AURORA

XV

MARCH 1512

THE OLD WORLD

ELMER GARFIELD

-

I watched the lady in front of me. She was indeed a stunning woman and she had helped me readily, which spoke in much more volumes than just of beauty. She sat, calmly in a position reserved for the nobility but no look of pity or disgust covered her face as she spoke to me.

"No," I repeated. She had given me the most precious of gifts, getting my sister back and I was more than happy to spill secrets to help her. She deserved that.

"It is a long story," I said looking down, trying to force a smile to my face.

"Would you," she asked, her eyes flashing in hope. The smile came, naturally.

"Certainly, My Lady," I cracked my fingers then stopped in between not sure if it was rude to do so, before speaking, "A family is said to have moved in the earlier century to India." I stopped.

"Well, not exactly, we don't know who moved or when, but it is my theory. My father was a captain for the ship, he was well known, and he has carried many rounds back and forth for this family. The family name is unknown, the person is unknown, we have no clue who it is."

"Calcutta, India," The Lady said. I jerked my head up to her.

"Yes," I said shocked, "How do you know that."

"You see, my friend," she laughed, I was taken aback by her causality and her friendliness, "Not all the nobles are spoilt and stupid."

I grimaced trying to show her that I did not think of her like that.

"You needn't worry, I would not tell anyone, if you laughed along." A smile broke out.

"Would this family be one person, a gentleman," she asked. I looked thoughtful.

"It is possible, when this supposed gentleman was here in England, he was one of the most influential people to live. He weld an abnormal amount of power."

She smiled at me, her fingers twisting in front of her.

"Well," she said getting up, "It was a pleasure meeting you, Elmer, but I must go, I have a ship to find so I can travel."

I bit my mouth, trying to remind her of her promise to find the earl but not sure if I should.

"Visit the Duke of Norford tomorrow and he shall help you, do not worry," she said. I smiled at her.

"Thank you," I said, "And if I may assist you too."

"Whatever with," she asked politely, if the words had come from any other mouth, I would have thought they were playing with my inability to be useful as I had no money. But where she was concerned, it simply sounded like she was curious.

"I can make an appointment with one of my fathers' friends. He shall be arriving, I think the day after tomorrow and will leave subsequently, he can carry you to India," I said. A large smile filled her face.

"That would be splendid," she said and got up. She curtsied in front of me and I felt a heat rush to my face. It was unknown for a noble to do that to a poor lad.

"I appreciate your help, Elmer, thank you."

She left the room and I stared in awe. It felt like an angel had ascended, tended to my wounds and left. I sent a thank you prayer to god.

OOMPA LOOMPA