The Bear

[robertgreville]

Night had long since fallen, but Robert was, by now, comfortable with the darkness. More often then not, he stayed awake until the small hours, for that was when he found his mind worked best. Tonight was a different matter, however. He had spent hours hunched over his desk, but try as he might, he could not will his mind to focus. It was a rarity, but sometimes it happened, and it was usually a sign he needed to clear his head altogether, and start from scratch. He lit a candle, placing it inside a lantern he kept to hand for such circumstances, and left his rooms.

He had expected the halls to be deserted at this time, and for the first few corridors he paced, this proved to be true. However, as he rounded a corner, he spied another light ahead, in what he knew to be a drawing room. Curiosity piqued, he made his way towards the room, and knocked on the door lightly to announce his presence. “Another lonely soul unable to rest?” he asked, a small smile playing on his lips. “I did not expect to find company this night, but I am not complaining. Do you mind if I join you? 

[nobleprincessalice]

Late-afternoon was approaching and the harsh day’s sun was beginning to become a bit more bearable. Alice hadn’t realized that she had been cooped in her room for much of the day, finding herself lost in a new book. Afternoon tea was surely soon and dinner would follow. The girl knew somebody would come for her at some point to attend, so what harm would it be if she waited until then?

A couple paragraphs further into the novel and Alice looked up at her door, having heard a prominent knock, but no voice to follow it.

“Who is it?” she asked, leaning in her chair to get a better look.

[robertgreville]

In truth, Robert would have been far happier had he remained in England. He was anxious to return to that which was most important to him - his business, his estates and his daughter chief among them. He had only agreed to travel in the first place in order to scout out opportunity. He was reminded then of the sin of greed.He already had so much, and yet he always sought more. Perhaps God would punish him for that one day, but he was yet to see it in his lifetime. 

Despite the fact he had selfish motivations, he still knew how to play his part well, and that included checking on those he served, who he had accompanied here: The House Hanover. As well as the King and Queen, there was a whole host of Princes and Princess to make the time for. That was how he found himself outside Princess Alice’s rooms, having volunteered to invite her to an Afternoon Meal. 

“It is Lord Warwick,” he said, a little gruffly. “May I enter?”