Duchess of Winter

A Birthday Wish

She looked at the clock impatiently as Mrs. Grant had asked them to silently read  about Helen of Troy again as she sat there preoccupied reading another of her old books on her desk. She kicked Margarite's foot under the table as she pointed to the big grandfather clock ticking at the far end of the room. Her golden haired cousin just smiled stretching her twelve year old freckles. 

Isabelle knew that Philip would be waiting for her by the end of the front wall of Wintersby Garden as he did since a two months ago. Philip was a Lord's grand son by the neighboring estate a mile away. He was sent home from Jame's school because his grandfather needed him home due to his deteriorating health. And through him James had sent her news about the Duke. Whom by now due to their Uncle's help had made secret correspondence with her. 

Isabelle was so happy. James had spent the whole month with their father and had sent news that they had gotten  quite close. The Duke had asked the head master to arrange that James be made to spend his weekends with him at the Town house. She envied James. She wanted so much to have met the Duke. But as she was to study at Wintersby Manor. She had no choice.

She ever wondered if her mother ever notices all the strange things that is happening about her. As once Her  Grace caught her staring at a silver jeweled comb that was sent to her by His Grace.

She asked where it came from but was satisfied with her answer that Uncle Jean had bought it for her from London.

Her Grace had just raised an eyebrow at Uncle Jean who blushed embarrassed at her revelation.

And once Her Grace had chanced upon her reading a poem her father sent her. And was paled as white as cotton gown as she saw the style it was written. She excused herself for feeling faint all of a sudden but did not mention anything about it after.

The low gong like sound of the clock told her it was three in the afternoon. Lessons were finished and that she and Margarite were free to ran to the garden as fast as their feet can, to find Philip and finally get the answer she asked of her father.

James would be coming home to celebrate their birthday together. Their Mother had agreed with Aunt Louise to have a little soiree for their fifteenth birthday. And she had secretly asked her father to  accompany James. 

Aunt Louise had said that it was better to keep that part of their plan from Her Grace. As she would definitely be against it. After all she nearly took off Uncle Jean's and Uncle Art's head when she learned that James was asking to see their father.

Her Grace had never spoken ill against His Grace. But it was confusing that upon news that He his ship has finally docked from Spain. She would forbide anyone of talking about him. Nor even mentioning his name.

Isabelle ran as fast as she could nearly ripping the chemise under her dress due to her long strides. With Margarite not far behind. Everyone had gotten used to the two young head strong ladies running around the manor. It  was not a question that both they were both their mothers' daughters. As it was not long history to the House of Wintersby that Lady Agatha and Lady Louise acted the same way when they were young.

Isabelle saw the young handsome golden  haired man waiting by the bushes and ran to him nearly colliding on him as she halted to a stop.

"Whoa! There!" Philip steadied her on her shoulder with a laugh. As Isabelle brushed the unruly brown curl that had fallen on her eyes and tried to redeem her composure in front of the young man she had been secretly keen on. Then Margarite followed  suit huffing.

"Where is it?" She excitedly asked the young man who took something out of his coat pocket but had did not gave it to her.

"I would give it to you only if you would give me a kiss!" Philip chided and had showed her a medaliion he was holding up away from her reaching hands.

Margarite sneeked by from his back and snatched it from his hand with one jump.

'I got it!" Margarite shouted with glee and handed it to her cousin.

Isabelle could hardly believe her eyes. On her hands was the medallion crest of the Duchy of Wintersby. Something all of the Past and of course the present Duke of Wintersby wore on their sash during special occassions and events. The golden holly entwined on a shield that had a crown drawn on half of the shield and half a cross. 

Isabelle smiled as she could hardly contain her joy. His Grace did answer her plea by sending his medallion. 

Isabelle jumped up at Philip and kissed his cheeks. At that the young man turned red and was astonished beyond words.

"O Thank You Philp!" She said and started running back to the gate. "I expect you to dress your best as you are my escort!" She yelled to him as excitedly ran back home.

"Well you heard her snotty?!" Margarite said insulting his demeanor and his work coat. As she turned her heel with her chin up the air and marching to follow her cousin.

Young Philip could only scratch his head. If James had not been his best friend and that if he was not so smitten by his younger twin sister . He hated to act as messenger, for one Margarite always finds a way to insult him. And then there was the fear that the Duchess of Winters would learn about it and it was known gossip that she could freeze anyone by a mere stare. He does not want to find out any truth in that!