The Victoria Era

Nathaniel's Brother

After wandering for a bit, Raven had decided to go home to continue her new chores. I looked around trying to decide what to do when I saw Nathaniel! His back was to me but I was sure it was him. He was talking t a girl obviously much younger than he. "Nathaniel!" I yelled just loud enough to get his attention. Then he turned to me. The color left my face as I realized it wasn't him. He had the same blonde, curly hair and strong angles but he definitely wasn't Nathaniel. "Oh, sir, I am so, so sorry you liked like another I knew---" Realization dawned on me. "Wait, you wouldn't happen to be Derek, Nathaniel's brother?"
"No need to apologize." He said with the familiar warm smile. "Yes, I am Derek, and you must be Clarissa."
"Hello." said the young girl bowing. She could not have been more than 14! "Nice to meet you, Clarissa."
"I see my reputation proceeds me." I said smiling and curtsying to both. "Is your brother around, I do not mean to intrude on your conversation, if it is an annoyance as I am sure it is."
"No need to fret, Nathaniel I believe has travel back towards his home. He may still be around town though. Sorry I could not be of much help." Derek said with an apologetic smile.
"You are never annoying." The little girl said with a weak smile.
"Thank you, lady. I do not believe we have met formally. My name is Clarissa Grace." I said looking to her.
"Sarah Haggis. Nice to meet you." She said gently.
"Oh, that is rather shocking." I said noting the last name. "Forgive me but I had taken under the impression you were his sister. How have you two come to know each other?"
"We have just met today." Sarah said.
"I see." I said raising and eyebrow and speaking slowly I asked, "Do you have a family miss to care for you?"
"Sadly, only my eldest sister. My parents died when I was ten years." Sarah said looking at her hands.
I looked to the girl and spoke with caution but I wanted to help poor Derek who stared down at the girl awkwardly. "And how old are you now, dear?"
"Fourteen." Sarah said.
"And you are out by yourself and mingling with much older strangers? Has no one told you to be careful?" I said in pure shock.
"Derek is very nice! I can trust him!" She said looking at me sharply.
"But you had to talk to him first to know that. I am merely say be careful so as not get into a precarious situation." I said staring at her confused.
"I must agree. You really must be more careful. You did not know me or Nathaniel, we just don't want you to be harmed." Derek said slowly looking at her with kind and gentle but strong eyes.
"I should go." She said sadly and standing up.
"Good day, dear." I said watching her walk away.
"Alright, good evening Miss Sarah." Derek said looking after her.
"So your brother said you were from Bylyn. Is that correct?" I said looking back To Derek.
"hat is correct. I lived there with my Uncle for a bit then I bought my own house for Nathaniel and I. I did miss him dreadfully once he moved here." He said motioning to Wilksin.
"If it is not too much to ask, why would your brother leave for he also displayed the same sulkiness at the thought of you two being separated." I said carefully. Suddenly I saw Sarah come back holding a jacket.
"Oh, welcome back Sarah." Derek said watching the young girl. He looked back to me. "I'm not sure but I believe he felt as though he were a burden having lived with me and all."
"Well, I am very glad he brought both of you here." I smiled. "Will you be staying tonight for the ball? Or staying any longer than that?"
"I'll be at the ball tonight. It'll be fun." Sarah interjected.
"Almost all citizens of Wilksin are coming." I said.
"Yeah." Sarah said.
"I plan on staying as long as Nathaniel will let me." Derek said.
"Oh, that is truly wonderful, Sir Derek. You're brother is a fine gentleman and he loves you dearly so I'm sure he will let you stay as long as you desire." I said with a slight blush.
"Yes, he is indeed. It will pang my heart when I must return back to Bylyn."
"Why must you return? Do you have a job there or possibly a family?"
"Ah, yes. I help care for my Uncle. He has some kind of illness. I've hired the best of doctors in attempt to help him alas, none know what is wrong with him...he saved us. Truly he did. Without his help who knows where Nathaniel and I would be today..." Derek said with his voice full of sorrow.
"I am so sorry to hear that, sir. I do hope his health regains strength. Does Nathaniel know of his ailment yet?" I said echoing the melancholy tone.
"Not yet. He was so happy when I arrived I did not want to dampen his mood before the ball. I've dread having to deliver this news since the first day Uncle fell ill." Derek said scowling.
"Ah, I feared that would be your answer. Although, it may kill you, I suggest telling him after the ball so he may attend with a light and joyful heart. It will hurt me to see him in such a state during such a festivity." I said slowly.
"You and I both. That is what I had thought to do, I feel as though it is the best way. Speaking of which, I hate to make such haste but I really must be getting back to Nathaniel. I did leave him terribly soon after I arrived, I hope he will understand."
"I sure he will and it is about time I start my meander home as well." I curtsied. "It was a real pleasure sir and wish your brother my best wishes. I do hope to see him at the ball. Oh, and do not let him think I have forgotten his handkerchief. Good day, fine sir."
He bowed and said "And to you to ma'am!" He walked off towards the direction of Nathaniel's house. I started to walk home humming a song and fantasizing about the ball.