Tale as Old as Time

Beauty and the Beast

Anabella was sitting in an armchair opposite the one I was sitting in, her back to the door, when Victor appeared in the doorway. The oddest sensation that I was dreaming came over me then, but I knew this was not a dream. Victor's cool grey eyes lit up with anger when he saw I was sitting and talking to a stranger, but they were instantly cooled when Anabella stood from her chair and turned to face him with all the grace a young princess should possess though she was only a poor man's eldest daughter.

She bowed her head and said softly but clearly, "My name is Anabella, sir. My papa tells me I am to marry you come spring, but that you requested me here sooner so we could become familiar with one another."

I could see that Victor was charmed by her beauty. The man simply stood in the doorway staring at her for a moment until he gathered his senses and replied, "Yes, I did tell your father that. I was not expecting you until next week, but it's alright. Mrs. Potts, show Anabella her room and let her put down her bag, but then bring her back to me. I would like to show her the mansion personally."

"Yes, sir." I stood hastily and took Anabella by the elbow, leading her past Victor and up the stairs.

She didn't speak as I led her down the dim hallway to the guest bedrooms. "Child, I want you to know something." I began, when I was sure Victor would not be able to hear me. "I will always be here if you need someone to talk to. I won't lie and say Victor is wonderful, because he isn't, but I also won't tell you life here is unbearable. My husband, Henry, is Victor's butler and he is always around, so don't be afraid to ask for anything from either of us. I also have a son. His name is Oliver and he just turned eight. He will be glad to have someone new around. This is your room." I stopped at a door halfway down the hallway and opened it up.

The room was dark because the heavy dark green drapes were shut, and I rushed over and pulled them aside. "There, now isn't that better." I murmured.

Anabella stood just inside the doorway, looking around at what was to be her new room. There was a large bed with layers of white and different shades of green velvet blankets on the bed, and a canopy the same color as the drapes hanging from the gold bedposts. Beside the bed was a night table with one drawer, which I knew had a Bible and a few candles inside, and on top a long yellow candle that had never been used before. Other than that there was a broad mahogany dresser, with fresh sheets and an extra blanket in one of the drawers, and a door leading to Anabella's own bathroom.

"Would you like to put down your bag? Victor will be expecting you back any moment now. He has very little patience." I warned.

"Yes, I'm sorry." She placed her large bag on the end of the bed. "The room is lovely, thank you." She stepped out into the hallway and I shut the door behind us.

We walked silently, I hoping she would take to heart what I said even though she would not say anything about it. "Mrs. Potts," Anabella said, walking slower as we were nearing the stairs.

"You may call me Nancy, dear." I said.

She nodded, "Thank you for what you said. I would like very much to have someone to talk to. In Rose Hill I had no one besides Charlotte and Madeline, my sisters, but they are only ten and five." She stopped walking and took a few deep breaths before saying, "I miss them so much already, and I've only been gone a day. Papa does not know how to take care of young girls." She shook her head and changed the subject, "I would just like to say thank you."

"No need to thank me dear. I'm sorry you had to leave your family. I don't know what I would do if I had to leave Henry and Ollie." I smiled and squeezed one of her small hands. "Now, before you go back down there I have a few things to tell you. I am usually in the kitchen during the day. Victor will probably point it out on your tour, but in case he doesn't, it is straight through the parlor and the dining room. If I am not in there then I am either helping Louise or Fiona, the maids, or I'm in my rooms. When we go down the stairs I will point them out to you. You may come see me, Henry and Oliver any time you like. All right?"

Anabella nodded and smiled, "You are so kind, Nancy, thank you very much. We should go down now."

I walked with her down the stairs and back into the parlor, where Victor was pacing the floor.

"I was just about to come get you myself. In the future, Mrs. Potts, I would like you pay attention to what I say to you and then do exactly that." Victor ordered.

"Yes, sir. It won't happen again." I said obediently.

"Now, Anabella, walk with me and I will show you my home which is soon to be yours too. I will also explain to you my rules. They will be followed, understand?" Victor said, focusing his sharp gaze on Anabella.

She met his stare with her soft brown eyes and allowed her sweet smile to calm Victor. "Of course I will follow your rules," she said steadily.

I had a feeling then that Anabella would not be like Victor's other wives, and that she would overcome him. She seemed like a strong girl. She was in a new place and seemed frightened and lost, but underneath that was a fiery spirit waiting to come out.