Novella

 Chapter sixteen: Previous Chapter   He brought her to his mansion. The mansion didn't seem old at all. It was like all other mansions Catherine had already seen. It resembled both Victoria's and Edmund's palaces. Only one big difference it had, the palace had thick forest like orchards covering it from all sides yet at the front a orchard in shape of a maze was built. Finely trimmed bushes covered with flowers, lilies, roses and tulips. A cupid shaped fountain in front of the maze's entrance. ''Are you not coming in?'' Albert asked and she brought her gaze back from the maze to him. ''Albert do tulips grow on bushes?''  ''Nice question genius, our gardener has planted some separate ones and connected them with the bushes. Come inside I would like you to meet someone. My Uncle, I was orphaned when only 8. My mother died and my father soon afterwards. My uncle brought me up. If you see me as the Albert today is only beca...

Chapter fifteen: Previous chapter    Next Chapter   ''I assume that your service here at my house has come to an end.'' Victoria, Albert and Catherine were all seated in the hall. ''You who are more loyal to Simmons family than me should consider a job at their place.'' Teresa looked around and began in a shaking voice, ''Lady Victoria I...'' ''Don't trouble yourself, I will not take any measures on my to be wife's security and if you persist I'll make Jamie throw you out. '' Albert sipped his tea. ''Jamie please take her away before I lose my temper.'' Victoria got up. Teresa fell on her feet.   ''Lady pardon me. I beg you I have little children without a father. George offered me a great deal of money my father's sick. I did not have the courage to ask you...'' ''Ask me?.'' Victoria moved away. ''How dare you? You were born in this home yet yo...

  Episode 11 Next Chapter   Previous chapter     The most gargantuan alcazar was empty without lights seemed more like a haunted palace. ''My lord may I lighten the lamps?'' the butler said folding his hands over his coat. ''No you may not. Let my everything be dark as my inner self is right now.'' Edmund smoked several cigarettes.  The final one he dumped in the ash tray fell on the carpet. He began to pour whiskey in his glass.  ''What about dinner sir?''  ''None, I am waiting for someone we'll have dinner together.'' ''Shall I go lord?''  ''Yes but keep an eye on the door.'' he dismissed him. Edmund was in his early thirties. He was tall and handsome and had brown hair. His hair was long than the usual style. He removed his tie and unbuttoned his collar. He was waiting desperately for someone and that someone apparently took too long to arrive.  Edmund Robinson Shaw, son of...

 Episode 10 Next Chapter   Previous Chapter     Albert arrived back home late. His huge castle had a sorrowful atmosphere. He came inside and Tom his butler, associate and confidante informed him that his uncle is waiting for him for dinner. Albert shrugged and went straight to his uncle. An old man in his mid seventies, grey haired, tall and broad faced. His age had not affected his looks and one was certain that he must have been heart throbbing in his young age as he was still handsome. He had a cane in his hand and had worn a night gown. Smoking pipe he turned around and looked at his troubled nephew. ''My my, dear sir we finally got the chance of meeting you when we have no idea where have you been , what are you doing? Not taking care of your business, not caring about your relations with the other lords yet you are so stick to your petty own personal affairs.'' ''Uncle I....''  ''Don't uncle me, I have entire reports of your whereabout...

   Episode 9 Next Chapter   Previous Chapter     Catherine was lying in her bed unable to sleep. The gift of Edmund was just staring her making her anxious. She finally got up and picked the red velvet box from the dressing table and sat on the stool. It was clear it was of a chain. She finally opened it and found something which made her sleep ran away. It was a gold twisted chain with with topaz in it. Her mother used to wear this. It was her heirloom. She couldn't wait for the morning to meet Edmund.  ''Lord lady Catherine has arrived.'' Edmund's butler announced. Edmund who was resting his legs on the table rose in an instant.  ''Escort my lady in with great respect.''  ''My lady he bowed and tried to take her hand but Catherine didn't let him.'' ''It is an honor to have you at my place..'' Catherine cut him off. ''Lord Edmund may I know from where you bought this present?'' she sai...

 Episode 8 Next Chapter   Previous Chapter      Teresa came running while they still hadn't finished their dinner.  ''My lady lord Edmund has arrived.'' Victoria and Catherine looked at each other.  ''I...'' ''Tell him to stay in the living room I'll be there.'' Victoria said and dismissed Teresa. ''You eat I'll go.'' Catherine got up.  ''Not like this. He must first meet me and then you will appear. This is no way a lady behaves Catherine you stay right here.'' ''But I...''  ''You can do whatever you wish with him or whatever your plans are but like a lady.'' she got up wiped her face with the handkerchief. ''My my lord Edmund.'' Victoria appeared from the door which was immediately closed when she entered the living room. ''Lady Victoria.'' he bowed in front of her and then took her hand and kissed it. He was dressed finely with f...

Chapter Five: Next Chapter Previous Chapter   The ball started. Folk music started playing an announcement was made that the dance has started. Every girl wanted to dance with Albert. Albert however searched for Catherine. He found her with Charlotte he came to her bowed and asked "May I have the pleasure to dance with you Lady Catherine." Catherine looked and Charlotte and she nodded.  "Pleasure's all mine Lord Albert." They began dancing in rounds. As each man would clap and the lady would swing back from his side and reach for his hand. The circle began. " Its indeed a pleasure dancing with you milady. "Albert said in her ear. The ladies moved and circled back and forth. Another man would change their companion and another girl would come in front. Albert hurried and took Catherine from the circle. "You dance very well Lord Albert and I don't think you'll let me dance with anyone else." Catherine gave Albert a compliment. ...