Return To Norfolk Estate

Return to Norfolk Estate

Lord Andrew Charles arrives back home at Norfolk Estate and he is greeted by his father and mother and they ask him “ How did your picnic go with Mademoiselle Karissa.?”

“It went very well, father and mother. I am convinced she is the only young woman I will ever love.” Lord Andrew Charles tells his parents.

“We have a very nice day together, and I know the one thing she wants, but how do I know that the first one will be a daughter.” Lord Andrew Charles asks his father and mother.

“Are you talking about children.?” Lord Charles Andrew JR asks.

“You know it is a draw of luck, Lord Andrew Charles. I mean I didn’ t know that your mother and my first child would be a son or daughter, but I was prepared to accept either one.” Lord Charles Andrew JR states.

“Your mother and I were just lucky that our first child was a son, and our second child was a daughter. After that I wasn’t really concerned about the gender of our children.” Lord Charles Andrew JR states.

“Your mother and I had five children and you were the last child and third son.” Lord Charles Andrew JR states, “ I kind wished that we would have had a sixth child and that child was a third daughter.” 

“How can I guarantee that our first child will be  a daughter?” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“There are no absolute guarantees, Lord Andrew Charles. I think if you ask Lord David William Beck on the way to get a daughter. He may have some idea?” Lord Charles Andrew Howard JE states.

Lord Andrew Charles travels out to StarFleet Academy to see his cousin, Lord David Wiliam Beck and when he knocks on the door of his office and Lord Andrew Charles walks into Lord David William Beck’s office he is surprised to see Lord Andrew Charles.

“What can I do for you, Lord Andrew Charles?” Lord David asks.

“I have to come to you to ask you some questions and I hope you can give me the answers.” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“I will try to help you.” Lord David William tells him “What is on your mind?”

“Is there any special sexual position a man uses to get himself a daughter?” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“You know Lord Andrew Charles.  There are many different sexual positons that might ensure you a daughter, but it is not guaranteed.” Lord David states.

“Have you ever heard of Kamasutra?” Lord David William asks.

“There is more to making love then sexual intercourse and the two are entirely different. There are many different positions and it is like dancing and it’s not just about you but also about her and satisfying her.” Lord David states.

“I will tell you some of the favorites.” Lord David explains “ They are missionary position, doggy style,  reverse cowgirl position, just to name a few.” 

“Who is this girl you are in love with?” Lord David asks.

“Her name is Karissa Elizabeth Ann Lowell. “ Lord Andrew Charles tells his cousin.

“I think I have seen her here on StarFleet Academy  with Lt Kevin Thomas Riley and she sits on top of that hill “ and he points to it.

“Oh! That is why I can’t find Karissa.She comes here.” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“I think she is here maybe twice a week, but her days are not always the same days.” Lord David tells Lord Andrew Charles.

“Listen Lord Andrew Charles. Please take this relationship slow. I know that my great Uncle is desperate for a grandchild and to give Lord Charles Andrew Howard Senior his first great-grandchild through one of his grandsons.” Lord David states, “ The child will be my second cousin.” 

“I have talked with Lt. Kevin Riley who knows her the best. He told me that she is not thrilled about the aristocracy.” Lord David tells Lord Andrew Charles.

“Don’t you think our child would be beautiful ?” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“Without a doubt, Lord Andrew Charles.” Lord David states, “Lord Frederick William Howard was considered one of the best looking men in his time.” 

My great-grandfather, and your grandfather didn’t inherit his good looks. “ Lord David William states.

“Lord Charles Andrew Howard Senior just had ordinary good looks.” Lord David explains, “ I mean your father and my great Uncle are very good looking.” Lord David tells him.

“Each of your brother’s has his own good looks.” Lord David states, ``Lord Charles Andrew III is rugged looking, Lord Patrick William II is handsome and you are very good looking .” 

“Karissa told me that Lord Richard William Carey and I are two of the best looking men here on Star Base 12.” Lord Andrew Charles tells him.

“Don’t you think Karissa is very beautiful?” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“I have only seen her from a distance.” Lord David states, “but from what I have seen she is very pretty.”

“I would recommend you take this relationship slow and easy.” Lord David recommends.

“Do you know what she did when I kissed her, Lord David?” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“I have no idea.” Lord David answered.

