Unwanted

Chapter 4

A/N: I really hate author's notes, especially at the beginning of a chapter but I don't know how else to get an answer to this question. The statistics on my story show that this chapter has really low completion rates. When you get to the end or if you don't get to the end, could you guys tell me why that might be? Is it too long? Did you not like it? Is there something different I did in this chapter compared to the others? 

Love Lessa

It was nearly tea time when Rebecca received a message from her old finishing school friend Alexa Rathbourne. She had barely finished reading the message when her ladies maid informed her that her mother had requested her presence for tea. Rebecca set off for the other side of the house and mused about why Alexa would want to have tea with her now, after all this time. She liked her and was looking forward to reconnecting with her, but something told her that there was something more behind the invitation to tea.

"Oh Rebecca, I'm glad you've come down for tea. Your brother is here for tea as well today," said Rebecca's mother.

"How kind of you to join us brother, why are you not fencing with Ben today?" Rebecca asked, she knew well that her brother and Ben had a standing match at this time.

"Well it is very odd really, something strange has come over Ben. He nearly took my head when we were fencing and he rushed off in a hurry after only one match," Jack replied.

"That is odd, but then Ben can be an odd fellow at times. While discussing odd events, I just received a letter from none other than Alexa Rathbourne. Do you remember her Mama? She and I went to finishing school together."

"I do Rebecca dear, why is it so odd that you received a letter from her?" her mother asked.

"I have barely spoken with her since we left school and she has invited me to tea tomorrow at her London home," Rebecca said, injecting some of her earlier concern into her tone.

"I think it is lovely that she would like you to come for tea, you will be going of course. You will take your brother with you as well, as I cannot accompany you," her mother added.

"Excuse me mother, are we speaking about Alexa Rathbourne, the daughter of the Earl of Plymouth?" Jack queried, a sudden spark of recognition igniting at the mention of her name.

"Yes Jack, one and the same. Why do you ask dear?" his mother questioned.

"No reason mother, I believe I have met her once before," Jack lied, realizing that this was the perfect opportunity to investigate what was happening between Alexa Rathbourne and Ben.

"Then it is settled, you will go with your sister to have tea with Ms. Rathbourne tomorrow," his mother said with a finality that told him she thought he would resist.

"Of course mother," Jack replied simply. Rebecca knew immediately that Jack had an ulterior motive for going to tea with her, but she chose to wait until tomorrow to watch it reveal itself.

***************

Jack and Rebecca arrived at the Rathbourne's London estate precisely at 5pm. They were promptly ushered in and announced in the sitting room by Mr. Beard. Alexa quickly rose from her chair to greet them.

"How are you Rebecca? It has been far too long."

"I am doing well thank you. This is my brother, Jack Sinclair," Rebecca responded as she gestured to her brother.