The Ghost of Winterlove Castle

Chapter Five

"What troubles have you been through to end up drenched, cold, and alone in the entryway of my castle, Orphelia?" On the way up the main stairway, Orphelia introduced herself to the Prince, though he's already told her just to call him Edmund. He said he hasn't been a proper prince in a very long time. A grave look entered his eye. Orphelia took that as a hint not to ask questions. Orphelia and Edmund remained quiet for the rest of their journey up the stairs. They turned right into a hallway with black velvet wallpaper and silver-lined paintings of the strangest things. A grandfather clock. A vase full of roses. A silver ring with a big red jewel in the middle. Fingers touching silky hair. And two lovers holding hands. The paintings were exquisitely done, Orphelia noticed. She wanted to touch them, but she knew it would be disrespectful without the artist's permission. She withheld her desire and continued walking forward with Edmund, who just asked what her problems were.

Orphelia took a deep breath and told him everything, with no breaks or stutters. Edmund looped Orphelia's arm through his and continued to walk. He held onto Orphelia's every word.

"My family is one of the many esteemed families in London. My father owns the Knight Bank, and my mother operates two luxury dress shops: The Rose and Crown, and Royal Oak Clothing. My parents are well known in London. And it's also well known that I'm young and unmarried. One family, the Burtons, who are also an esteemed family, heard about my availability and took advantage.

"The Burtons own, operate and work out of all the medical clinics, hospitals, and asylums in England. They are wealthy and intelligent. They know what moves they are going to make and when to properly secure them. That's what they did with my family and I. Well, it's what the youngest Burton did. His name is Ezra, and he is, excuse my language, the biggest arse I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. He thinks because he's studying to be a doctor that it makes him admirable. Indeed, it is noble to become a doctor, but it is not a pass to be used in order to gain respect. Respect should be given to be returned. It is not a train ticket to be used whenever one desires.

"A couple of weeks ago, right when summer ended, I was in my mother's shop, helping clients pick fabric for dresses. I remember I was helping Mrs. Worth when Lord Ezra waltzed in as if he owned the place, which he didn't. My mother recognized him as soon as he showed his face, but I did not. I don't keep up with societal gossip and proceedings. I think it is a waste of one's time worrying about other people who don't affect your life.

"My mother practically ran to him and treated him as if he were royalty. Lord Ezra took my mother's shaking hands and said he needed to speak privately with her and my father. My mother scheduled a time when he could dine with us one evening. After that, he left. And I didn't see him again until a fortnight had passed and he came for dinner.

"Dinner went fine, and I got to know the Lord as a person. He was charming, but too charming for my taste. He knew he had the looks and the intellect and used that knowledge to his advantage. He was nice, but he only ever wanted to speak about himself. I suffered through dinner, and at the end, my mother told me she needed something from her workspace. I thought it rather odd she would need anything from her workspace at this hour, but I obliged her request and went to fetch what she needed. By the time I came down, I was courted to Lord Ezra Burton. And my parents planned on me marrying him in six months."

Orphelia stopped, taking a much-needed breath. They were almost toward the end of the hallway, and Orphelia noticed that one door on her left was open. A soft amber glow was emitting from it. She wondered if the room was for her to stay in? She looked toward Edmund, and his face was overtaken by anger. He told her to continue, and she did.

"I don't love him. I don't have any feelings for him. My parents told me I have to go through with it. Our marriage, they say, will push our family to be one of the most popular and wealthiest families in London. Our union will make my family better. I absolutely hate it. I don't love him, why should I marry him. Arranged marriages ended a century ago. I should not go through this in this modern age. It's cruel and unfair.