Cinderella

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella walked down the streets of the village. She kept her eyes downcast, so she would not look anyone in the eye. Her plain brown shoes clicked against the ground. They were so worn and Ella was sure they would fall apart at any moment. She just hoped it wouldn't happen while she was out in public. That would be too humiliating for Ella to bare. If her step-mother, Lady Buxton found out, she would laugh at Ella, along with Ella's step-sister's, Lady Buxton's daughters. Geraldine and Clementia were just as cruel as their mother, possibly even more so.


Ella pulled her tattered shall around her body. It was a chilly autumn day and her step-mother never provided Ella with proper clothing. Her clothes would make her freeze in the summer and burn in the winter. Ella tried to keep her spirits up, yet no matter how hard she tried to, she just couldn't. She continued to long for the days when her parents were alive and Ella and Mama and Papa were happy. She knew however, that she would never have day like those again. Ella knew that she would continue to serve her step-mother and her step-sister for the rest of her days. She wished it wasn't so, but she knew she would have to.


A few tears came to Ella's eyes as she thought of her wonderful childhood, spending her days running in the fields behind her house with Mama and Papa chasing after her. She quickly wiped them away, though it left a few tear stains on her cheek. She hoped no one would notice. Though since she was keeping her head down, it was unlikely that anyone would notice. She took a long and deep breath, and she tried to stop feeling sorry for herself.


Ella walked into the dress shop and picked up a dress for Clementia before continuing on with the other errands her family had her doing. It was gaudy and loud and it would be a perfect match for Clementia's personality. Ella would never say anything about it though, as she was sure Lady Buxton would be furious at Ella for saying such a thing. Ella would never even have the courage to say such a thing. She had always been too afraid to speak up for herself. She wished she wasn't but she was. She could never say anything in her defense and she took everything her step-mother and step-sisters told her. She believed everything they told her and took it all with her eyes downcast and a sad look on her face.


Ella felt a few more tears come to her yes. She quickly wiped them away, not wanting to feel sorry for herself. She walked along, still keeping her eyes downcast. She didn't want anyone to know that she had been crying. She felt like she couldn't let anyone know that she had been crying. She sighed a deep sigh before continuing on with the errands she was forced to do for her "family."

 

[Shiremaiden]

Lucas sighed as he looked out over the balcony from the castle. How was he supposed to be a good king if he didn't know what the people in the village were like? Sure he was well educated in ways of the court, proper etiquette, and of war strategy. But normal people, peasants, farmers and like he was completely clueless. It wasn't right in his mind but, his parents saw thing differently and would never have allowed him to do what he was about to.


It took months of planning but today he was finally going to head into the market place without an escort, or being recognized as the prince. He was going to see what it was like to really be one of his father's subjects in the village. After his riding lesson he brought his horse to the stable where he changed clothes with one of the stable boys who was close to his build. Then put on a tattered brown hooded cloak, so as to hide his face. Lucas even rubbed some dirt on his hands and face to obscure his identity even more. He wanted to see what it was really like in the village and if someone recognized him then his plan would be for not.


He took a breath, to calm his nerves but mostly he was shaking with excitement. Once he got his hands to stop shaking he slipped out the front gate being sure to keep his head down as he knew the gaurds would never let him leave without a gaurd let alone without his parents permission. Lucas smiled as he magage to get past the gaurds at the gate, then he made his way down the dirt road into the village. It was always fascinating to go there, though it was slightly bizarre not having people bow to him as he walked past. This was also very refreshing and meant his plan was working, which filled him with glee. Though he did discover that people weren't so patient when you stopped to admire something and not buy it when you weren't royalty, and he'd beend shoved along rather roughly too. It wasn't that he couldn't take care of himself it was just something he wasn't used to outside of sparing.


The whole experience was very eye opening he'd seend the good, the bad, and the things he couldn't believe existed outside the castle both good and bad. He was about to call his trip a success for the day and head back to the castle and plan another trip to the village when a young maiden carrying a rather, in his opinion hideous dress walked by. The girl by comparison was was beautiful and fair, how he hoped he'd never have see her in that ridiculous dress. Lucas couldn't make out her face well, but she was poor, he could tell from her clothes. He was if anything thankful that the dress had caught his eye otherwise he might have missed an opportunity to talk with a from what he could tell was a beautiful maiden who seemed to be hI ding something as well. There was a proper way to approach a lady of the court, but he wasn't exactly sure it that applied to this situation.


