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Gypsy Wind - Chapter 1
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 Created on 2-16-07
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Ten years passed quickly as little Aislinn grew into a beautiful petite young woman. The Master, her new father, seemed to become happier, and finally, after 6 years, ceased his searching for his son. Upon Aislinn's coming out ball, he became such a social man that all his workers in the valley, and those he knew loved him dearly as he would dote upon them all in the kindest of fashion. Aislinn became known for her kind heart, charm, and quick wit, though she never learned how to paint or write poetry, or even play the pianoforte well. She did, however, posses a beautiful voice and a great talent for dancing. In the valley, however, no one knew of her beginnings, or even questioned. Many assumed she was adopted, or the result of an affair on the continent after the death of his young wife.
Adella had grown physically much older, and though still kind hearted and loving towards Aislinn and her son, Raul, she slept more and did not have the energy to play the many games that she once did. Though unwilling to release his daughter to the world, she was approaching the age of nine and ten years, and her intelligence, though vast, was very naïve. The Master took Adella, his greatest confidant, and one day, with the study's door shut, discussed with her his daughter's future. "She is approaching an appropriate age of marriage, and we should invite some of my correspondents and gentlemen friends to bring their sons or themselves and seek her hand."
"That is a splendid idea!" Adella smiled as she continued to knit a scarf for her son. Meanwhile, Aislinn was outside walking along one of the many stonewalls in the vineyard while walking with Raul.
"Have you thought of leaving my Father, and going into some other service?"
Walking along on the ground below, Raul nodded, "I am saving what I am paid, and after my Mother's death I will probably venture off the Isle of Wight and North to perhaps settle myself in the Black mountains of Wales or the like."
"It's cold up there, would you really be able to handle it? He who enjoys to work without a shirt." She teased.
"They make clothes to be worn, and clothes can be layered. I will be fine." As the neared the end of the wall he held his hand up and took hers as she leapt down.
"Perhaps you will find a wonderful young woman and live happily." She smiled as Raul took her arm and walked her about the vineyard. "There are many young women looking for men of fortune."
"You can thank your father for that fortune. What would have gone to his son has now been divided between us -- Part for your dowry and part for my living. From what it sounds, I will have a comfortable three thousand a year, and you probably upwards towards seven or eight." He smiled and lifted Aislinn over a spot of mud. "Watch where you lead us, you don't want to dirty that new white dress."
Aislinn's appearance astounded the workers as she passed. Her straight dark hair hung freely about her back and dress pinned up at the sides so she could run barefoot through the fields and along the path back up to the Chateau. "Come! I heard Father is to have a visitor today!" Close behind, then next to, Raul took her hand and began dragging her.
"You may be fast, but I am faster and older!" They slowed as a chaise passed them with two large black horses and curtained windows.
"What a morbid chaise. To whom could it belong?" Aislinn looked to Raul who shook his head. The approached the gate and walked through the gardens about the estate until a kitchen boy was sent out to fetch Aislinn.
"You have a visitor and are expected in the great room for introduction." The boy quickly ran back to the stone summer kitchen. "A visitor? Raul, I will return to you best I can, but I fear I will be tied up. Take care until I see you again this evening!" With this she kissed him on the cheek and ran to the house, then unpinned her skirts and straightened her hair. Before entering the house she washed her feet and replaced her stockings and slippers before entering the great room.
"Mister Spencer would like to introduce his son to you, Aislinn." Aislinn shifted her eyes from the familiar figure to a tall, dark, handsome figure with a slender stature. "His name is Sterling." The young man approached her and knelt to kiss her hand. "How do you do Miss Aislinn?"
Aislinn smiled as he rose, "I am very well. And yourself?"
"The same. I noticed you have lovely gardens about your estate, could you show me some of them?" He looked to her.
"Only with my father's permission." She looked to the Master as he nodded. "Very well, follow me." Walking about the gardens was a perfect activity for an afternoon in early spring when the flowers were just beginning to bud and bloom. She smiled in the silence surrounded by the singing of birds, buzzing of insects, and the fluttering of butterflies. Sterling then opened his mouth.
"Miss Aislinn, it has come to my attention that you are very beautiful." His over confidant mien proved to deactivate the sentiment behind his words.
"Has it now? Well, I'm glad to know that you are confident with that which comes to your attention." She simply smiled as they continued on their walks.
