Hey guys! I'm sorry it has been a little while but I was getting use to my schedule for fall semester. I hopefully should be able to at least update once a week but I'll try as much as I can but sometimes life has its own plans so I apologize in advance if that happens. Ok so we are going to officially meet and get to know Constance better! Alright here we go!

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"Who is she again?" a woman with blonde hair asked the woman next to her.

"Well what I know is she is Constance Isles of England. The man next to her is her brother William who she is very close with. She's also supposedly very educated and important where she's from, a daughter of Lord Isles I believe" Elsa, one of the Doyle's maids said.

Both maids were huddled together watching the events unfold before them. Though unknown to them Maura had been hiding behind a pillar listening to their conversation. Maura had heard the rumors of a visitor coming to visit and stay at the castle for the time being. She was told by her father this very briefly and didn't know what to think about it. She had thought about the events of the Fairfield's discussion of remarriage for her father but she was not too worried about it. It won't happen; he wouldn't do that to me, to mom. She reassured herself for the past week but as the time came nearer she had begun to reconsider her previous thoughts. Maura was currently hiding from the greetings and introductions going on between these Isles people and those who lived in the castle, including her father. Though she knew she couldn't hide forever but she was trying to observe from afar. Maura left her hiding place and made her way to the entrance of the castle gates. When she reached outside she saw the commotion from afar but couldn't get a good look of what was occurring. She was about a few feet from everyone and she saw her father making his way to their guests. She finally got a good look of the woman who was causing so much commotion. She was a small woman who had dark brown hair that reached the top of her shoulders, about the same height as Maura and gave off a look of sophistication from her manner. She wore an elegant dress of blue that was made to impress. One of the most noticeable traits was her strikingly blue eyes that could catch anyone's attention. Maura saw her father walk up to this woman, take her hand, and left a kiss as a common greeting. This made the woman smile brightly at Patrick showing off her perfectly white teeth. She was beautiful and everyone knew it, even Maura had to admit it herself. Still Maura was cautious toward this woman until she could find out more about her. She was conversing with her father when intense eyes locked with hers. It sent a chill down her spine that could not be explained. Patrick looked over in the direction the woman did and saw Maura. He smiled at her and motioned for her to come to them. Maura continued to walk toward them.

Patrick spoke to Maura with a smile on his face. "Ms. Isles, I would like you to meet my daughter, Maura. Maura this is Lady Isles of England."

The woman looked at Maura, smiled at her, and curtsied. "Hello Maura, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have heard so much about you."

Maura was analyzing the woman as she introduced herself. She seemed polite and pleasant enough but she had this nagging feeling that lingered within her abdominal area. But as she was taught she politely responded back. "Thank you Lady Isles; it is also a pleasure as well."

Ms. Isles took another couple seconds to look at Maura while a man appeared behind her with a carriage in his hands. The woman turned back and saw the man behind her and smiled. "Patrick, Maura, this is my brother William. He was an explorer but had to cut it short when my father became ill" she explained to them. Then she directed herself to Maura. "Maura, your father has told me you too like to explore and observe plants and animals especially when you were younger" she said and Maura nodded her head shocked her father had divulged that information to her. "Well I have a present for you that my brother found on one of his expeditions. William?" she asked as he brought forward the carrier and opened its contents. Maura was shocked by what was inside. A small tortoise no bigger than one of her father's average sized medallions, had poked its head out to see its surroundings. Maura had felt an instant connection with this creature.

"An African spurred tortoise! They are native to the desert land across the desolate areas of the world. These creatures are known to live long lives along with any of their tortoise relatives" Maura began to spout information out of nowhere unable to control herself. She looked at both of these newcomers. "Thank you so much for your gift. It is very generous of you both" she replied politely having a change of mind toward this woman and her intensions.

Patrick smiled at the group. "Well thank you William. You will have to tell me all the places you have been to sometime. But for now let's get inside and set up everything for you both for your stay here" he said and then assisted in helping with the items the Isles' brought with them. Maura continued to look at this woman trying to read her but eventually made her way inside and waiting to learn more about this woman.

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A cold shiver was placed within the castle walls. Maura was currently walking along the corridor while pulling at her wrap to conceal her body from the lingering coldness of the castle. The young princess was deliberating what was to occur when she reached the dining hall to interact with their new guests. After meeting the Isles', Maura had gone the library took some books about the African spurred tortoise, and went to her room to interact with the little guy. She was excited for her new found friend that was unique in his own way. She decided to name him Bass after the great King of Scotland that she had recently read about Scotland's history. But she knew her presence was required for dinner. She was still deliberating what to think of these strangers. They both seemed relatively polite and genuine but Maura was still trying to find out their intensions of visiting the castle. As Maura made her way to the room she paused right at the door. She closed her eyes, took a deep breathe, and opened the door to where the main event was being held. She saw father sitting at the head of the table, along with Constance on his left, along with her brother sitting right next to her. Patty and Constance were in discussion while William was listening intently. When Maua stepped forward her father noticed her and beckoned her closer.

