Secrets at Oakwood Manor

Chapter 1

*10 Years later*

"Quick Wes, Lee hide before father sees you." Whispered Annabelle holding up her petticoat, Annalisa did the same for the other brother. Their mother smiled as this was a game they played when father was about.

The boys looked so much like it was almost impossible to tell them apart. Brown hair and blue eyes like their mother. Full of love and life. There was one difference, but you would have to look close. Wes and Lee had many freckles, while Les had just a few. One thing Lord Edmond failed to notice. Wes, Les, and Lee grew up playing 'hide from father' all their lives.

"If father finds you, you are dead," their mother, Martha Brodrick, would warn them every morning. "He should only see one of you."

It was a lesson Lady Martha hated to teach the boys when they asked what death was, and she ordered the stable master to kill the family dog in front of her boys. Fortunately, the dog was attacked by a wolf the day before. Lady Martha saw it as a necessity lesson for her boys in order to understand the danger they faced each day. The stable man agreed to put the poor mutt out of its misery.

Staff at Brodrick's house kept the family secret as well. Wes, Les and Lee would hide from new servers as they came. It was a fun game to play, but over time it grew to become tiresome.

Unless it was Lord Brodrick, then it was a means of survival.

"Good morning, my family." Edmond stated as he took his seat by the warm fire.

"Good morning father," sang his 4 girls, Annabelle, Annalisa, Ellamae and Ellabeth.

"Good morning,'' said Martha as she continues her stitching. Her eyes darted to Annalisa, her gaze met her daughter. She nodded to the floor. Lee's shoe was sticking out from under her skirts. Annalisa adjusted her skits and swung her foot forward, tucking Lee's shoe further under.

Lord Broderick never caught on to little things like this: he had eyes only for his son, well the one he saw. Martha made sure he only saw the one.

"Father can we play outside today?" Les asked looking up his book, Wes had dropped it next to Les as he hid under his sister's skirts. The boys had a gift for distracting their father, and Les had a knack for keeping his father busy with anything outdoors.

"What would you like to do?" His father asked.

"Fishing, please?" Les begged.

"If your mother allows it. I have no plans for this day." Edmond smiled.

"Mother?" Questioned Les with a smile she knew well.

"You may." Martha replied, not looking up at her stitches. "I believe some sun will do you good, Wesley."

"Fish sounds delicious for dinner tonight," Commented Ellabeth, looking at her father.

"Come on, Wesley, we will find our fishing things and a few servicemen to help." Edmond said, standing, ignoring Ellabeth's request.

Les looked at the book he held in his hands, Wes had pulled it off the shelf, but he forgot where it went. "Go Wesley, I will put the book back, unless you wish to read it tonight?"

"Yes, I would like that. It was just getting interesting." Les replied, remember what Wes said moments ago. "Could you have the maid place it on my nightstand?"

"Of course. Have fun little brother." Annalisa replied, placing the book on the table next to her.

"You are very good to your brother." Edmond pointed out.

"He is the only one I have. Besides father, if I don't marry soon, who will keep me safe when you die?" she asked. This was a fact Annalisa had pointed out many times to her father. She was never serious about him dying. It was just a tease she had with her father, the one thing that made him smile for her. Annalisa was the eldest of the four girls, and Edmond held a special place in his heart for her alone. For she saved his dear Wesley from drowning a few summers back.

"Let us hope you marry this season." Lord Brodrick replied.

"I shall pray this Sunday." Annalisa replied, returning to her cross stitching.

"Come along, father." cried Les from the door.

After the door closed, the girls sat quietly waiting. Ellabeth rose and rang the bell for tea. Wes and Lee remained hidden until mother said it was safe.

*****Hello Friends! Sorry its so short! Hopefully this chapter was worth a little look into the life these boys led. Please do not take my work. That is just rude. Thanks for sticking around please comment, vote or don't I get it! Until next time, stay warm, stay dry and sleep well.*****