"SO WHAT REALLY IS GOING ON between the rector's daughter and you, Oscar?" Lord Adam Seymour asked his younger brother one fine following day in Southampton, as they sat on the dining table ready to have their breakfast.

"Good God," Lord Oscar Seymour sighed in frustration, "There is nothing going on between us, nothing at all! Can everyone just stop paying heed to anything Rebecca says? Most of the time she is not thinking straight."

"Is that any way to refer to your elder sister?" The Lady Seymour's voice suddenly came as she entered the room and prepared to seat herself as a footman pulled out a chair for her. "Rebecca is a little hot headed, and she does not think straight at all at times, but that is no reason for you to go declaring it about!"

"Why, what would the servants think," She continued, not lowering her voice, "That in all my thirty years married to your father, I've not been able to have unity in this household!"

"So we agree that Rebecca is hot headed and does not think straight?" Adam mused as he buttered a slice of bread, his gaze fixed on his plate.

Lady Margaret sighed as she lifted her hand to rest her forehead. Her sons had always been a challenge, but somehow it seemed that with time, the challenge was getting more and more for her to handle.

"Anyway, what were you two conversing about before I came in, something about the rector's daughter as far as I recall," Lady Margaret continued after straightening herself, as a footman served her tea.

"I was just asking Oscar about Miss Churchill, their names have been making headlines in this household I dare say," Adam mused again, his attention fixed on his breakfast.

Lady Margaret gasped slightly, "I have been meaning to ask you about the matter Oscar," she claimed, turning her gaze towards Oscar, "Have you set your sights on Miss Churchill? Because let me just make my sentiments clear, I will not have a clumsy, trouble making, unladylike buffoon for a daughter-in-law. And pray, keep my observations to yourself."

"Oh God," Oscar sighed in frustration. It made him uncomfortable to the core by hearing his name alongside Miss Churchill's. Not only was the person in question well below his social status, but also not even considered a proper lady in everyone's eyes, let alone his. Mr Churchill and his daughter were by far the most obnoxious people he ever had to tolerate.

"Mother, for the last time, there is nothing going on between Miss Churchill and I. I would set my sights on a trade merchant's daughter from Portsmouth like Uncle Arthur did sooner than set my sights on Miss Churchill. I do not understand how anyone can even get such an abhorrent notion. I have not once even spoken to Miss Churchill, and if I am to be seen speaking with her father, who happens to be the rector of our parish church, is the conversation to be automatically assumed and labelled as a proposal?"

"So," Adam spoke, pausing to take a bite out of a scone, "A trade merchant's daughter then?"

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

"Give The Countess my sincerest regards," Mrs Frederica Fleming smiled as she kissed Diana and Alicia on their cheeks as they embraced.

It was a very bright and sunny morning in Portsmouth, and just as the clock struck twelve at noon, the ladies had decided to set out to pay a call to The Countess of Brockenhurst. Back in Southampton, the calling hours commenced from noon till three, and in case of emergencies, the hours could be extended to six. Once the clock had struck six however, and the sun had set, paying calls was considered highly improper, unless one happened to be a close member of the family.

Diana and Alicia were in no form aware of the calling hours people followed in Portsmouth, they had on occasion last night inquired to their aunt about the matter, but she had laughed and suggested that there were no specific calling hours for the society here.

"Then it really isn't much of society now, is it?" Lady Alicia Kirkpatrick had pointed out once the cousins were alone in the room.

"How are things supposed to function if there are no calling hours? Surely respect for time is a human virtue?" Lady Diana Beaumont had asked, puzzled.

"Not here it isn't," Marta, the maid, had added as she entered the room to help Diana make her bed for the night, chuckling at the expression Diana gave her.

"I see, we are devoid of entirely all virtues here," Alicia had spoken, narrowing her eyes at the maid, displeased at the woman's eavesdropping. 

Despite being told that they were at leisure to pay calls on anyone in Portsmouth at any time they'd like, Alicia and Diana had decided to follow their traditional Southampton calling hours and set out exactly at twelve.

"Don't you think we should've sent over a calling card? I do hope The Countess is not too surprised," Alicia pointed out as the carriage set off.

"Auntie Agnes does not care for written sentiments, such as cards," Diana giggled, "She thinks they are an excuse."

As the carriage went on, Diana and Alicia tried their utmost not to glance outside the small windows. They had, courtesy of their aunt and uncle, just begun to feel at home and they had a sudden notion that perhaps viewing their surroundings in their entirety would encourage that terrible feeling of homesickness. But as they looked outside, they realized that homesickness was not just a terrible feeling, it was a very beautiful one too. It reminded them of the special place they come from, their home and all that they held dear.

