Pen Scratching Volume 2

His urge for revenge will never infect her.

I looked at the words I wrote and wondered if they would remain true. My brother in law and his craving to right every wrong in his life was out of control. In fact, I was certain this obsession with paying back every insult and slight in his life bordered on insanity.

I continued my letter to my father, hoping he understood my intent. In this case there was nothing other than death which would free my darling twin from her husband’s insatiable thirst for revenge. His persistent cajoling was having it’s effect and she was starting to see things from his warped perspective.

How had father decided her marriage to the neighboring Count was a proper match? Of course, he only saw the surface the polished man presented to the ton. The ladies who controlled the who is who of high society were only concerned about pretty compliments and a successful season for their often horrid daughters. Father was as gullible as the rest. Especially since our dear mother was no longer alive.

The first step was to invite Daphne to our country estate to avoid the heat and illnesses of a London summer. My hope sprung eternal, that rumors of the Count’s inability to sire a child were true. It was one complication our family did not need.

I picked up my quill and began to write once more.

I explained the ruse we would use to force a duel between Count Declaire and myself. We would use the elegant epee. The braggart claimed skill, but for the most part he relied on his great reach. I am quicker on my feet and have won many a match merely by slashing the clothes without really injuring the opponent. Little would he realize he was in a spider’s trap. This time the wound would be fatal

And the House of Peers would approve. The whispers in the government halls were in my favor.

I sighed as I melted wax and let it drip to seal my missive. It is a sad state when we have to solve our own dilemmas. At least my own infection, was benign. Save my sister before DeClaire’s inability to grow a thick skin took her with him into the dark. It would go no further.