"Wherever wind visits, there it freshens the air; wherever wisdom visits, there it freshens the mind!" ~ Mehmet Murat ildan

Chapter 19.

When Callers Come.

Catrin was in the drawing room with her favorite Brother's Grimm. She had her feet up on the scrolled ends of the couch and was sprawled out in a less than ladylike fashion. A knock on the door had her sitting up straight.

"Come in," she called.

The door opened and John came in. "Forgive me, Miss Llewelyn," he said. "But his Lordship came calling and neither Mrs. Llewelyn nor Miss Morton are at home."

Catrin frowned at this information. "Are you sure Beatrice is not home?" She hesitantly asked.

"Miss Morton went out riding quite some time ago," John explained. "And the Missus went to call on Mrs. Owens. We do not expect her till half past three."

Catrin glanced over at the clock. It showed five to three.

"I'll show his Lordship here then," John said. "I left him waiting in the hall."

Catrin cringed. Entertain his Lordship all on her own? She wanted to say no but it wouldn't be polite to send Lord Woodworth away just because Beatrice and Mamma were not home. She tossed her head a little, trying to come up with a good reason why Lord Woodworth should be here. Maybe she could tell John to tell him that she was out as well.

John however took her head gesture as a signal of approval and with a small bow departed from the room and entered ten seconds later with Lord Woodworth.

Catrin hastily shut the book, straightened out her dress and tried to put on a pleasant face. "Good morning, your Lordship." She said in a voice that sadly lacked any confidence.

"Good morning, Miss Llewelyn," Charles answered back with a charming smile. It was nice to know that at least she was acknowledging him politely today instead of greeting him with 'good God in heaven.'

"I am sorry but my stepmother and stepsister are out," Catrin continued. "I do not know what came over Beatrice, you told us so clearly yesterday how you would come at three."

"Ah, I see you heard that part," Charles smiled. "I was sure you weren't paying attention to anything I spoke the other day. I have to admit you were quite distressed."

Catrin could feel her face coloring up and she winced a little. "I do want to apologize for my behavior yesterday," she blurted out. "It was unkind of me. I was only embarrassed and couldn't bring myself to face you after all the lies I had told. Beatrice spoke the truth, I never told outright lies before. Papa taught me never to tell a lie and I said so many that night. Beatrice always said you couldn't get through society without lying but I didn't want to believe her."

"Miss Llewelyn, there is no need to apologize," Charles chuckled. "I understand why you felt compelled to say what you did. And there was no harm done. I was only confused why you seemed to be running away from me. Did I offend you in anyway?"

Catrin looked at her hands. "Lord Woodworth you did not offend me. I only did not know how to face you. I have never been out in society and I don't know how to behave properly. Beatrice always says I am too naive."

Charles smiled at the endless apologizing, it reminded him of the ball. "So the masquerade was your first ball?"

Catrin nodded. "And I do want to thank you for your kindness. If I am to be completely honest you were the only person who stood up with me at the ball. I was far too shy to speak with anyone and didn't know a single person. At least not behind those masks."

"It was my pleasure, Miss Llewelyn," Charles replied. How wonderful that she was not avoiding him anymore. "May I enquire after the book you are reading?" He pointed to the book that lay on the couch.

"Oh, it is Brother's Grimm collection for fairy tales," Catrin replied.

"You enjoying reading fairy tales, Miss Llewelyn."

Catrin blushed to the very roots of her hair. "I do," she said in a timid voice, for some reason suddenly shy of her love for children's stories filled with magic.

"How do you not find them boring?" Charles asked. "I mean, you know they are all going to have a happy ending. No matter what the characters always get their magic that in turn leads to their happily ever after."

Catrin paused for a minute and cast a glance at her favorite book. "It's not the happy ending that draws me," she said at last. "But rather how the characters got to it. Magic never makes the happy ending, it's the determination of the characters that accomplishes that. In the beginning no one has it easy. Rapunzel is locked up in a tower, Cinderella has a horrible stepmother and stepsisters, Beauty is forced to go live with a Beast, Snow White has her stepmother trying to kill her, Little Red Riding Hood is sent off alone into a dark forest filled with wolves, Donkey Skin's own father is trying to marry her, Hansel and Gretel's father is overpowered by his second wife and he actually takes his children out into the woods and leaves them there to die. And as the stories progress it usually doesn't get better. Sleeping Beauty pricks her finger and goes to sleep, Rapunzel ends up caring the child of her Prince and is sent away by the witch, Hansel and Gretel end up at the mercy of a witch who wants to eat Hansel. Sometimes the magic doesn't help at all, sometimes it does more harm than good. Magic put the beast under the spell, magic causes Rapunzel's prince to go blind for two years, I mean, magic put Sleeping Beauty to sleep for a hundred years. I'm sure Cinderella's prince did not appreciate the magic that brought her to the ball and suddenly took her away, leaving only a slipper."

