The Visit
Ese dismounted from her horse with the help of Old Carrigan and walked to the intimidating large doors of the Ecclesia manor. She had only used the door knocker twice, when the door flung open to reveal an elderly man in his sixties, properly dressed, like a gentleman’s gentleman.
The man she assumed was the butler, looked surprised to see her and held a monocle to his eyes to observe her. Ese felt her heart begin to pound, as she had not considered how awkward it would be if she happened upon the Duchess Ecclesia. Although she had long made up her mind to apologise to the woman, she dearly hoped to see Samuel first.
“Dear girl, are you here to beg, for I shan’t give you a dime, I tell you.” The man said, after what felt like a minute of scrutiny. Ese frowned in annoyance at the poor treatment she usually received at the estate. “If you have enough money to buy such exquisite riding dress, you must be making’ too much from your begging, and do not tell me that is not exquisite for I know quality when I see…”
“Please sir, cease sprouting nonsense and inform Duke Ecclesia that Miss Davies desires an audience with him,” Ese interrupted, out of all patience with the man.
The butler seemed taken aback by the manner and authority with which she spoke. “You speak with too much eloquence for a…” His words were cut off by a familiar voice that Ese would have preferred to avoid.
“Digby, who on earth is it that has kept you so long? If it is a beggar, tell them they shall not have a dime from… You!” The housekeeper gasped as she poked her head to see Ese.
Ese sighed, “Yes, it is I. Now, would you kindly inform the duke of my presence?” Ese walked past them and into the entrance hallway of the house. The two staff seemed too stunned to prevent her entry.
“Unfortunately, Miss Davies, I must inform you that the duke is away,” Rena said, recovering quickly from her daze.
“Then I shall await his return,” Ese replied.
“But you cannot, Miss for he has left the town.” Ese’s heart dropped, as she wondered if Samuel had left, just to be away from her.
“And when shall he return?” She asked hopelessly. Before Rena had an opportunity to respond, another familiar voice called out.
“Miss, it is you again. I am mighty glad to see you.” Ese turned to see the red-headed servant girl she had run into on her last visit to the estate. “Have you come to see the lord duke? I shall inform him at once. I saw him going towards the stables only a moment ago.” Before any of the three had a moment to react, she was off. Ese blinked, as she slowly realised what had just occurred.
She turned to Rena with a smug smile. “I take it, the duke has only just returned from his travels, and you were unaware!”
Rena frowned and turned away in embarrassment. The Butler on the other hand appeared confused as he looked between the two women as though trying to comprehend the situation. In a few moments, swift steps were heard and the doors leading to the main part of the house flung open to reveal the dishevelled, yet beautiful-looking Duke. His beard was overgrown, and his hair looked ruffled. His outfit, although clean and proper, looked outmoded and unfashionable.
“Is it truly you, Ese?” He questioned, taking slow steps towards her. It was as though she would disappear if he did not tread carefully.
“Yes, your grace. It is I.” She responded and was about to do a curtsy when Samuel caught her by the hand.
“Please Ese, we do not have to be so formal.” He held her captured hand to his heart, in an unashamed display of affection. Ese suddenly became flustered and unsure how to react as the three staff gazed upon them as though they were acting out a play. She immediately requested a private audience with him, which the duke happily obliged. He held her hand as though she would flee if he let go and led her to the maze garden. He took her to the bench they had sat on, the first day they had met, and it brought warm memories to her mind.
“Ese, before you say anything, please do allow me to speak.” He pleaded as soon as they were seated. “I do not know why you have come, but even if you wish to plunge me deeper into the depths of hell that I have been without you, I dearly wish to plead my case before you do so.” Ese wished to assure him that she did not remotely desire to cause him any more pain, but he did not allow her to speak. It was obvious he was afraid of losing her again. “My mother informed me of her visit to you yesterday and assured me that nothing will prevail on you to accept me. In the time we have been apart, I desired to rediscover the purpose of life, for I could not bear to live my life as I did before I met you. I was to leave at noon today to ride to the harbour and catch the night ship to a kingdom as far away from here as possible. I however prayed all night that if it was the Lord’s will, I shall have one last chance to plead my cause to you. If after I said all, you still insist that you will not have me, I shall let you go and wish you the best, whilst I sojourn the earth with an unknown identity.
Now that I have been given this opportunity from the Lord, I beg you, Ese, forgive me. I have seen the error of my ways and can admit to my deception. It was foolish of me to know of your dislike for noblemen and still not disclose my status. Now if you will have me, just as I have told my mother, I am willing to denounce all my titles to work for your papa. I shall even become a stables man at your stables. I do not wish to have any of these titles if you don’t have me with them. I shall…” Ese had to put her hands over his mouth, to stop him from speaking.
“Please Samuel, say no more.” She said tearfully, watching as his face dropped, obviously expecting a rejection. “What an Odious wretch I have been to reduce you to such measures. Even now, I hear how ridiculous it sounds. I, a child of a nobleman, loathe other noblemen, for their status and ranking in the society. Oh, Samuel, shall you forgive me? Do you still wish to wed such a silly goose as myself?”
The Man in question simply gazed at her in a stunned manner, his eyes agape as though he was unable to believe the Words that had proceeded out of her mouth.
THE WRITTEN FAITH 
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