Suddenly the carriage came to an abrupt halt and the ladies inside were violently shaken by the effect of it. They looked at each other in confusion.

"Why have we stopped? We are surely not at the Brockenhurst estate yet, it is well on the outskirts of the town," Alicia spoke up, glancing outside.

"It looks like there's some commotion on the path up ahead," Diana observed, tugging at the drapes and peeking out of the window.

Instantaneously, the faint shouts outside, rose to prominence and Diana felt herself clutch Alicia's hand tightly. It seemed as though the people gathered outside were in protest against something. There were loud angry declarations being made and sounds of fight and violence echoed. All the while, their carriage stood still.

"What should we do?" Alicia uttered, panic lacing her voice.

"Should I get off and see if I can convince someone to let us pass? They seem troubled, but whatever it is, we should surely be on our way," Diana responded, taking a deep breath, "How inconvenient is this."

"No don't, do you hear them? They sound utterly barbaric," Alicia cried, clutching Diana's hand desperately to stop her, "We'll wait until someone in charge approaches the carriage."

And so they waited for someone to approach the carriage, but as minutes passed, they started getting restless.

Alicia sighed, "Alright, but we go together."

Nodding at her cousin, Diana stepped out of the carriage with Alicia stepping out after her. The angry mob up ahead had gotten angrier and more aggressive, as people shoved and pushed each other, trying to break into a building in front. The building in question seemed to be a closed mill, and as the people threw rocks and fire lit torches in its windows, Diana and Alicia realized that these people were employees, rebelling against their workplace, or rather, their employer.

Alicia glanced at their assigned chauffeur, who shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly, she sighed.

"Even the chauffeurs have no sense of morality here, are we supposed to somehow break up this angry mob to clear the path ourselves?" Alicia hushed in frustration.

"Seeing as we have no other volunteers," Diana trailed.

Suddenly, another carriage speeded up next to them and came to a screeching halt, with Alicia jumping in surprise. The horses in charge of that carriage neighed loudly as its passengers jumped out of it. And before either Diana or Alicia could realize, the passengers, two men in number, made their way past the ladies' carriage towards the angry crowd, followed by a group of authorities to stop the rebellion.

"It's Lord Buxton," Diana gasped silently as she observed her recent acquaintance turned nemesis rush towards the crowd.

"Followed by Lord Algernon," Alicia added slowly.

The gentlemen approached the crowd and started conversing with a man, who seemed to be representing the rebellious group. From where they stood, the ladies heard nothing of the words being spoken. After about five minutes, Lord Buxton and Lord Algernon managed to disperse the crowd, with the people retreating back. There had been a sense of urgency emboldened in Lord Buxton's face, and he had seemed somewhat patient as he dealt with the rebelling leader shouting something in his face. Lord Algernon was equally obliging, though stern in his manner and evidently holding onto his temper with ease. 

"Thank goodness it's over, whatever it was," Alicia sighed, "Now, let us seat ourselves in our carriage and be on our way before either of the gentlemen spot us, because I am far from willing to exchange pleasantries with them."

Indeed, Alicia had been informed of Lord Buxton's behavior in detail by Diana, and thus she had found herself at liberty to form a decided opinion about the man's character, and as for Lord Algernon, surely one is no different than their friends. She was determined to despise him, and nothing Diana would say would deter her, of course, Diana had not yet said anything at all about Lord Algernon. 

Diana nodded, and as they both pivoted and took a single step towards the carriage, a familiar voice called from behind, stopping them.

"Excuse me, ladies," The smooth baritone called and footsteps followed after, approaching them. Diana and Alicia halted in their steps, did not turn around, frustrated on the account of their abrupt failure of a plan. The voice was instantly recognized as Lord Algernon's, who, as Alicia thought about it, did seem the most likely to approach. Also, she hadn't ever noticed how smooth the low tone of his voice was. 

"I hope this wasn't much of an inconvenience for you both, I would like to apologize, seeing as though you were rudely halted by the commotion."

Exchanging looks and finally agreeing upon turning around, Diana and Alicia put on their best smiles and pivoted.

"If I am being honest, this really was the most inconvenience I have ever encountered in my life," Alicia managed, her smile slightly twitching, as she faced Lord Algernon.

"Lady Kirkpatrick," Lord Algernon let out as his brows rose in surprise, the smooth tenor of his voice altering on account of his shock. "And Lady Beaumont, I must say this is a very chance happening, specially amidst this slight occurrence." 

