Rating- K+

Chapter 1- Evaluation

Belle's phone hadn't stopped ringing all day. She could see it now buzzing at the side of her. The small glow was lighting the darkened car as she was coming to the end of a long journey home. I'm not going to answer it. She thought to herself. I refuse! I've had enough for one day. The office had been over run again all day. The news report on reduced house prices had drawn flocks of families to her door all week. She hated to disappoint them all. Belle hadn't seen a house worth buying in years, not since the farmhouse she'd sold with the attached stables. Her phone now silent she heaved a long sigh and turned into her estate. Her usual space waited for her but she groaned when she saw that her neighbour had come home early again. Or was it her that was late? Pocketing her phone she reached for her bag and locked up, facing the cold with a shiver. She hoped by using the back door she could avoid him but as she neared her apartment door he called from behind her.

'Belle you're working hard these days. That's the second time this week that I've beat you home.' She turned to Gareth who had either broken the washing machine or was once again failing to flirt with her. The t-shirt he was wearing was ridiculously too small, so small in fact that she thought the defined muscularly was at first some kind of novelty t-shirt pattern.

'Yes well, you know me. I like to keep busy.' She replied with a nervous laugh turning back to her apartment door.

'Wait Belle I got something for you.' He ran off back down the hallway and she waited worried at what Gareth might tempt her with this time. It had only taken two weeks after she moved in for him to ask her out with a box of chocolates in hand. When she had politely refused he looked at himself as if to question her decision. Two boxes of chocolates and three bouquets later it was still a no with a sorrowful smile. A minute later he was back with a bulging brown envelope, 'The postie wouldn't leave it as it wouldn't fit through the letterbox so I signed for it instead.' He handed it to her and Belle's face lit up with excitement, 'Wow that must be some envelope. That thing was heavy you collecting bricks or something?' He laughed at his non-existent joke.

'No just a book I ordered that's all.' Her hands busied picking at the sticky opening of her package trying to avoid contact as Gareth decided what to say next.

'Ah right, yeah thought it was. Never been one for books myself but each to their own eh?' Belle smiled and nodded as a reply and ruffled in her bag for the keys to her door. She was about to let herself in when Gareth came back up behind her. 'I forgot to ask you Belle but the lads are coming over for a little party tomorrow do you fancy coming over. I mean it's only down the corridor for you isn't it?'

'Thanks Gareth but I got a lot of work on at the moment. Have fun though.' He had already waved her bye with an annoyed look on his face before she even finished. 'I'm sure I'll know if you are.' She mumbled to her door as he pushed into her apartment. Luckily for her she had got the ground floor of the four story house. She didn't like the thought of carrying the shopping up the stairs or her bags after a trip to the bookshop.

Dumping her bag on the floor Belle ran over to her bed falling face flat onto the thick duvet inhaling the lavender scent of her washing powder. After settling down with a mug of sweet tea she opened her package eagerly. The book she had pre-ordered had arrived nearly three days before the release date. She smoothed the cover and running her thumb through the pages breathed in that lovable smell of a new book all earthy and rich. Now a little more energetic Belle sifted through her bag filled with files from the agents at work. There just weren't enough houses on the market to meet demand. Closing the papers she reached for her phone checking to see who had rung. The call had been forwarded from the office. Sometimes Belle regretted getting into the family business. She had other career opportunities at home but when the family had moved her father had bought and started up an estate agency. A year later the business was struggling and he asked Belle for some help and now she had successfully kept the business running for three years. It was a lot of work but rewarding. But, no matter the specific opening times on the door or on the website some customers liked to call at all hours. Belle prided herself in a good customer service and more often than not she would help the worried couple about an offer they were thinking of making.

Putting her new book on the shelf beside her bed Belle suddenly heard the vibrating of her phone once more. Biting her bottom lip she struggled on whether to answer it or not. When she decided she would it was too late and it stopped ringing as she went to reach for it. Picking up the phone she realised it was the same number as earlier.

'My you must be an eager one.' She said to her phone. She jumped as it started to ring once more. Giving a deflated half smile she answered, 'Hello, French Estate Agents, this is Belle French speaking, how can I help?'

There is never anything worth my time. He thought to himself as he slowly turned the pages of today's newspaper. The tea had already gone cold. Jefferson will have to brew another. The fireplace also needed lighting where was his useless butler anyway? The cold had started to creep into the walls and he could no longer see the outline of the sun through the thick curtains. The dining hall suddenly echoed with rushing feet and Jefferson was making a quick pace over the flagstone. He bumped ungracefully into one of the many chairs lined along the oaken table holding a bunch of letters of sorts in one hand and holding his hat on his head with the other. Jefferson was an old friend and was currently serving two years as butler while paying off a rather extraordinary debt.

