You know, I really have to admit, you guys all reading this, surprised me... So, 
You guys are all awesome! Hope this part is okay... 
Part Two - - -Â"You should have more! Child, you are skin and bone! Eat!Â" For the past dinner hour that was all Miss Elizabeth heard. Beyond belief, Lady Philips was a generous woman. She sat across from Elizabeth during dinner and made sure she ate at least enough food for three nights.
From what Elizabeth could gather, she was undoubtedly a lonely woman. Her husband, Sir Philips, was away on business most days and she had the impression that she was more than a little glad to have some new company. The Manor is which they resided in was huge compared to ElizabethÂ's old home, and she could only guess that it was easy to get unattached from the people whom worked and lived in it everyday.
Elizabeth smile as she took her last bite. Â"I donÂ't think I could eat another crumb.Â"
Â"Breakfast is only a few hours away,Â" Sir Philips joked as he wiped his mouth and pushed his own plate a few inches away from himself.
The dinner was very informal. It was only herself, the Lady and Sir. The rest of the house hold had eaten and went to sleep for the night. And Elizabeth didnÂ't know where the other two accompanying men had gone off to. The had both disappeared once they all had reached the stables. Never the less, a few candles were lit in the dining hall and Elizabeth could still see the magnificent decoration and art that surrounded her. No doubt, the room was for formal dining, dinner parties and receptions.
Â"You are very right,Â" Lady Philips agreed with her husband and gracefully stood. Â"Now, dear Elizabeth, you are to come with me and I will show you to your new room.Â"
Â"I donÂ't want to be a burden...,Â" Elizabeth explained as she too stood from her place at the table. Â"I would find it myself... You must be tired and...Â"
Â"Not another word!Â" The Lady exclaimed with shining clear blue eyes. Â"I would not leave you to wander around this place without knowing where you were going. Nonsense! I will show you!Â"
Â"If you are certain...Â"
Â"I most certainly am!Â"
And with that agreement, Lady Philips and Miss Elizabeth said their goodnights to the Sir and made their way up the ManorÂ's stairs and to the room that was to be given to Elizabeth during her stay.
Â"I will have Sarah send up some warmed water and a towel... And then you may sleep as long as you like. For when you awake, I am to take you into town and we are to enjoy ourselves, most thoroughly!Â"
Elizabeth shyly smiled at the plans. Â"That is hardly necessary, Lady Philips.Â"
Â"Why would you think that? We are to go buy you some new dresses and maybe some new...Â"
Â"Hardly necessary at all...Â" Elizabeth said it more firmly this time, worried that the Lady would be willing to spend so much on her. It wasnÂ't that she wanted to refuse her generosity or kindness but she knew that the responsibility of being her guardian had no mention of buying her new things or treating her with such consideration.
Her earlier plans were to keep to herself during her stay and she was worried that those plans were becoming less and less of a likely happening. In no way did she want to put the Lady or Sir out of connivance or line because of their responsibility to her.
But the Lady noticed the uncomfortable look that passed over the girl in front of her and took hand in hers, almost immediately. Â"Did your nursemaid tell you that we had once met before you were born?Â" The Lady asked softly and Elizabeth nodded faintly, not knowing where this was going to end. Â"After your motherÂ's passing, she became like a mother to you, did she not?Â"
Â"She did.Â" Elizabeth answered just as faintly as she had nodded. But, in fact, Elizabeth
had regarded Agnes more a mother then her birth parent. ElizabethÂ's mother had passed on sometime during her toddler years and she hardly remembered her. But Agnes had always been there for her, she had always
remembered Agnes being there for her...
Â"And now that you are temporarily parted, I would like to be that to you. I would like to consider you as if you were my own daughter...Â"
Elizabeth was a little surprised by the womanÂ's words but knew she could not deny her her wish. Her eyes sparkled with something almost the same as longing. And Elizabeth couldnÂ't help but wonder if it was brought on by the fact that the Lady had no children.
Â"What do you think of that?Â" the woman asked a moment later, her eyes still shining.
Â"I...I think I should like that very much,Â" Elizabeth answered truthfully and smiled as she saw the woman before her beam.
Â"We shall have fun, you and I,Â" The Lady promised. Â"Do you know how long it has been since I have had a child to spoil?Â"
Elizabeth laughed and talked for a few more minutes with the woman before both decided it was time to rest. After Sarah had brought the promised washing water and linens, Elizabeth was under strict orders not to leave her room until the dark circles under her eyes had vanished. And even though Elizabeth desperately wanted to walk the grounds of her new home and become better acquainted with her new guardians, she had gratefully agreed to the order. Lord knew she was exhausted and that the sleep would do her mind and body much good.
Yes, she would have to wait on her exploration of the place she now was asked to call Â"homeÂ". But for how long, she wasnÂ't sure...
~:~:~:~:~ Elizabeth woke with an uneasy start the next morning, a nightmare of something or other had broken her restful slumber and invaded her thoughts but it was a normal occurrence that she had learned to live with and it didnÂ't bother her much anymore. It seemed to her, at least, that she hadnÂ't had a full nights sleep since she was babe. For every night that she could remember, she could also remember a distressing dream to go along with it. But once she was wake, she didnÂ't mind it or dwell on the oddity of her dream much, because she was finally able to take in her surrounds in a bit of proper and true morning light...
