Discovered

"What in the Gods names?" Richard mumbled. Then he took fast stomps to Henry and his sister. "What the bloody hell is this?" he roared, pulling Henry away from Florence. "How dare you?" His left fist landed on Henry's face, sending him flying to the ground.

"No, Rick," Florence screamed as she tried to hold her brother back, but Richard pushed her with too much force. She yelped when she hit the ground.

"I will deal with you in a minute." Richard was livid, he looked like he might kill someone.

He had led Magnolia and Daniel there since he knew his sister came to the lake when she was upset. He could not believe what he saw, though.

"Daniel." Magnolia did not need to say more before the duke lunged to stop his friend from attacking Henry.

Magnolia rushed to Florence who was still recovering from the fall.

"Are you alright?" Magnolia asked.

Florence could not even utter a word, she just shook her head as a few tears ran down her cheeks. Magnolia took her in her arms and held her.

"Richard." Daniel was pushing him back. The earl was like a raging dog.

"Get out of my way, Daniel," Richard threatened through gritted teeth. "It is my sister's honor that is at stake here."

"The sister you just hurt?" Daniel asked.

For a moment, Richard stopped pushing against his friend, but he was too proud and too angry to look back at Florence.

"Let us discuss this in a civilized manner," the duke added.

"There is nothing to discuss." Richard finally stepped away. "Henry Flock, you will take responsibility and marry my sister." His index was poking the air in his direction.

Henry, who was still disoriented from the whole situation, was still on the ground. Daniel looked back at his friend and called his name. He finally met Daniel's eyes.

"She tricked me," Henry mumbled.

"What did you say?" Richard took a step closer.

Henry pushed to his feet and stared straight into Florence's eyes. "You ticked me," he repeated. "You knew someone was coming."

His betrayed look broke Florence's heart, she did not imagine Richard would react in this manner. To be more accurate, she did not think her plan through, period. It was all done in the spur of the moment.

When she recognized her brother's voice, she had imagined things to go in a totally different direction. But now she saw that it was not a good plan at all. She might have just ruined Lord Flock's life–the man who had just saved her life.

"Are you trying to get out of this?" Lord Kalwen pushed toward Henry, forcing Daniel to hold him back again. "You will not be able to, Henry Flock, mark my word."

"Calm down, Richard."

"It was my fault, Rick," Florence uttered. She was trying to come clean, she felt horrible for Henry. It was her burden, whatever her mother had planned for her. Lord Flock had nothing to do with it.

"You, shut it." Richard finally looked at his sister. He was angry, but Florence could have sworn she saw disappointment in his eyes.

Suddenly, a few voices were heard in the distance. The fireworks were over, and people were venturing through the gardens for some fresh air and a calmer atmosphere.

Magnolia pushed to her feet. "Gentlemen, this is not a convenient place to have this conversation right now."

"I agree," Daniel said quickly. "Let's move this to the castle, away from any prying eyes."

"Fine." Richard left first, not even sparing Florence another glance. She was still on the ground.

"Let me help you stand, dear," Magnolia uttered as she pulled her friend up but she stopped when Florence yelped.

"I, I can't," Florence whispered as a fresh set of tears rushed down.

Her twisted ankle from falling off the pier was swollen. Her whole right side also hurt, she reckoned it was bruised from when Richard pushed her.

Magnolia looked toward Henry. She was not sure about the whole situation between the two, but she wanted to let him help if he chose to.

"I will not help that liar," he said when he met Magnolia's eyes. His words shocked the duchess. It was the first time she saw him this angry. "I want nothing to do with pathetic tricksters who have no shame," he spits.

"Henry," Magnolia responded in disbelief.

"I will take my leave now." Henry left all three of them shocked, unable to make a sound.

Daniel took off his jacket and stepped closer to Florence. "Allow me, my lady."

Florence nodded, too embarrassed to meet their eyes. Magnolia helped steady her until she put on the duke's jacket. Then, Daniel picked her up.

"I am sorry," she mumbled.

"There is no need to apologize, dear." Magnolia squeezed her friend's hand while walking beside her husband.

As they approached the house, there were more and more guests scattered around. Florence could feel their stares. She wished she could disappear at that very moment.

'How reckless and selfish can I be?'

For the split second she had before she kissed Henry, she had imagined that she would tell her brother that she loved Lord Flock, and that was why she could not marry anyone else. Especially Marquis Galley. She had thought that Richard would understand her and support her.

Florence had planned to speak with Henry and explain the situation to him. She would have asked him to make a deal with her and after she had gotten rid of any suitors her mother had lined up for her, they would break off the relationship.

'How naïve and childish, Florence.' She covered her face as she sobbed silently.