"You tell me," Charles chuckled. Catrin smiled nervously, understanding he was alluding to their night at the ball.

"What I love about the characters is they never give up." She continued. "The Prince searches and searches for Cinderella. He doesn't let anything stop he. He actually bothers going through all the ladies in the kingdom until he finds the right one. It wasn't magic, it was the persistence of the man who knew she was the girl he wanted to marry and nothing was going to stop her. Beauty loved the Beast, despite his hideous appearance, and it is her love that destroys the dark magic and breaks the spell. Rapunzel wanders through the desert, never giving up, and at last meets up with her prince, who is searching for her as well. And he was blind, remember? How is that for determination? To search for you wife and child and having no sight? Magic didn't help him there. That is what I love about fairy tales, they teach us not to give up, they teach us to press forward even when all seems lost, they show us that if we will only hold on when we want to let go, we can move mountains, defeat the dragons, and find whatever it is we are looking for."

Charles didn't answer Catrin's speech. He didn't have an answer to give. He'd never thought of that before, but now it all made sense. She was right, more often than not, magic wasn't the defining factor in the happy ending of a fairy tale, it was the characters who didn't give up and got the ending they were searching for.

"I'm sorry, your Lordship," Catrin hated the way she seemed to be in a constant state of blush. "I seem to have a habit of saying such nonsense."

"Miss Llewelyn," Charles gently reproached, "whoever said it was nonsense?"

"I...I don't know," Catrin shrugged. "I wonder where Beatrice has gotten lost?" She hurriedly added, trying to take the attention away from herself.

"She certainly seems to have a habit," Charles chuckled.

"She never got lost before," Catrin said. "I think she confused the time you were supposed to come. Well, while we are waiting perhaps I could see if I am better at chess than Beatrice."

"Fair enough," Charles agreed. The board was set up at the table quickly. "It seems to be the prefered game in this house," Charles dared to point out.

"It is thanks to my father," Catrin giggled. "He was a great lover of chess. I think he challenged the Earl of Llys Gwyn once and won and after that the Earl and my father were never on speaking terms."

"Yes, I remember there was some sort of feud going on," Charles nodded. "I didn't know it had to do over chess."

"I remember Father used to take Beatrice and me to Llys Gwyn and say how we were treading on enemy territory and how we should be careful not to get caught. It was always so frightening and daring to go there. There are some awful rumors going on about the Earl, you know."

"Oh?" Charles lifted his eyebrow. "I didn't now. What sort of rumors?"

"They stem from the fact of how the Earl never shows himself publicly and some people say he has sold his soul to the devil for immortal life and as such cannot leave his grounds as part of his contract with the fallen angel.."

Charles coughed as he tried to keep his laughter in.

"Beatrice says the Earl is in Italy because of his health, and of course she is right, because in real life the Earl couldn't be sitting in his tower, drinking the blood of fair maidens and worshiping pagan gods. Though of course the latter story make it all so much more interesting."

Charles was laughing a quiet, polite laughter by now. He could just see Elwyn drinking the blood of maidens and worshiping idols. "My father would like you, Miss Llewelyn," he stated. "You have a similar sense of humor."

"You flatter me, sir," Catrin mumbled and blushed again.

Their game was interrupted by the door opening and Mrs. Llewelyn walking in. Catrin could tell from the look in her eyes that she was not happy with the way things had turned out, but of course she was polite and wore a smile on her face.

"John informed me of your arrival, your Lordship," she said in a kind voice. "I am quite vexed with my daughter for getting the hours mixed up. Where is Beatrice by the way?"

"No one has seen her, Mamma," Catrin said. "She went out riding quite some time ago and that is all we know. It is a quarter to four so I think she will come soon."

"I suppose we shall have to wait then," Mrs. Llewelyn said. "I am sorry that you had no one but our little Cadi here, your Lordship."

"There is no need to apologize, Mrs. Llewelyn," Charles reassured with a smile. "Miss Llewelyn is delightful company."

