Author's note: The beast featured in the story is 100% fiction and expresses intelligence, unlike an ordinary animal.
Author's note: the following story may be considered dark and twisted by some readers. If that's not your thing, don't read it!
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"It is so good to have you up and about today," Kitty said.
Her Great Aunt Margaret smiled warmly at her, knowing full well what she meant, but refusing to acknowledge the matter. "Yes. It is a fine day, Kitty." she said, taking a moment to observe her dog, Muzzie.
The ladies sat quietly, sewing in the parlor. A servant fed wood into the fire, while another took away the discarded tea service from Aunt Margaret's side table. In such a big house, there was always someone buzzing about.
A few moments later, a commotion was heard and Kitty recognized a familiar voice. Shoving her sewing into the cushion behind her, she quickly pinched some color into her checks, straightened her spine, and rested her hands softly in her lap.
"Albert! No!" a man's voice cried out, followed by a woman's scream, the thud of a silver platter, and the smashing of the fine china.
The butler entered with grace and intention as he prepared to announce the gentleman, but a great horned-beast pushed past him, flinging the door open, and knocking the butler to the ground. The giant animal knocked over another chair and disturbed the position of the rug as it bounded happily to Great Aunt Margaret. It plopped it's massive body at her feet and rested it's head in her lap. She broke into hearty laughter. Kitty laughed too, but turned away attempting to stifle it.
George appeared at the door, apologizing to the butler and helping him up, while laughing himself. The butler was less than amused, and all to happy to leave the room. George approached the ladies and bowed to each of them while trying to contain his amusement. "I am so sorry Lady Margaret," he said. "Albert does love coming to see you."
"I am honored." she said chucking and trying to compose herself. "I am afraid Muzzie does not feel the same way about your gargoyle as I do." she said, looking about "He seems to have taken to hiding."
"I would be happy to look for your dog, Lady Margaret." George offered.
"No. He will be fine," she said. "I called for you because I need to discuss something that cannot wait. Please..." she said, motioning to a nearby toppled chair.
George did as he was bid. Then, a nearby servant stepped forward and presented George with a letter. Albert lifted his head to watch the transfer.
"What is this?" he asked Lady Margaret. She did not answer. Her face aglow, she waited anxiously as he read. Soon, his face lit up too. "It says here I have been granted a lordship at your request!" he exclaimed.
Kitty was pleasantly surprised at the news as well, though her proper upbringing helped her restrain her excitement.
His hands dropped to his lap and he looked at Lady Margaret with awe. "...but why?" he asked.
"Your parents worked for me for many years, God rest their souls, and I wanted to honor them. I wanted to do something to express my deepest gratitude for you as well. You do so much for me and The Manor." she explained.
George was immediately at his feet. He closed the gap between them, and took a knee beside his great beast. George took Lady Margaret's hand in his, kissed it tenderly, then lowered his forehead to it. "It is I who is eternally grateful to you, Lady Margaret. How can I ever repay you this kindness?"
"Please, please." she said patting his hand. "Be seated. I do have a favor to ask."
George rose and returned to his seat, anxious to hear what he could do for the woman who had fostered him with such kindness.
Lady Margaret sobered. She took a deep breath and began. "You are aware I have been ill for some time."
"The sickness seems to have passed." he observed curiously.
"Please hear me out." she said. "Today is agreeable, true, but it would seem that the good Lord has decided to call me home sooner rather than later." A moment of quiet passed while George absorbed the news. "I have had the charge of Lady Katherine since her parents passed shortly after she was born," she said gesturing to Kitty. "and though in only a month she will be an adult of eighteen, the law says she can not own any property until she is five and twenty. Therefore when I go to God, all my fortune, and hers, will be forfitted to the crown and her opportunity to inherit it will be null. She will be destitute, without coin or kin. Both of you, and everyone in my employment, will be on the streets, and God only knows what will become of The Manor and my things."
Kitty dropped her eyes as the three of them digested the situation.
Lady Margaret continued. "Of course, the only resolution is to see my niece married. In this, her husband will become master of my estate and life can progress without interruption. The issue then is who to marry her with, since there seems to be a shortage of eligible bachelors in our remote area, as well as the lack of time for proper courting."
"And you want me to help you find her a proper suitor?" George asked.
"I want you to marry Lady Katherine." she replied bluntly. "I should not marry her to a stranger, but you... you are a fine man. I know you and I trust you. I will give Lady Katherine to you and you will take care of her. You will inherit my estate and the two of you will live comfortably all the days of your life." she explained.