Hello everyone! I see that I got some new reviews and new followers of either my story or me as an author. I just have to say thank you for those who take the time out of your day to read my writing and to leave reviews to help me out and encourage me is just humbling. I do and will continue to appreciate that as I continue to write. When I began this story I was not sure where it would be headed but now I have an idea and I am so excited to continue on and I hope you are to continue reading it. Anyway enough of this rambling. Rizzoli and Isles belongs to TNT and not myself *sniff*. Alright chapter 4 begins!
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5 years later:
"Lady Maura? Maura? Goodness child are you even listening a word I am saying!" a voiced hollered.
The blonde girl blinks suddenly being brought back to reality. "Huh? I'm sorry Ms. Thompson what did you say?"
The older woman had sighed, "Well I can't very well blame you. Who would want to listen to an old spinster like me yack away….." the woman began to say and go on but Maura heard none of it.
Maura honestly felt bad for not paying attention to her maid/mistress. Usually she would pay attention to every word she said trying to take in as much knowledge as possible. Maura's love of knowledge had continued on since she was a child and wanted to know all that there was out there in the world. Though at many times Ms. Thompson tended to get off topic that was completely unrelated to the subject. Learning knowledge was one thing, but lately Maura had wanted to go out into the public and experience these different elements the world had to offer. Since the incident in town, her father had not taken her back there or even anywhere remotely close. For the past several years she basically remained within the castle or just outside the castle grounds but not too away from the shelter of their home. She was also never alone even if a guard walked with her around. Even though she was always with someone she felt isolated from the rest of society and within the home. As she continued to grow up she was a shy quiet child that did not have many friends. That is why they hired Ms. Thompson to provide company for her. Though Hope wished to expand Maura's knowledge as much as possible it also made sure to keep the curious girl out of trouble. Ms. Thompson was great company but with being 50 years older than Maura it felt more like babysitting than actually company. She was a sweet woman who learned from her father to read, write, and knew all the modern languages and she taught Maura all of it, and she became her best pupil. Maura thought of her of a type of grandmother because both sides of grandparents died before her birth. The past month Ms. Thompson had been her caretaker for her parents had gone to another islands of their homeland to discuss business for the kingdom. Maura missed her parents dearly and hoped they would be back by her birthday which was in another week and a half.
Maura finally looked up at the woman and saw she was just staring at her with a small smile on her face, "Oh Maura dear go ahead and go. That's enough for today."
Maura smiled back and responded, "Thank you Ms. Thompson I will see you later."
As Maura stands up to leave the older woman stops her, "Maura wait. I know your birthday isn't until next week. But I thought I would give you your present now. Take your mind off of missing your parents" she said softly handing her what was a book. Maura took the book and looked its contents and seeing it was all about Ancient Rome. Her favorite time period.
"Oh Ms. Thompson thank you! I love the city of Rome and its culture its quiet exquisite." Maura gushed excitedly.
"Oh I know my dear but I too enjoyed learning of the Roman Empire culture and life. I knew you would like it" Ms. Thompson smile back at the girl, "Now go on get going. Enjoy the rest of your day dear!"
"I will thank you so much!" Maura said running out of the room to go read her new book trying to pass the time away until her parent's return.
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While Maura was enjoying her book and absorbing all the knowledge and facts that it contained she almost failed to hear the trumpet horn signaling her parent's arrival.
When the trumpet sounded Maura jolted up from her bed and ran to her window. She saw one of father's carriages putting up entering the castle gates. Maura ran from her window to the door and ran through the corridor. She was very excited to see her parents again from their prolonged trip. Letters were difficult to send back and forth so Maura needed to remain patient until their return. Finally reaching the door that led to the castle grounds Maura sped up trying to reach them as fast as possible. When she made it outside she could recognize the forms of her mother and father even with a dim torch as lighting.
"MOTHER! PAPA!" Maura exclaimed and ran into her parents arms. They opened their arms wide and were engulfed by the blonde haired girl.
They stayed in that position for several minutes trying to express how much they missed one another. Finally Maura started to release her hold on her parents. "I'm so happy you are home. I missed you so much" Maura breathed becoming emotion for her parent's homecoming. Hope and Patrick looked at their daughter and beamed happily at their daughter, seeing how much she had grown since they last saw her. Maura had aged some and looked less like the child she was before their departure and more into a young lady. Maura's golden locks had fallen to the middle of her back, grew a couple inches, but still retained her intense hazel eyes that were piercing into them.
"Maura darling let's go inside and catch up, it is too dreadfully cold out here to converse" her mother said logically and they all proceeded inside the castle. They all went into the large dining room in order to receive a meal and discuss what has gone on since their separation. Maura told them all about what she had learned from Ms. Thompson and how she thought she was a bright woman.