“She gave me her backhand across my face.” Lord Andrew Charles tells him.

“I can see she is no one to trife with.” Lord David states. “All the more better not to rush it less she will waltz right out of your life.” 

“Oh no. I will never let that happen.” Lord Andrew Charles “ She is the one young woman that I will always love until the day that I die.” 

Lord Andrew Charles listens to Lord David William and he sets out to win Karissa and with a little prayer he will give her the daughter that she has always wanted and the child will ensure him the Dukedom of Norfolk Territory with Karissa by his side.

Lord Andrew Charles' next step is to invite her over to Balmoral Manor for the weekend, but will she accept his invitation.

Lord Andrew Charles has to take the chance and ask Karissa anyway.

Balmoral Manor is where Lord Charles Andrew III, Lady Patricia and Lord Patrick William were conceived and born, whereas Lady Charlotte and he were born at Norfolk Estate.

Balmoral Manor was a gift to Lady Patricia from Lord Charles Andrew JR on their wedding day in 2230 and it was full of memories, but in 2241, when Lord Charles Andrew JR became Duke. He moved his family into his ancestral home built by his great-great-grandfather, Lord Patrick William Howard.

Lady Patricia gave it to Lord Andew Charles as his graduation present in 2268, but he seldom used it. 

It was nestled in the foothills between Norfolk and Wessex Territory.  It was a beautiful manor surrounded by gardens.  Lady Patricia decorated it herself with French Provincial furniture in nearly every room.

Lady Patricia's own suite was decorated in hues of pink , rose, and ivory. 

It would be the suite that Lord Andrew Charles would give Karissa if she accepted his invitation for the weekend whereas his own suite was more masucline. 

Lord Charles Andrew Howard JR wanted to live at Norfolk Estate as it was the manor that he was born at in 2209 and it had happy memories for him where his two brothers and sister and he played together.

So, what could Lady Patricia do, but agree to move to Norfolk Estate when Lord Charles Andrew Howard JR became Duke of Norfolk Territory at the age of 29 years old.

Lord Andrew Charles had some happy memories of Norfolk Estate himself but mostly he remembered that his father married off all of his brothers and sisters there.

The Sunday Picnic

The Sunday Picnic 

Lord Andrew Charles Howard asks Karissa to go on a Sunday picnic with him. She agrees to go with him. 

Lord Andrew Charles is happy that she has accepted his invitation and Lord Charles Andrew JR  cook packs a Sunday lunch in a basket full of delicacies for them to eat.

Lord Andrew Charles asks Karissa if they may picnic in the garden at Madame’s Boarding House as he knows she loves the garden at Madame’s and she tells him “ Yes of course we can.”

Lord Charles Andrew is dressed in one of his suits and Karissa is dressed in a white Victorian dress and hat and she carries her favorite quilt out with her to the garden.

“My cook prepares lunch for us today.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“I do appreciate what your cook did for us.” Karissa tells Lord Andrew Charles.

Lord Andrew Charles and Karissa  sit out in the garden and they talk out in the garden “ I take it you don’t like Kevin Riley?” Karissa asks Lord Andrew Charles.

“I have nothing against Lt.Kevin Thomas Riley.” Lord Andrew Charles tells Karissa..

“We were once best friends until the tragedy hit  his family on Talos IV and the event changed him.” Lord Andrew Charles states.

“I do understand why Kevin is so bitter as I lost all my family to long term side effects of radiation poisoning on Planet Earth.” Karissa explains.

“Kevin will never get over the fact that Kudos murdered his family.” Karissa explains 

“Tell me about yourself Karissa?” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“What is there to tell, Lord Andrew Charles. I came from Post World War III Planet Earth and I was placed in the United Federation of Planets relocation program.” Karissa tells him.

“When I was on earth, they started rationing out the food with food coupons and my caretakers could no longer provide for me as they had one too many children of their own.” Karissa tells him..

At the age of 15, I boarded the USS Republic and with 499 other young war orphans we were transported to either Star Base 10 or 12. We had two stops over to Talos IV and Rigel Seven and about 400 of the young people I traveled with got out at Star Base 10 and then the rest came to Star Base 12.” Karissa tells him.

“I met Lt.Kevin Thomas Riley in the garden on board the USS Republic and he was my first friend.” Karissa explains.

