Colorless: Julia Maplewood

Chapter II

Had it not been for the grey columns that held the nursery balcony above my personal garden, I would have been seen by the men that gather near the pond. Their whispering voices hardly audible at my distance. I took steps further, my presence hidden by the overcasting shadow. My father appeared calm, as he often did. He was a composed man, he was not one to share his thoughts by his facial expressions. Notwithstanding, Richardson could not hide his childish face which appeared as a naughty boy who is not given as wished.

"Your father was arguably a good asset to Maples S.L. (My father's company) He kept the company afloat, if it were not for his abruptness, well I would have been unable to sustain my family." Said my father in a formal tone. He spoke without doubt, nothing was done wrongly under his control.

A voice I had very little acquainted spoke next, "Asset? He was the founder." It was none other than Mr. Lockhart. An unpleasant man with a pride bigger than his statue.

"Co-founder, boy, do not forget that. I own fifty percent."

"And as an offspring—the only one if I dare say—I own the other half. Am I wrong?"

"No, you are not wrong. It is yours too." I winced at my father's reply. Since Mr. Lockhart's passing, his son, Harvey Lockhart has been attempting to gain some of the profit gained. This was no issue, for we lived a comfortable life with the amount we had, however, this was not all he wanted. He made a risky trade with an untrustworthy man, rebels from the distant country. This was not good for the company.

"Not until you are married and are at the age of five and twenty. Your father signed it. It is not Mr. Sinclair's decision, it was Mr. Lockhart's." Said Mr. Clarke. How is he part of this family matter? Lockharts and Sinclairs share a distant relation, but there is none with the Clarkes.

"And who are you to interfere? A lost traitor, a man of freedom. Have you no respect for the people who aided you? If it weren't for our weapons, you would've never been freed." Lockhart came closer in a threatening manner, he lacked height to reach Mr. Clarke, this did not change the matter of his evil capacity.

"Come on fellows, we mustn't go to violence too quickly. We are respectable men who ought to behave like such." Father said standing between the angered men. "Now," Speaking to Lockhart, "it was your father who had signed the contract, and you must respect his last wish, or else you will obtain not a single shilling."

"I am to be old enough in less than a month, a wife would be no trouble to find. I am sure she who becomes mine shall inherit some of the power of the company. And if that's the case, would you not want it to be your own daughter? What is her name... Ah— Lorraine!"

A cry escaped from my lips. No! This cannot be, for I am never to be with such evil that claims to be man. Teary eyed I got, for this was overbearing. No, no, Papa could never. As my head processed these thoughts the gentlemen had vanished. They walked away in conversation, one I could not hear from a long distance.

Overnight I sat in bed unable to sleep. The only protection from a frightful night was that of the gleaming mother moon. She held me with her rays of light that entered through the open balcony doors. She cradled my worried soul. Her lullabies were sung with the voice of the wind amongst the trees.

"Lorraine. Lorraine! Get dressed immediately!" I was awoken by my frantic mother. It seems I did indeed feel asleep. "What's the matter?"

"Why, Mr. Clarke will be having breakfast with us." She said as she set my gown on my bed.

"That's quite an inconvenience. Is he not staying at Nullings? They had plenty of rooms." Of course having him around was pleasant, but I did not want my mother to notice my interest in him.