He then interrupted the silence again, "Have you ever ventured to Lancaster? That is where my father has his estate."
"No, I don't believe I have ever gone with my father to visit Mister Spencer at his estate in Lancaster, for if I had, I'm sure I would have as well met you." She continued along the path trying to move ahead of him. Then she calmed enough to try and deal with his temperament again. "So, do you plan on taking over your father's trade firm?"
"Oh no, there's no reason for that. He has it well under control, and besides, after my father passes away, I'll have my accountant and many others to run it for me. I'll never have to work a day in my life." He boasted.
"So then, what will you do with your life?" She continued to try and converse. "Probably travel, wed, produce children, and enjoy a carefree life-style. There really is nothing in this world that deserves too much attention." His arrogant tone struck a nerve with her as he continued. "I'll probably remove quite a few of my father's servants. They gossip too much and know me too well. It'd be nice to have fresh new faces instead of the old hags I've dealt with my whole life." He continued to jabber on, then taking her arm turned to her. "I have told you that you are beautiful, but also very mannerly, deserving a gentleman's attention. I guess I should perhaps then tell you the purpose of my visit with my father. My father told me of your astounding beauty, and with the encouragement as I approach my third and twentieth year to wed, I would like to choose someone as elegant and beautiful as myself. I, therefore, came in order to see this woman whose beauty could not be real, but for sure is! It is for that reason that I…" he was suddenly cut off.
"That is all fine sir, but if you'll excuse me, I prefer not to absorb too much attention in self-centred lack-wits." With this comment she ran down the path leaving him to be lost in the garden. She returned quickly to the house and went up to her room. She then went out upon the terrace and stared over the valley in frustration. She could not believe that Mister Spencer, an intelligent man she respected and admired, could have such a horrid son. She glanced down into the garden where she could see Sterling lost among the hedges and lilies. She then heard her glass door open. "What has vexed you so?" Raul paused behind her.
"That man! He approached me so foolishly and arrogantly and he's so disgusting! He actually was going to… to…" She then made an exasperated noise and stamped her foot.
Raul approached her, "Well, you don't have to accept the first suitor that begs your hand. And just leave him to do that, beg. Tell him no, you deserve better if he is really in such condition. You need someone you can respect."
"Why didn't Father tell me that he had planned this?" she spun around and stared at Raul.
"Who says that he did? Mister Spencer probably did this out of the good will towards his son, and nothing more. You should not let that lessen your respect for him."
Raul sighed, "Now, come inside and change for the evening's activities. You'll be expected to look your best. I have to get back to the kitchen, they're having some troubles with finding an appropriate hen to roast."
Aislinn stared off at the setting son as she glanced down to see the man still lost in the gardens. She then entered her room and searched her armoire for her green dress. When she entered the Great room she noticed a card table had been set up and Sterling sat wearily next to his father.
She sighed and Misses Adelle approached her and spoke sotto voce, "Where have you been? The Master has been wishing to speak with you about the words you so harshly exchanged with the young Mister Spencer in the garden."
"Let him speak to me, I'll let him know what I think." Her pride and sheer dignity would not be hurt over such a silly manner of unimportant unintelligent men.
Her father approached her, "Aislinn, I would care to speak with you in the study." She followed her father as they entered and he closed the door. For the first time in many years she heard her father raise his voice, "What were you thinking treating a guest with so little manners! He paid you compliments and you rejected each one! You cut him off from a proposal!"
"Father! I refuse to allow myself to even hear a proposal from such a lack wit who doesn't even give a damn about those he has employed or even their circumstances! He has no ambition, and obviously no brain! I cannot respect him and therefore, I do not want to even consider marriage."
She angrily viewed her father as he turned to her. "And is it such a hard thing to do to entertain a proposal and at least say 'no' or even request more time together?" He placed his hand over his face, "He admires you. You're beautiful, why would he not admire you?"
"I want something with a little more substance, and though I thoroughly respect Mister Spencer, I refuse to respect his son." She turned away from him. "Fine then, they will be leaving in the morning to continue on to Calais. You will not have to worry about a proposal after then. Now, come into the Great room and play cards with our guests, then attend Supper, and entertain them until they are ready to retire, do you understand?"