"Angel, you're finally here. Take a seat, dinner will be served soon" Doyle said as he smiled at his daughter. Maura smiled back at him and took a seat to the right of her father and across from the Isles'. "Lady Isles was just telling me about her work. She likes painting, isn't that interesting angel?" Doyle said again trying to engage his daughter in the conversation.

Maura smiled and looked back at Constance. "Lady Isles what made you interested in painting?" Maura asked politely.

The older woman looked at her and smiled back. "Oh dear Ms. Isles sounds like my mother, please call me Constance. And for a long time, since I was a young. You see like you my father was able to obtain scrolls for me as well, particularly about Ancient Greek and Rome. The beautiful paintings and architecture are truly exquisite and it just captured me" she spoke softly. "Only a few years ago, William went on an expedition that would go into Rome and I begged him to go. With some negotiation with my father, I was able to go. And it was one the most beautiful places in the world" continued to drift off.

Maura's smile grew as she continually listened to this woman. "One of my favorite times in history is the Roman Empire. Reading can only do so much though, I am sure it is different compared to actually being there."

"It is my dear. Maybe one day I'll take you" Constance added sweetly.

Maura was shocked by this presumption this woman so easily said without hesitation. That intrigued Maura as she continued to learn more from this woman. She's not too bad. Patty was looking at these two women's interaction and liked where it was headed. Patrick had been thinking that this would never happen. Maybe it will work out better than I thought he considered quietly to himself. Before he could say anything he was interrupted.

"Ladies and gentleman, dinner is served" said one of the man servants as he brought the meal to all of the occupants in the room.

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Dinner went exceptionally well as the Doyle's and Isles' continued to get to know each other. It was discussed William's expeditions and visiting a variety of countries like Greece, Spain, Central America and crossing the Silk Road to China. Though on one of his trips he had an unfortunate encounter with one of the villages in Central America; resulting in him losing the ability to speak. This surprised both Doyle's but was told William could find other ways to communicate with his sister and those close to them. But Constance was able to tell of his stories because he knew how to write and would write his accounts of places around world he visited. Conversation had caused dinner to go by quickly and before everyone realized it was past sundown and almost time for bed.

Patrick was the first to speak after the conversation had ceased. "Well I think it is time for bed if I may say so myself. I have an early start tomorrow while I am sure you both are exhausted from your journey" he said looking at both Isles' as they nodded their heads in agreement. "Plus I bet Maura can't wait to visit her beloved new friend, am I right angel?" he said directing his attention to his daughter with a slight smile on his face.

"Yes Papa, I do wish to return to Bass" she responded to her father then looking at both Isles. "Thank you again for Bass. It was very nice meeting and getting to know you both" she said with a smile. "Well goodnight to you both" she finished as she rose to leave the room.

"Ok angel I'll be by your room in a few" Patrick bid his daughter.

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Maura had been descending from her room to go into the dining area in order to eat breakfast. It had been three weeks since the arrival of the Isles and they had been a joyous addition to the castle. Both Constance and William had been an interesting set of guests that were wonderful people. Constance and Maura have particularly seemed to bond. It had been a long time since Maura could talk about topics she would learn in her books and someone who would listen attentively to every word. Not since Hope. This brought happiness to Maura to be able to talk to someone that would listen and understand what she was talking about. Her father had been wonderful but he did not truly understand. Her mother had always been the one to teach and educate her about topics that some deemed "unnecessary" for a young woman to know. Constance had been educated since she was young because her parents, mostly her father believed it was an essential part of her life. She too felt the pressures of social interaction rather than educating oneself but the encouragement from her family and sheer will helped her to continue on. It amazed Maura that Constance had the knowledge she did being a woman growing up in a man's dominated world. Maura thought about the first activity that she alone did with the Lady.

Flashback:

Maura was walking the halls of the castle when heard a noise from one of the rooms. She at first was going to ignore it but then a familiar voice rang out. It was Ms. Isles their visitor. Maura did not have much interaction since the day they arrived and dinner that night. Maura did not know what to make of this woman staying in her home without a time limit set, or at least Maura didn't know it. This woman intrigued her but she seemed to be full of mystery as well. Maura wished to observe and make her own analysis of her. She crept up just near the entrance of the doorway. She saw this woman was singing a hymn that was unfamiliar to Maura. Sounds like old English Gaelic she thought as she continued to observe. Constance was standing in the middle of the room with a large white board being held up by some sort of contraption. There were splotches of different colors assorted together. Constance had been holding a brush that was completely covered in paint. She must be doing one of her paintings Maura assumed. Maura had been unsure of how paintings worked. Yes there had been many paintings within the castle, but Maura had never seen one in the making. The older woman seemed to be lost in thought as she stood there, head tilted to the side and hand on her hip. Maura was entranced with this woman and the art she was creating. She went to scoot back to get a better look but she stepped a small stick which cracked in half. The noise from the cracked stick echoed throughout the halls and made Constance turn around quickly. Maura was petrified by her being caught and felt so ashamed for what she was doing.

