The Gentleman of Greenstoke

I.

"What is the meaning of this?" Arthur exclaimed loudly as he was reading the letter he had just received from his cousin. At the moment the Englishman resided in London due to some business matters he had to attend to. Despite his rather calm nature, his cousin Alfred succeeded in vexing the poor British man. "To invite foreign people in my home to reside there," the Brit hissed. It was indeed an uncommon circumstance to invite strange persons on a Gentleman's estate without notifying him. Alfred, who had gained his fortune by trading, is an enthusiastic character and the complete opposite of Arthur. The latter one continued his reading with narrowed eyes. "Dear Cousin, I know you will not be pleased by this letter. Years ago I was travelling to China and made the acquaintance of Yao Wang and his goddaughter Sakura Honda. They took it upon themselves to offer me a stay for a fortnight. Mr. Wang is involved with trading and a very agreeable man. He told me of his intention of settling down in England to expand his trading," Arthur breathed slowly and was astonished by this new occurrence. "I dare say I hope that he will not accomplish his plans on my estate." The British Gentleman certainly had not expected such a letter when he entered his rented house in London. It had been seven days since he had come to the big city. "I need to return as quickly as I can." Looking at the date of the letter, he decided to leave London within the next two days.

The streets of London were filled with crowds. Eligible gentlemen were strolling through the town while fortunate Ladies were purchasing new clothes for the upcoming season. They were of course accompanied by chaperons or members of their families. Arthur, observing the scenery from next to his carriage, waited for his coachman. Two days had gone by since the letter had arrived and the Brit was determined to arrive as fast as possible in his home. He felt uneasy about the unfamiliar people living in his mansion. His nervousness increased by seconds as he remembered Alfred's words, 'Years ago I was travelling to China and made the acquaintance of Yao Wang and his goddaughter Sakura Honda. They took it upon themselves to offer me a stay for a fortnight. "Indeed he had told me about it a few months ago, but he did not mention any names," Arthur concluded quietly, "If they had taken care of him without refusal, then they must be kind." It was not a daily gesture to tend to foreign visitors.

"I beg your pardon, sir. I am sorry for the waiting."

At the sound of a new voice, Arthur ceased his thinking and diverted his attention towards the carriage-driver. "Don't trouble yourself."

Minutes passed before the coach left the streets of London. The journey would take hours. "I surely do not condone his spontaneous action in inventing them on my propriety without telling me instantly," the British announced to himself, a frown adorned his visage. This was a trait the Brit man was well-known for amongst his acquaintances. He often spoke about his inner thoughts loudly. Some would describe him as a quiet and agreeable fellow; others considered Arthur to be very argumentative. The latter characteristic was always present when he was in the company of his cousin Alfred or the Baronet Francis Bonnefoy. "Oh in God heaven's, this frog will laugh at me. He will be jesting about it all day."

While the Brit was reflecting and watching the landscape the carriage was passing, Alfred was enjoying himself. He was dining with his guests in his cousin's mansion. Food was one of the enjoyments he consumed with passion.

"I must say Sir, your home is very comfortable," Alfred's male guest commented. "I did not know this mansion was in your possession."

"I thank you, but it's not my home, but my cousin's," Alfred admitted, "He will be very upset with me. I sent him a letter a few days ago. But worry not, you are welcome here."

Upon hearing this declaration the young female, who sat on opposite side of the table looked up. "Pray, excuse me. I assumed that it was your lovely home. I hope the master of the mansion is not too vexed about our stay," She spoke quietly and Alfred's twin sister, Margarete gulped loudly. It was a sign of inner unrest. She was aware of his cousin's reaction but did not speak about it. Margarete was pleased to be in the company of these guests, having befriended Sakura very quickly.