London 1814, General Dempsey's Mansion....

"This is a lovely party General, how ever did you find time to plan it?" Lady Edith inquired, fanning herself lightly.

"Thank you my Lady, but I mustn't take the credit. This party was all my nephew William's idea, and I merely carried it out."

"Well young man," Lady Edith addressed William.

"You did a very find job."

William bowed his head politely in recognition, then took it upon himself to address the lady further.

"Does such a fine lady as yourself deserve less?"

Lady Edith smiled at his compliment, but didn't reply.

"Ah, Countess, there you are!" General Dempsey said to a young lady in her early twenties.

"I wish to introduce you to a few of my guests. This is my nephew William and this is Lady Edith, which I'm sure you've already met."

"Aye, we have," the Countess smiled, revealing a delightful Irish accent.

"William, this is the Countess Kathleen McPherson, of castle Glamis."

"A pleasure my Countess," William bowed.

"Ach now, the pleasure is all mine."

        "Davie! Davie, I need to talk to you," Col. Thatcher shouted through the crowd, trying to push his way through to Davie.

"Yes sir!" Davie shouted back, pushing his way through as well.

"Maybe we'd better go to the study," Thatcher suggested.

Davie nodded and they made their way to the door. Once in the study, Thatcher turned to Davie, his expression grim.

"I just want to make sure you know what you're doing."

"Yes sir, I do. Do you wish me to repeat it once more?" Davie asked.

"No, not here. We can't risk being heard. This is a vital task, don't screw it Lieutenant!"

Davie nodded and swallowed hard, not knowing what else to say.

"Good man," Thatcher told him, in a softer tone.

Then he left the room, leaving Davie alone.

Davie stood there for a minute, making sure that he knew what he had to do. Then, convincing himself that he did, he nodded and left, brushing past the Countess Kathleen and another girl of the same age.

"Oh, excuse me madam, I didn't see you," Davie apologized.

"No, you're fine. In a crowded gathering such as this, there's bound to be a couple shoves," the Countess smiled.

Davie bowed politely, then walked to where he saw Lt. George Matthews grabbing a glass of Champaign.

     "As I was saying Kathleen," Alice continued.

"We can't just leave. You are an honored guest!"

"We won't be leaving for long. All I want to do is get some fresh air...Fine. Why don't you stay here why'll I go outside, and if anyone asks where I am, you can tell them."

"You Irish are dreadfully stubborn," Alice frowned.

"Well you are certainly not the first to have told me that."

The Countess smiled at Alice and then walked into the study. There was a balcony there and she knew she wouldn't be disturbed. It was a calm night, the only sounds coming from the party and the sky was filled with a million stars, adding to the effect of the full moon.

Kathleen would spend hours on end alone, just thinking. For noble blood, she was actually quite introverted.

After a while she heard voices outside, and soon enough that Lieutenant from earlier came in. He ran one hand through his redish hair and walked over the fireplace, looking up at the painting of a hooded archer.

Apparently, the Countess wasn't the only introvert. 

Kathleen quietly walked back into the room, looking at the painting herself.

"Tis' a beautiful painting is it not?" She said out loud, awakening Davie from his thoughts.

"Yes, yes it is. Although, no archer would wear a short sleeved shirt."

"You are familiar with the bow?"

"Yes. I use to be rather good at it when I was younger, but since the war started I haven't really been able to practice."

"How old are you?" The Countess inquired, thinking he looked rather young to be a Lieutenant.

"19."

"Really? How did you ever manage to become a Lieutenant at your age?"

"Well, there are actually several Lieutenants who are my age," Davie informed her.

"Begging your ladyships pardon, but you must be quite young yourself, for a Countess that is."

"Aye, I admit that. I just turned 22 over the past month...And you can just call me Kathleen," the Countess replied, holding out her hand.

"Davie Matthews," Davie smiled, shaking her hand.

"And why is the honored guest not at the party?"

"Well, uh, I've never really been one to enjoy parties...Or any social gatherings, for that matter. Especially when I don't know anyone."

"Don't worry, you're certainly not the only one," Davie reassured her.

"Oh, I'm quite sure of that...But you're right. I should be getting back. It was nice getting acquainted with you," the Countess smiled, leaving the room.

      "Well it certainly took you long enough!" Alice scolded Kathleen as she came out the door.

"I'm sorry Alice, but I got a bit side tracked."

"I'll say! Come on, the General will be giving his speech soon."

- Alright everyone, here is the substitute book for Cleopatra's Curse! I know, I know, the first chapter is kinda short, and not very exciting, but first I have to get the story going. Anyway, I dedicate this chapter to Kathleen,  one of the little girls at church. Mostly because she has the same name as my character XD So I hope you liked this chapter, and if you did, votes and comments are appreciated! Thanks :D - Anna