. I am sure she is wise with whatever decision she is set to make... with my guidance, of course."

Suddenly, the ballroom silenced when a woman appeared from the second landing. Her gown, in the finest fabric and needlework, swept down the floor as she walks her way down the stairs. Her gloved hands rested on the railing for support.

Everyone was looking at her. Who would not? They already had an inkling of who she is. It was the first time they ever laid eyes on her and they were already enticed by her beauty. Her hair is as black as the night, tied cleanly on her nape. Her porcelain complexion was more emphasized with the contrasting color of her dark blue gown. She has no jewelry but her presence, as it is, was much of an eye-catcher.

She has soft features but her grey eyes are the total opposite for it screams the coldest stare one could give.

"There she is," Barkis said. "Do excuse me, Madame."

"Of course, Sir."

Barkis walked his way to his daughter. He held her hand with pride and took a glass of drink. "Everyone, I would like to propose a toast," he announced. The guests took their drinks as they waited for him to speak. "For my daughter, Amelia, may you find peace and enjoy the world outside, my child."

#DTSOAM