"This situation could be described in all manner but slight, Lord Algernon," Diana uttered, confused at his choice of words. From behind Lord Algernon, she could spot Lord Buxton approaching, and her fists tightened at her sides, determined to recoil from his presence. 

"It surely is slighter compared to some other ones we've been unfortunate to witness," Isaac Algernon replied, his hospitable smile faltering a little in face of the discord, but determined to change the subject, he firmed it again.

"So, Edward has given me some details of your stay in Portsmouth. I hear your uncle, Mr Fleming, is in our employ?"

Lord Edward Buxton, who had just joined the party, nodded at both Alicia and Diana in the barest greeting and shifted his gaze away as the question left his friend and business partner's mouth.

"One of the slighter inconveniences we had to face in Portsmouth, I'm afraid," Alicia spoke up boldly, not looking at Lord Buxton once.

"And it seems that list keeps on growing," Diana chimed in, she too, addressing Lord Algernon and not glancing once at Lord Buxton.

Isaac Algernon let out a nervous chuckle as he exchanged looks with his friend, the awkwardness evident in the air. Clearly, he had been informed of the altercation between his friend and Lady Beaumont, and had now found himself in the thick of the aftermath. He had no clue what to say next.

Deciding to change the topic, Isaac managed, "So, may I inquire where you ladies are off to this fine afternoon?"

"If you must," Alicia responded, "We are going to The Brockenhurst estate, The Countess is expecting us."

"Oh," Lord Algernon asked, surprised at the familiar name, "What business do you ladies have with The Countess?"

"Ought a niece to have some business to pay a call on her aunt?" Diana inquired narrowing her eyes slightly. "Now we really must be off, gentlemen. Good afternoon."

Both Lord Algernon and Lord Buxton exchanged surprised glances before the more worthy of them wished the ladies a good afternoon nervously in return as they got on their carriage. Isaac turned to look at Edward, as the carriage sped off, sighing and shaking his head.

"You have jolly well ruined everything Edward," He sighed, "It felt as though I am the one holding the blame when I wasn't even present at your scene."

"What? Keeping my own employees in check and ensuring stability in my mill is considered my scene?" Edward huffed, running his hands through his hair, "I agree I should have phrased my words differently, but I still stand by what I meant."

As much as it sunk something inside him to admit that he hurt her, he could not seem to regret the words that he spoke entirely, because he knew them to be true, despite how hurtful they were to the other party. All his life Edward had said what he meant, just like he had done now. And the response he had received in his office had somehow made him more confident in his answer. She had voiced her feelings quite clearly that morning, and it led him to believe that he had foolishly imagined everything that could have been between them, when in truth the lady in question had felt not even the slightest of what he had ever since they first met.

"Besides, this is Portsmouth," Edward continued, suddenly angry at himself for being so naïve and shifting his eyes in annoyance. "It is not Southampton where they get to pick and choose what they think their family deserves, here people work blood and sweat for everything they have. You do not get things in a silver platter just because you ask for them."

Isaac sighed again. He could not help but agree with his friend's words—morals and policies they had both shared while working to get their business to the top, but knowing the fact that it made him a villain in Lady Alicia Kirkpatrick's eyes, was frustrating him. All the while that he was in Southampton, he had worked tirelessly every second he was with her to charm her and now suddenly it felt as though she had forgotten they had even conversed before at all.

· • —– ٠ ✤ ٠ —– • ·

"The Countess is awaiting your presence in the west drawing room," The Butler of the Brockenhurst estate announced as Lady Diana Beaumont and Lady Alicia Kirkpatrick nodded, following him as he took the lead.

Observing her surroundings, Diana felt a smile creep on to her face as she recognized the traditional Georgian sensibilities in the architecture, a first ever since she came to Portsmouth, and it reminded her of home. In Portsmouth, she had noticed interiors looked rather plain and dull. A house should represent the family it inhabits, and everyone in Southampton was a firm believer in just that.

As they arrived outside the west drawing room, and were announced by the butler, Diana and Alicia entered to find the Countess seated on an embellished turquoise sofa with a big eager smile on her face. The Lady Brockenhurst, Agnes Templemore, was quite a sight, with her intimidating presence and bold appearance, she said what she pleased and how she pleased, having the idea that society was always in need of her wisdom, whether it be in London or Hampshire.

"Auntie Agnes," Diana curtseyed and rushed to embrace her aunt in a hug, who embraced her readily back.

