Discovering the Secrets of a Murderer

Chapter 8

Amelia did not resist when Lance grabbed her, the same hands he used to touch the woman he has been with. Stephen walked away without a word while new pairs start to gather for the new dance. Noticing the ladies glancing at her partner, she raised her head to look at him and caught him already looking at her.

"Do not look at me like that, Sir," she said.

"Like what?" Lance asked with a chuckle.

"Like the look you gave that woman inside that room."

Lance's grip on her tightened. "So you do not deny that you were in there?"

"I do not. And why will I deny it? Between the two of us, you should be the one who is ashamed and be asking for my forgiveness."

"You were the one peeking," he stated.

"Clearly, I wasn't peeking. If I was, I should be hidden...which I am not because I was sitting to rest."

"We didn't hear nor saw you get in."

"I came from a different entryway other than the door."

Lance chuckled. "Ah yes. Wealthy people and their manors."

The dance started. Their bodies were too close that her senses were in full alert for whatever he may do. Lance is an excellent dancer—good with his feet and eyes never leaving hers. He is handsome and he knew it, that is why he is so confident. From time to time, she glances around and saw both maiden and married women's envious stares.

"Look at me," he said. "Just look at me. Not them."

And she did.

She stared at him like she is criticizing his whole existence. But then he merely chuckled.

"I like your stares. It makes me wonder whether you are imagining killing or undressing me."

Amelia cannot believe his boldness. "I heard rumors and talks. You fancy all women, Mr. Lance Salvatore especially when they have something of value to you. Now, I wonder. Was that woman you were with a while ago has something to give in exchange for your... performance?"

He lets her spin, a slow one, with their eyes never tearing each other until she finished her turn. "Now that you’ve said it, I have thoughts as well. I wonder whether you are intrigued with the value of that woman to me or my performance itself."

"I saw you perform. It wasn't really that outstanding," she said that made Lance laugh.

“How would you know it is not outstanding? You do not have experience. You are a virgin and secluded until now.”

She cannot believe she is speaking to this man about this topic. She is bothered but not to the point that she would lose her control.

“I am taught what happens inside a bedroom between a man and a woman with a passion for one another,” she said.

“You are?” His eyes twinkled at that knowledge. “Did you find the lessons…enjoyable?” His hold on her waist tightened, pulling her closer to him.

“I find you very bold, Sir.”

"You are the one curious on the value of the woman to me and my performance," he stated.

"I may or I may not."

He turned serious. "Why would the beautiful Miss Amelia Vernice be curious about what I do anyway? She is the center of attention this evening. She looks glamorous in her dress and carries herself very well. Most especially, she is the only daughter of the very well respected Sir Barkis Vernice. So let me ask again, why would she be curious on Lance Salvatore—who, compared to her, is just a meager folk?"

This man likes to play. It is very obvious with his every move. Now, it is up to her if she will partake in his games.

"Then, I may not be curious."

Lance hummed. "Exactly."

The dance ended.

She immediately moved away. That gave an opportunity for ladies to flock around him, wanting to have a simple conversation and more. She did not stay. She is not foolish as to be like these smitten women.

Her father was fast to approach her. She puts her hand on the crook of his arm as soon as he got near. Barkis did not say anything which means he is not displeased with her dancing with men he did not choose for her to engage with.

He leads her to a family. Seeing Stephen, she immediately knew who they are.

"These are the Salvatore's," her father finally spoke. "Sir Francis Salvatore and his wife—Cassandra."

"Good day, dear. I am glad to finally meet you," the woman said though she doubts if the woman is indeed 'glad' to meet her.

Then she looked at Francis and caught him passing his eyes down her frame. "She looks so grown up, Sir Barkis," he said then smiled at her.

She did not smile back.

"Stephen and Amanda, their children," her father continued.

"And Lance. Don't forget about me, Sir. I am also their son," Lance suddenly said, finally getting away from the surrounding females.

Amelia saw Francis' face looking displeased with his son's interruption.

"Whatever you want to know or if you need some company, don't be shy to call for us, dear. We will help you adjust to this new environment," Cassandra said.

