Cheshire Park

1

"So you grown up here?",

"Exactly, Sir",

"Besides, I believe I can finish my meal alone. You may retire", the maiden bowed and left the room.

Before retiring in his room, Nicholas met Charlize again, this time she was accompanied by another older woman, "Sir Cheshire, may I introduce the other housekeeper, Mrs. Martinez?", Charlize said, "Welcome, Sir", said the lady, "May I ask if we await the arrival of a mistress, Sir?", asked Charlize, "Oh no, I am unmarried", he replied, Charlize nodded and then she said goodnight, taking leave along with Mrs. Martinez.

Going to bed Nicholas recalled when his father, before dying, recommended him to take care of his employees, also predisposing they shall receive a monetary compensation from his inheritance.

As soon as he had deepen knowledge of the estate's situation, Nicholas arranged to dispense the compensations to the servants and laborers. Mr. André, on receiving the silver, was moved thinking back to the late Sir Cheshire, "Forgive me if I dare to say that Thy father was as a kinsman to me", he said to Nicholas, "I had an high opinion of him",

"The estimation was mutual. My father always mentioned your name reverently",

"I have spent most of my life in Cheshire Park",

"I think I have not made the acquaintance of your wife...",

"Oh no, my wife died giving birth to our daughter",

"I am desolated to hear that", then he continued: "Are there many Irish people in the neighborhood?",

"Yes, Sir, there are many. We also have an Irish priest", Mr. André said.

That afternoon Nicholas went to the library and he met Charlize, "Excuse me, Sir", she said, "You can stay. I have come to get some papers", Nicholas said, he noticed Charlize was holding a book, "Do you like English literature?", he asked, "I do, Sir", she replied, Nicholas, opening the desk, told her: "Could you ask the servants if it is available more water and a razor? I need to shave",

"It is, Sir. If you allow me, I will help Your Lordship",

"It is not necessary, I can do it myself",

"I insist, Sir. I use to help my father", Nicholas just said: "That is fine", before leaving the room.

Ten minutes later Charlize came in his chamber bringing all the necessary.

Nicholas sat on a chair, Charlize prepared the foam, "How does Your Grace finds Jamaica?", she asked, "Charming. Despite the warm and dry weather", Nicholas replied, she began to lather him with the brush, "I am not sure I could live with a colder weather as the Europe's one. But I would love to see Ireland", commented Charlize, she began to pass the razor on him, "Has Your Ladyship been informed about the Mass in the Chapel tomorrow?", she questioned,

"A Mass?",

"Exactly. Tomorrow at 17 pm",

"Thank you for telling me. Will you attend?",

"Certainly, Sir",

"Are you a Christian?",

"Baptized in the Church of Ireland at the age of fourteen", Charlize finished passing the razor and she dried him, "Thank you", said Nicholas dismissing her.

Nicholas was surprised all the more by Charlize, if it wasn't for her skin color, she might have passed for an European gentlewoman.

The Irish priest used to go to Cheshire Park every Saturday to celebrate the Mass in the Chapel and to hear the Confessions.