Mrs. Llewelyn gave a tense smile and sat down in one of the chairs. This was not going according to plan. Lord Woodworth was charmed with Catrin and Beatrice was not here. Where was that silly, lazy, stupid daughter of hers?

***

Beatrice had plans of her own. If Catrin and Charles had such a wonderful time at the ball surely they could easily entertain each other without her. Catrin owed Beatrice after all. Yesterday Beatrice had to do all the explaining and entertaining. If Catrin planned to go out into society she might as well get some practice.

Mamma wouldn't come till later so there was no fear of her locking Catrin up in her room. Thus Beatrice saddled her horse early and fetching Argos from the kennel went off riding to Llys Gwyn. Coming up to the large castle she dismounted and was pleased to discover the door to the tower was once again unlocked.

Leading the horse in, she tied it to the post and motioned for the dog to follow her. Up the stairs she went and breathlessly came to the top.

"I need more exercise," she whispered to herself. She knocked on the door and on the command to enter, opened it and walked into the room.

She smiled at the surprise in Elwyn's face at the sight of her.

"You have a bad habit, Miss Morton," he told her as he rose to greet her. "It isn't proper for a young lady to come visiting a man up in his tower."

"I suppose not," Beatrice agreed as she held out her hand. "But I know you will not hurt me and I was bored at home."

Elwyn took the hand and kissed it. "What of your stepsister?"

"She has company today," Beatrice informed. Elwyn motioned for her to sit down. Argos settled down beside the chair.

"So you came to me because you had nothing to do?"

"Because you and I are now friends," Beatrice corrected. "And friends go visiting each other."

Elwyn slowly nodded his head. "It's an interesting book you left me," he said. "I found it hard to put it down, but my eyes complained and I was obligated to give them a rest. I'm afraid they tire easily."

"And little wonder," Beatrice said. "This light is not good for them. I do hope you were not reading by candlelight."

"No, I had a lantern."

"Open the window and get some proper light," Beatrice suggested.

Elwyn shook his head. "I never open the window."

"Well," Beatrice offered. "If you cannot read but want to know what happens perhaps I could read to you?"

Elwyn was tempted to refuse, but he did want to find out if Odysseus ever got home, so he gave a little shrug. "If you like."

"Only we must open the window," Beatrice said. "I cannot read in this darkness."

"Use the lantern," Elwyn motioned to the lantern on the table.

Beatrice shook her head. "That is not good enough."

"I don't want the window opened," Elwyn firmly stated. "I hate the light."

"I'm sorry," Beatrice's voice became soft. "I'm sorry you hate it. I can understand why you do, but please, let's open it just a little. Here, we'll turn your chair so you don't have to face it, and I'll crack it open just a little, so the light will fall on the book."

Beatrice was already rearranging the furniture and Elwyn's curiosity to know the end of the story had him going along with it. That was the reason why he hated books. You started reading, it caught your interest, and then you would be willing to do anything just to find out the end. He heard Beatrice open the window and caught a beam of light falling next to him. He heard her open the book, flip through the pages and find the scrap of paper he had used as a bookmark. Then she began reading. Elwyn had to admit she was good at reading, kept her voice at an even pace, being neither too fast or too slow. She could stand to be a little louder. As the story progressed, Elwyn slowly found himself turning, turning so he could look at her while she read. It wasn't fun to have a beautiful woman reading to you and not be able to see her. He studied the cut up hands, he looked at her face. The light from the window illuminated her and he could get a good look at her in proper light. Elwyn shook his head and focused on the story, he couldn't afford to miss any part.

Beatrice read for well over an hour. There were no clocks in the room so it was hard to keep track of time. At last she shut the book and looked over at Elwyn. "Have you any idea what time it could be?" She asked.

For reply Elwyn rang the bell and soon Raj came. He stopped short at sight of the open window and the lady sitting beside it. He of course recognized Beatrice, but how had she gotten the master to allow the window to be opened?

"Namaste, Raj," Beatrice greeted him.

Raj smiled and bowed to her.

"Raj, what is the hour?" Elwyn asked.

"It is half past three, master," Raj replied.

"Oh bother," Beatrice frowned. "I must go. Mamma will be in a fit if I am late. We are entertaining Lord Woodworth you see."

Elwyn nodded. Of course he knew about his cousin going to visit the Llewelyns. Only Charles had left with the intention of being there at three, and so Beatrice was technically already late.

"How is it that you know him?" Beatrice dared to ask a question that had been on her mind all this time but she felt shy asking it.

