Chapter 11
A MONTH LATER
The streets of Paris, France were beautiful and the improved Casey and Derek were enjoying it. They were still getting used to their new looks and ID, but were ready for a normal life in Paris.
Casey had gone Russian with her hair and eye color—and her new name was Anastasia—since she looked Russian instead of Irish. Her clothing was more preppy than before and her make-up complimented her new eyes and tan. She looked like a whole different person and that was the point. No one would have recognized Derek—not even his mother. He had gone from dorky red head to preppy blonde. He was supposed to be from Brittan and his new name was Dave. It took them a full month to get the accent and style to pull off on him, but in the end it had come to perfection. Along, with Casey—her Russian accent was a little more difficult to perfect, but getting Derek to wear was even harder.
Now, walking down the streets of Paris window shopping—they had come to the conclusion it was all worth it. When they got to Paris they didn't realize that they had bought a mansion on an estate. The house was north of Paris in the country. It was built in the early 1800s and still hand the original woodwork and fireplaces. As much as the inside was historical so was the outside with a court yard and lake. The modern things were simply the in ground pool, tennis court, piano, and of course the kitchen and heating/air /necessities. The grand staircase and chandelier when you entered the foyer was breath taking and accented the house magnificently. The rooms were spacious with cathedral ceilings all dating back to the Victorian day. It was romantic and the servants had many stories to tell—most of them being there for many years and their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and great-great-grandparents.
Derek and Casey were enjoying their first week in Paris just relaxing and eating Italian food. They would be enrolling in college soon. Casey decided she was going to major in fashion design/music and Derek in Theater/business. They both would start in the fall and during the rest of spring and summer enjoying sightseeing Europe. Casey secretly hoping that Derek will come to love her as much as she loves him and ask the important question while they lived in the most romantic city. Until then, she will happily help him in the steps of process with romantic dinners and seeing Operas, Symphonies, and Broadways.
When, Derek and Casey returned from their day of shopping and getting settled into the life of being new people they went into the court yard to improve their etiquettes.
"Derek, you need to walk with more dignity and not slouch." Casey stated with a book in hand
"I feel like a stuffed penguin."
"Nice accent." Casey purred with a Russian dialect
"Yes, well ma'am you should hear yours. I adore it!" Derek strode over to her confidently and took her.
"Maybe we should work on our dancing."
"Good sir, there's no music." She flirted
"That can be arranged."
"Bennett." Derek yelled and Bennett came from behind the oak with violin in hand; along with the string ensemble.
Casey was delighted and they danced Regency style to perfect their posture and for the fun of it. She couldn't remember the last she had such a good time without worrying and was glad for the distraction. After the dancing they had an evening picnic by the lake and read stories from Jane Austen and Mark Twain. For it felt as if they had gone back in time with the Victorian home and servants, but they were thoroughly enjoying each other's presence and falling in love.
The servants were matchmakers—they were enjoying having Casey and Derek their and were trying to get them together. Bennett was in his early twenties and was a master violinist—he is married to Annett, a lovely house maid and artist. The cook is an older woman: Marybeth and is married to the butler John. That was the main staff of the house who oversaw the rest of the employee who kept the place in tip top shape.
"How do you like the new house Lord and Lady?" Annett asked Marybeth helping with the kitchen.
"I think they are sweethearts and I'm glad they're here. Don't you like them dear?" Marybeth was Casey's personal Countess and was helping her with everything she need to know about Russia, Paris, and Europe. She and John were the only ones that knew the whole situation at hand and important it all was.
"I like them a lot and think that they should get married."Annett announced putting away a glass.
"I think so to, but they do need a little help. Let's see what we can do in the following months." Lady Beth (they called her for short) said.
Beth secretly was planning a House Party for their new Lord and Lady, but first she would have to introduce them to some very special people. Because you can't have a party without guests!