"Yes, Father." She angrily exited the study and walked to the card table where they were already preparing a game. Cards were not a grand source of entertainment for Aislinn. She yawned loudly and retired to a chair where she read from a large volume of Descartes.
The young Mister Spencer then followed her and sat in the chair across from her, then announced to the party, "With your permission, Mister Porter, I would like a moment alone with your daughter." Aislinn's Father raised nodding and lead Mister Spencer out of the room. Aislinn stared at her father with a protesting, but remained. "Perhaps it was too sudden that I began a proposal in the garden, but now, I would like to try to humble myself in your presence and ask again." He then took out of his coat an orchid he chose from the garden and handed it to Aislinn, "Miss Aislinn, I would be honoured so greatly if you accepted my proposal for marriage."
Aislinn bit her lip and shook her head, "I am sorry, but I cannot."
Mister Spencer looked up at her, "Now, I know that young women, especially those who have beauty as one of their finest qualities are most commonly humble as well due to their lack of ability in other areas. I would like to reiterate how much I admire your beauty and have through the stories of my father for years. I know you probably consider this rushed, but you must understand that I am in need to a good wife, and you would be such, even if you are unable to do many of the things other women can do that are your age."
"Mister Spencer, I.." She protested
"I know, you probably cannot allow most of my compliments to be absorbed, but they all truly apply. You are all I could have ever hoped for in a woman, grace, beauty in face and body, and a slight temper. I do not know what more I could want." He sighed and gazed up into her angry eyes.
"Mister Spencer, I refuse! Not only do you insult me, but also you expect me to take the insults as compliments! I refuse, and that is the end of it." She pushed the orchid back into his hands and turned to walk away and he took her arm.
"Miss Aislinn, I understand this is a stressful decision and perhaps you would prefer if I returned at a later time to accept your agreement…" He continued.
"No! I would not prefer you to return at a later time Mr. Spencer. I have known you for only a few hours, but I am sure that you are no more than a lack-wit who will never measure up to his own father whom I cannot respect out of respect for what your father is." She turned and then marched out of the room as the rest of the party re entered staring at the young Mr. Spencer.
The kitchen boy then entered skittishly, "Supper will be presented within the hour."
Adella had grown physically much older, and though still kind hearted and loving towards Aislinn and her son, Raul, she slept more and did not have the energy to play the many games that she once did. Though unwilling to release his daughter to the world, she was approaching the age of nine and ten years, and her intelligence, though vast, was very naïve. The Master took Adella, his greatest confidant, and one day, with the study's door shut, discussed with her his daughter's future. "She is approaching an appropriate age of marriage, and we should invite some of my correspondents and gentlemen friends to bring their sons or themselves and seek her hand."
"That is a splendid idea!" Adella smiled as she continued to knit a scarf for her son. Meanwhile, Aislinn was outside walking along one of the many stonewalls in the vineyard while walking with Raul.
"Have you thought of leaving my Father, and going into some other service?"
Walking along on the ground below, Raul nodded, "I am saving what I am paid, and after my Mother's death I will probably venture off the Isle of Wight and North to perhaps settle myself in the Black mountains of Wales or the like."
"It's cold up there, would you really be able to handle it? He who enjoys to work without a shirt." She teased.
"They make clothes to be worn, and clothes can be layered. I will be fine." As the neared the end of the wall he held his hand up and took hers as she leapt down.
"Perhaps you will find a wonderful young woman and live happily." She smiled as Raul took her arm and walked her about the vineyard. "There are many young women looking for men of fortune."
"You can thank your father for that fortune. What would have gone to his son has now been divided between us -- Part for your dowry and part for my living. From what it sounds, I will have a comfortable three thousand a year, and you probably upwards towards seven or eight." He smiled and lifted Aislinn over a spot of mud. "Watch where you lead us, you don't want to dirty that new white dress."
Aislinn's appearance astounded the workers as she passed. Her straight dark hair hung freely about her back and dress pinned up at the sides so she could run barefoot through the fields and along the path back up to the Chateau. "Come! I heard Father is to have a visitor today!" Close behind, then next to, Raul took her hand and began dragging her.
"You may be fast, but I am faster and older!" They slowed as a chaise passed them with two large black horses and curtained windows.