She could see that her room was decorated amazingly in the dark colors of maroon and green plush velvets, carved and stained aged woods, gilded mirrors, and even fresh cut flowers. Her breath caught momentarily in her throat as she forgot where it was that she was staying. Then a quick image of Lady Philips came into her mind and she smiled slightly. She must have made sure everything was perfect for her arrival. She truly was a dear woman and she more than deserved happiness during her last years. Elizabeth only wished there was a way to give her that needed joy...
While Elizabeth thought of ways to cheer the Lady up during her stay, she got herself ready for the day that followed. And once she was done, she couldnÂ't help but stop in front of the full length mirror, next to her dresser, to see what she looked like. Her long chocolate hair was pulled back in a tight bun the way Agnes had always put it up and her dark eyes still look slightly tired. The dress she was wearing, made from charcoal grey wool, fit her well, with its colorful embroidery showing itself nicely in the noon light. But she still couldnÂ't help but think that she truly looked out of place. She turned, once again, and looked at the things that surrounded her. It was simple to see, the room was fit for a princess. And even though, she knew the intentions behind it were completely out of generosity and love, she felt a bit uncomfortable.
It was too good for her.
Â"Miss?Â" she heard a small voice from behind her and turned to see Sarah at the entrance to her room.
Â"Yes?Â" Elizabeth answered curiously and walked towards the lady. Sarah was a young waiting nurse whom mainly watched over Lady PhilipsÂ's health and well being but since ElizabethÂ's arrival, had been kind enough to watch over her as well.
Â"Breakfast will be served for you shortly,Â" she explained and walked further into the room. She had in her hands a small cup of tea and an equally sized plate of biscuits. Â"The Lady is feeling ill this morning and has requested that you enjoy today however you please...Â"
Â"I hope she will be well,Â" Elizabeth answered, as she couldnÂ't stop herself from worrying for the old woman who was nothing was kind to her.
Â"She will be fine, Miss,Â" Sarah smiled and placed the tea and cookies by ElizabethÂ's bedside. Elizabeth returned her smile, faintly and nervously bit her lower lip, an old habit she was never able to rid herself of. Sarah noticed almost immediately and smiled again, trying to ease the young girlÂ's worry. Â"Sir Philips will be waiting for you within half an hour for breakfast. Prepare yourself and join him downstairs in a bit.Â"
Â"May I come now?Â" The question came before Elizabeth could stop herself. She had already planned to leave her room as soon as she could and it seemed as if it was an opportunity she couldnÂ't let pass. The morning was still young and there was a lot she could do while waiting to join Sir Philips.
Sarah paused a moment and turned around to look at her. Â"Of course,Â" she answered openly.
Â"Good,Â" Elizabeth beamed and walked towards her waiting nurse. Â"Will you lead the way?Â" she asked as cheerfully as she could.
Â"Aye,Â" Sarah nodded. Â"Of course.Â"
And so, Elizabeth followed the woman down the hall and down the steps that she remembered from last night.
Â"If you remember, the dining hall is down that way, to your left...,Â" Sarah explained. Â"I must go tend to the Lady but remember, half an hour.Â"
Â"Thank you,Â" Elizabeth nodded her head and watched as the other woman turned around and went back up the stairs. And now, Elizabeth was free to wander, as she had wanted to do from the first moment she had set foot in the Philips Manor. She only now needed to decide which way to go.
She stayed away from the dining hall, knowing that she would have to return there in less than thirty minutes, anyway. So, instead, she went the opposite direction. Finding another hall that was slightly tucked away, she followed it, noticing and noting that all the doors were locked except for a larger room at the direct end. She quietly entered, not sure if she was allowed or not. But she didnÂ't find much in the room, anyway. She figured it was some sort of small library or study. Odds and ends were scattered on the floor and on a desk and dust covered nearly everything. But there were several large bookshelves brimming with volumes of all sort and sizes. She wondered if she could borrow a few and take them back to her room...
Â"Miss Elizabeth?Â"
At the sound of her own name, Elizabeth turned around quickly, startled by the voice.
Â"IÂ'm sorry... I should have knocked,Â" the young man blushed slightly before bowing his head.
Â"Nonsense,Â" she smiled after recognizing the boy as one of the men that had accompanied her and Sir Philips the day before. Â"I startle easily.Â"
Â"Nay, I should have announced myself,Â" he answered as he finally lifted his head and smiled.
He was young. But she thought she was right when she pegged him about her age. He had short medium brown hair and eyes that were curious and kind. He was wearing riding clothes and looked as if he was getting ready to part.
Â"Are you leaving somewhere?Â" she asked curiously and hoped she wouldnÂ't sound to forward.
Â"I believe so,Â" he nodded and walked past her to the bookshelf, she was just earlier admiring. Â"But I promised my sister that I would bring her a book, when I came back home.Â"
Â"Then you donÂ't live here?Â" Elizabeth narrowed her eyes and asked.
