The Baron of Latiz (20)

 20

Samh 9.30.1339 17:28

“Madam,” Amoranda said when Katamitoria had finished. “What has happened to you is deplorable. I want you to know that although most of the men I have met are as detestable as the ones in your life, I do not believe all men are that way. My uncle has only ever taken care of me—and the guardian he sent to watch over me is also an honest, kind man. In everything, my guardian gives me free choice as to whether or not to take his sage advice, and he is training me to defend myself and be my own woman.” If anything, Amoranda smiled to herself, he would be in danger of me asking to marry him.

“I believe,” she continued, “that I can make you an acceptable present for sharing the worst part of your life with me. With your permission, I will also tell my guardian of your trouble, and together, we will strive to help you further.”

“I see nothing wrong with sharing my story with your guardian, but for all you trust him, you must forgive me if I do not.”

With that, Amoranda left Katamitoria, found Silvergor, and explained the situation while she retrieve the contract. Then, she returned to the parlor with Silvergor, the box, and the agreement. 

“This,” she said upon reentering the room, “I presume is the loss you lamented. I also want you to know that Kieron has not been at Gwarewhea since his injuries to you but at one of his homes near here. In fact, he is there now and trying to get me to meet him clandestinely in a copse at the edge of my garden. He accidentally dropped that box in my garden and does not know I have it.” 

The sight of the contract gave poor Katamitoria overwhelming delight. The joy diffused itself in every feature of her face. 

“Is it possible,” she asked, “that I am truly able to recover this testimony of his villainy? It is some little satisfaction for my lost confidence and honor that I have this justification.”

“I am glad the paper alone gives you confidence, but Amoranda and I have been discussing your present problems, and I believe it will take more than that to convince the rogue to pay up. First, we would like to extend to you the opportunity to stay with us until you are able to get on your feet again.

“I would like that very much. Cook has been so good to me, but I do not want to rely on her charity forever. I, also, do not feel safe there since they are not rich enough to have a security system.”

“The next matter then is resolving the contract. Do you wish to marry him at this point?” 

“My initial reason for wishing to marry him was because I believed myself to be in love and to permanently put a barrier between myself and my guardian. At this point, I know that Kieron does not love me and has treated any feelings I had for him with complete disregard. With the money, I feel I could set myself up quite well and start over in a new place.” 

“You have no need to explain to me that Kieron has a very bad character. I think you are making the wisest choice. The problem will then be to prove the Colonel has no intention of marrying you. I think I know a way of doing just that,” Silvergor said with his eyes twinkling. “That is as long as Amoranda is willing to play him a bit. I know you have promised me that you would never see Kieron any more unless I gave consent. In this case, I can see no way of guaranteeing the money unless you see him.” 

“I would love nothing better than to give the rogue his desserts,” Amoranda replied.

“Then, Katamitoria needs to write a message to Kieron to let him know she have recovered the contract. Explain to him that you expect him to give you a wedding date or to pay the bond, but do not send it, yet.” 

“Amoranda, I will need you to let me reply to Colonel Kieron’s last message and invite him here. You must leave the door open, have Pethany with you, and Katamitoria and I will be watching and recording on the security cameras. I will coach you what to say.” 

Amoranda willingly handed over her com-tab, and when Silvergor finished typing, he let her read the message before sending it:

Dear Kieron,

I would love to meet you where you desired, but my Beowulf, as you have called him is gone abroad for this night so that you may speak with me in my parlor. I eagerly anticipate all you have to discuss with me.

Amoranda

“It is an invitation to a man I now hate,” she said after sending it. “I only hope that it helps us gain our ends upon him. Come let me see what you have written.” She took the com-tab and perused her new friend’s message.

If prayers and tears could mollify an unrelenting obdurate heart, yours would have long ago been softened into justice and pity. But as they have failed me, I think it needless to try them anymore. 

However, I wanted you to know the contract you gave me and corrupted my servant to steal from me, is once more in my hands I intend to carry it as far as the law will bear, but I wish you simply name the date of our wedding so I do not have to publicly smear your name.

Your injured,

Katamitoria

The invitation sent by Amoranda was quickly accepted. Silvergor quickly coached them both in his plan. Katamitoria’s message was to be sent when Amoranda called for tea. 

Then, Silvergor and Katamitoria went to the security room and began to record the parlor and where they could hear everything that was said. They were no sooner there than they heard the visiting knock, and Kieron was led into the parlor where he Amoranda waited.