Lucas wasn't going to let that stop him from talking with the girl though. He'd just learn ad he went and if he offended her he'd apologize and say he was from a different country or something. He took another breath and made his way through the crowd to the girl with the gaudy dress. "Pardon me miss, but would you like me to carry that for you?" He asked politely and rather eagerly. Lucas anxiously awaited to both see her face and hear her voice if only on this one time encounter.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella moved through the crowd, acting a bit more polite than most would expect her to. Despite her appearance, she had been raised a lady. However, she was now nothing more than a silent servant, expected to served the people she hoped to be close to, the woman whom her father felt obliged to marry, not out of love, but out of duty to his only child, so she might have some company.


Ella felt terribly guilty that he had done so, but had he not, she would have been in the same position. Perhaps even worse, as she would have had no money to pay for the house, and she would have not been able to buy food. According to Lady Buxton, her father left Ella no money, saying that Papa thought that it would best for someone older and wiser than Ella was. There were not so many opportunities for jobs for women, and it would have been hard to and she would not have the time to work and tend to the house. Lady Buxton had money, and that helped save Ella from losing her home and kept food on the table.


Ella continued walking through the streets, the dress she was carrying seemed to get heavier. The skirt of the dress was rather puffy, the way Clementia liked it, however it seemed like it would be rather hard to walk in. However, Ella had no place to say so, or else Clementia would run to Lady Buxton, whining about how Ella had been mean to her. Ella had been pulled out that she was rather shocked when she heard someone talk to her. And he sounded so polite. That was not a tone she had been used to being spoken to. Most people in this area could be rather rude. It was a rare occurrence, as people in this area had their own problems and little time to worry about anyone other than themselves. The only reason Ella stood out was because her mother had been a very kind woman of a rich upbringing and had enforced that in her daughter. Ella knew that it was not an upbringing most people in this part of town were able to have, and Ella felt sorry for them.


Ella slowly raised her face slowly and looked at the man. She had once been bold and outspoken, however that disappeared had been replaced with shyness and timidness and nervousness. That wasn't helped by her cruel step-family. Ella listened to the man's offer to help her, and even considered it. Lady Buxton didn't like Ella getting help, but if he handed her the dress before they got to the house, that wouldn't matter. However, Ella decided against it.


"Thank you for the offer, sir," said Ella, her voice a bit nervous and soft, "but I can handle it."

 

[Shiremaiden]

It seemed to take an eternity for the young lady to reveal her face, though as soon as he saw it he would have been happy to wait longer if it meant he to gaze upon it for a few seconds longer. She was beautiful a different sort then the ladies in the court. They were all full of powder, paint and covered in silk, so much so that he was certain he would not recognize them without all their accessories. This particular woman though didn't need anything the other ladies in the court did. She was beautiful just as she was. Lucas couldn't help but smile slightly when she spoke, it was rather soft and she seemed nervous which only added to her charm. It all made him more curious about her, and he wanted to spend even more time with as well.


She was polite and kind, determined it seemed too. She was different from most of the other woman he'd run into at village, and couldn't help but wonder if perhaps she had originally come from a higher standing. It was at this point he realized he'd been staring at the poor girl with his mouth slightly open. That had probably made the poor thing nervous. Lucas shook his head and bowed slightly to her, something that he'd never done before. "I'm sorry, for staring it was rude." He said sincerely and glanced back up at her. "Now you really should let me carry that for you, to atone for making you uncomfortable." He added with a small smile. He was trying to be clever and spend more time with her without saying it in those words.


In high society there set rules for what your actions towards someone meant, he wonder if helping a young lady ment more than that here. Then again it wasn't as if he was courting her though truth be told he would certainly like to try. That however was not acceptable he like his father before him would more than likely either have an arrangemed marriage or for some political reason. Not love, but he was almost certain that he would never feel this way about another as no other woman, had captivated him so. If wanting to spend the rest of your days memorizing another's face, listening to them speak all day, and longing to know the way their hand felt in yours was love then Lucas was in it.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella noticed the way he was staring at her, with his mouth opened, and she had to admit, she was rather unnerved by it. She couldn't think of any reason to. She was the poor, nervous servant girl, fallen from grace after the death of her father. But most people in the village she had seen before. This man did not look familiar to her. Perhaps he had recently moved here. That had to be the most likely possibility. However, she learned a long time ago, life could be hard for the poor. While they pitied others, they had no time for them, and had their own problems and their own lives to worry about. They couldn't be bothered with the problems of anyone else. Perhaps he had once been rich, but had his own fall from grace.