“What about my first cousin twice removed?” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“I barely know your first cousin twice removed.” Karissa tells him, “We have spoken to each other.” 

“Lord Richard William says he is very busy governing his territory.” Karissa explains.

“Personally, I like him.” Karissa tells Lord Andrew Charles.

“He is my cousin and I am bound to love him as he is the great-great-grandson of Lord Frederick William Howard through my great Aunt, Lady Sophia Charlotte Howard.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“I prefer my first cousin, Lord Richard Edward Howard II.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

Lord Richard William II and I share the same grandfather, Lord Charles Andrew Howard Senior and my father and his father are brothers.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“Tell me about yourself, Lord Andrew Charles.” Karissa asks.

“I am the fifth child of five children and the third son.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“I have two older brothers and two older sisters and they are all married.” Lord Andrew Charles tells Karissa.

“Lord Charles Andrew III, Lord Patrick William II and Lady Patricia and Lady Charlotte Augusta.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

Lord Andrew Charles bends over and he kisses Karissa and all of sudden Karissa takes her back hand and slaps him across and says “Lord Preppy . Did I give you permission to kiss me.?”

“I just thought I would take the chance..” Lord Andrew Charles tells Karissa.

“Don’t you think that I am a little handsome.” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“I have always thought that Lord Richard William Carey and you are two of the most handsome men on Star Base 12.” Karissa admits.

“We are the great-great-grandsons of Lord Frederick William Howard.”  Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“I think we would make one beautiful child between us, Karissa.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

Karissa tells him “ Let me tell you something Lord Andrew Charles. When I was a little girl I wanted a daughter and before my late fiance  Roy died we were planning on getting married and naming our first daughter, Elizabeth Victoria Ann  Beltane.” 

“Well, don’t you still want that daughter. It may not be the daughter of your late fiance and I am sorry that he had to die from such a terrible death.” Lord Andrew Charles states, “I think he would want you to live on.” 

Karissa  is silent and she answers him “ I do want a daughter but no marriage.” 

“Our child would become the first Duchess of Norfolk Territory.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“You can’t guarantee me a daughter, Lord Andrew Charles. I won’t marry unless it is a daughter.” Karissa states.

“Come on, Karissa . Are you telling me that you wouldn’t love a son?: Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“I didn’t say that Lord Andrew Charles.” Karissa tells him “ I wouldn’t abandon my son, but he doesn’t come with the promise of marriage.” Karissa tells him.

“I would remain with you as a morganatic wife.” Karissa tells him.

“Once we have a daughter I would marry you.” Karissa tells him “ Let me make this clear if you become Duke of Norfolk Territory it is your albatross around your neck.” Karissa states.

“You are on your own.” Karissa states “ I want no part of it and I don’t want to live at Norfolk Estate and there are far too many  ghosts there.” 

“I will tell you what, I will find us a  new home to live in and I will put it in your name.”  Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“I will ask Lord Richard William to help me find the perfect manor between Norfolk and Bedford Territory.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

Karissa says nothing but they continue to spend their time together out in the garden.”

Finally around 6 PM, Lord Andrew Charles  tells Karissa “ I have enjoyed this day together. I must be getting back to Norfolk Estate. “

Karissa walks him to his carriage and she tells him “ Have a safe journey back to Norfolk Territory.” and she watches the Howards carriage head back to Norfolk Territory.

The First Meeting

The First Meeting With Lord Andrew Charles Howard 

Karissa Elizabeth Ann Lowell agrees to meet Lord Andrew Charles Howard and she decides to wear a simple teal Victorian dress when they meet each other.

Lord Andrew Charles wears one of his three piece suits and his father walks into his suite, “Lord Andrew Charles. I expect you to be a complete gentleman when you meet Mademoiselle Karissa.”  Lord Charles Andrew tells him.

“I will dad. I promise. I can’t believe she will see me.” Lord Andrew Charles tells his dad.

“I expect she did it for Lord Richard William Carey.” Lord Charles Andrew JR tells his son.

I will be a complete gentleman.” Lord Andrew Charles tells him.

“Now don’t get your hopes up and don’t be disappointed.” Lord Charles Andrew JR states.

“Dad. I want Karissa and if I can’t win her, I just won’t marry.” Lord Andrew Charles states, ``I will be a bachelor all my life.” 

