The Missing Painting

The Missing Painting

CHAPTER I PART II

"Oh my! Is he okay?" the maid asked, worried. "Yes, he seems to be alright now and should be here shortly." "Thank God!" the maid exclaimed with a breath of relief. "Have you and the rest finished with the preparations?" "Yes Miss." Answered the woman. "That's good. I'm going back to the gazebo, wake me up when brother arrives." "Won't you take something with you to keep yourself warm? You might catch a cold." "Very well. A shawl will do." The girl replied. "That's no-good Miss! If you use just that – you'll definitely catch one." "I said it's fine." "But - "hesitated the maid. "Just forget about it." Said the girl and wandered outside.

Not long after that, had the girl's brother, arrived in a carriage. "Hugo! Escort the Young Master inside. I will bring his bag and belongings." Said a young man as he got off the carriage. "I know. You don't have to tell me. Well then – Alex? Shall we go inside?" replied Hugo. "Yes let's – Seth, you must be tired. Make sure you rest after you finish taking the things inside." Said Alex as he walked towards the entrance. "I will. Thank you." Seth replied then turned back towards the luggage as Alex and Hugo entered the mansion. The maids all stood inside near the door to greet them. They all introduced themselves except for two. "You've grown!" exclaimed one of the maids. "It's so good to see you Lucy!" How are Sarah and Sebastian?" asked Alex. "They're well, thank you!" "My! You're much more mature now. Look at you!" I've missed you, boy." Greeted one of the maids as she let out a soft cry." "Elizabeth?" Alex asked as he walked towards the woman, comforting her. "Lizzie!" he said with a smile. "It's so wonderful to see you again." He said. "More mature? I've always been mature!" he laughed. "No, no, there is a huge difference in how you were when you were younger and now, you know? You were so stubborn like your sister is now." Laughed Elizabeth. "Oh? Where is Lillian?" Alex asked whilst looking around. "Oh dear!" cried Elizabeth in a loud voice turning towards Lucy with her hands covering her mouth. "What's wrong Lizzie? You're worrying me." "Well, erm." Hesitated the maid before answering "You see, Miss Lillian is in the garden...sleeping I believe." "Asleep? In the garden? In such a weather!?" he asked shocked. "I'm so terribly sorry!" I shall go get her right now." Replied the maid. "Lizzie! Please stop right there. It's alright. I shall get her myself." "She should be in the gazebo, surrounded by the white roses." "The white – Thank you Lucy!" he replied as he hurried towards his sister. He ran outside, up the stairs of the gazebo and went to the bench. He touched his sister's forehead. It was cold as frost. It was of course to be expected. Little Lillian had come down with a fever. Alex carried his sister inside as quick as he could and called for one of the maids. "Get the phone in the hall and dial the number Doctor Carls. I'll be there in a moment!" he said as he passed Lillian to Elizabeth. "Lizzie, Lucy, take Lillian to her room and keep her warm." Alex said as he rushed to the hall and contacted the Doctor whilst the maids took Lillian as fast as they could.

"She'll be fine." Said the Doctor as he moved his pipe away from his face, releasing the smoke from his mouth whilst he sat in an antique open arm chair, with his legs crossed in front of the fire place. "She should be fine by tomorrow evening so long as she takes this." He said as he passed Alex a small jade bottle, said his goodbye whilst inhaling one last puff of smoke, before storing his pipe, safely, into the inside pocket of his long coat, and left.

"Alex!"whispered Hugo, as he opened Lillian's bedroom door and signalled Alex to come outside.

"You still haven't eaten right? Well, neither have I so let's go to the Dining Hall, then you can get some rest once you're done." He said as he pulled Alex by the arm. "Thank you, Hugo, but I'm quite alright." "No, you're not! You heard what Doctor Ashley said. Don't push yourself! If you collapse like again, it'll be troublesome so..." Hugo said with a sullen look. "Sorry, alright then. I'll go so don't make that face." Replied Alex as he gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Come on then." Alex said with a smile and so the two of them walked down the stairs whilst talking about their horses. Lucy, who was walking past the two of them near the stairs, with her attention focused towards a child, was stopped by Alex. "Lucy? Who is this boy?" "Alex?" Lucy asked, whilst turning towards him and Hugo. "Oh! Hello. You don't recognize him?" "Should I?" asked Alex. "Hugo? Don't tell me you don't either." "Of course, I remember him!" Hugo said in a confident tone with a smile. He placed his hand near his mouth as he moved his face towards Alex's ear. "Who is he again?" He whispered. Lucy sighed and said "Yes you should! I'm not surprised that Hugo here, doesn't remember but Alex? You should definitely!" Hugo frowned at Lucy saying "At least I'm good with names. Hmph." Lucy gave Hugo a glare before hinting to Alex who the child was. "Don't his EMERALD like eyes remind you of someone? It should be obvious now." "No, it can't be – can it?" "It Is." Lucy replied. "Sebastian?" Alex asked doubtingly. "Yes!" Lucy replied. "He's grown so much! How old is – Hello Sebastian." Alex said with a smile as he bent down and shook hands with the boy. "Hewo Mister..." the little boy replied. "Just Alex is fine." He smiled. "How old are you now Sebastian?" "I'm Thwee." The little boy said proudly but shyly whilst clasping Lucy's hand. "I see. You're very handsome – just like your dad." Alex said with a smile whilst he stood up straight again. "Lucy, I apologise for the trouble however, I need you to stay with Lillian and call for me if she wakes up. "Ah, not at all. That's what friends are for right?" Lucy said with a warm smile. "Oh! But is it alright if I take Sebastian with me since I'm supposed to look after him tonight?" "Yes of course. Thank you." "Alex! Come on – I'm hungry x3" Hugo said with a laugh. "Alright, I'm coming. He's so impatient!" Alex laughed as he gave Sebastian a pat on the head and walked off with Hugo to the Hall.