The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 7: A Stroll in the Park

"Good news, Sir," Ion announced with a beaming smile.  "I found a maid who can come on a daily basis and do all the cleaning around here."

"How did you manage to do that?"  Nicolae asked.

"I followed your suggestion and contacted your downstairs neighbor.  Imagine my surprise when I knocked on the door and was greeted by a lovely young Romanian maid!" 

"Romanian?"  Nicolae raised his eyebrows in surprise.  "Are our neighbors Romanian?  But that's extraordinary!"

"Actually...it's not as odd as you'd think," Ion answered.  "It turns out that your father invested in purchasing this building together with Count Viktor Bartholy!"

"Count Bartholy?  You don't say!"  Nicolae had no previous knowledge of his father's business dealings.

"Yes... Count Bartholy travels quite a bit, according to his maid.  He apparently owns several flats throughout Europe, including the one downstairs from you."  Ion was obviously proud to give his Master such new information.

"Hmmm... interesting," Nicolae mused.  "But, I suppose it makes sense.  We hardly ever saw Count Bartholy in Cluj.  He moves around a lot." 

Nicolae walked over to Ion.  "So... the maid?"

"Ah... yes," Ion continued.  "The maid I met downstairs, Ana, has a sister who worked for a local London family.  However, the family moved recently, so Ana's sister is currently unemployed and looking for a new position.  She sounds like a good candidate, don't you think so, Sir?"

"Yes.  Especially since she speaks our common tongue," Nicolae agreed.  "When can she start?"

"As soon as you wish her too," Ion answered.  "Today, if you'd like.  Her name is Maria."

"Perfect!  Get in touch with her as quickly as possible.  We need someone to take care of this mess," Nicolae grinned pointing around him.

"Very well, Sir," Ion bowed his head and headed for the door.  "I will go speak to Ana right away.  She will be very happy for her sister."

With Ion gone, Nicolae found himself alone in the flat.  His servant had uncovered all of the furniture, but there was still plenty of dusting and cleaning to be done.  Nicolae was relieved that Ion found someone so promptly, especially someone he could easily communicate with:  a Romanian.  What were the odds of that?  He then thought about Viktor Bartholy.

"I forgot to ask Ion if Bartholy is currently here," Nicolae scolded himself.  "Then I'd have another compatriot to talk to... if he'd be willing to..."

Nicolae had met Count Bartholy on a few occasions, at parties given either by his own family or by other Romanian nobles.  Viktor was supposedly extremely wealthy, but was known to be a bit of a recluse.  He never married and mostly kept to himself.  Everyone knew he owned a castle in the Transylvanian mountains, but Viktor did not entertain guests at his own home.  Rather, he socialized by attending social events hosted by others.  It was almost as though he did not want people to get to know him intimately.

"It's not entirely surprising that he stays away from all the gossip," Nicolae thought.  "I don't blame him for being aloof... or for wanting to travel and see the rest of the world.  I wish I were as lucky..."

Nicolae's thoughts inevitably returned to his own current situation.  He still had no inkling of who he wanted to marry.  Perhaps there were too many choices!  Or perhaps he hadn't met the right one yet.

"I need to go for a walk and clear my head," Nicolae spoke out loud.  He grabbed an overcoat and a top hat and headed for the streets of London.

Nicolae meandered aimlessly for a long while, taking in the new sites.  The day was cool but sunny.  He found himself strolling through a park and decided to sit on a bench and people watch for a while.  It was an entirely new activity for him and he found it highly entertaining.