Endless Sea

Chapter 9: Nettie

December 23rd, 1852

The snow raged outside, Howard watched from the window. Howard had gone to work, only to find out it had been closed until Monday because of the snow and the holiday. Howard felt so bored being stuck inside, he wondered what Pete was doing. Was he cold too? Did he miss Howard?

Howard sighed until he heard a knock at the door, sitting up. His dad and Hugh had left once more a month before and were stuck in Wales from the icy water. Nimet was still in bed. Howard walked to the door, opening it. A little girl stood there, with black hair and dark skin.

"My name is Lady Noelia Vabsley and I demand you let me into your home." She said, her teeth chattering.

He blinked a few times, confused. "Uhm, alright," he muttered, stepping aside.

Noelia lifted her bright pink dress up slightly as she walked inside, shivering. She gave a little bow, Howard continued to watch in confusion.

"My father will be ever so grateful of your willingness to allow me into your home for shelter," Noelia stated, her eyes closed gracefully.

Howard looked away with his eyes, not replying.

"Can you talk?"

"Yes," He replied. "My name is Howard." He told her.

Noelia smiled. "That's a nice name." She said. "Do you like my dress?"

Howard looked at her dress, then back at her. "It's a nice dress." He nodded. "Looks like it cost a lot of money."

"My father is Baron Bertram Vabsley, I'd imagine you know who that is, yes?" Noelia asked.

He blinked a few times, shaking his head. "No..."

"What!" Noelia cried. "Well! Do you know the Maltbys?" She leaned closer to Howard every time she asked something.

Howard could smell her perfume she was so close, he shook his head again with an uncomfortable look on his face.

"You don't know anything!" She whined.

"Sorry!" He said.

Noelia sighed. "it's okay." she responded. "I'll have to show you them when it stops snowing! Mr. Maltby is my second cousin, and his daughter Myrtle is my third cousin and my best friend!"

Howard listened, "ooh." He wasn't sure what to think of the stranger, she was peculiar to him. Going from mood to mood so fast. "Uhm, Miss-"

"Lady."

"Lady... Noelia. Why did you want to come into my house?" Howard questioned as she took off her coat.

Noelia looked at him, then walked to the curtains and opened them. Pointing out at the snowstorm, "well, if you haven't noticed, it is freezing out there."

"That's a good reason I guess," Howard muttered.

She sighed. "And nobody else would let me in and I saw you looking outside." She admitted.

Howard frowned.. he started the fireplace for the girl, watching her sit by it and huddle up slightly as she warmed herself. He stood nearby, looking at her bows and sparkles on her dress which reflected the orange fire beautifully.

Noelia seemed to notice his gaze, "so, Howard. Where is your family from?"

"Oh- Uhm. Well, The Ottoman Empire and here." He explained.

"What's an Ottomen Empire?" She turned her head to look at him as she warmed herself.

Howard rubbed his hands awkwardly, "It's far away."