Â"No,Â" he answered before finding a small black book that looked almost worn to bits. Â"I come when Sir Philips needs my insistence. He isnÂ't as young as he believes himself to be,Â" the boy smiled and dusked the book with his free hand.
Elizabeth smiled and walked a bit closer to the bookshelf. Â"I have noticed that too. But he such a kind man...,Â" she agreed and wondered why she had had the idea that he lived at the Manor. She knew that the Sir and Lady lived alone. Why had her mind jumped to such an incorrect idea?
Â"Yes, he is. You were lucky to come and stay here with this family. The Lady must already love you...Â"
Elizabeth smiled again. Â"I believe she does. But I heard she is ill... Is that a common occurrence?Â"
Â"Bless her soul...,Â" he whispered. Â"She should be fine after a days rest. The excitement of your arrival must have tired her a bit...Â" But it was only after the words left his mouth, did he realize that what he had said could be construed in a way in which he didnÂ't mean. Â"It is no fault to you, Miss. It is just that...Â"
Â"I understand. There is no need for explanation.Â" Elizabeth shook her head, wearily and took a step away. Â"She isnÂ't in very good health. I noticed it yesterday.Â"
Â"Yes, but she will be fine. It is nothing to be worried about,Â" he assured her and then, as if there was nothing else to do, held the book he had been holding out for Elizabeth to see. Â"Do you suppose she will like it? My sister?Â"
Elizabeth took the book into her hands and saw the title. It was an old compilation of bible stories. It looked to be ages old and well loved by its pervious owner. Â"IÂ'm sure she will enjoy it very much...Â"
Â"I hope,Â" he smiled. Â"But now, I am to leave before soon, so, please excuse me...Â"
Â"Of course,Â" Elizabeth smiled and let him pass by her.
Â"It was nice meeting you, again, Miss Elizabeth.Â"
Â"You, also,Â" Elizabeth smiled tightly as he began to slowly disappear down the hall, feeling utterly stupid that she couldnÂ't think of his proper name... It something close to Andrew or Anthony or... Â"ThatÂ's IT!
ALEXANDER!Â" Even before she knew her mouth had slipped and that the words had actually been yelled from her mouth, she watched in horror as Sir Alexander spun around and stared at her as if he thought something had just spontaneously caught on fire. She hadnÂ't realized that her voice came out sounding so...urgent, but it had.
Â"Miss Elizabeth?Â" he asked in a careful tone and took three strides back into room. Â"WhatÂ's the matter? Is there something wrong?Â"
Elizabeth just stood there, frozen in place. She was always doing things of the same nature, knowing not how to keep her mouth and mind quiet at the same time. Â"N-n-nothing...,Â" she stuttered an excuse. Â"I...I just wanted to...to...invite your sister... Next time you come, please bring her... I would...I would love to meet her!Â"
Sir Alexander stared at her for a moment in a very puzzled stance but decided to ignore his questions and play along. Â"I shall try. Our mother is very protective of her but I donÂ't see why not... I thank you for the invitation...Â"
Â"Yes. An invitation. I would love to meet her...you sister. Next time you come,Â" Elizabeth continued stuttered and continued to repeat. Â"I just wanted to invite your sister...Â"
Alexander nodded slowly and narrowed his eyes. Â"Are you quite well, Miss?Â"
Â"I am fine,Â" Elizabeth answered, and then noticed her odd tone. Â"I am just tired. Our journey, it took much out of me... You understand.Â"
Â"Yes, I do...,Â" he nodded. Â"Then if everything is quite fine, I must apologize and...Â"
Â"And leave!Â" Elizabeth interrupted, quickly and again, without thinking. Â"Yes! You must leave! Get home to your sister and give her the marvelous book you chose. IÂ'm sorry to have kept you longer...
Â"It is fine,Â" he smiled oddly and Elizabeth noticed that he still looked a bit concerned. So, she held her breath, hoping he would leave soon enough and not tell a soul of her outburst. True, she was allowed to speak her mind and ask questions but she must remember to stay appropriate. She canÂ't be uncontrollably yelling things and making a fool out of her self. Â"Very well then... Good day, Miss Elizabeth...Â"
Â"Good day, Sir Alexander...Â" Elizabeth breathed and almost collapsed on the arm chair behind her, once he had left. A close call wasnÂ't even something near what she would say to describe what had just happened. What if her father had been there? What if Nurse Agnes had been there? She would have surly given her a strict talking to about proper manners around a man... And her father would have banished her to her room for days...
She was to get a handle on herself and correct her erratic behavior before someone become aware of it and made mention of it. Either way, it was just past the hour and she knew she was wanted in the dinning room for breakfast, so, she took one last deep breath, composed herself, and made her way out of the dusty room, hoping, not to see it again for a long while...
TBC...
Or do I? 
I had actually forgotten I posted this... But I'm so happy your both reading and liking. It's a little different from what I normally write but I'm happy it's going well. 
Glad to have you here! 
