To those who are reading Love and Respect, it will be continued. I'm working on chapter 5 as of now but couldn't resist this. This may turn into a collection of plot bunnies but I might decide to make it a multi-chapter. Tell me what you think eh.

Ch. 1

Alfred Jones couldn't help but let out a groan as he re-read the letter his brother had sent. Personally, he had had enough of attending functions to better country relations, but, sadly, as a Lord of a rather powerful country, he didn't really have a choice in the matter.

'And to top it off it is in...Canada. 'He thought bitterly, after double-checking the name. Why they couldn't just come to America like all the other diplomats, Lords and Ladies was a mystery. The only place American Lords and Ladies had to go to was their Motherland, Great Britain, as did all other British Dominions.

And to make things worse Canada was made up of the English and the French. How the Sovereign State had managed to survive, let alone become a Western Powerhouse was still a mystery. Perhaps it had something to do with how much they kept to themselves, social-wise.

Placing the letter under a paperweight, he walked into the kitchen after hearing the teapot whistle. Although he was more of a coffee person, he couldn't deny a good cup of (flavoured) tea helped him sleep significantly better. Especially since his bed was so cold these days.

Pulling up his cuffs, he let out a sad sigh as his late wife came into his mind. She was someone that he could whole heartedly call his best friend. But that was all he could call her. Despite being wedded for seven years he could never bring himself to be intimate with her.

Sure, they were affectionate with each other. But that never went further than slightly heated kisses. He just couldn't do it. But she was understanding of his plight, said he would know when he was ready. So she waited.

Waited until the day a bullet went through her heart. The murderer had been caught but it did nothing to ease Alfred's sense of loss.

Keeping up his duties had been made that much harder after that, the emptiness of this gigantic mansion seeming to swallow him every time he acknowledged it. Even the numerous servants that were present during the day failed to make the place feel...inhabited for lack of a better word.

Remarrying was never even considered. He would not be able to bear taking another woman as his wife. And the odds of anyone being as tolerant as Madeline was intimacy-wise, was slim.

Feeling his thoughts going down an even more depressing lane, he cut them off, choosing to focus on the calming Lavender-Vanilla scent of the tea he was making.

Inhaling the soothing fumes from the teacup, he felt his tense muscles relax and his mind calm.

Savouring the comforting heat of the first sip sliding down his throat, he made his way to the armchair nearest to the partially-opened window, already feeling the slight draft of cool breeze caress his skin.

'Rest first.' He decided. Worry and Frustration could wait for tomorrow.

A week later saw Alfred hurriedly getting dressed as the servants rushed from place to place ensuring all was in order for their master's departure.

As he pulled a black, furred trench coat over his shirt and dress pants, a loud purring sound signalled the arrival of his carriage, as did the sound of the servants rushing to take Alfred's luggage out.

Hurriedly pulling on a pair of white gloves quickly followed by black, heeled winter boots, he strode out the door, grabbing his umbrella along the way. He had been warned that the weather in Canada would be rather cold and rainy this time of year.

As he approached the magic-driven carriage, he heard someone calling.

"Lord Jones."

Turning at the sound of his name he saw a rather tall, violet eyed blond walking up to him, a white envelope clutched in gloved hands.

"Lord Braginski." He greeted the Russian lord, nodding. "You require something of me?"

"Indeed. Your brother has informed me of your visit to Canada." Without waiting for Alfred's response, he then continued, "If it is not too much of a bother, would you mind giving this to one, Mr. Williams? You will meet him before the first day of your arrival is up. I would have sent it there by other means but I felt this would be less of a bother to him. "

He handed the envelope to Alfred who accepted it.

"No trouble at all, Lord Braginski. Though, if I may say so, you seem to know more about my trip than I do."

The Russian smiled.

"Da. And unless I am mistaken, you are running late, are you not?"

Alfred's eyes widened as he remembered that, yes, he was running quite late.

"Why, yes, I believe I am. I'll be seeing you, Lord Braginski. Take care."

With that Alfred climbed into the carriage and was off.

True to the warning, it was pouring rain and freezing by the time Alfred arrived at the hotel in Canada, about two hours later, where several members of staff in hooded coats were waiting under the portico to collect his luggage.

It was actually just late afternoon, but the dark clouds and cold winds would have one believe it was the dead of night.

As Alfred exited the carriage, his chauffeur holding his umbrella above his head, he couldn't help but pull his trench coat tighter even though almost everything he was wearing was spelled to repel the freezing temperatures.

Alfred dearly hoped the rain would let up soon as he would much like to explore a bit before night fell. He had been invited to attend some sort of game in which one of Canada's top diplomats was competing. Something called 'Hockey'.

Whatever it was, Alfred hoped it wouldn't be exceedingly boring.

With that thought in mind, he entered the building.