'Jefferson. I see you've acquainted yourself once again with my furniture in a rather unruly fashion. How about you light the fire and get some more tea?' He stopped before the fireplace and with a wave of his hand and a bow he gave a rather manic smile.

'Right away sir.' He said with a wink and a tip of the hat. He turned to leave before realising something and came back, 'I forgot to give these to you this morning sir. Nothing of importance really just a few bills and some leaflets on house prices and you know I can take care of that if you like…' Mr. Gold looked up at Jefferson who was blabbering like the man he knew him to be. The look was enough and he immediately quietened, 'Yes…ok…fire and tea.' Mr. Gold thought he had finally got rid of him when he was back again, 'About the tea sir. Was it not to your liking or…?' he trailed off and just picked up the tea set and quickly vacated the room. Mr. Gold sighed and with the cold getting to him he walked over to the fireplace with his letters. He struck the fire and stood by it warming himself while he sorted through the mail. The useless adverts he threw straight into the flames and the bills he left on the mantel. At the bottom of the pack was an advert for an estate agency. Flipping the leaflet over he found something that sent him reeling. On the bottom of the left hand corner was a picture of a woman whom he had longed and wished to be back in his arms for decades. Old wounds awakened and he leant on his cane for support his hand shaking, the picture seeming to dance in the flames.

'Belle?' he whispered to the woman of his long forgotten past. His eyes watering with the painful memories he had locked away. 'No, no. It can't be…' his voice wavering and head shaking incredulously, 'That's impossible.' The picture was smiling. Her smile. The spell he was under cracked and shattered anger rising. Was this Jefferson's idea of a joke? He didn't recall ever mentioning Belle. Why he hadn't uttered her name since…no he wouldn't think about it. But who was she? He had to know. Cane in hand he rushed to the kitchens to find Jefferson staring into the eyes of the picture. It was black and white but he could imagine the softness of blue eyes and how they lit up when she smiled. Jefferson rounded the corner carefully carrying the tea tray tongue clamped between his teeth in concentration.

'Jefferson!' Mr. Gold shouted. Jefferson jumped out of his skin the entire tea tray leaping into the air. In seconds the whole thing came crashing to the ground the china shattering into pieces. The flagstones darkened as the freshly made tea seeped into the stone.

'Oh my, oh my, oh my, oh my. I'm so sorry sir. I really am. I mean I didn't see you there, I mean I didn't mean to, I mean was it expensive?' His nose and eyes scrunched waiting for the uncontrollable anger to unleash but it never did. Mr. Gold looked at the floor then instantly dismissed the mess pushing a leaflet into Jefferson's hand.

'What is the meaning of this?' He asked sternly but his eyes said otherwise. His eyes tinged with hope not leaving the paper.

'It is uh, um, an advert sir. It's an advert, for one of the estate agents in town. It was in your mail I just thought….' He stuttered.

'No you complete fool.' He spat then softer, 'I mean her.' He pointed at the picture.

'Her? Well I mean she is pretty, not my type but I guess most people would find her pretty….' He stopped Mr. Gold's face hard and unmoving so he continued, 'Well my guess is she must be the owner. I've never met her myself, I mean how could I? I don't have a house to sell…' He let out a nervous laugh confused at the look of his friends face. Jefferson had refrained from being over friendly when his old friend made a deal to help pay off his debt. Gold had insisted that he call him sir. He thought he was joking at first but it seemed that he wanted his little predicament to be a painful as possible. That is what you get for double dealing Jefferson. He thought to himself. At that moment however, he reached toward his friend, 'Are you alright R…' Mr. Gold looked up walked back to the nearest chair and sat slowly. He ran his fingers down his cheeks thinking silently while Jefferson fidgeted uncomfortably next to him. Finally he spoke,

'I need you to do something for me Jefferson.'

'Yes of course. Are you ok? Do you want me to call someone?' He waved that comment away.

'No. Listen. Once you have done this for me I will consider our debt paid. Do you understand?'

'What? I've only been here a month. The deal was two years, that's what you said.'

'I know what I said but you forget Jefferson. I can do as I please. If I say the debt will be paid it will be paid and you're free to go.'