“Look elsewhere for your grandchild.” Lord Andrew Charles explains “Tell my married brothers to start doing their duty towards the family. I am the youngest son and it really shouldn’t fall upon me.” 

“I wish I could have been born into a country squire’s family and live a simple life.” Lord Andrew Charles tells his dad.

“We are who we are, Lord Andrew Charles.” Lord Charles Andrew JR states.

Lord Andrew Charles bows to his father and walks out of his suite at Norfolk Estate and he is met by his mother “ My son. Be a gentleman.”  Lady Patricia tells Lord Andrew Charles.

“Mom, who was your first love?” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“I loved Lord Charles De Barry.” Lady Patricia states, “but your maternal grandfather didn’t approve of him because he was French and he was not from the Orthodox Presbyterian Church.” Lady Patricia states.

“Dad is not from the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, mom.” Lord Andrew Charles explains.

“No but your father and I are from the same lineage.” Lady Patricia states, Your great-great-grandfather Stuart knew your great-great-grandfather, Lord Patrick William Howard” Lady Patricia explains.

“My son, my father knew your grandfather and my father and your grandfather arranged our marriage in 2227 and we were married in 2228 and we waited to have your older brother.” Lady Patricia states.

“Your father and I rarely slept together except when it came time to have children.” Lady Patricia states.

“We came together every four and half years to have another child, and we were lucky that everytime we did.” Lady Patricia states.

“I know your father had your sister in law, Lady Victoria as I saw her coming out of your father’s office and she was tidying up her dress.” Lady Patricia states.

“I learned to turn a blind eye to his infidelity and let have his mistresses.” Lady Patricia states.

“I know your father also had Lady Pauline as well. You see his father did exactly the same thing to Lord Edwin's wife, Lord Richard Edward Senior wife, and me.” Lady Patricia explains.

“Did your father tell you that your grandfather has a son tucked away in the country with his mistress and he was born in 2230, the same year I had your oldest brother..” Lady Patricia asks.

“His name is Lord Robert John Howard.” Lady Patricia tells Lord Andrew Charles.

“Your grandfather may have had many other children out of wedlock but he refused to acknowledge them all but Lord Robert.” Lady Patricia tells him

“I'm sure your father wouldn’t tell me if he had fathered a child with another woman.” Lady Patricia tells her son.

“Behave yourself Lord Andrew Charles.” Lady Patricia tells her youngest son and child.

“I will mom.” Lord Andrew Charles tells his mom and he walks down the stairs and he walks out the front door and climbs into his carriage and heads for Madame’s Boarding House.

Lord Andrew Charles tries to think of things to talk about with Karissa  and as the carriage heads for Bedford Territory his carriage is met by Lord Richard William Carey.

“I have come to meet you, Lord Andrew Charles and I will see you at Madame's but after that you are on your own.” Lord Richard William tells him.

Lord Richard William is on horseback and he sees The Howard carriage through Bedford Territory and finally it reaches the gate and he says, “ You are on your own.” 

The carriage drives up the driveway of Madame’s and when Madame sees the Howard carriage she walks out of her door and she curtsy to Lord Andrew Charles “ You do us an honor by coming out to visit us.”  Madame tells Lord Andrew Charles.

“I have been invited by Mademoiselle Karissa .” Lord Andrew Charles explains.

“Mademoiselle Karissa is in the drawing room.” Madame explains.and with that they walk in together and Lord Andrew Charles bows and Karissa curtsy to him  “Thank you for receiving me,Karissa .” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“You are welcome, Lord Preppy.” Karissa tells him.

“Next time you would like to see me. Why don’t you approach me yourself.” Karissa asks.

“It  is not our way.” Lord Andrew Charles explains.

“I don’t follow your ways.” Karissa tells him “It is my custom to have gentlemen ask me themselves.” Karissa explains.

“Tell me why did you want to see me?” Karissa asks.

“I just had to see you once again. “ Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“Why did you want to see me again.?” Karissa asks.

“I will be frank. “ Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“Please do be.” Karissa tells him.

“I am in love with you;” Lord Andrew Charles confesses.

“When did you come to this decision?” Karissa asks.

“The first day I saw you.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

Karissa breaks out laughing “ Lord Howard. I am not an aristocrat and I am a commoner.” Karissa tells him.