Ella smiled a small, kind smile as he apologized. And she curtsied back as he bowed. As she looked at him, she had to admit he was handsome, but Ella knew that it could never be. She knew that she was poor now, and by the looks of it, he wasn't rich. She knew that the rich seldom married for love and that her parents were a rare exception. But she knew that she was the timid, nervous servant and step-daughter of Lady Buxton. She knew that not many people wanted to marry anyone with any association to Lady Buxton. They would have to approach her, and she was not someone who was not someone people liked to approach. She was someone who people would rather run from.


"It's all right, sir," said Ella. She considered his offer to take the dress. Just because there was no chance of forming a relationship, perhaps she could be friends with him. It had been rather a long time since she had been friends with anyone. "And thank you for the offer. That's very kind of you. Are you sure you wouldn't mind taking this?"

 

[Shiremaiden]

That smile did it, small and kind. He was wrapped around her finger then and there. She was so different from all the other ladies he'd been introduced to throughout his life. Lucas still didn't know her name but, he felt almost like they'd known each other for years. He couldn't help but smile happily when she curtsied and accepted his apology. Lucas stood up right and carefully took the dress from her arms, "It's no trouble at all. Also I'm sure I don't mind helping a young lady." He said given her beauty and manners odds were he was already to late. She was probably married to someone, and maybe even had a family of her own.


This realization hurt, for the first time he had actually met someone who he felt he could enjoy their company, only to know that fate was probably not with him. But then again it wouldn't hurt to have her as a friend, he could be happy with just that, Lucas hoped he could anyway. "I'm sorry I haven't introduced myself, I'm Lucas...Smith." He said hoping she hadn't noticed the pause as he thought about his last name. It was bad enough he'd given her his real first name. But at least then he wouldn't have to try and remember to respond to a different name.


"And what is your name?" He asked curiously gazing at her face once more. Lucas was captivated by her light brown curls, and her dark brow eyes. It would take all his will to look away from her fair skin, and delicate features. Why couldn't she have been in the courts, then he perhaps he could persuade his parents into letting him spend more time with her. They would never allow him to spend time with someone who was so beneath them socially. Though honestly with his time spent among the people in the village the only thing that separated them from the royals was money. They were people who had problems just like the Lords and Ladies, Dukes and everyone else he'd ever met in his sheltered life.


So if it was just money why then, was there such a stigma on the people living in the village? He'd have to do more research, which also ment more trips in disguise to the village and that also ment more opportunities to see this lovely young lady.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella smiled as he took the dress, happy he had been so willing to help her. It was very refreshing, and something Ella had not been used to. She could see that he was very handsome, and she hoped at one point they could become friends, but Ella knew that it could not go any farther than that. Considering his looks, he most likely had a wife, or at least he must have been courting someone. He must have been unavailable to her, or at least that's what Ella had assumed. She knew that it would be foolish of her to hold out hope to be with a man who would most likely never fall for her.


"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Smith," said Ella kindly. She did notice the pause, but she decided it would be best not to mention it. "My name is Ella, sir, Ella Conroy."


She was aware that Lucas was the name of the prince, but thought nothing of it. She knew that it wasn't the most common name, however, she was aware that it wasn't the most uncommon name. She also knew that some people liked to name their children after royalty. When her father had servants in the house, she remembered a servant named Lucas, named as his parents wanted their son to share a name with a prince. However, his name did not matter, she had the chance at friend, something that she hadn't had in the longest time, and she was eager for it again. It was something that might make life easier.


She was nervous about Lady Buxton, or Clementia or Geraldine seeing the help. If any of them did, she surely would not be allowed to see Lucas again, and Ella certainly did not want that. She knew that it would be best to say goodbye to him before they got too close to the house. She could not allow Lady Buxton or her daughters to ruin her life more than they already had. Though, Ella knew that they would find other way to make her life miserable. She wanted to leave, but had no where else to go.

 

[Shiremaiden]

The dress couldn't have been for her he decided upon actually holding the thing. It just didn't suit her and it seemed to be more of the style that he would have found in the castle. So it must belong to the woman she worked for, and he pitied her having to work for someone who seemed to be rather overbearing if the dress was any indicator of the owner's personality. She seemed to be more meek, and humble not intentionally drawing attention to herself, though with her looks he wouldn't be surprised if people stared at her from afar so as not to gain the wrath of her significant other. Upon hearing her name he tried to remember if he'd read it anywhere or heard it spoken. But he couldn't quite place it, and to be honest it was just hard to look away from her. When he did all he could thing about was what she looked liked and the way her curls swayed in the breeze.