Amelia nodded then answered in a stern voice, "Thank you."

They did not take offense on her voice which seems to be lacking interest. They just beamed, trying to have her favor. Even her father did not make any comment.

"There is also someone I would like you to meet," Barkis further said then looked to his right.

As if it is a signal, a man went towards them. He looks so clean with his light brown hair combed away from his face and with clothes crisp.

"This is Sir Theodore Walter, Amelia. He's been longing to meet you."

Amelia offered her hand and Theodore obligingly took and kissed it.

She knows him. He had his visits in the manor. She saw him leave and enter, had also heard his voice talking to his father when she is walking on the secret passageway. Though they have never met before, she somehow knew him from what she heard behind the walls.

"Miss Amelia. It's a pleasure finally seeing you," he said, his enthusiasm wasn't hard to miss.

She actually expected him to look younger and less easy on the eyes based on the conversation her father and he makes. He obliges all her father’s bidding that she thought he is too young not to decide for his own.

But she was wrong.

He is a grown-up man, capable of swooning ladies but never had the guts to take them to bed. He is handsome, yes, but he looks too anxious with his surroundings that leads to lessening his appeal.

"Likewise," she managed.

He then turned to the Salvatore couple. "Sir Salvatore, Madame, Sir Stephen, Miss Amanda, Sir Lance," he acknowledged the others.

"Sir Theodore, how are your business ventures nowadays?" Francis asked.

"Quite fine. Sir Barkis is always there to guide me."

"You're lucky to have his support, Sir Theodore."

Theodore looked at Lance upon his remark. "As to you who has the Varseilles."

Lance merely smirked.

"Sir Theodore, here, had a very interesting past, Miss Amelia," Francis said, deliberately exposing the man's life.

"Is that so?" she merely said.

Noticing Theodore shifting from his stance, she immediately thought that the topic was not actually meant to be discussed. She glanced at her father who remained quiet.

"Care to share it with the lady, Sir Theodore?" Stephen asked, pinning the man more.

"You should not if it makes you uncomfortable," she immediately said.

"Oh but he must," Cassandra pressed.

Theodore looked at her apologetically. "Pardon me for saying this in our very first meeting but I am a bastard, Miss Amelia." He lowered down his eyes. "I am only given my father's wealth because he was not able to bear a child from his wife. And they died without an heir. I do not feel ashamed being a bastard but if you are uncomfortable to be with—"

"I am not bothered by it if that is what you're thinking about."

He raised his head immediately. "I—"

Cassandra held her hand. "Most ladies are troubled with it, dear. That is why we are urging for Sir Theodore to expose himself before he could get close to you further."

"I do not understand why he should suffer his father's mistake," she said, slowly taking her hand away from the woman's hold.

"All the gentries are disturbed by his sudden rise to wealth," Cassandra whispered to her. "They say he killed his father and his wife to have the inheritance."

Her eyes swiftly looked at her father. She moved away from Cassandra and closer to Theodore.

"I am certain he did not do that," she said directly to Cassandra.

The woman nodded. "If you think so, dear. You have your own judgment."

She raised her hand to Theodore. "A dance, Sir Theodore?"

The man, surprised, took her hand obligingly and leads her to the dance floor.

"I am certain that is not the first time people talked about you as if you are not there."

Theodore nodded. "I'm used to it."

"Used to people judging you?"

"I am born a bastard. My mother was a maid in my father's household. I often hear people's opinions as if they do not have their own issues to deal with. So yes, Miss Amelia, I am used to people judging me and other things worse than that."

Her eyes flew to the man standing just a few meters away from them. Her father was watching them and when their eyes met, he nodded briefly.

"How did you met my father?"

"Oddest of times," Theodore replied. "He was the one who informed me that my father and his wife had died."

She closed her eyes tight to clear her thoughts. "It must have been a shock hearing that news."

"It is." His voice was like a whisper. "But I have been waiting for it to actually happen."

Her eyes immediately opened to look at him.

"I've been actually waiting for their deaths," he repeated, more clearly.

#DTSOAM