“I don’t want to be a stuffy runny nose aristocrat.”  Karissa tells him.

“I don’t care, I am not looking for an aristocrat.” Lord Andrew Charles states.

“Listen Lord Andrew Charles. I agreed to see you out of respect for your father and your second cousin.” Karissa tells him.

“I mean don’t get me wrong. I think both Lord Richard and you are very handsome men. “ Karissa admits “ I will be frank with you. If I had to pick one of you it would be Lord Richard William Carey.” 

“You are a third son, and third sons rarely ascend to their father’s Dukedoms.” Karissa explains.

“I have great expectations to do  so, if I can give my grandfather his first great -grandchild since neither of my brothers haven’t done so.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“Lord Andrew Charles. Humans are not asexual and they can’t reproduce themselves.” Karissa tells him.

“How are you supposed to get this child that will help you to ascend to your father’s Dukedom.” Karissa asks.

“I was hoping you would help me Karissa and you would become my wife and Duchess.” Lord Andew Charles tells her.

Karissa bursts out laughing and she answers, ``Pray with one hand and shit in the other hand Lord Andrew Charles.” 

“ I will not give up Karissa . I will win you one way or another.” Lord Andrew Charles tells her.

“Lord Andrew Charles. Our meeting is over with .”Karissa tells Lord Andrew Charles and she rings the bell, “Please  see Lord Andrew Charles out.”

“May I see you again?” Lord Andrew Charles asks.

“Suit yourself, Lord Andrew Charles.” Karissa answered.

There are times when Lord Andrew Charles rides out to see Karissa and she is nowhere to be found.

In The Garden at Madame's Boarding House

Lord Andrew Charles asked for an audience as the custom to see the Duke of Norfolk Territory and naturally Lord Charles Andrew JR granted Lord Andrew Charles as he was his father and he had always tried to be there for his children.

Lord Charles Andrew Howard stood in the drawing room with his wife, Lad Patricia 

and when Lord Andrew Charles walks in to where his father and mother are and he bows as is the custom to the Duke of Norfolk Territory even if you are their children. 

Lord Charles Andrew smiles and asks " What is my son ?" 

"Father, mother, I have found the young woman I want to marry ,but I don't know how she feels about me." Lord Andrew Charles tells his father and mother.

"Who is this young woman who has caught your heart.?" Lord Charles Andrew JR asks.

"Karissa Elizabeth Ann Lowell is her name." Lord Andrew Charles tells his father and mother.

Lord Charles Andrew JR and Lady Patricia look at each other and they don't know what to make of their youngest son, Lord Andrew Charles.

“Lord Andrew Charles. You can’t make a young woman love you.” Lord Charles Andrew Howard Junior tells him.

“Gosh, dad. You are Duke of Norfolk Territory and can’t you use your influence please.” Lord Andrew Charles asks his dad.

“I am sorry Mademoiselle Karissa doesn’t live in our territory and she lives in Bedford Territory. You may want to try your second cousin, Lord Richard William Carey to get an introduction.” Lord Charles Andrew JR states.

“I have never gotten along with Lord Richard William Carey, despite the fact that he is my second cousin.” Lord Andrew Charles tells his father.

“Lord Andrew Charles. Lord Richard William Carey is the great-grandson of Lady Sophia Charlotte Howard who was your grandfather’s sister.” Lord Charles Andrew JR states.

“Your grandfather didn’t have many good traits, but he did love his sister.” Lord Charles Andrew JR states.

“Lord George Carey was my first cousin and his son was my first cousin once removed, and Lord Richard William Carey is my first cousin once removed and that makes him your second cousin.” Lord Charles Andrew states.

“Father, Lord Richard William has his eyes on Karissa too.” Lord Andrew Charles explained.

“We have only met Mademoiselle Karissa once when she first arrived here. “ Lord Charles Andrew JR states, “ I must admit I liked her.” 

“Please dad. Ask Lord Richard William to introduce me to Karissa.” Lord Andrew Charles asks his dad.

“I will contact him and ask him to arrange a meeting between Mademoiselle Karissa and you and the rest is left up to the young woman to accept you or refuse you.” Lord Charles Andrew JR states.