"Now, stand back dear, let me look at you," The Countess spoke as she straightened her bright blue skirts and sat herself back down while placing her shiny gold lorgnette right above her nose and observed her niece.

"Thank goodness, you look just as healthy and radiant as I last saw you," Came the relieved predicament, "I feared the worst when I heard your mother made the atrocious decision to send you over here to Portsmouth, young ladies like you need all the fresh air and environment you can get."

"And Alicia dear, you look equally healthy," The Countess nodded, and Alicia smiled. 

"Your mother, Diana, thinks I am unaware of your presence here, which I willingly led her to believe. Now, come my dears, sit down."

Diana sat herself next to her aunt and Alicia took the sofa opposite. "Auntie you're doing well I hope, it's been such a while since we've heard from you." 

"Yes, my dear," The Countess sighed, "London has been a rush these past few months and with your uncle Ernest's business and my daughter Beatrice's child, we've hardly been at leisure. Which reminds me, isn't your mother's younger brother the reason you are here at Portsmouth?"

Diana exchanged glances with Alicia before smiling at her aunt, "Yes Auntie, We are helping take care of the little ones once Aunt Frederica is back proper on her feet. She just gave birth to another boy."

"As governesses?" The Countess asked, her tone full of shock, the latter statement spoken completely unheard. 

"No Auntie, as part of the family," Diana corrected her as a chuckle escaped her lips.

"Hm, I suppose I am at no liberty to oppose this seemingly abhorrent situation when I was not even consulted before the idea gave root," The Lady Brockenhurst deemed as she raised her brows and sighed. "And you are already here, aren't you? It's fruitless." 

"I know we should've written to you, but Auntie the matter wasn't up for debate. Mother and father did try to stop us, but we willingly came. It is only for a matter of time, and then we will be on our way back to Southampton," Diana explained softly, "And besides, aren't you always telling me that family comes first?"

The Countess's hard expression melted away as she sighed at her niece, taking Diana's hand in hers. "I still do not approve of this arrangement but since you are content, I shall think of it no further, because goodness knows I am far from content at the idea of my niece putting her health and well being aside and becoming a governess for three children."

Diana smiled and then exchanged glances with her cousin. 

"How is your father dear?" The Countess asked, "And your sisters? Pray tell me Henrietta has learned to play the pianoforte elegantly yet, and sewing, how is her sewing progress? And what about Mary Ann, I dare say she must've become quite the lady at her age. Mary Ann reminds me so much of myself when I was her age."

"Yes Auntie, everyone is doing perfectly alright. Father is planning on extending Bellevue Hall, and Henrietta and Mary Ann are both doing very well," Diana replied happily, "They all miss you dearly. You must come to Southampton before you set off back to London again."

"Well, I have already planned to, and I am most surely taking you both back with me, if you're not already gone by the time we leave," The Lady Templemore stated, her tone full of determination.

"Ah, what a surprise," A familiar male voice came into Diana's ears, startling her as her stomach did a sudden flip. The ladies all turned heads to find an equally familiar smiling face.

"Frank," The Countess smiled, as the gentleman approached to kiss her hands, his dark brown hair fixed perfectly in place and his dark suit polished to perfection.

"Mother," he let out, "If you would've told me about this particular company, I would've joined you earlier."

Diana felt her breathing pause as she looked at the new company, someone she had not expected to encounter anytime soon.

"It is nice to see you Frank," She smiled nervously as Frank approached her and kissed the top of her hand.

"A delight to see you as well, Diana. God, you do get more beautiful each time I see you," Frank responded, his gaze fixed on her.

Diana tried her best to hide back a blush. It had been two years since she'd seen Frank Templemore. The last she saw of him was back in Southampton, when he had asked for her to marry him and she had refused his proposal.

It had hurt to refuse him, when he was almost everything she could ever ask for in a man. He was kind, understanding and made her happy. He was from Southampton, and he had reminded Diana of so many of her own father's attributes. But Diana had realized very late that she had never felt that spark that he claimed to have felt for her.

He was her best confidante after Alicia, they could have conversations for hours on end without tiring of each other's company. But they were young, and she considered Frank's outburst as nothing more than a mere foolish fancy. His proclamation of love had stirred nothing in her, his words of love had made her feel nothing, and his touch had felt like.. nothing at all.

No one from the family ever knew what happened except Alicia, and after Frank left to London disheartened, engaging himself in his work for two years, nobody could ever guess. But now, seeing him again, his wholehearted smile that she loved, his light brown eyes that lit up when he looked at her, Diana felt the guilt she had felt two years ago rise in her all over again.