Chapter 5

But now it was Catherine, the foolish girl who developed deeper emotions for Olive. A man who no wise person in the town of Keswick would want to send their daughter off roaming alone with. Catherine's mother was concerned but she was quite aware of her own blood's stubborn nature. She was against his brother's decision of sending Johnathon to England. It was not that she did not love his nephew, but she was concerned that the child required his father. It would strengthen their bond, but his brother did what he found right and denied her proposal. She knew that now in Johnathan's heart would always be here whether he moved back to Italy in his father's estate. He hated it there as the affection he desired, he received it from her aunt and her cousin and the town of Keswick. He went to London to pursue his career as a solicitor for some time, but it didn't ever affect him in anyway. As he now knew that England to him is love and he will receive it no matter which part he visits. He visited the whole England with his aunt and cousin. They were the best company he could ever have grown up. His decision to return back to Italy was both dreadful and unpleasant to Catherine. He had to return but it was not that soon as he would have the time in abundance to bid his farewell to all. He felt lost and he desired to see her mother's grave that he never visited. His heart felt so full and uneasy that he cried really hard for the first time recalling his mother who he always tried to escape the mention of. He went to his room after he set the fire off in the fireplace. He heart felt troubled and heavy that night and it was hard for him to sleep.

Rosalie woke up to a knock on the door, in front of her were Uncle George and Anne-Marie. She thought that they would not come that night. But George escorted her off in her car and parked his car at the restaurant. Oh Rosalie, you were sleeping in the couch! You may have a neck pain!' said Anne-Marie. 'No, Mom I slept soundly, and I suppose that I would now go to bed now as it is too late!' said Rosalie. 'Yes, do sleep well and we will talk to you in the morning about what we want you to contribute the charity with!' said George. 'Me? You desire me to contribute to charity?' said Rosalie. Yes, you are a big girl and can contribute as well!' said Anne-Marie. 'Now, chop . . .. chop! Off to bed! Sweet dream!' said George. 'Alright, mom and uncle sweet dreams!' Rosalie. 'Sweet dreams, love' said Anne-Marie.

Anne-Marie went to set George's room in the Scarlet House. He was a tender person who became Rosalie's legal guardian before her father's death. It was a collective decision that Anne-Maire was glad to have made in advance. She knew that when she would be away, he will be the one to take care of her. He was a happily married man with two sons who went off to France for education to their uncle. He had his soul fixed to Keswick, partly because it was his birthplace and partly because he had good memories of his wife in that town where she lay below the ground in peace now. He could visit her whenever he desired which was impossible if he had left for France. He was glad he did not and then he agreed to be little Rosalie's Godfather. He was assisted by all in the town. Everybody in the town of Keswick were aware of the scarlet house tragic story. The people named it a story that has it all, 'love, exploitation, and hate' at the same time. Some old folks think that the house was not well-off for the family, it had something peculiar about it that only elderly people could sense.

He slept comfortably in their house and Anne-Marie left him in the room alone to get cozy. She esteems him greatly to have ever even think of favoring her more than he has. Anne-Marie went the room. She hated the most but had made peace with it. The thing she could never forget was cold and cruel memories of her husband. She was an insomniac due to those memories and whenever she closed her eyes for the slightest moment. She would wake up with a nightmare, but she knew it was not a nightmare but her actual life. She was talking in her sleep, and she was loud that night as well. 'No! no please . . .. Jack!' cried Anne-Marie. She saw Jack who she thought was dead, he came to her side of the bed and said, 'You think you are free! You unfaithful woman!' He grabbed her by the hair and shouted at her. He said, 'Repeat after me! I will obey you!' Anne-Marie who was sweating began to yell 'I will! I will!' 'You love me and will accompany me to the gambling guild!' said Jack. 'I will! I will!' shrieked Anne. George by now could hear her and he ran to her room and took Anne-Marie by her shoulders. 'I love you and I will accompany you!' said Anne-Marie. She felt the touch of George and she woke up. 'It was a dream, Anne! Calm down, please! You are awake now and at your home!' said George. Anne began to weep. She squeezed George who was now sitting at her bedside, and he squeezed her back. Rosalie heard her mother's sound and came to look at her, but she was astonished to see George soothing her in an intimate manner. She sneaked back as she felt that sabotaged. She loved a father who never loved her. She found that love in George and now seeing her mother like that made her uncomfortable. She was aware that his father was not the best companion to her mother, but she felt incapacitated to respond. She went to her room and began to weep she was not sad, but she did not know that how would she react to such a thing if it ever happened, and she was not ready to deal with it any sooner. Anne-Marie composed herself and wiped her tear. She thanked her and George made sure she was alright. He went back to his room after half an hour. Rosalie could hear his footsteps and she went back to sleep. Anne-Marie felt embarrassed and thought, 'Why did I embarrass myself in front of him!'. She got up and went to the kitchen and made herself some coffee. She was fine but she did not want to see George till the morning. She was at ease, his gentle caress brought her that comfort that she did not feel in years. She did not want to lose, and friend like him. But she was in love with him, and she was too insecure to confess to it. She thought it to be some sort of craze for him. So, she decided to seal her lips till it gets the best of her.

She had a discussion the next morning with her mother and Guardian about how she can contribute to the charity. She decided on asking the local food shops to donate edible products for charity and the locals too. She and Nora decided to bake cupcakes as there were not many people acquainted to idea of pastries like these. So, she went to town along with George and collected all the ingredients she needs for that. She also requested the local shops to also donate food for the charity if they were willing to. She went to a local store for flour, sugar, flavored condiment and yeast picked the amount she needs to bake. She asked both Eliot for assistance who brought Johnathan with him as to assist her. They carried them and placed them in the truck that they rented. 'That's the last one! What is this all stuff for? Are you having a gathering!' said Johnathan. 'Mm mm . . .. No, it is for the charity!' said Rosalie. 'Well, if you are done with its Eliot we can leave!' said Johnathan. Johnathan looked pale and wanted to leave immediately. He glanced at Rosalie for the last time which he thought that may be the case. Eliot instantly went to Rosalie and asked her to invite him at the picnic they were having this week. Johnathan called Eliot again and Rosalie watched him. He did not return the gaze back even though he was aware of her sight on him. 'Eliot, not this time! It is for the three of us only!' said Rosalie. Eliot was aware of how Johnathan felt it was on his face and Rosalie was aware of it very much as well. She was not a little girl to not identify what was so evident. Eliot gave her a cold glimpse and moved away before uttering the word that began to ring in her ears, 'If not this time, there may not be another . . ..!' All her excitement for the charity started feeling like a heavy burden.