"What a morbid chaise. To whom could it belong?" Aislinn looked to Raul who shook his head. The approached the gate and walked through the gardens about the estate until a kitchen boy was sent out to fetch Aislinn.
"You have a visitor and are expected in the great room for introduction." The boy quickly ran back to the stone summer kitchen. "A visitor? Raul, I will return to you best I can, but I fear I will be tied up. Take care until I see you again this evening!" With this she kissed him on the cheek and ran to the house, then unpinned her skirts and straightened her hair. Before entering the house she washed her feet and replaced her stockings and slippers before entering the great room.
"Mister Spencer would like to introduce his son to you, Aislinn." Aislinn shifted her eyes from the familiar figure to a tall, dark, handsome figure with a slender stature. "His name is Sterling." The young man approached her and knelt to kiss her hand. "How do you do Miss Aislinn?"
Aislinn smiled as he rose, "I am very well. And yourself?"
"The same. I noticed you have lovely gardens about your estate, could you show me some of them?" He looked to her.
"Only with my father's permission." She looked to the Master as he nodded. "Very well, follow me." Walking about the gardens was a perfect activity for an afternoon in early spring when the flowers were just beginning to bud and bloom. She smiled in the silence surrounded by the singing of birds, buzzing of insects, and the fluttering of butterflies. Sterling then opened his mouth.
"Miss Aislinn, it has come to my attention that you are very beautiful." His over confidant mien proved to deactivate the sentiment behind his words.
"Has it now? Well, I'm glad to know that you are confident with that which comes to your attention." She simply smiled as they continued on their walks.
He then interrupted the silence again, "Have you ever ventured to Lancaster? That is where my father has his estate."
"No, I don't believe I have ever gone with my father to visit Mister Spencer at his estate in Lancaster, for if I had, I'm sure I would have as well met you." She continued along the path trying to move ahead of him. Then she calmed enough to try and deal with his temperament again. "So, do you plan on taking over your father's trade firm?"
"Oh no, there's no reason for that. He has it well under control, and besides, after my father passes away, I'll have my accountant and many others to run it for me. I'll never have to work a day in my life." He boasted.
"So then, what will you do with your life?" She continued to try and converse. "Probably travel, wed, produce children, and enjoy a carefree life-style. There really is nothing in this world that deserves too much attention." His arrogant tone struck a nerve with her as he continued. "I'll probably remove quite a few of my father's servants. They gossip too much and know me too well. It'd be nice to have fresh new faces instead of the old hags I've dealt with my whole life." He continued to jabber on, then taking her arm turned to her. "I have told you that you are beautiful, but also very mannerly, deserving a gentleman's attention. I guess I should perhaps then tell you the purpose of my visit with my father. My father told me of your astounding beauty, and with the encouragement as I approach my third and twentieth year to wed, I would like to choose someone as elegant and beautiful as myself. I, therefore, came in order to see this woman whose beauty could not be real, but for sure is! It is for that reason that I…" he was suddenly cut off.
"That is all fine sir, but if you'll excuse me, I prefer not to absorb too much attention in self-centred lack-wits." With this comment she ran down the path leaving him to be lost in the garden. She returned quickly to the house and went up to her room. She then went out upon the terrace and stared over the valley in frustration. She could not believe that Mister Spencer, an intelligent man she respected and admired, could have such a horrid son. She glanced down into the garden where she could see Sterling lost among the hedges and lilies. She then heard her glass door open. "What has vexed you so?" Raul paused behind her.
"That man! He approached me so foolishly and arrogantly and he's so disgusting! He actually was going to… to…" She then made an exasperated noise and stamped her foot.
Raul approached her, "Well, you don't have to accept the first suitor that begs your hand. And just leave him to do that, beg. Tell him no, you deserve better if he is really in such condition. You need someone you can respect."
"Why didn't Father tell me that he had planned this?" she spun around and stared at Raul.
"Who says that he did? Mister Spencer probably did this out of the good will towards his son, and nothing more. You should not let that lessen your respect for him."
Raul sighed, "Now, come inside and change for the evening's activities. You'll be expected to look your best. I have to get back to the kitchen, they're having some troubles with finding an appropriate hen to roast."
Aislinn stared off at the setting son as she glanced down to see the man still lost in the gardens. She then entered her room and searched her armoire for her green dress. When she entered the Great room she noticed a card table had been set up and Sterling sat wearily next to his father.