Lord Andrew Charles is content with the fact that his father will contact his second cousin and ask him to arrange an introduction but of course with Lord Richard William Carey receives the request he looks at the letter and answers “ My Dear Cousin. I received your request and I will do what I can but the lady shows no liking towards any of us.” 

Lord Richard William Carey travels out to Madame’s Boarding House and when Madame Valois sees Lord Richard William Carey . She is delighted to see Lord Richard William Carey.

“Bonjour Monsieur Carey.’ Madame Valois tells him.

“Good Morning Madame Valois. I am wondering if Mademoiselle Karissa is around?” Lord Richard William asks.

“Why yes. Monsieur Carey. Mademoiselle Karissa is out in the garden where she spends most of her time reading.” Madame tells him “ You know where my late husband’s garden is.”

“I do Madame Valois, and Monsieur Valois loved that garden.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“Mademoiselle Karissa is helping me with the garden.” Madame tells him.

Lord Richard William Carey walks around the path that takes him to the garden door and he walks in and he calls out “ Mademoiselle Karissa are you in the garden.” 

Karissa calls out “ Who is calling for me?” 

“It is Lord Richard William Carey, Duke of Bedford Territory Mademoiselle Karissa.” Lord Richard William calls back.

“May I join you if it isn’t too much to ask?” Lord Richard William Carey calls out.

“You may join me, Lord Carey.” Karissa calls out and he starts to walk around the garden and he sees Karissa sitting under a tree in the garden and she is dressed in  a navy blue Victorian dress and bonnet and she is reading.

“Good Morning Karissa . I hope I am not disturbing you.” Lord Richard William asks.

“No, Lord Carey. You are not bothering me.” Karissa answers.

“I have come to you with a request from my cousin, Lord Charles Andrew Howard JR if you will see his son, Lord Andrew Charles.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“What can’t Lord Howard deliver his own message or request to me.” Karissa asks.

“It is our custom to ask the presiding Duke of the territory to ask for the introduction.” Lord Richard William Carey “since he is out of his territory he can’t do it.” 

“Lord Carey. I am not an aristocrat and I don’t follow your rules or decorum.’ Karissa replies.

“I am a commoner and I follow my own rules.” Karissa tells him.

“Furthermore, I don’t work with emissaries.” Karissa answers.

“Please tell your cousin, Lord Howard, that if he would like me to see his son his son must ask me.” Karissa explains “I don’ t promise any man either an aristocrat or commoner, a meeting with me.” Karissa tells him.

“I will relay your message to Lord Charles Andrew JR and my cousin, Lord Andrew Charles.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“How have you been since you have arrived on Star Base 12?” Lord Richard William asks.

“I am fine thank you.” Karissa answers. “ I was hoping to see Kevin Riley once again but I guess he is too busy with his studies.” Karissa tells him.

“You will find Kevin at Star-Fleet Academy.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“If Kevin wants to see me He knows where I am.” Karissa tells him.

“Aren’t there any ordinary people living on Star Base 12 , other than stuffy runny nose aristocrats with golden spoons stuck up their asses.” Karissa asks.

“Star Base 12 was first settled with European aristocrats in 2159, but we have ordinary people living in the territories.” Lord Richard William explains.

“What are you reading Mademoiselle Karissa?” Lord Richard William asks.

“The Secret Garden.” Karissa answers “Do you know the novel?” 

“I may be familiar with the author.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“What kind of music do you like, Lord Carey?” Karissa asks.

“Please call me Lord Richard William or simply Lord Richard.” Lord Richard William asks.

“As you wish.” Karissa answers.

“To answer your question. I like Classical music.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“Do you dance,or do you sing?” Karissa asks.

“I used to dance and I used to sing before my voice cracked.” Lord Richard William explains.

“I see, but do you dance still?” Karissa asks.

“I have two left feet.” Lord Richard William tells her with a laugh.

“What do you do for pleasure?” Karissa asks.

“I spend my time in my library and I play the piano some.” Lord Richard William states.

“Being Duke of Bedford Territory is a big responsibility.” Lord Richard tells her.

“I came into it when both my grandfather and father died.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“I see.” Karissa answers “but do you like it?” 

“It is my inheritance and my birthright.” Lord Richard explains.

“I spent my time reading and out in the garden.” Karissa tells him.

“I don’t particularly like any of the young women living here.” Karissa admits.