Hope was the first to speak, "Well dear your father and I are both glad you have taken a liking to Ms. Thompson and you were good to her while we were gone."
Maura looked carefully at her parents and said, "Well I am really glad you are back. I was afraid that you wouldn't make it for my birthday…."
Hope looked horrified and replied, "Oh of course not sweetie. We would never miss celebrating the birth of the most important person in the world." This made Maura smile and feel a little guilty for thinking her parents would actually miss her birthday.
"We realize we were later than expected angel but we had important matters to discuss. Actually part of the reason we did was because of you" Patrick explained with a smile on his face and gave a piece of paper to Maura.
Maura had a confused look plastered on her face and inspected the paper carefully. The paper was folded and had a wax seal with the Doyle family crest was impressed on the paper. Maura smiled when she recognized the ladybug in the middle as she started to reminisce about her encounters with these animals that was short lived. She was curious to what this piece of parchment, having to be of great importance to adorn the Doyle crest. Curiosity getting the best of her Maura ripped opens the parchment, almost ripping it apart to see its contents. Maura's hazel eyes carefully read through the document slowly, taking in all that it meant. She looked at her parents shell shocked for what they had done and didn't know whether to be excited or terrified for what would soon occur. Maura reread the letter to make sure it was true:
Dear recipients,
We are pleased to inform you that you are cordially invited to celebrate this joyous day of the birth of our daughter, Maura Doyle. This special event will be held on the twenty-six day of this month in the Doyle ballroom. Invitations are required for entry into our castle walls. We will be happy to see your presence at this joyous event.
Sincerely,
The Doyle family
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Hope and Patrick are observing Maura waiting to see her reaction to her own ball. Maura looks up and is tries to pull off a forced smile but her parents see right through it.
"Oh no it is a wonderful I idea I love it…..I…." Maura tried to convince her parents but accidently lied while leaving evidence behind as she began to nonchalantly relieve the infuriating itch that started to develop on her chest and neck.
Hope noticed this and spoke up, "Maura your rash is your tell. Sweetheart don't try to lie what's wrong? Do you not want the ball, it's for you dear. So many people are excited to attend and meet you including those of your youth" she tried to explain wanting to know what was troubling her daughter.
Maura sighed with an exasperating breath, "No mother it's not that I don't want the party but….I'm afraid of how to act and making a fool of myself."
Patrick was the one to respond, "Maura, you just need to act like yourself. Nothing needs to change angel. You're perfect."
"Papa I love you but you can't accurately say that seeing that I am your daughter. I know I am different, more closed off from everyone and people look at me differently. I….I just don't want to embarrass you or the family name because I lack the social etiquette all my peers have…" Maura began to say but drift off ashamed of her insecurity and what a failure she is to her family name.
Hope could not take any more of her daughter bringing herself down, "Now you listen here Maura Doyle and you listen good. You are a Doyle. There are no certain expectations you must achieve to be viewed as a success. There is nothing wrong with being a shy. You say you are an embarrassment to the family name? Well you know where I came don't you? When your father met me I was nothing more than a miller's daughter. Even just as the lower class didn't stop love from occurring. Your father, the prince of Ireland fell in love with a mere peasant girl and was determined to promise our love and commitment to each other for the rest of our lives. Maura we taught you to never judge people for what they lack. That also means to not letting what others think determine who you become. Sweetie you are a unique girl with extraordinary talents that you do not give yourself credit for. We love you baby and so will everyone else at the party too" Hope concluded her speech giving Maura a loving smile.
"Yes and if anybody thinks differently of our little girl I'll show them how powerful we Doyle's really are" Doyle smirked but somewhat serious.
This statement caused Maura and Hope to laugh. Hope looked at Doyle and raised her brow questioningly at her husband, "Oh Patty don't start threatening people."
"I will do whatever it takes to protect my family and that's a promise" Doyle replied seriously. "Well it seems that it is getting late and it is time for bed. Good night my girls. Honey I will see you in our room and Maura I love you angel sweet dreams" he spoke again and gave Maura a hug and kiss her head.
"Goodnight papa sleep well" Maura replied as she watched her father go to his chambers.
Hope watched her daughter carefully trying to read what she was thinking. "So Maura do you feel the same toward the party or are we better?" she asked with a hopeful smile on her face.
Maura returned with a slight smile and answered, "I feel better but I am a little anxious for it" she spoke truthfully. Her mother nodded her head in agreement then Maura spoke again. "Mother there is one other pressing matter I need to know."
"What's that darling?" Hope asked.
"What am I going to wear?"
TBC…
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So this is chapter 4! What do you guys think? Ready for the party in the next chapter which hopefully will be exciting. I'm thinking more of a masquerade ball which I would love to be in but hey I can write my perfect version of one! Anyway reviews are heavily appreciated and only help to make me a better writer. Anyway enjoy your weekend folks!