She sighed and Misses Adelle approached her and spoke sotto voce, "Where have you been? The Master has been wishing to speak with you about the words you so harshly exchanged with the young Mister Spencer in the garden."
"Let him speak to me, I'll let him know what I think." Her pride and sheer dignity would not be hurt over such a silly manner of unimportant unintelligent men.
Her father approached her, "Aislinn, I would care to speak with you in the study." She followed her father as they entered and he closed the door. For the first time in many years she heard her father raise his voice, "What were you thinking treating a guest with so little manners! He paid you compliments and you rejected each one! You cut him off from a proposal!"
"Father! I refuse to allow myself to even hear a proposal from such a lack wit who doesn't even give a damn about those he has employed or even their circumstances! He has no ambition, and obviously no brain! I cannot respect him and therefore, I do not want to even consider marriage."
She angrily viewed her father as he turned to her. "And is it such a hard thing to do to entertain a proposal and at least say 'no' or even request more time together?" He placed his hand over his face, "He admires you. You're beautiful, why would he not admire you?"
"I want something with a little more substance, and though I thoroughly respect Mister Spencer, I refuse to respect his son." She turned away from him. "Fine then, they will be leaving in the morning to continue on to Calais. You will not have to worry about a proposal after then. Now, come into the Great room and play cards with our guests, then attend Supper, and entertain them until they are ready to retire, do you understand?"
"Yes, Father." She angrily exited the study and walked to the card table where they were already preparing a game. Cards were not a grand source of entertainment for Aislinn. She yawned loudly and retired to a chair where she read from a large volume of Descartes.
The young Mister Spencer then followed her and sat in the chair across from her, then announced to the party, "With your permission, Mister Porter, I would like a moment alone with your daughter." Aislinn's Father raised nodding and lead Mister Spencer out of the room. Aislinn stared at her father with a protesting, but remained. "Perhaps it was too sudden that I began a proposal in the garden, but now, I would like to try to humble myself in your presence and ask again." He then took out of his coat an orchid he chose from the garden and handed it to Aislinn, "Miss Aislinn, I would be honoured so greatly if you accepted my proposal for marriage."
Aislinn bit her lip and shook her head, "I am sorry, but I cannot."
Mister Spencer looked up at her, "Now, I know that young women, especially those who have beauty as one of their finest qualities are most commonly humble as well due to their lack of ability in other areas. I would like to reiterate how much I admire your beauty and have through the stories of my father for years. I know you probably consider this rushed, but you must understand that I am in need to a good wife, and you would be such, even if you are unable to do many of the things other women can do that are your age."
"Mister Spencer, I.." She protested
"I know, you probably cannot allow most of my compliments to be absorbed, but they all truly apply. You are all I could have ever hoped for in a woman, grace, beauty in face and body, and a slight temper. I do not know what more I could want." He sighed and gazed up into her angry eyes.
"Mister Spencer, I refuse! Not only do you insult me, but also you expect me to take the insults as compliments! I refuse, and that is the end of it." She pushed the orchid back into his hands and turned to walk away and he took her arm.
"Miss Aislinn, I understand this is a stressful decision and perhaps you would prefer if I returned at a later time to accept your agreement…" He continued.
"No! I would not prefer you to return at a later time Mr. Spencer. I have known you for only a few hours, but I am sure that you are no more than a lack-wit who will never measure up to his own father whom I cannot respect out of respect for what your father is." She turned and then marched out of the room as the rest of the party re entered staring at the young Mr. Spencer.
The kitchen boy then entered skittishly, "Supper will be presented within the hour."
Comments
Please Login to post comments| On February 17th 2007 Laralei Said : | |
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After re-reading it, I see where the confusion comes in. He should be introduced as "the Young Mr. Sterling Spencer" it will make things a lot less confusing. THANK YOU |
| On February 17th 2007 Laralei Said : | |
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His name is Sterling, but due to formalities, especially when a person is pissed, you refer to them as Mister so and so. |
| On February 16th 2007 onaipwolf Said : | |
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Seems interesting. I'm guessing Aislinn and Raul get together at some point??? |
| On February 16th 2007 missittibitti Said : | |
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wait..i thought the young mr. spencer's name was sterling..oh well, maybe i misread. |
