No one has to know

Chapter 27

The next day, Francis announced he was going to be gone for the day to handle businesses with some nobles. Catherine and Bash saw it as the perfect opportunity to speak with Mary without the chance that Francis might catch them. Even though they planned to tell him, that would not be the way for him to find out.

After Francis had left, Mary had Catherine and Bash meet her in her room.

"You wanted to o speak with me?" She asked as she let them in, closing the door behind them.

"We've come to tell you that we've made a decision." Catherine said.

"We decided we're going to tell Francis the truth." Bash added.

"We've gone through the other options, and as much as we fear telling Francis, those other options are far worse." Catherine continued.

"We were hoping you could help us to figure out the best way of broaching the subject with him. He listens to you." Said Bash.

"Of course I'll help you. I'm glad you decided to come clean. I never believe it's good to keep these kinds of secrets, they tend to come out in the worst of ways." Said Mary ushering them to sit.

"Of course, we will keep your knowledge of this a secret if you wish. There's no need for Francis to be angry with you as well." Catherine assured.

"Nonsense. I wont pretend. If Francis gets angry about the two of you hiding your relationship, someone has to be on your side." She said putting her hand on Catherine's, which was rested on her knee. Catherine nodded as they heard a creaking noise coming from behind them. It was the door closing. They looked up to see Francis who had entered while they were talking. All four of them froze with mouths agape. Mary stood quickly and took a few steps toward him. Catherine and Bash stood slowly.

"Francis. You...you said you were leaving." She stuttered out trying to figure out how much he'd heard. He looked back and fourth between the three of them for a moment, trying to form words.

"I...came back...I...left some...papers I needed." He choked out. "Please...tell me I didn't hear what I thought. You...you're in a 'relationship'?" he looked at Bash. "You have been sleeping with my mother?" He clenched his fists, the anger rising in his chest. "How long has this been going on?!" Bash and Catherine looked at each other and then back at Francis. "How long?!!" Catherine tentatively raised her hand and reached out to place it on his chest to calm him.

"Francis. I'm so sorry. We didn't mean for you to find out like this. We were going to..." she began.

"Stop! It doesn't matter how I found out! What in the hell were the two of you thinking! You are my mother!" He turned to Bash. "And you are my...brother! This is wrong! It's immoral! She was your father's wife, have you no shame!"

"Francis I..." Bash stepped forward.

"No! Don't you even try to make an excuse! I want to know why? What is it Bash? Your attempt to steal Mary failed so now you go after my mother?" He turned back to Catherine. "And you, I can't even imagine what your reason is!"

"Francis. That isn't what this is. There isn't some plot against you." Catherine said. Bash took her hand.

"We fell in love. We never meant to, we just did." Francis stared at their intertwined fingers, and tried to keep the bile from rising in his throat.

"Love. Have the two of you gone mad like father did!? You can't be in love! This is disgusting affair is ending now!" 

"Francis..." Mary attempted to interject. Francis whipped around to face her.

"Don't even try it Mary! You've kept this from me for god knows how long! You helped them! You've deceived me as much as they have!" He turned toward the door. "Guards!" The guards entered the room.