'Right let me get this now. I do one last request for you and I can go? All that money paid?'

'Yes.'

'Even though the deal was made with a certain someone…'

'Yes, yes.'

'What do I have to do?' He said with the biggest smile he had smiled in years.

'Hello?' Belle asked again. She could hear fevering whispers in the background but so far no one had answered her.

'Oh sorry, I mean hello, I mean yes. I would like you to come evaluate my uh, friend's house please.' The voice was stuttered but Belle found the man's voice to be quite funny.

'Of course. If you would call back during the office hours tomorrow I could send someone out immediately.' She answered wondering if this was some kind of prank call.

'Oh, right. Well I was kind of hoping that you yourself could do it? I've heard that you are the best in the business.' Belle smiled at that. Who ever had said that must have been nice indeed. It was good to hear that her hard work was paying off.

'I would be delighted to. Can I take the name and the address? I can come over early tomorrow then if that is ok with uh, your friend?' Belle ran over to her home telephone where she kept a pad and pen.

'My name? Okay let me just check on that.' Belle raised an eyebrow with a half grin. This was turning out to be quite the conversation. Pen in hand and phone rested against her ear and shoulder she waited for the man to come back. Meanwhile she could hear more whispers but got louder and from what she could work out sounded like, 'What do you mean I can't give your real name? Give that back! Write it down then!' After three minutes of this, the funny man on the other end finally picked back up. 'Sorry about that a bit of confusion over the name thing. All sorted now though. Right so yes my name is Jefferson and the address is 1850 Barrow Hall you can't miss it really. The one with the rather pretty shrubs outside.'

'Wait! You don't actually mean the Rose Mansion do you?' She jumped back at him getting all excited. That was the most amazing house in her area. She couldn't imagine anyone wanting to sell it.

'Rose Mansion? Nope never heard it being called…Ow! Yes! I mean yes the Rose Mansion of course how silly of me! So will you come?' The voice asked eagerly and almost hesitantly.

'Certainly! I would never miss the opportunity of visiting the Rose Mansion. How about tomorrow at 11?' Belle bit her lip with anxiety she couldn't believe her luck.

'Yes! Ok thanks bye!' The phone went dead and she puffed out her cheeks still in shock that she had an appointment with the house that was always talk of the town. Every year at the beginning of summer the gardener's society would compete to see who could better the rose and flower gardens of the mansion on the hill. No one ever got close but it was exciting and from then on everyone named it Rose Mansion.

'You didn't have to take the hat!' Jefferson scowled wiping his patchwork hat vigorously.

'You were behaving stupidly. I simply acted accordingly.' Mr. Gold replied issuing with his cane and straightening with relief. 'So what did she say? What was she like?' He asked leaning with both hands on the cane nervously.

'Well she sounded normal really. She did get excited when I gave her the address though.' He turned away but Jefferson could tell that he was smiling. He retrieved the leaflet from beside the phone and walked off stopping under the grand archway.

'Jefferson I need you to freshen up one of the guest bedrooms, the one overlooking the garden. Put a vase of roses on the bedside table and get rid of all the dust although that was your job anyway.'

'Right I will see to it immediately.' The grand archway lead to the staircases and Mr. Gold seemed to walk up them with a little more ease that evening. He heard a jangling of keys behind him.

'Jefferson what are you doing?'

'Getting some roses like you said Rum…'

'Not from the front you idiot! Do I want big gaping holes in my arrangement?'

'Uh no I suppose not. I'll make my way to the greenhouse.'

'Yes I think you should. Oh and Jefferson.' The would- be butler spun on his heel. 'A few reminders. Don't call my by my name. While my guest is here you will still call me sir. Secondly, when you leave nothing of what you did here will leave this house or you will know what will happen if you do. Lastly, don't think I've forgotten what you did to my tea set.' Mr. Gold continued up the stairs laughing quietly to himself at the look of horror on Jefferson's face.

On the way to his bedroom Mr. Gold passed the room that was once theirs. He hadn't set a foot inside there since the ball. He could picture the room in his head. The frolics of lace that hung from the curtains, the pink chaise that he put by the window so she could read by the window and the… He reached for the handle his fingers almost touching the brass before his hand reeled back. No I can't do this! He thought. How can I even face this woman tomorrow? Why am I even bothering? Belle is gone. Exhausted he carried on up the corridor wondering what the next day would bring.

