Van Deloney: To My Dearest Emma [[BOOK ONE]]

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝑰

GRANDIOSE SCHEME OF LIBERTY

  October 27, 1879

           CHARLOTTE was gripped by a wave of confusion when the butler before her seemed utterly entangled in deep thought. His eyes were firmly trained upon her, and the silence of the moment weighed heavily upon her soul. Before she could conjure a reply, the butler roused and offered a gentlemanly introduction.

"Pardon myself, mí lady I am Vladimir Kurt Roosevelte, Head Butler of House Grimoard." Vladimir intoned; his manners steeped in formality befitting the Old era. Charlotte felt her cheeks flush with discomfort and uncertainty as she attempted to think of some engaging form of conversation. In an effort to dispel her social uneasiness, she responded with a polite curtsey as she greeted the butler,

"Well... It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Roosevelte." She said, attempting to muster a confident smile, though internally her mind was abuzz with questions as to why the butler had been looking at her ever since she had stepped into the gallery.

Suddenly, before Charlotte could answer Vladimir, she was interrupted by her mother's sudden appearance. "Oh, Charlotte, there you are, my darling! I was looking for you," Cordelia remarked, as she firmly grabbed her daughter's wrist. "I do apologize for my daughter's interruption while you were admiring the painting. She is quite fond of the arts, much like myself." She continued with a motherly smile.

"Do not fret, Madame, for your daughter did not interfere with my appreciation of this painting at all," Vladimir replied to Cordelia, offering an apologetic gesture for himself as he interrupted the young lady. He seemed intent on assuaging any concerns Cordelia might have in regard to Charlotte's behavior, as he considered it to be a minor inconvenience. While maintaining a respectful demeanor, Vladimir was also eager to display his good manners and social grace, as he was careful to keep up appearances while in public settings.

Cordelia's expression softened as she offered a polite smile in response to the butler's words, though she quickly whisked away her daughter from Vladimir's side. She whispered with impatience to Charlotte, "I told you not to converse with strangers, especially servants." Her words were sharp, as she admonished her daughter on the need to maintain social norms and refrain from being overly friendly with certain individuals. Charlotte was left without words as she followed her mother's instructions to leave the conversation with Vladimir.

Meanwhile, Vladimir stared after her, musing to himself.
"She... seems... familiar," Vladimir murmured to himself as he watched her depart, the sight stirring curiosity in his mind, even as his attention was soon diverted by his pocket watch. With a glance, Vladimir seemed to be making note of the hour, presumably for some important errand that required his attention. As he set off to his intended destination, he gave no further thought to the mysterious young woman that struck his interest.

Upon completing their errands in the town of Vercesia, Charlotte and her mother set out on their journey back to the family mansion. As they traveled in their carriage, the vehicle was filled with boxes piled high with clothes and other essentials for the party that was being planned for that evening. Although they were returning home with mixed emotions, they both knew that their arrival would mark the start of the celebratory festivities planned for Charlotte's much-anticipated 18th birthday.

"Don't forget to lift up your chin, Charlotte," Cordelia cautioned with a gentle tone. "You wouldn't want to disappoint the prince now, would you?"

Charlotte furrowed her brows with uncertainty as she listened to her mother's words. "You invited the prince?" she asked with a raised eyebrow, shocked by the revelation.
"Oh yes of course, my dear, the prince is one of the most distinguished guests of your grand ball tonight," Cordelia replied as she looked up from her lists and coldly stare at her daughter.