Beauty's Mirror- Paranormal Regency Beauty and the Beast

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

The next morning, Leo came down late to breakfast. Nor did he smile at Bella. He greeted her with civility, but that was all.

"Leo, when had you wanted to investigate the cave? Lady Rosalyn seems to only handle lessons until noon."

"After noon, then," he said and focused on his meal.

Bella hurried to finish her meal and then left. What had changed in him? But then, he was rude when they first met as well. It could very well be that yesterday was out of the ordinary for him.

It could also be that he was tired of her after spending much of yesterday and last night with her. When she awoke in her bed, she knew he must have assisted in her getting there. Bella blushed scarlet at the thought of Leo holding her in his strong arms.

Bella moved lessons with Rosie to the Kitchen. She thought perhaps with all the other distractions, at least Rosie would not fixate so much on the outdoors. Additionally, Bella could use small treats to motivate the child.

"Impressive, Lady Rosalyn! You know your letters very well!" Bella cheered her young charge on.

The child beamed with the praise. "Now, it is time to learn to write them. This is A," Bella said as she wrote out the letter. Then she made an outline of the letter. "It's your turn! Can you trace over the dots?"

Rosie grinned with triumph when she completed the task. Bella continued the lesson for a few more letters before changing to numbers. They then ate lunch.

"Go on and rest now, dear," Bella told Rosie afterwards.

"Can you tell me a story?"

Bella glanced at the clock. Surely, Leo would understand if they met a few minutes late.

"Yes, but let us go to your room."

"No! Here!" Rosie then crawled into Bella's lap so she could not get up.

Bella furrowed her brow and exchanged glances with Jenny and Maria.

"Tell me a story about a princess," Rosie said.

"Lady Rosalyn, we must always use our manners."

"Can you please tell me a story about a princess?"

"Yes, of course. Anything else?"

Rosie nodded her head and dropped her voice. "She is an orphan."

Bella gulped and looked at the maids again. "Very well."

"And the ending must be happy," she said and wiggled into a more comfortable position.

Bella smiled sadly at the young girl. What would be her happy ending? Suppressing her concern, she told a story of a princess locked in a castle. A dragon had captured her and received ransom several times. Finally, a prince charged the castle and defeated the dragon.

When Bella looked down, Rosie had fallen asleep.

"How did you think of such things?" Jenny asked her.

"Growing up, I read everything I could. Before that, my mother made up stories for me."

"It's sad the miss don't have a mother," Maria said.

Jenny shook her head. "Got too much of a mother if you ask me."

"That ain't a mother," Maria replied but did not say more. Bella understood what she meant, however.