To Love To Lose

A Revelation and An Introduction

"Erik..." Alice ventured to ask Erik something that had been burning in the back of her mind since they came here.

"Yes sister?" His jovial tone almost made her changer he mind, what she was about to ask him would most likely put him in a bad mood.

"Hilda, did you ever love her?" Erik looked at Alice, a little shocked that, she had taken an interest in a woman who she had repeatedly and publicly scorned.

"There was a time when I thought I could but a few moments of passion are not enough to fuel a lifetime of love and contentment. Why do you ask mon cherie?" Alice bit her lip, debating whether she should recall last nights events to her brother.

"I just wondered, i do so wish that Tristan will learn to love me as if this marriage was one of our own choosing." Erik forced a smile her way. There was little chance of Tristan falling for his sister; he preferred the silent and obedient type. He worried for his sister, would she be happy here at Maunsel?

"Do you like it here, Alice?" Alice smiled to herself, she did like it here. If this was to be her home, she would prefer it to that of a life of spinster-hood looking after her father.

"Yes, I believe I do brother and although I rue the fact that you must follow father and leave tomorrow I am glad that this is where you are leaving me." Erik laughed and Alice pouted, confused at his reaction. "What!?" She cried, demanding an answer.

"I'm sorry, it's just you sound so much like me at your age. Always optimistic and forever hopeful - don't loose that petite soeur" Alice couldn't help the smile that bloomed on her face. There was something about her brother that always made her happy, however she could not help but notice a slight bitter edge to Erik's words. Was he referring to the fact that he thought his marriage would work but instead it turned into a disaster that has caused her only nephew to be neglected by his mother? Or was he merely saying how alike they were?

Alice frowned and turned back to the book she was reading,trying not to look into Erik's words too much. Then, there was a polite knock at the door. The door was partially opened and a petite, dark haired girl poked her head around the door. Erik smiled and gestured with his hand that she should enter the room.

She curtsied and kept her gaze on the wooden floor. "Forgive the intrusion M'lady but I have been sent to wait on you" Alice frowned, she already had a maid and was confused as to why Tristan would equip her with another.

"I think there has been a mistake? What is your name?"

"Maggie, M'lady. Maggie Lanier" Alice frowned, she knew the name but confessed that she could not put a face to the name.

"Well Maggie. Perhaps you can tell me where Constance has gone?" Maggie blushed and fumbled with the hem if her apron.

"She was dismissed, for unruly behaviour. Lord Maunsel told the kitchen this morning before ordering me to come here..." Maggie trailed off when she saw the angry expression on Alice's face.

"Did he mention what 'unruly' behaviour this was?" Maggie shook her head, not wanting to say anything that would make Alice angrier or the situation worse.

Alice fought to control the anger in her blood. She didn't wish to take it out on Maggie so she swept out of the room, clasping her book tightly. How dare he dismiss her maid, she had brought Constance from home, it was not his place to say whether she stayed or not!

~

Maggie collapsed onto a chair and buried her head in get hands.

"Well done Maggie! Three days here and you've already created a domestic argument!" She heard a chuckle from behind and she stood up quickly I noticing Erik for the first time. "Forgive me sir, I didn't know there was another in this room, I shall leave you to your own peace."