"Ella Conroy," He repeated as he committed her name to his memory. "The pleasure is all mine." Lucas replied with a smile. He'd have to look her in one of the regesteries later find out all that he could about her. This was a golden opportunity to actually make and have a real friend who was just friends because well they had to be or because of politic or worse steal to make a power play for a higher position. No she wouldn't be after anything of those things just his friendship as well he hoped. It wasn't like he'd try anything swing as he was sure he'd read the date she was married and possibly the date of her first child as well. Those where things he was almost positive to find when he looked her up later that night.


"Miss Conroy, you have no idea how please I am that our paths crossed today. I certainly hope this won't be our only meeting." He said being sure to stay close to Ella's side as the walked to her employer's presumably. Lucas certainly didn't want this to be is one and only time meeting her, she was lovely both inside and out. That and she was far more interesting than any of the ladies in the court, none of them had every really worked a day in their lives and honestly he felt that made them a bit full of themselves. She was a hard worker after all she had refused his offer to help in the beginning. No on had every turned him down for anything before with the exception of his servants. When he was little he had asked to help them, but they never let him, he later found out his mother forbid it as that sort of thing wasnt something a prince should be doing for some reason.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella blushed and a small smile graced her lips as he told her that he was pleased that they had met. She had always blushed easily. She had to admit that she was glad that she had met him as well. It had been so long since she had been able to call someone her friend, and she was very glad that she would be able to again. Or, at least, she hoped to be able to call friend. She would have to wait until this walk was over to see if he really was a friend. She was also glad that he hope to meet again. She would gladly meet up with him again. She'd have to make sure Lady Buxton didn't see him, though, or else she might forbid Ella from going into the village. Ella couldn't have that. If Lady Buxton caught her, Ella would just have to think up some sort of excuse. Perhaps she could say he was a beggar who would simply not leave her alone.


"I, too, am very pleased to have met you, Mr. Smith," said Ella kindly. She was not used to making friends, and was glad to have made one. She had always been rather nervous to approach people and many people had no reason to approach her, so she was glad that she had made a friend. She found it rather odd that he had approached her. Many people had their own lives and their own problems to worry about, that they did not have time to get involved in the lives of others. But that did not matter, Ella decided. He had been kind enough to help, and Ella was grateful for that. "I do hope we can meet again."


As they continued walking, Ella noticed her home, or rather, her stepmother's home, growing nearer. They would be there soon. It was a beautiful cottage style home, though a bit larger, not what someone would expect a lord and lady to live in. But Ella's parents liked to keep things simple, and have the house only filled with necessities, but still pleasant-looking. Ella liked that about her parents. They gave her presents occasionally, but did not spoil her. They did not want her to grow up spoiled, unlike how Lady Buxton had raised her daughters. However, with their deaths, Ella had become a doormat, doing as she was told, and staying out of the way.

 

[Shiremaiden]

He smiled at her blush it was quite adorable, and she looked lovely with that light dusting of pink on her cheeks. Everything seemed to be going well, even better than he had expected. He had gotten a small taste for how things were in the village, most weren't that pleasant but meeting Ella Conroy just seemed to erase the harsh words and shoves he'd received. She was definitely someone special, and he was going to do his best to spend more time with her for as long as he could. This day Lucas would remember for the rest of his life he was sure about that.


Lucas grinned happy to hear that he wasn't the only one of them who was happy about their chance meeting. "Perhaps we could make plans for later on this week, I'm busy most days but I'm sure I could find some time in the evenings if you are available then or early mornings as well." He suggested so he wouldn't miss an opportunity to see her. After all had it not been for the gaudy dress he was now carrying he more than likely would be on his way back to the castle now.


Lucas tried his best to look around at the homes that came into view they were quaint, and welcoming. Much different from the castle, it was large, and cold to him. Though at times when it was done up for a feast or some other event then it was welcome and open. However, Lucas would often find himself looking back at Ella after getting a look a home or at something else that caught his eye. He found his gaze always came back to her, and he was jealous of her husband being able to have her all to himself, and bask in her warm, charming, beauty. "Please let me know when we arrive, I'm not frimilar with this part of the village." He admitted, and honestly when he was in the village he mostly stayed in the business district, and only on one or two occasions ventured into the residential district. Then he was the prince and only taking those roads as a short cut, due to his mother not wanting to spend any more time than necessary in the village.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella smiled happily at his suggestion to meet again. She knew that it would be tricky getting past Lady Buxton, as she knew Lady Buxton would not be happy that Ella was sneaking around. However, she needed a friend, and it would not be so bad if she met with him after she had finished her work or if she was doing work while they talked. She would be able to make a meal or do laundry in the kitchen while talking with him. Lady Buxton and her daughters so rarely went down there.


