Amberley Hall (A Harry Styles Short)

The Dining Room

With a sweep of his large hand, Harry gestures me to accompany him and we enter the palatial dining room. The long table is both magnificently and meticulously presented.  A starched white table cloth displays the finest china, gleaming silverware and crystal glasses that reflect rainbows of colour from the flicker of candles.  The tall wax illuminations stand proud in candlesticks surrounded by fragrant, freshly cut flowers.   

To my surprise and much to the clear annoyance of Georgina, I am seated next to Harry.  He pulls out my chair then pushes it for me to sit down. In haste, I grab my napkin for I am conscious of the wax on my dress. Harry stares at me and my Aunt is frowning again. It seems my etiquette has failed me and I should have waited for the household waiting staff to step forward and place the cloth across my lap. I wring my fingers together at my misdemeanour until Harry proceeds to copy my actions. When I catch his eye, a smirk and single wink glows towards me.

A light tap of his knife upon his wine glass gains silence upon his attention. "I would like to welcome you all to Amberley Hall this evening. Please join me by placing your hands together."

'Bless us, Oh Lord and these thy gifts which we are about to receive from thy bounty, through Christ, Our Lord, Amen."

"Amen." Rings in unison around the room.

"Although I believe you are acquainted with most here, let me make some introductions Sara." Harry introduces his guests around the table. "Sir Ben and Lady Meredith Winston who previously did meet at Primrose Hill. Mr James and Mrs Julia Corden of Hampstead, Mr Nicholas Grimshaw of Lancashire, Your Uncle Rupert and Aunt Frances and your Cousins Georgina and Lawrence of course.  My Uncle Michael and Aunt Dee Selley and my Cousins Benjamin, Matthew and Ella of Hampshire.

A loud booming voice pulls all attention towards Harry's uncle. "Tell me Styles, are you still living in that hut in the grounds?"

Harry chuckles. "Uncle, it is a wooden hunting cabin in the nearby woods and yes, indeed I am."

"Whatever for?"  Ella exclaims.

Harry sits up straight at her surprise. "Amberley Hall is my ancestry.  You know it has been in our family for generations and is where I grew up. It holds countless happy memories and will create more in years to come but it is grandiose and extreme. Whilst I am able, I wish to spread my wings a little further from the confines of comfort and privilege and live a simpler life in more natural surroundings."

"So you live in the woods? How strange you are Harry." Georgina rolls her eyes and chuckles.

I have been sitting quietly listening to the subject of conversation whilst still attempting to usher the wax on my dress away. I speak without so much as a look up at anyone around me. 

"Not really strange, just different. To be with nature fulfills the soul."

"I am sure Harry does not need you to speak on his behalf, Sara." Georgina almost snaps.

My eyes glance up to fifteen pairs of eyes fixated upon me and immediately, I become nervous and look apologetically towards Harry. "I am so sorry I wasn't-."

But he cuts over me. "Sara is right, it is fulfilling in ways I could never have imagined."

My eyes are drawn to his tongue that pokes out to receive some bread. I blink hard mesmerised at how he gathers the morsel of food and pulls it back between his plump lips.

My Aunt interrupts my visual fascination. "What of your dear Mother, Harry? How is she since the passing of your Father? God rest his soul." She looks skywards to ensure the Lord hears her.