"You!" He demanded as he opened his eyes and found the girl, Lizzie, staring in awe at the room around her.
"Are you a prince?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
"A prince? No! What a question. Why would you ask such a thing?" He scoffed.
"I've never seen a room so fine. Our house is large enough, the largest active estate for miles, but nothing to this... Ooooooooo books" A small personal bookcase beneath the window caught her attention.
"Papa is teaching me. He says I'm a natural reader" She looked up at him, an obvious look of pride upon her young features, as he climbed out of bed.
"I'm sure you are" He answered placatingly. Despite the intense pain in his heart he couldn't help but smile on this young bundle of energy.
"This is my home, I was lucky to have made the trip so fast..."
Lizzie dropped her eyes. "Your mother" It wasn't a question.
"I saw you just yesterday, last night" he added
"So is this your dream or mine" she asked.
"I went to bed not long ago. I still don't understand why I'm dreaming of you?" The question hung in the air.
"I don't mind, I like you, you're nice, not like that horrid Michael Lucas!" She made a rather unpleasant face "What's your name?" she asked
"My name?"
"Yes. You have one I suppose"
"I'm master Da...I mean maybe you could call me F..." The boy stopped and thought a moment "You may call me Will" He gave a small bow.
"Lizzie" Giggling a little she dropped a small curtsy, the effect was immediately diminished as she caught his eye and cheekily poked her tongue at him. In surprise Will let out a small laugh before catching himself. Lizzie witnessed the exact moment the wave of intense sadness crashed through him. He sank onto the floor, picking non existent dust from the carpet.
"I'm sorry Will. What can I do? How can I help you?"
"I went straight to Georgiana when I arrived. She is so young, she has absolutely no idea what means for mother to be gone. She'll never even remember her" his voice was hollow, empty.
"Then you must remember your mother for her. My Uncle told me so when Grandmama Gardener died this past winter. Mary might remember her a little, but Kitty won't and Lydia wasn't yet born. Uncle said it fell to Janey and I to make sure the younger ones know her even though she's no longer with us" Lizzie explained in earnest.
"Are you sure you're only 5?"
"I am 6!" she corrected, only mildly offended by his mistake "But" she conceded "Papa oft says that I am an old soul. Even though my sister is 2 years older he often charges me to keep an eye on her. She's so gentle, someone needs to make sure no one takes advantage of her sweet nature. The amount of ribbons she has simply given away" Lizzie sighed shaking her head slightly.
"Yes, well, I errrrr... I see" communication was truly not his strong point.
"Do you hear that?" She suddenly asked. They both froze, straining their ears.
"No, there's nothing" Will answered.
"That... do you not hear?" she paused "There" she looked at him expectantly. He shook his head.
"I hear nothing" But he was speaking to an empty room.
The mysterious little girl was gone