"Lady Isles, I am terribly sorry for observing you without permission. I didn't mean to invade your privacy but I heard you from the hall and I saw you were painting and I was just watching…." Maura began to ramble off frighteningly as she feared the woman would be offended for the invasion of her privacy.

Constance met eyes with the young girl and smiled. "Maura darling don't fret. You did nothing wrong, just startled me is all" she said calmly to the distraught girl trying to calm her down. "Would you like to come in? I am afraid I am at lost currently and a new set of eyes could help" she replied softly.

Maura at first was hesitant to enter the room but the look on Constance's face eased her conscious and she decided to proceed inside. She stood next to Constance and fully took in the painting in front of her. While looking at the painting more closely there was an outline of a woman could be made out. She was sitting on a bench in the middle of the garden admiring the bushes and flowers all around her. She was a beautiful woman with long brown hair cascading down her back with a beautiful blue dress. Maura was interested in the young woman as she too seems to stare off from her world.

"Wonderful isn't? A woman who is thinking" Constance asks a quite confused Maura. "It is so uncommon in our world for woman to be doing something so….what do they say? 'Beyond their reach' It's a pity that women are viewed so lowly on the scale of rank."

Maura was entranced by what this woman was saying but was wholeheartedly agreeing with it. "Is there any particular artist that inspires you Lady Isles?" Maura asked the woman with curiosity in her eyes.

Constance looked at the painting as she began to speak. "Yes my dear. There are many painters I find inspiration from but more from those of the Italian Renaissance. Painters like Di Vinci, Rafael, and Michelangelo along with their own representations of biblical individuals. Particular those paints of women likeLucretia, Sistine Madonna who expresses the beauty of a woman" Constance looks at Maura and continues her speech. "Maura, the woman today is taken for granted and not praised for the beauty they hold. There is so much objectification of the female form in this world and it needs to addressed and ended. Women are more than something to look at; they could provide more in this world if were given the chance. That's what inspires me, to give a view of women from another woman's perspective." Constance finished then turned back to her board and continued to paint.

Maura was astounded by what this woman just said. Maura had never heard of such talk about women. Her parents always explained that she should be treated as well as any man and nothing less, though she had never expected this type of honesty from this woman. Even bold as it was Maura completely agreed with it and respected Constance for her honest opinion. She continued to watch this intelligent woman paint, waiting for the masterpiece to reveal itself.

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As Maura became closer to her destination she thought about her first real interaction with Constance. It created a new respect for this woman and the beginning of a strong connection was forming. Patrick too was starting to see it and he was excited for his daughter's new happiness. He too had found a renewal of happiness from the lady's visit and found himself wanting to get to know her more and more. Finally Maura reached the dining hall and was happy to see that her guests were sitting around the table as it was a normal occurrence. She sat down next to Constance which had been a constant routine for them. They said their usual good mornings and started to eat their meal. They were halfway through their meal when Patty spoke up.

"Maura dear I have to go into town to settle some business. I will not see you until bedtime so you will have to find some way to entertain yourself for today."

Maura looked down at her feet and was saddened by this news. She normally was fine to be alone by herself by lately with the amount of attention from him and more so Constance she liked having company. "Yes papa of course" she answered stiffly trying to hide her sadness.

"Patrick" Constance voice spoke up getting Doyle's attention. "I can stay here with Maura while you go into town."

Doyle looked surprised by her offer. "Are you sure Constance? I know you wished to visit the town for some time now."

"Oh it's fine Patrick" she responded back. "Just take William because I know he would truly enjoy that."

William looked at Patty and smiled at him and shook his head as he agreed with his sister. Patty looked at everyone at the table. "Okay well that's that. Maura you be on your best behavior for Ms. Isles" he said sternly. Then William, Patty and everyone else going into town packed and set up to leave. Patty said his goodbyes to Maura and Constance. "Maura would you give us a minute angel?" Doyle asked nicely.

Maura nodded and left the room. She was curious of what he wished to discuss with her so she looked through the slightly open door and tried to hear the words that were exchanged. Patrick and Constance seemed to get closer than before which made Maura feel uncomfortable. Though she continued to observe and listen nonetheless.

