Memories came of sister Helen as the warm water washed over Loretta's tired body. She didn't rest much on the train afraid that in her sleep, someone would sneak inside her cabin.

'Loretta, you know what the meaning of Christmas is?' Sister Helen asked her. Loretta was mad at her parents for making her come home. They had said it was important but wouldn't tell her why.

' the meaning of Christmas is about giving and forgiveness.'

'Exactly. You must forgive your parents. They sent you here to better prepare you to be a lady.'

'Sister Helen I don't want to go home though. I want to stay here and take on my duties of becoming a nun.'

'That is a honourable thing Loretta, but you should go home for the holidays. Your family requested your presence.'

Loretta sighed and bowed her head. 'Yes sister Helen.'

'Good girl. Now go pack your things. You leave at midday.'

Loretta curtsied and scurried off to pack her things. Silently praying that she would be able to handle this holiday season.

The water cooled, and Loretta felt hands gently shaking her. Blinking several times Loretta opened her eyes to see her hand maid. "Miss Kane. You are going all pruney"

Loretta stared at her fingers and sighed. Then she slowly stood up. The water dripped done her naked body, and her hand maid wrapped a towel around her. The maid took Loretta's arm and helped her out of the tub. Then she dried her mistress and dressed her in a light purple gown.
"Miss Kane would you please sit, and I will do your hair."

Loretta didn't say a word she slowly walked over to her vanity and allowed her hand maid to brush her hair and pin it up. The maid had just finished when there was a knock on the door.

The hand maid walked over to the door and opened it a crack. "Please send miss Kane down. Her parents are waiting for her at the dinning table. "

"Right away." Then she closed the door. "Ma'am your parents are waiting for you in the dinning room."

"Thank you Lateesha." Loretta said standing up. She slipped her feet into a pair of flat shoes and headed to the dinning room. Lateesha silently followed as she always did.

The halls were decorated in colorful paper, and tinsel hung from the chandler holders. The glow of the candles made the tinsel look like it was dancing. Shaking her head, she continued her walk.

Lateesha opened the door to the dinning room, and Loretta opened her eyes wide in surprise. Her mother out did herself this time. The room was bright and colorful. Reds and greens even silver and gold. Splashed all over the place it looked amazing. "Mother .... " Loretta started to say but the words just couldn't come out. Then her eyes landed on a guy she didn't know. Quickly snapping her mouth shut and straightening her posture, she curtsied and entered the room silently.

Taking a seat across from the man she didn't know. Loretta kept her eyes cast down. She knew she has to wait for her parents to speak to her.

"Loretta dear. This is Mr. Adam Bowtrel." Loretta's mother said as she gestured toward the man.

"Please just call me Adam." The man said. His voice was deep and gentle. His eyes, Loretta noticed were a great green color. It made her dark-brown eyes seem to pale in comparison. His eyes sparkled in the candle light, and Loretta had to look away quickly.

Her parents didn't take notice and soon the three of them were in a conversation about something. Loretta tuned them all out and when the food was served, she silently said grace and began eating.

"Loretta did you hear me?" Her mother asked her. By the look on her mothers face Loretta realized she had been talking to her for a while.

"Sorry mother. What did you say?" Loretta said after swallowing her mouth full of food.

Her mother sighed but repeated what she had said. "Mr. Bowtrel has agreed to marry you."

"WHAT?!" Loretta screamed she had jumped to her feet "I WILL NOT MARRY HIM!!! She said slamming her hands down on the table.

Her father rose to his feet "enough of this Loretta. You will do as we say. Now head to your room and change. We will make the announcement to everyone at the party." He never raised his voice, but the tone left no room to argue. She already embarrassed her parents with her out burst.

Bowing to everyone, Loretta turned and left the dining room. After leaving the sight of the room Loretta ran up the stairs straight to her room. Throwing the door open she slammed it and stomped to the bed screaming at the top of her lungs as she went.

Flopping face first on the bed, she screamed again into her pillow. "How could they?" She asked out loud tears streaked her face. Causing her to become angrier. She threw the pillow at the wall and jumped up off the bed. She began pacing. Than a thought struck her. The church. She could go there and seek comfort. Gathering her cloak, she slipped out of her room and headed down the stairs. She carefully walked down them and looked around. She didn't want to be discovered.

She made it outside and headed to the stable. She needed a horse to head to the church.

Lateesha watched as her mistress headed out. And she quickly slipped on a cloak and followed her.

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7,617 more words to go. :)

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