Chapter four

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“Surely you do know to wear a riding habit when going riding cousin!-It is unheard off to go out in the early hours of the morning and go riding in a morning dress. What must you be thinking? Oh! What must the Duke be thinking?—I am completely put off by this and without a chaperon? Were your intentions really riding cousin?” Victoria took a deep breath as she uttered cousin with force once again. She sped us ahead up the stairs and hallway in blur.

‘I highly doubt it, especially considering you went riding in Apollo, a Stallion. You are a manipulative- My dear mother will hear of your misconduct and shameless behavior under her roof. I dare say she won’t have you for long- She will not allow an ill-bred distant relation from a foreign country spoil anything”. Victoria dramatically walked off. Those were the last words she said to be before she left me at my chambers doors.  Victoria had spoken in a rapid passionate manner and I did not get a chance to defend myself. In the short walk to my rooms she had placed many charges on my person and plainly stated my reputation was ruined and I would be kicked out of the house when her mother arrived. I felt offended but most of all shocked. I have never had anyone ever speak to me that way. After standing there a few minutes I entered the rooms only to encounter an angry Mrs. Canines. And I felt ashamed, for a small moment of thrill and freedom I had created chaos and have truly ruined any chance of fulfilling Sarah’s wish. I have never been more selfish and ashamed.

“I am sorry Emma, I’ll never do it again” I pleaded like a small girl to save myself her disappointing words.

“I am not angry at you Miss, more at that chit Victoria, how dare she speak to you that way? I will not allow for this clear disrespect to continue anymore. In memory of Sarah this will now happen. I suggest Miss you write to the lawyers and have this house’s deeds transferred quickly and then they can be at your mercy as your guests” Mrs. Canines said, her eyes flashing and faced heated.

I laughed and sat down. This whole charade was beyond abnormal.

Mrs. Canines and I passed the rest of the morning in our rooms and just when we wondering about breakfast a knock came at the door. Lizzie came and told use breakfast was to be served-it was apparent that the household took breakfast late.

I dressed in a plain yellow day dress, had my hair done up and we followed Lizzie to the breakfast rooms. I had renewed my determination and decided I will not give Victoria the satisfaction of a reaction.

At large table sat Victoria, dressed in a dark purple heavy day dress that was refined and fashionable and beside her sat Frederick in true fine cut dandy dark gentlemen’s coat and beeches. As I approached Frederic stood up and gave me slight head nod and a fully appeasing gaze. He drew me a chair.

“My cousin Sarah, pleasure to have you join us” He greeted me kindly. Victoria only looked up with an icy look. It was astonishing, her behavior was uncalled for.

‘Thank you cousin, good morning Victoria” I smiled at them both. I was served tea and plat full of variety of hot foods. I had developed a healthy appetite from my morning exercise and the long wait did not help it. 

‘My goodness Sarah, have you never been fed?” Victoria commented on my intake of food.

I suspected she wanted to make me feel uncomfortable but she did not know me at all.

“This morning’s exercise has left me hungry cousin, you must know how it is after you go riding before breakfast-and the late serving.” I said with a laugh. Victoria only sipped her tea and looked away.

“I hope Apollo did not give you any trouble” Frederick said after an uncomfortable pause. It was a normal enough comment but I remembered last night’s encounter and this morning’s angry words from it. If it wasn’t for the presences of the Duke, he would have hit me. I am sure of it.

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