"Are you sure you're ok with this? I don't want you to miss out. Maura's not one to like going into town and neither am I but I must. You can still come if you like" Doyle spoke to the older woman.

Constance smiled brightly at him. "Patrick, truly it is no trouble at all. I enjoy Maura's company. She's a sweet and intelligent girl."

Doyle's smile widens from her response. "Martha was right, you are an amazing woman Constance. Thank you for doing this for Maura and for me" he spoke as he grabbed her hand and kissed it intimately. "I'll be back later tonight. Take care." He then let's go of her hand, turns around, and leaves through the front door.

Maura turns around and leans onto the wall seeking support. This is my worst nightmare. Her father was betraying her mother by being interested in another woman. But mother is gone and I like Constance. Maura sighed trying to get her bearings together. She then got up from her spot and went to her room to find Bass and think about the situation she was in. What am I going to do?

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Maura was currently observing her tortoise as he slowly moved from one side to another. Bass had not been able to be outside lately and Maura thought it would be a good time to get him fresh air. Bass had grown a lot for the past three weeks she had him. He was so cute and he fascinated Maura every day. He seemed to get big and eat more by the hour. Sometimes she would look into his beady eyes and try to guess what he was thinking. She wished that she would know what her pet would say if he could speak. He is probably more intelligent than half of mankind. This remark made her chuckle at the thought. She didn't realize someone was behind her until they spoke.

"Well there you are Maura. Trying to hide are we?" Constance spoke softly.

Maura looked at her and expected anger but did not see any trance of it on her face. "No, I just wanted Bass to get some fresh air. He has been deprived of it lately" she spoke and looked upon the horizon.

Constance walked to her and sat down next to her. "Bass huh? Why that name?"

"Robert Launder of the Bass. A king of Scotland and one of the greatest leaders of the time. He led the Scottish into many conquests and explorations of different lands. He particularly like to study animals especially reptiles like Bass" she spouted off not really caring for her explanation.

Constance looked at the girl and studied her. "That's very interesting. You are a very bright girl Maura."

"My mother said the same thing. Both papa and mother would tell me every day" Maura spoke still not looking at the other woman.

"I never said this but I am sorry for her passing. It must have been difficult on you and your father" she said.

Maura looked at Constance and her eyes showed something uncommon. There was angry in her eyes. "Yes it has been. And now you're here to try to replace her" she spat out.

Constance seemed shocked by this outburst and she tried to respond back, "Maura you don't under….." she tried but was cut off.

"What don't I understand? You are a single woman that just came to visit a king and his daughter who recently lost their queen just to be friendly. I may be young but not that naïve" she spoke quickly. She was right, they both knew it but Maura wanted to hear it.

Constance was looking at Maura in shock with her mouth slightly agape. It took her a few seconds to compose herself but eventually she did. "Maura did I ever tell you I lost my mother too?"

Maura looked at her confused but sat down slowly. "No you didn't" she answered quietly.

Constance took a deep breath. "Well she did. It was about 20 years ago so I was only about a few years older than what you are now. It came as a shock to me. She had caught pneumonia from a cold winter. It only took about a week and a half that got her on her death bed" she continued as she looked toward the sky. "My mother and I never really got along. Unlike your mother Hope, mine did not appreciate my ambition of educating myself. Though we fought frequently she was still my mother and I loved her. It hurt so awful when she passed. It almost didn't feel real." She looked at Maura with teary eyes, "I understand the pain you are feeling. You miss her so much but you can't do anything to change that. Maura I would never try to replace myself as your mother. Hope will always be your mother no matter how much time goes by. But if you like, could we be friends?" This whole statement made Maura froze. She felt bad for her accusations without asking first. She was shocked by what this poor woman went through so much hurt and lived on. "How did you get through it?" Maura asked out of nowhere.

Constance looked at her and smiled. "I had William. He was always there for me when I needed him. That's why we are so close. He is precious to me." Maura looked at the woman and nodded her head. Maura picked Bass up, stood up, and began to walk away but she turned around.

"Thank you for being honest with me. And friends would be nice" she said politely and smiled. She continued to walk forward and went off into her room processing everything that occurred today.

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Hey this is chapter 10! Omg I can't believe I made it to this point! I have brought Constance into the picture and created a relationship between her and Maura. There have been several thoughts how to go about this story and I am excited to continue on. Hope that you continue this journey along with me and bear with me. Thank you for those who are reading my story. I would like to recognize our beloved Lee Thompson Young who brought the amazing character of Barry Frost to life. He was truly an incredible actor and it is so sad he was suffering before he took his life. All my support and prayers go to him and his family who are grieving. Rest in Peace.