"Any morning or evening would work, sir," said Ella. Yes, that would work. She could sneak him in the back, and bring some work with her so she would not be accused of lazing about. Ella didn't think that it would be anything bad. However, Lady Buxton did not like Ella doing anything other than work. Perhaps if Ella was caught, she could convince Lady Buxton that she could work and have a friend at the same time.


Ella nodded as he told her of the house. They began getting closer to her house, nicer than the rest, but not extravagant. Ella realized that it would be best if she got the dress back before they got too close. Lady Buxton would not be happy if she saw someone other than Ella carrying the dress.


"My house is just over there, sir," said Ella, looking ahead. She thought this would be a good distance before Lady Buxton saw them. "I can take the dress now."

 

[Shiremaiden]

Lucas was thrilled that she wanted to met with him as well, and any morning or evening too. That was just too good to be true, though he shouldn't take advantage of her availability given that she more than likely did have a significant other. He'd either sneak away before his morning lessons or after he was done for the day. He wasn't sure which would be better for her or himself actually. Though in the evening he would have more time with her but then he ran the risk of staying out with her to late. So while there wouldn't be as much time in the mornings it would probably be fore the best as he couldn't spend hours upon hours with her.


"How about we meet again tomorrow morning, if that's alright with you?" He suggested. Lucas was hopefully that it would be alright even though it was rather soon but, it was hard to think about being away from Ella any loge than that. He saw the one house that stood out slightly from the others. It looked like a place where he would be able to call home and feel welcome there. He did pause when Ella mentioned that her home was near, and she could take the dress again. He smiled and handed her the dress, "There you are, and thank you for letting me help you. If there is ever anything else you need just ask." He said softly letting his emotions get the better of him as their goodbye came inevitably closer.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

"Tomorrow morning will be lovely," said Ella, taking the dress. She pointed to her house. "I'll meet you in the back of that house. I tend to the garden in the morning, and I'll be out there. And thank you, sir, for your help. It is much appreciated."


Ella had very little time to herself and in the mornings, she used that time to tend to her mother's garden. It was a nice, comforting activity. It would be nice having Lucas there with her. She was enjoying the company he brought. She just hoped she could keep their friendship a secret from Lady Buxton.


"Thank you again for your help, sir," said Ella. "It is much appreciated. I think I ought to be going."

 

[Shiremaiden]

Lucas looked at her house and nodded, "Tomorrow, I'll see you in the garden." He replied and then looked back at Ella. "I'm always happy to help a young lady, it waseven more of a plenty find that she was also a lovely person." He smiled. Ella must have worked for the Lord and Lady that lived in that house. It was slightly bigger and nicer than all the others and if memory served he'd vaguely heard about a Lord and Lady that didn't live as extravagantly as the others.


He hoped that meant with their odd lifestyle, well it wasn't odd to him but to everyone else it was. That with them not caring to show off their good fortune, they would be nice people to work for. That and perhaps he should try and meet them as they might actually be people worth talking at big events.


He was pulled from his thoughts at the sound of her voice and smiled, "I was more than happy to do it. Who knew helping you carry that dress would have led to making a new friend." He said softly hoping that he didn't over step his bounds. Yes they had just met but she did want to see him again and he certainly hoped that meant that they were friends. "Yes, unfortunately I should be going as well. It was wonderful to meet you Ella Conroy, and I look forward to seeing you in the morning." Lucas replied and waved as he turned to leave. He was going to memorize the way to her house on his way back to the castle. From there he'd just have to be careful when he snuck out again in the morning.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella beamed when he called her his friend. She was certainly glad he saw her as such, as she saw him as that. It had been so long since she had been able to call someone that and she felt very pleased that she would be able to call someone that once more.


Ella curtsied once more and began going back to her house, hoping her stepmother wasn't in too terrible a mood. She opened the door to her home and hurried inside. She hoped that she could put the dress in Clementia and Geraldine's bedroom and get back to her chores before being scolded by Lady Buxton for staying out too long, even though she hadn't. Lady Buxton simply liked to scold her.


Ella was grateful to make it to Clementia and Geraldine's room without running into Lady Buxton or the girls. She set the dress in the closet before getting back to her work. She was excited for tomorrow and she looked forward to see Lucas again. She was glad to have met him and hoped they could continued their friendship.

