THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT!
okay, till now my review record is maximum 16 for the seventh chapter.
So can I challenge you guys to get it above 20 reviews?
Make me happy!
Another amazing news.
I got the amazing Sunflowerfran to BETA my story, and Gabby1017 as a pre-reader.
So any improvement in my writing, guys its them.
Also, thanks to ceceprincess1217 for your word help. I have 'propriety' because of you dear!
When I saw her faint, I rushed forward, picking her up and placing her on one of the benches that adorned the garden. The workers and the laborers had taken quick action and had begun dousing the fire. My mother came up to us and sat down beside her as we tried to wake her.
My father called me to him for a quick council. Should we stay here in Brady Shire or return to the castle. I for one wished to stay and hunt down Mr. James and make him pay for what he had done to one of the strongest women I had ever met.
Seeing that I was too riled up by my emotions, my father made the decision for us. It was determined we would stay in Brady Shire while we waited for Lady Isabella to awake and long enough for the soldiers to rest and have lunch.
Once the medic had agreed with our decision, the orders were sent. The police were contacted and informed as to what had happened and their need to catch Mr. James as fast as possible.
Miss Jane walked up to us and curtsied deeply.
"Sire, Lady Swan has been revived."
"We shall be right there."
My mother was holding her in her own arms. She looked so worn, exhausted, and the dim fire that I had seen in her eyes was now almost gone.
In that moment, I decided that I would do everything in my power to restore it back to right where it belonged.
"My Lady, do you wish to stay or leave?" My father asked.
She startled as if she had just noticed us and started to stand to curtsy.
"Child, you are among family. You do not need to follow propriety."
I saw a hint of a wistful smile on her lips upon my father's words.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Upon seeing my father's confusion, she said, "Your Majesty just called me family. Sire, now that I have lost my own, I have come to value relationships highly. You understand the importance of these things only when they are long lost."
With those words, she brought my father to his knees.
"Child, never in your life think yourself to be alone. You have a mother and a father. We may not have birthed you or seen you grow into the amazing woman you are, but know that we shall, from this day forth, endeavor to help you find yourself and be someone on who you can rely."
I could see a single teardrop escape the confines of her eyes.
"Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but if I may say this, I wish not to stay here any longer. The memories are too bleak and the wounds of death and fire too deep.
"We shall begin our journey as soon as possible," Father assured her.
I could no longer be just a spectator to the conversation.
"Father, I shall ask one of the innkeepers to pack us lunch for the road. I for one have lost my appetite." I said this and left.
Once on my way, I summoned Mr. Jacob to my side.
"Mr. Jacob, you are not blind to the devastation that has occurred."
"No Sire."
"I wish you to do a few things for me."
"Your command, Sire."
"Lady Isabella wishes to leave right away, but surely you must know that the scandal here is too big to ignore and its consequences too harsh."
"Yes, Your Highness, I wish nothing more than to offer Lady Isabella some peace. If it is possible, I will try everything in my power to help."
"In that case, I have quite a list that I wish you to do. Foremost, keep an eye out for news of James. Then find workers to get the manor re-built; I wish it to be the same as before. Take care of the people who worked there, perhaps find them temporary occupations in the fields as well as a place to live. Last, and as of now the most important, inform the other sister estates of James' misgivings. He is not to be mistaken as the owner anywhere. Inform them that they are to report any suspicious activity to the police and further to the castle. We must get to the depth of it."
"As Your Highness wishes, it will be done."
"And Mr. Jacob, one more bit. If you will, please arrange evening snacks for all these fine people who have helped today."
"Sire, a question?"
"Speak freely."
"Who is to care for the estate affairs, now forth?"
"As of now, I appoint you. I am well aware that Lord Charles trusted you and found you fit to care for the estate after his demise, so it is only fair that I let you continue. But know this clearly, you may or may not hold loyalty to my father or mewith regards to this estate; but maintain and work loyally for Lady Isabella and for the memory of Lord Charles."
"Upon my word, Sire, I will look after the estate with my own blood. News of his unfortunate death has been announced."
"Good. I trust you have access to the banks and ledgers of the estate."
"I do, Your Highness."
"Very well, you may take your leave."
The carriages had been readied, and once Lady Isabella had been helped by one of the farmwomen to freshen up, we took our leave with Lady Isabella seated with my mother and my father with me.
I was fairly confident that I had taken care of most of the measures that would be necessary to prevent further distress, and I certainly hoped that Mr. Jacob did his chores.
We were well into the afternoon when the Queen sent forth a message stating that they wished to stop for refreshment.
We rode a bit further to find shade. Once out of the carriage, I found that Lady Isabella had given up on any conversation and was now seated on a rock near the woods, away from the party.
"I worry for her," My mother said. "She has been silent all the while. Polite and yet somehow lost."
"Give her time, my love." My father assured.
"May I go converse with her, Mother? Maybe she might open herself to me."
"Edward, I highly doubt it. The girl has openly held respect for you and at the same time disdain for your actions. Your presence may bring her ire."
"You forget Mother, she may be wary of me, but I am the only one who was able to hear any of her true feelings."
My father was again a bit thoughtful. He had always made observations that others failed to notice. I curiously looked at him as a play of emotions took place on his face.
"Fine son, you go talk to her. See if she feels friendly enough to open herself."
My mother looked a bit hurt at the implication of my father's words.
"My love, it is not you who is at fault. You have to know that she has only ever looked at us as her King and Queen. At most, as dear friends of Lord Charles and Lady Renee; and today she is forced to look at us as her caregivers and guardians. I think it is only fair that she may be allowed time to accept these changes."
"You are right."
"I shall go forth then."
I paced towards Lady Isabella and took a seat on the rock beside her. I saw her eyes follow my movement, but she remained silent.
We sat there silently, nibbling on our snacks and looking around at the scenery. As time passed, I started doubting my actions. I had hoped that if I sat with her, perhaps she might talk to me. However, I may have been wrong. Maybe I should have initiated a conversation from the beginning. Alas, my pondering was of no use, and my actions had had no reaction. All was futile. Just as I was about to leave, I heard the faintest whisper. I had almost missed it.
"I am so scared."
Dear guest reviewer, do not fret. You gave me, something called constructive reviews, and I hope that you find improvement in my writing.
As for the 'manor' question, when I went online to find the meaning of manor, they said something about it being the residence of a Lord. so... I did not research much on it. And you may suggest another word for their house in case of concern... KEEP REVIEWING...I'm alright if you just like the plot.
As a writer I'm bound to make mistakes!
If you like this story, spread the word.
I have some pics on my facebook account for this story!
Last but not the least, happy weekend!:)
See you next time!