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 14 Previous chapter   Next Chapter     Albert had surrounded the place. He signaled Jamie to bring forward some men so the entrance could be cleared and he could sneak in.  ''No. Stay away from me Edmund.'' Catherine yelled and Albert heard her. Jamie's men were still getting rid of the goons but Albert didn't wait. He came right in front a man stopped him from entering. He punched him and threw him on the floor the others were busy with Jamie's men. Another one jumped in front of him. ''Get out of my way.'' ''I won't you'll have to kill me to get inside.'' He took out his sword and after a combat killed him. He went inside where he found Edmund and Catherine. Catherine ran towards Albert. He curled her in a hug. ''Are you alright?'' ''She is but you won't be why are you after me? After me in everything. Everything I like everything that I want. Now look we want the same woman, but ...

 Episode 13 Previous Chapter Next chapter   The horse was running fast. Catherine was not aware of the surroundings or the location. After riding long they reached a house. Rather old. The plaster had rusted and the greens were giving a view that the place had been deserted a long time ago. Edmund helped Catherine to get off rather than taking his hand she jumped down herself. Her cloak was all muddy but still over her shoulders. She began looking around. ''What is the point of all this Edmund. If you really were mature we could have talked about this in a real way rather than playing like this.'' ''I would have loved to do the same but ask yourself why I did this. Even though it was not my plan to kidnap you like this but what happened happened. The vital part is that we finally are in front of each other.'' he opened the rusted door. Sounds of rats were coming from the empty hall. Dust, cobwebs had made the place even more haunted. In the ...

 Episode 12 Previous Chapter   Next Chapter     ''Stop struggling Lady I have orders to bring you safe and sound don't struggle otherwise even if a scratch comes upon you my Lord will have his way with me.'' the man who had held Catherine blindfolded her.   Catherine struggled as much as she could but all in vain. She couldn't see anything. ''Maybe Victoria was right I should have listened to her instead.'' she thought to herself and gave in. She sat still. ''Very well milady. Rufus faster it's still a long road ahead.'' he said taking his head out of the carriage window. ''Aye sir.'' the man took speed.                                                 ''Aren't you Jamie? Jamie Hopkins the famous bounty hunter what are you doing here, Ha now it makes all sense to me you and your wicked boss don't want Catherine to see me so you plan this a...

  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...