Duchess of Winter

The Duchess of Winter (editing in process)

Charlotte Sophia Agatha Winstersby should have been happy to finally call the grand Wintersby Mansion home. She had only seen this place when she had only been ten and that was when she and her parents had been summoned to go to England due to the sudden death of her beloved Grand papa. The 15th Duke of the ducal of Wintersby. And even then she remembered clearly how after Grand papa had been laid to rest in the stately family mausoleum for what have been just for a few days after. That chaos was still raging behind close doors of the big manor. Agie as fondly called by those nearest and dearest was then so young to know. She had never really known Grand papa in all his revelry. And was confused and at awe as to why so many important people came to his funeral. Even the King came to give his respect.

The Duke always visited them at the Chateau in Provence for the Holidays. And as though as magic would instantly transform him from a forbidding figure who's presence was enough to freeze the air some one breaths to a warm and jolly fellow upon sight of his Agie. He was always lovely and such a loving doting grandfather behind his commanding and regal facade. Although it have been once told her that the Old Duke, cousin to the King had came as soon as he heard about Agie being born to a lowly commoner French mother, whom even with her lowly parentage, was famed for her grace , prudence and beauty. A daughter of the head farm hands, whom had loyally worked for the orchard that the Duchy own. He had come only to get his son back to a ship home and pay a very good sum to the mother. But upon seeing the child and her likeness of his own. He had so enthusiastically agreed to acknowledge the child and had arranged the young couple be married as soon as possible so that no grand daughter of his would be called a bastard. And also that of Grand Mama was absolutely not so happy about the news and refused to see the child that her son had with "that lowly woman" . But because of her husband's scolding had at least caughted a glimpse of her grand daughter. Was also said of her that she was after all so excited that the babe had her dearest son's emerald eyes that she hurriedly search for the most expensive and regal Christening gown in all of France.

Grand Mama was never known to considered her noble peerage over love. For Duchess Agatha to send dresses and pay for Agie's tutors was enough an affection. This was not the case with Grand papa. With Agie he was always just plain ol loving Grand Papa, whose visit equals to a twice over of Christmas every year. As he had always bought so many presents for Agie and had always time to tell a story or two. Although Agie heard that He too was not so happy with his only son having bore a child with the farm hand's daughter. After awhile yet gave his blessing learning that Sophia now Lady Wintersby not only hold his son's heart but was much more as good as gold with her pure heart and noble grace.

Now Agie knew that the Duke of Wintersby had plans for her ever since. The favored and beloved. It is known of the Duke that no one had his favor. Not even his son who he banished to France to do business with the Comte du Var and make good profitable wine. After all Lord Wintersby was made so famous gallivanting with debutantes ruining their honor or having affairs with noblemen's wives. That he was becoming a disgrace to the title. The same was said of his pretty and graceful blond daughter Lady Agnes whom seem to have been swallowed whole by the prowess of her mother's air making her a beautiful wall flower. And specially not his other grand daughter another blond that had taken after her looks from his own regal wife. Not to be mistaken that he does not have affection for the Duchess. Utter respect yes. Passionate love of course. After all in her own days the Duchess was quite a catch. A beautiful daughter of an earl. With flowing blond hair and blue eyes. A respectful character and as later was known to him, was an obedient wife. Very obedient to the Ducal title and the duchy . A woman who regards her duty over her family.

If only Agie knew that the commotion included her future that evening eleven years ago. She would have stood up and ran as fast as her little feet would carry her. But Papa was the only one speaking for both of them. Or was it for himself. Edward Winstersby refused the duchy! Specially when it asks too much of him. The title asked him to divorce Agie's mother and marry a proper lady of the peer. But Sophia was the love of his life! He could not and would not do such a thing. So he agrees to take Grand papa's lower title as Baron of Winters. His sister Agnes cannot inherit of course. As she was only a daughter and just a child herself, only sixteen summers old a mere six years older to Agatha herself. She has to get a husband among the peers to ascend the title for her. His cousin Earl of Rothcer could and should but would he agree to wed the girls? Any of the girls to save the duchy and the title? As he was known to favor his business to women, nor never was he fanatic to the idea of nobility. A letter written by Grand Papa address to the King himself cause so much shouting that Agie remembered covering her ears. Aunt Agnes pulled her into her arms noting the fear on the little girl's face as the men's voices escalated into their crescendos. Why Agie had to be there as they fought over the piece of paper. She did not know until some years ago on her seventh tee nth birthday.