Page 41 of A Maid's Fateful Courtship
If only I had realised then that our lives would part so dramatically,he pondered.Perhaps, if I would have stayed, and not gone galivanting around Europe, things would be different.
The library was a long room that had been divided into smaller areas. It allowed users to enjoy a peaceful moment whilst seated comfortably on one of the many plush sofas.
Ethan strolled over to the centre of the room whilst he made his mind up where to sit for his meeting. His senses took in the aroma of honey polish, that mingled with the woody smell of the many books held upon the wall-lined shelves.
He had purposely arrived at the meeting early, as he wanted to go over his speech in his head. His nerves were on edge at the thought of his confession because he had no idea how his father was going to react. A Marquess’ heir would be expected to marry for status and not love.
How will I convince Father that breaking this tradition is the right thing to do for Josephine and me?
Of course, Ethan knew that his father was fond of Josephine. for many years she had been a part of this family too, ever since she was an orphaned child. He recalled the day that his father had arrived home with the bedraggled little girl who had been in great need of bathing.
His father had announced her name and requested that his sons take great care of their new houseguest, for she was grieving at the loss of her parents.
Anthony, being closer to Josephine’s age, had befriended her first. Whereas he had stayed in the background to observe her from a distance. Judging by her initial appearance, he had expected the orphan to be common and crude. On the contrary, she had washed up well, showing off her sparkling emerald, green eyes on a pretty little face.
Cedric had made fun of her when they first dined. She knew of none of the social niceties, or table etiquette. But she was quick to learn. Her initial reserved nature was soon replaced as she blossomed into a lively and fun little creature.
For a time, all three boys were captivated by her presence. They soon started to protect her as they did their own sister. Though she needed no defender, for she soon proved to be a tough little thing as she climbed trees, never crying when she fell. It was not long before she gained their respect and they treated her as one of their own.
Then the boys had their own tragedy to contend with. Their mother lost her life through childbirth. The baby girl, who would have a second sister, had also died. Although none of them had been aware of all the details at the time.
After that tragic event, everything changed in the Ellsworth household. Their father was different whilst he grieved. He and Anthony had sought solace with Josephine. And she had helped them both through their grieving.
But for Cedric, it had been the opposite. He had turned in on himself, not taking solace from anyone. He started to spurn Josephine, and Ethan often caught him bullying her.
Shaking the memory away, Ethan got up from his seat and approached one of the bookcases. Reaching out for a book at random, he found himself looking at the book cover of Romeo and Juliet. It was a story he knew well, for he had learned much about the author William Shakespeare from their tutor.
The book brought back further memories of his childhood. They had been encouraged to re-enact the Shakespearean stories as children. This particular story had them rolling around with laughter, as they had acted out the tortured souls of unforbidden love.
How we had laughed at the concept of love. And now, I play the part of Romeo and you, Josephine, are my Juliet,he thought.
Returning the book to its slot, he did not wish to look at it any longer for it was too close to his heart.
Is it an omen that our love will end in tragedy?
The sound of the clock pendulum resonated in his ears as he became alert to the silence surrounding him. Being alone only enhanced his problems of late. Giving him more time to worry over the loss he felt at not being able to be close to Josephine.
He went to sit in a large chair and leaned his head back as he looked up at the decorative cornices in the ceiling. Sighing at his frustrations, he considered cancelling the meeting with his father. His thoughts spiralled out of control, and all he could think was that nothing good could come of it.
You will never accept her as your daughter-in-law, will you Father?
He stood up again and paced the length of the room.
I will refuse to marry any other. Then you will be forced to accept her.
Approaching the long window, he looked through the glass, but his eyes saw nothing for he was in a daze.
Where are you, Father? Let this thing be done with, so I can take her in my arms once and for all.
At that thought, he heard the squeak of the door opening, and he turned to greet the newcomer.
Chapter 33
It was a long-standing tradition amongst the servants, that the senior staff would have afternoon tea together first. This allowed them to meet in the kitchen and discuss work matters for the day.
Once Josephine, Martha, and Donald were finished, the rest of the servants would then take their tea around the same table. It gave everyone a short break before the evening meal was due to be served upstairs for the lords and ladies.
Josephine took the opportunity, after she met with the butler and head cook, to go outside. She loved nothing more than to enjoy the warmth of the sun in the summer months. Whilst the servants were occupied with gossip over their afternoon tea, she could escape and enjoy a quiet moment alone.