“I find them rather prudish.” Karissa says with a laugh.

“Prudish, Mademoiselle Karissa ?” Lord Richard William asks.

“Yes They are very virginal and naive.” Karissa tells them.

“I try to avoid them at all costs.” Karissa tells them.

“The young women are here to say the least very vain, self-centered, and spoiled by their fathers and presently their father’s are looking to marry them off.” Lord Richard explains “Or as their fathers trying to find brides for their sons.” 

“I see and is Lord Howard trying to find a wife for his youngest son?” Karissa asks.

“No, my second cousin, Lord Andrew Charles won’t fall for that. He will not marry a woman unless he loves her.” Lord Richard William states.

“I must admit that is very smart.” Karissa admits

“What about you, Lord Richard, are you smarter than your second cousin?” Karissa asks.

“I don’t care to marry any  of these women either.” Lord Richard William admits “ They don’t interest me.” 

“I will keep waiting until she arrives.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“What if your dream woman never shows up?” Karissa asks.

“I remain single and my territory will pass onto my sister.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“My sister Lady Richenda Wilhelmina is married to Lord Louis Valois and they have two children, Lady Lettice Isabella Valois and Lord Robert Louis Valois.” Lord Richard William explains.

Karissa  looks at Lord Richard William and she is silent but she doesn’t let him know what she is thinking.

“Please tell Lord Howard, I will see his youngest son, Lord Andrew Charles.” Karissa tells him.

“Lord Andrew Charles must travel out here to see me.” Karissa tells Lord Richard William.

“I will convey your message.” Lord Richard William tells her.

“Please if you do see Kevin, tell him I am asking about him.” Karissa asks.

“My cousin, Lord David Beck works out at Star-Fleet Academy as the medical office. Lord David is my cousin’s grand nephew.” Lord Richard William explains.

“Lord David William Beck and I are related through Lord Frederick William Howard. Lord David is related through his second son, Lord Charles Andrew Howard Senior and his youngest son, Lord Edwin William Howard and his daughter, Lady Eliza Katherine Howard.” Lord Richard William explains.

“I am Lord Charles Andrew Howard Senior great-great--nephew through his sister, Lady Sophia Charlotte who is my great-grandmother and my father was his nephew, and my father was his great-nephew and I am his great-great-nephew.” Lord Richard William states “ Lord Andrew Charles and I share the same great-great-grandfather, Lord Frederick William Howard.”

“Beg your pardon but Lord Andrew Charles' great-grandfather is Lord Frederick William Howard and he is your great-great-grandfather and he is your first cousin thrice removed.” Karissa tells him.

“Lord Andrew Charles is your first cousin twice removed.” Karissa states.

“Your father and Lord Howard were first cousins and Lord Andrew Charles and your father were first cousins once removed, and you are his first cousin twice removed.” Karissa tells him.

“Your common ancestor is Lord Patrick William Howard who had Lord Frederick William Howard who had Lord Andrew Charles grandfather and your great-grandmother.” Karissa tells him.

“Tell Lord Charles Howard Junior I will receive his son here at Madame’s Boarding House but he better mind his manners.” Karissa tells him.

Lord Richard William says  “I will convey your message.” and with that he bows and  he walks out of the garden and he rides towards Norfolk Estate to tell his cousin Lord Charles Andrew Howard that Karissa will see Lord Andrew Charles.

“I have come to tell you that Karissa has agreed to see Lord Andrew Charles. However, she asked me to tell you that she doesn’t work with emissaries.” Lord Richard William explains “ Next time the request to see her must come directly from Lord Andrew Charles.” Lord Richard William states.

Lord Charles Andrew JR smiles “  I like her already. She has grit, and guts and she is exactly the kind of young woman that will put my son into his place.” Lord Charles Andrew says with a laugh.

Lord Andrew Charles smiles and he tells his cousin “ Thank you for this Lord Richard William.” 

“One thing she asked me to tell you to mind your manners when you come to visit her.” Lord Richard William tells Lord Andrew Charles.

“I will be a perfect gentleman.” Lord Andrew Charles promises.

“Mademoiselle Karissa isn’t your ordinary girl”   Lord Richard William tells Lord Andrew Charles.

Lord Andrew Charles has gotten his first visit with Karissa out at Madame’s Boarding House.