"We are friends from before," Elwyn replied. "He's good enough to visit me from time to time."

"That is kind of him," Beatrice agreed. She handed the book to Elwyn, who motioned for her to put it on the table.

"If you want," Beatrice offered, her face coloring up. "I could come here and read to you sometime again."

"You really have nothing better to do, Miss Morton?"

"I am a fine lady," Beatrice dry retorted. "I never have anything better to do."

"In that case I would appreciate your coming," Elwyn said. "It will take time before my eyes adjust to the light and I shouldn't tire them too much. I don't want to lose my eyesight completely." 

At least he didn't want to lose it anymore.

Beatrice smiled. "When I have a free moment I shall be sure to ride over...oh wait, what of Lord Woodworth? Two men in a tower will probably be stretching the rules of propriety too far."

"He never stays long," Elwyn replied, knowing Charles certainly wouldn't be thrilled with the idea of Beatrice coming over and reading to 'Captain Fleets' instead of 'Elwyn Blethyn. "His father will call him to Bath sooner or later."

"I see," Beatrice nodded her head. "Then I will bid you a good afternoon and I hope to see you again shortly. I am sorry for intruding on your privacy once more."

"Don't be," Elwyn said as he bowed to her. "This time I believe you and I got along without any drama."

"That is true," Beatrice giggled. "Come along, Argos."

Argos turned and looked at Elwyn, who haltingly reached out his gloved hand and petted the dog. Argos allowed him to run his hand through his fur before trotting to his mistress.

"I think he likes you," she stated.

"I'm glad he doesn't hate me," Elwyn replied with a chuckle. "Or I might be afraid. I believe a dog of that size could kill a man."

Beatrice laughed and turned to leave.

"Miss Morton," Elwyn suddenly called after her. She glanced back at him.

"You never asked why I wear the mask," Elwyn pointed out, his green eyes looking deep into hers, trying to read why she seemed so blind to something so obvious.

"You are a man of war," Beatrice replied, holding his gaze. "I assumed the mask hides some scar received from battle. The war with Napoleon has only recently been ended, I guess you must have been wounded sometime during the war. Besides, I did not think you would appreciate me asking about it."

It wasnt a reply Elwyn had been expecting and he figured he would have to think about it a bit. So he simly nodded and gave her another bow. Beatrice returned it with a smile and departed. Raj took her down the stairs and saw her out the door. Then she rode at a quick trot till she reached home.

Letting Abner handle the horse, she and Argos walked to the house and found Catrin, Mrs. Llewelyn, and Charles in the drawing room.

"Your Lordship," she stated in a fake embarrassed voice. "Have you been here long?"

"Over an hour," Charles replied.

"Did I get the hours confused?" Beatrice said with a little gasp.

"So it would seem," Catrin dryly stated. "His Lordship was just leaving."

"What a pity," Beatrice said. "I am sorry, your lordship."

"So am I," Charles smiled. "You company was missed. But your mother has invited me to come for lunch the day after tomorrow."

"In that case till then," Beatrice smiled.

Charles bowed to the ladies and exited the room. He was sorry Beatrice had not been there, but the hour with Catrin had been more than worth it. It only got boring when Mrs. Llewelyn showed up.

He took his hat and mounted his horse and rode back to Llys Gwyn. He was looking forward to telling Elwyn all the interesting things he'd heard about the Earl. Coming up to the castle he entered the tower and found Raj waiting for him.

"Colonel Blethyn has arrived only minutes before you, Sahib," Raj informed as he took the reins of Charles' mount.

"So he finally decided to grace us with his presence this summer," Charles stated. "Is he already up with Elwyn?"

"Yes, Sahib."

"Good, then he can hear the rumors I have heard today about my cousin. I daresay he'll be more amused than Elwyn, Uncle Iestyn is known to have a reasonable sense of humor."

"His mother has been ill and he's not in the best of spirits," Raj called to Charles as the man began climbing the stairs.

"Oh joy," Charles muttered. "He's in a bad state of temper and we'll be venting it on Elwyn and me." He generally didn't mind when his Uncle Iestyn Blethyn came to visit, but if something was up with the colonel's mother it didn't promise to be a friendly time because the colonel was filled with anxiety and worry over her. And with Elwyn always being out of spirits Charles would have to do all his power to try and keep the peace. Which was easier said than done when you had two hot blooded, ill tempered Blethyns in a tiny room with no light.