 

[Shiremaiden]

He bow slightly and hurried off back to his home being sure to memorize the path back to her house. Lucas was giddy as a school girl he'd made a friend one who wasn't just his friend because of his title either and that was a great feeling. He'd also seen some of the struggles the people had in the village and was still trying to figure out exactly what made them any different from those who had titles. Honestly the castle depend on a lot of what the people in the village did and didn't that make them more important? Yes he knew how to hunt and fish, but he wasn't a farmer or a blacksmith, he certainly couldn't make his own linens either. So even he was dependant on the villagers.


Lucas had drawn a map in his head from Ella's home to the cast e gate he'd be able to find his way back to her in the morning. He was able to slip back into the castle unnoticed and quickly changed back into his normal clothes. His mother commented that he'd been riding for far to long that day and he had better things to do than ride an animal that got him so dirty. He just nodded his head apologized, and got cleaned up for dinner. It was discussed then with his father present that he was getting older and needed to find a bride so the kingdom would have a king and queen. Lucas lost interest in that rather quickly as he couldn't marry the woman who had taken his heart and he doubted that he'd ever get it back.


He agreed to meet the new princess that would be arriving shortly, but he made no promises to do anything other than meet the girl. If only Ella Conroy wasn't married then maybe he'd actually want to go through all the pains that came with getting engaged and planning a wedding, with Ella's soft smile it wouldn't seem like a burden. Any other girl though it just seemed like to big of a hassle and that just proved to Lucas he was in love with the one girl he'd never be able to have the way he wanted, so he'd just have to settle for being her friend. Maybe he'd get her opinion of arranged marriages, he knew that he wasn't the only one who wasn't fond of them, after all there was a duke who'd gone and gotten a maid pregnant and when asked why well he simply said because he'd loved her more than his wife. It was a big scandal that was dealt with quietly or as quietly as something like that could be. Which just proved that not everyone was cut out for an arranged marriage, and while Lucas doubted he stray that far, he couldn't help but think if it had been Ella as the maid and himself as the duke he'd have gone and done the exact same thing.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella continued about her chores, doing so with a smile on her face. She was humming a happy tune quietly. She was berated by her stepsisters by being called mad, and being called 'Cinderella,' the name they had given her when they saw some ash from the fire on her dress. Ella had always tried not to pay them any mind and she had always failed to do so. However, today, she found it easy to. She had a new friend. It was a joy to Ella as it was something she had not experienced in the longest time.


Ella was delighted that she finally had someone that's she could call that. It was something that she had wanted for so long, but had been unable to have. It was unlike her stepsisters who always got everything they wanted. The only thing they didn't have was a wealthy husband, and they were working hard to get that. Ella could not let them bring her down today, no matter how hard they tried.


She had something to look forward to, a meeting with Lucas. She just had to make sure that she was able to keep it from Lady Buxton and her stepsisters. How furious they would be. She would never be allowed to leave the house again should they find out. Ella would just have to be careful, and make sure they didn't.

 

[Shiremaiden]

The rest of the day his thoughts kept drifting back to the lovely lady carrying that horrid dress. She was kind, thoughtful, had grace and manners. And while she was beautiful, the best part about her was she liked him for him not because she thought she had to. Finally it was time for him to go to bed, he'd been in a bit of a daze since he had that conversation with his parents and wasn't looking forward to meet yet another potential bride. However he was very much so looking forward to meeting with Ella in the morning.


Lucas wasn't able to sleep well, as he kept imagining how their meeting would go tomorrow hopefully better than their first met ting but he honestly didn't know if that was possible. To be able to see her in a garden surrounded by nature was going to be a real treat, she was already lovely but he felt like seeing her around green living things would accentuate her beauty. While he didn't get a wink of sleep that night he was up before the sun feeling energized and we'll rested. Happiness and excitement were what was fueling him today, granted once he returned to the castle he was confident he wouldn't feel this alive.


He made his way to the stable where he hid the clothes he'd have to be sure and thank Jon the stable boy again for such a wonderful kindness. That poor boy must have thought he was mad when asked if he had an old set of clothing that the prince could have. Fortunately he did and was kind enough to give them to him, and he kept them hidden in the stable with his horse so no one else would find them. Lucas knew that it would Jon who wouldbe punished if this was all found out even though he had only done what was asked of him. That was something Lucas didn't want to happen. He quickly got changed and made his way back through the village that was startin to come to life as the sun rose.


