Atonement || Harlena

THE FIRST SPELL : 1

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CHAPTER ONE - LAVENDER & ROSES

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1667

THE CREATION OF AN EMPIRE, HEMPFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND.

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"It's not like he is from the Royal Family, so why must I greet him as well?" she placed her hand atop the desk and put the quil she was holding down, begrudgingly staring up at her Ma'am and Mentor Lady Catherine, the lukewarm rays of the evening sun lighting her honey skin.

" For a start, he's an Earl. And mind you, the lad's a looker alright." The prim Catherine replied, unamused at the young Duchess' snarl, for it was clear that it was in fact, she, who had spoilt her. "And it is your duty as the head Duchess Selena to properly entertain a guest, however so disagreeable he or she may be.".

" But—"

"No Buts and Laters. Or, is it that you want to be told on your mother? Countess Gomez would be delighted to re-discipline her unkind daughter." Catherine calmly lifted her head and pretended to walk out, a small smile etched on her lips when a daint, " Wait-!" was heard.

"Gracie would be there already, she is absolutely invested in the thoughts of meeting her prince charming so let her be, and for I," Selena raised her brow, " I have my own Justin so need I be there to intercept the fate between my sister and this, Earl....Harry?"

"Lady Gracie is merely a year younger, shouldn't you lead the way to remain as the head Duchess?"

" For the least, though," Selena puffed her cheeks out and sat upright, finally standing on her feet, she rearranged the creases in her dress and decided upon going down a bit early, just to irritate her sister who is as steadfast as she is strict, and appear a little more Lady-like to the guest.

"Praise be your wisdom Madam Catherine, I will take my leave now and also," she threw a subtle wink, "If he's that handsome I will reconsider my distaste."

"How insolent! Just go!" Catherine threw her words over the young Lady, followed by a short laugh.

Having taken cared of Lady Selena for twenty and a half years, she remembered her dainty mischief that never changed, and it made her warm on the inside to hear that beloved Selena would marry a man she love and a man who loves her back equally, if not more. Her aging hand collected the papers ridden ontop the varnished table and sighed.

She may have spoilt Selena a bit too much.

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"How wonderful! The honor is all ours, come, make yourself at home." Ms. Gomez exaggerated and put her gloved hand over the  balcony rail.

Because the influence of the name Styles is, at the very least, crucial even in trade to Paris. Upon the approaching engagement ceremony of her eldest daughter to an heir of a very prestigious family, it would be a secure and eventful, almost magical, serendipity if her youngest daughter should have a chance meeting with the young founder of the Styles Inc. , who no one actually know of him much.