Page 6 of Once Upon an Enchanted Castle

The four-poster bed was in the center. Across from that was the wardrobe where she had all her gowns and shoes. She was lucky enough to have an en suite bathroom complete with running water. Not many houses in the port city had running water, but her father was well off enough to make sure they had it.

“Did you enjoy your visit to Lord Vincent’s, miss?”

Bella expelled a sigh as she toed off her slippers. “I have to say I do enjoy his library, but something happened today.”

Emmaline’s eyes widened. “What happened?”

“He wanted me to dine with him.”

The girl looked confused. “You didn’t wish to stay?”

“I knew Father was coming into port today and I didn’t want to miss seeing him,” she said. “Aside from that, no, I didn’t. He’s much too old for me.”

Emmaline began unbuttoning the back of her gown. “I suppose. He’s a widower, isn’t he?”

“Yes. He’s never remarried.”

She helped her remove the dress, then stepped to the wardrobe to find something suitable for dinner. She chose a long gown in dark blue silk with a dropped waist, full skirt, and long lace sleeves. She held it up for Bella to approve.

When she gave her a nod, she helped her into the gown, then she sat at the dressing table while Emmaline brushed out her long, brown hair to rid it of the tangles from the day. She pulled back the sides and secured it with a sliver hair clip at the back of her head.

“I see you were hard at work writing today,” the girl remarked.

“Oh?”

She grinned at her in the mirror over the top of her head. “Your hands, my lady.”

Bella looked down and noticed ink still on her fingers. “I’m afraid there’s not much to be done about that, but I can try to scrub them clean.”

She spent a good amount of time with a bar of soap and warm water. She got most of the ink off her fingers, but they were still stained. She finally gave up after nearly half an hour of scrubbing.

As she exited her room, she heard the front door and knew her father had returned. She picked up her skirts and hurried down the stairs as he called out hello. Gerald was there in an instant, taking his hat and coat as they exchanged pleasantries.

“Father!”

Bella flew down the stairs and launched herself at him. He hugged her tight.

“There’s my girl.” He pulled back and held her at arm’s length. “Have you stayed busy while I was gone?”

She nodded. “Yes. I’ve done several translations while you were at sea.”

He hooked his arm in hers. “You have? You must tell me everything about it.” He paused and turned back to the butler. “Gerald, they’ll be bringing my trunks up from the ship. Will you have them delivered to my room?”

“They have already arrived, my lord,” he said, his face devoid of emotion.

“Wonderful!” Then he patted her hand. “I’ll go change for dinner and then join you in the dining room. I have a gift for you.”

“A gift? What is it?” Excitement lit within her.

“You’ll have to wait and see.” He grinned as he released her and headed for the stairs.

Bella could not wait to see what he brought her.

The dining room was one of her favorite rooms. The room was large, with a long mahogany table in the center and enough chairs for twenty. A plush rug in an intricate design was under the table. The soaring ceiling and dark damask wallpaper above the wainscoting added to the dramatic effect of the room. A sideboard was to one side. The table was set with their finest china.

Though they had enough space for twenty, she and her father rarely entertained. It wasn’t that they didn’t have friends or acquaintances in the city—they knew everyone in town. It was because they preferred not to have ostentatious parties. There was the occasion when her father would have several of the higher-class folks join them for dinner, but it was a rarity.

Bella sat back in her chair, her hands resting in her lap, after demolishing the delicious meal Mrs. Graves prepared for them. She was happily drowsy, with a full stomach and a glass of wine. All throughout the meal, she waited for her father to present her with his promised gift. Finally, she was unable to wait any longer.

---