Lucas was pleased that he remembered exactly how to get her house and once it was insight he snuck around the back so as not to be caught by the husband he was sure she had or by the Lord and Lady of the house. He found some bushes in the back and hid there and waited for Ella to come out.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella worked late into the night. By the time she had done all her work, she was utterly exhausted by the time she had finished. She was excited to go up to her room and go to bed. She walked all the way up to the attic where she slept and cleaned all the ash off of her before changing into her nightgown, pulling her hair back and going to bed. She found herself trying to go to sleep, but unable to, rather excited for Lucas to visit in the morning. She wasn't used to having visitors, or anyone to visit. It was rather exciting.


She was finally able to fall asleep late in the night, not getting much sleep. She did not get much sleep most nights , so tonight wasn't very different. However, in the morning, she couldn't have felt better. She did not have very many nice clothes, as her stepsisters raided her closet and took the things they liked the best after Ella's father died. Ella had tried to protest, but Lady Buxton scolded her by saying that money would be tighter and things would have to be shared. Ella nodded thinking she would get to share, but that did not happen. Ella had not argued with her stepmother and simply continued doing as she was told, becoming a slave in her own house.


Ella picked out her nicest dress. It wasn't fancy but it was the least torn and ragged of the dresses she had. It was a very pale lavender color with a little bit of floral embroidery on the skirt. It was Ella's favorite dress and she was grateful Clementia or Geraldine hadn't taken it from her when they had raided her closet, and she didn't wear it very often. She thought it would be a good choice for today. Ella hurried to put the dress on. She put her apron on over it so the dress would not be too dirty by the end of the day. She fixed her hair and made sure that it was neater than it was yesterday. She didn't really know why she was doing this, she had not done so before.


Ella hurried down stairs to start on breakfast for Lady Buxton and her stepsisters, before collecting her gardening supplies and heading outside to tend to the garden and have a talk with Lucas. She hurried outside and looked for Lucas.

 

[Shiremaiden]

As time went on Lucas began to have his doubts, what if he was at the wrong house or had told her husband about him and he did t approve of his wife having a friendship with a strange man. He was starting to think that she wouldn't come, even though he'd more than likely arrived very early. It was almost tempting to knock on the front door and see if he was at the right place. Fortunately the door opened and there she was looking very much like a flower herself. Lucas stared for a little while before remembering he should leave his hiding spot.


He slowly made his way out from the branches of the bush and smiled. "Good morning, Ella." He said softly as he walked over to her. She was different today, her hair was done differently and she too seemed to happy and excited for this meeting. Which he took to be a good sign, and he was very thankful he wasn't dealing with an angry husband. Though he almost wished he was a tab bit more dressed up for her, well at least today he'd forgotten to cover himself in dirt.


"You look beautiful this morning." He said softly rather confident he wasn't the only man to have told her exactly the same thing. After all it wasn't like he was the reason she was so dressed up. "I do have some this to attend to later this morning, but for now you have my full attention." He said and looked around the garden and smiled, "It's very nice here, you must love this place. I've always enjoyed things like this myself and it shows that you actually know what you are doing I unfortunately seem to kill any plant I touch so I promise not to touch anything here only look." He said as he took in some more of the garden, however his eyes kept going back to Ella the most beautiful thing the garden had to offer him.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella grinned when she saw Lucas, pleased that he had come. If she was going to be honest, she did have an inkling of doubt that he would show up, but she was very pleased that he had. She enjoyed their talk yesterday and she was sure she would enjoy their conversation today. She had always kept to herself in town and she was glad that he had noticed her and offered to help. That was always very rare in the village. Most people kept to themselves as they had their own problems to worry about and they could not be bothered with the problems of others.


"Good morning, Mr. Smith," said Ella with a kind smile, her voice soft and polite. She set down her gardening supplies and gave him a small, respectful curtsy. She knew she didn't have to do it, most people in their position didn't bow or curtsy to each other, however, it was polite, so she figured she should. She blushed as he called her beautiful. It was ot something she could say she was used to, as she had very rarely talked to anyone she would think would consider her beautiful. Sh did not often take very many measures into looking beautiful, but she thought she would make herself look neater than she had yesterday. "I'm so pleased you could come. It's not very often I have visitors."


Ella couldn't help but smile as he complimented her garden. Lady Buxton only allowed Ella to tend to the garden that had been so dear to her mother because the house would not look very nice if the plants died and Lady Buxton would not live in a house that did not look nice. "Thank you, Mr. Smith. This is perhaps my favorite place in the world. My mother adored this garden, so I suppose I feel a sort of responsibility to keep it alive."