Belle had always been an early riser. Even on weekends she found it hard to just lie in bed all day. Or if she did it was with a book and warm buttery toast. She had been up since seven enjoying the morning with tea and excited nerves of the day's adventure. She hardly slept last night with the excitement. From time to time in the office when she was bored, Belle would research the houses in the area and find out a little about the town's history. The only house she couldn't find anything about though was the Rose Mansion or as this Jefferson had said Barrow Hall. Belle loved a good mystery. She preferred the kind with a genius detective solving the case but she would have to do. That house is so old it has to be hiding secrets of some kind. She decided. There was nothing interesting on the news so Belle went to go get changed even if it was two hours before she had to leave.

Those two hours went quicker than expected and after spending only ten minutes getting ready she had spent the remainder starting her new book and then it was suddenly time to go. Shoving the book into her bag she slung it across her shoulder and locked up.

'Belle! Wait Belle!' She hadn't taken two steps and already Gareth was there. She didn't want to hurt his feelings so she gave him a small smile and waited.

'What is it Gareth? I'm running a little late for work.' She glanced at her watch. She should really get going if the traffic was bad she was going to be late and Belle hated being late.

'Work? Really? On a Sunday?' He looked down at her, raised his eyebrows and grinned thinking that he had caught her out.

'Is it Sunday? Oh I didn't even notice. Anyway, yes, I have got work. I have an appointment at Rose Mansion.'

'Ha! Now I know you're cheating your way out of my party. No one ever goes near that house unless they're stealing the flowers.'

'No, I'm not. Sorry Gareth I really have to go. Thanks for the invite though.' She dashed off before leaving him opened mouthed.

Luckily for Belle there was no traffic maybe because it was a Sunday and she hadn't even realised. That wasn't like her at all. She was usually organised. The gates to Rose Mansion were in sight and she slowed. The gates were rusted although she could tell that they were once beautiful. The wrought iron was welded in rings and spokes. The gates were held together with an old fashioned padlock that looked like it hadn't been opened in a long while. Getting out of the car she gave the padlock a tug but it didn't budge. She looked around for another entrance but the house was surrounded by thick hedges.

'Hello?' she hollered when she finally gave up and went back to the gates. 'Jefferson? I'm here for the appointment?' She heard laughter behind her.

'I don't think anyone is home.' Gareth laughed leaning against her car. 'I told you apart from the flowers this house is dead.'

'Gareth? What on earth are you doing here?' Belle threw her arms in the air now stuck with this annoying man behind padlocked gates.

'Well I came to see if you were telling the truth. No one skips out on a Gareth party and gets away with it. I needed to take my motorbike out for a test spin as well. Got me here quick enough.'

'But don't you have a car?'

'Yeah but you know how guys are…' Belle tried to figure out what he was supposedly trying to point out to her but she gave up.

'Look Gareth can you go please. It looks like the entire thing was some kid trying to make fun of me, I'm going to go…' Her sentence was cut off as the scraping and squealing of the gates resonated against gravel. 'That gate was locked.' Belle said frigid with confusion.

'Of course it was. Maybe it just needed a strong arm to budge it.'

'Oh yeah? Do you see a strong man? That thing opened on its own.' Now more suspicious than ever Belle got back into her car and started her car. To her ever increasing annoyance Gareth jumped into the passenger seat.

'I don't care what you say nothing will make me get out of this car. I have to see inside this house. My brother used to scare me with stories of vampires and stuff.' Belle tutted but didn't feel like arguing and just drove in, hoping that Jefferson and his friend didn't mind if she brought someone along.

Jefferson wasn't happy. He watched as the young woman was talking to the man with the motorbike. Who the hell was he? He thought, did I say to bring some friends along? No I didn't! But I didn't say she couldn't either. Oh no.

'Jefferson!' He heard from upstairs. He was in for it now. The entire plan was ruined. 'Why isn't the gate open? Do you want her to wait out there all day?'

'Of course not! But what about the guy with her?'

'If he doesn't go…you deal with it!' He wasn't sure how but that was enough and Jefferson awoke the magic in the house to open the gates. He was ecstatic when he was told he could use the magic from now on when necessary. Since he arrived he could feel it. It hummed in the walls and bristled in the floors. His 'master' however, had forbidden it.

'You are here as punishment Jefferson. Why would I let you have free reign in my magical domain? What would be the fun in having you make my tea when you could just magic it up? No,no,no. No magic for you.' Seeing the girl's face at the opening of the gates Jefferson smiled. This was going to be a memorable evaluation.