Beauty's Mirror- Paranormal Regency Beauty and the Beast

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

"Lady Rosalyn, come away from there," Bella pleaded with her young charge.

They were attempting lessons in the music room. Bella had thought if she taught with songs, it might occupy Rosie's attention better. Alas, the music room also had several large windows. Still, Bella could see that Rosie desired to please the living adults in her life, she simply lacked much strength to withstand impulsive proddings from her mother. What Bella needed, was some way to minimize Celia's influence on Rosie.

After a morning of difficult studies, Bella dismissed Rosie to her room to eat, rest and play. Bella did as she often did when overwhelmed with ignorance on a subject. She turned to books. Unfortunately, with a library on both floors and no catalog, her endeavor seemed fruitless until an idea struck her.

Timidly, she approached the Duke's study and knocked.

"Enter," he called. "Bella, what a surprise," he said with a smile upon seeing her.

Bella returned it and instantly wished she had not for his only grew wider. Her body reacted foolishly. She was not so young and sheltered as to not recognize the attraction she felt for him. But it was ridiculous, he was a duke, she was his employee. Above all this, he was cursed to die.

"Did you need anything?" Leo asked, pulling Bella from her thoughts.

"I was hoping you could help me find a book."

"I can try, but the Sundridge libraries are extensive."

"You said you searched through Celia's rooms and the only thing out of the ordinary was the mirror."

"Yes," Leo drew out the word.

"Did you given any books on the subject?"

"No, I do not know that much would be written and printed on such things given that witchcraft is illegal."

Bella nodded her head. "But Celia learned somehow."

"I have never understood that..." he said.

"Could we ask the mirror?"

"I never thought to ask it that. We can try..."

Bella came around to the other side of Leo's desk so they could look at it together. They leaned in close, his shoulders rubbing against hers. Bella hoped her heartbeat was not as loud as she feared, lest Leo know how his presence affected her.

"Mirror, show us how Celia learned magic," Leo spoke in a strong, confident tone and Bella held her breath.

Slowly, their images disappeared and instead, they saw the main upstairs library and then a book case swung open revealing a secret passageway.

"Come, let us go now!" Bella grabbed Leo by the hand. She only intended to pull him from his chair, but as they reached the door, he never let go.

"This way," he said, and they raced to the library.

When they arrived, Bella could not help but gasp. The room stretched farther than any library she had ever seen or imagined.

"Do you like it?" Leo asked.

"Yes!" She cried. "So many books! Who could read them all?"

She felt relief wash over Leo as he still held her hand. Why had he been so anxious for her good opinion?

"I have tried," he chuckled. "As a young boy, I spent many hours in here alone."

How sad, Bella thought. They may not have been as rich or ranked so highly, but she never had wanted for company with her siblings and parents. Even if they did not love reading as she did.