 

[Shiremaiden]

Lucas bowed when she curtsied, it was something he was used to doing for ladies of court and while Ella wasn't one of them she was the only one who he felt deserved the respect. "Please call me Lucas, there's no need to be so formal with me. We are friends after all." He smiled softly. That and he wanted to be seen as her equal not someone who was above her in anyway. Yes he knew that was a strange notion but he honestly felt that men and women were equal. He was a bit surprised when he blushed though, as she surely must know she was stunning. After all if she was his wife he knew he'd make sure she knew she was more lovely than the dawn and more beautiful than the moon and stars.


He smiled and nodded when she spoke about her mother, for the sounds of things she wasn't alive any longer but she still had something to remember her by. Lucas had been raised by nurse maids, nannies, and tutors since he was born and only started to really get to his own mother when he about ten years old and was sitting on the the affairs of the court so he could learn how to be a good king. Honestly he didn't even know if his mother had a favorite place, she had favorite things but he wasn't sure about a place. "You, have done more than that, this place is thriving. I think she appreciates all the time and care you give this garden." He replied and walked over to stand next to her. "My mother and I are practically strangers, my father and I only really speak about business now and truth be told neither one of them are pleased with me at this particular moment." He said and looked down as he thought about whether or not to seek her opinion on his situation.


Lucas looked up and gave her a smile, "That doesn't really matter though." He concluded and found himself smiling again as soon as he was making eye contact with her again. "Ella, what would you do think about arranged marriages? And please be completely honest." He asked curiously. Lucas knew why they happened but he also hated the whole premise as well he didn't want to be told who to marry because it was the right move rather than the person he loved.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella smiled as he asked him to call him Lucas, glad that he saw her in the same way she saw him, as a friend. It would be nice to have someone she could be so informal around. She never addressed her stepmother as 'Stepmother' since her father was alive. She had been Lady Buxton since then. And she had always addressed her stepsisters a 'Miss.' It was very nice to be able to finally call someone that. And it was something that Ella was not used, and something she did not think that she would ever get used to.


Ella looked slightly confused when Lucas mentioned arranged marriages, rather curious as to why he wanted to known. Not many people of the lower class had arranged marriages as there was little need for them. Most of them had as little as the next, so nothing would really be gained by arranging a marriage. However, Ella had her opinions about arranged marriages.


"I do not approve of arranged marriages," said Ella after a moments pause. Her parents had told her that they would never force her into an arranged marriage and leave it to her to find a man she thought was suitable for a husband. She was grateful for that. She knew of many who had parents who did not care for their child's opinion on such matters. "I think it is rather horrid that parents decide who you are to marry. I have heard of some arranged marriages that work out splendidly. My grandparents on my mother's side were in an arranged and they were exceedingly happy. However, I know that it is most often not the case. It does not seem right that our futures must be decided for us, to take away something as wonderful as falling in love, to stop any chance of a marriage between two people who love each other, and instead make it a marriage for convenience. From what I've noticed those around us win, while the two who are involved in the marriage lose. It does not seem very fair to me."

 

[Shiremaiden]

He smiled as she went on to share her view on the topic and was rather pleased that she felt the same way he did. Lucas nodded in agreement and smiled. "Love huh, you believe in that silly thing too." He said softly and looked away for a moment. "Love, that's what I want, but my parents don't seem to think it matters. They had an arranged marriage had me, and now they rarely do anything together." He sighed shaking his head, "I don't want that, I don't think I could do it." Lucas confided quietly.


"It doesn't really matter yet though they haven't set anything in stone just yet." He said and shrugged slightly. "Why don't you tell all about your garden though, and how you make it seem as though it is its own wrold." He asked walkin so he was standing next to her. Yes she was more beautiful than anyone else he'd ever seen and she had her own opinions too. Honestly if he didn't know any better he would have sworn he'd died and gone to heaven.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ella couldn't help but feel bad for Lucas, not having the same relationship that she had with her parents, who doted on her and made sure she knew she was loved. She knew her parents loved each other dearly, and her father had been devastated when her mother died. Her eyes lit up as he asked about her garden.


"Well, the garden was practically dead when my parents were married and Mama moved in," said Ella fondly. "She spent hours working on it, and bringing it back to life. After I was born, she would take me out here and tend to the garden. As I grew she taught me to care for it. When I was a child, Mama, Papa and I would come here for picnics on Saturday afternoons."