Having conversed for some ten minutes on Shakespeare’s Othello and the irony of his demise being his ethnicity, the atmosphere became somewhat more relaxed than stiffened by etiquette as the tête-à-tête seemed to continue in a fashion quite unlike either of the two was accustomed to with mere acquaintances.

“So you believe in the ethnicity complex as Othello’s downfall as well?” Elisabeth asked.

Intelligence in this beauty… odd enough a scarcity to have one of those traits, but both…

“I do say there may be truth in this complex you speak of, albeit I’ve never prodded the play as you I suppose.”

Walking over to the marble table in the center of the room where Elisabeth was, Kelsey took a seat in one of the straight-backed, regal chairs upholstered in cobalt velvet on the opposite side of her.

This beauty who seems to breathe intelligence and humbleness is in fact a young lady and not a gentleman, thought Kelsey to himself. Never have I pondered so deep in a work with someone of the female gender. Father would think her too smart for her own good, would say, ‘She is the brute whom men must coerce into silence, for she will take over if given the chance and turn society into a complete disaster state’. Father, you are correct in one sense, I believe she will take over… one day…

“I do have a love for Shakespearean pieces, yet Father seems to push the playwright away. He names William Shakespeare a duce gravely misled; says his works speak of tragedy and nothing else.”

“My, Master Hensley, your father must not be fond of literature?” posing more as a question than a statement, for Elisabeth wanted not to injure this gentleman’s father’s credibility.

“Correct you are, Miss White. He cares not for the arts, but for the affairs of the legal persuasion. I dare say I am not the son he wished for, as there are many an afternoon where he has caught my nose buried in a book, many a day in Gulliver’s Travels or contemplating the perplexity of Burns’ pieces.”

“Well, Master Hensley, you have great taste in verse.”

He smiled with his eyes, finally someone sees me for who I really am, not just a Lord’s eldest son but a man – a man with other interests than bookkeeping and issues of inheritable legality. There will be plenty of time to let her in on the particulars of my birthright as Lord Hensley, heir of Niles Castle, son of Lord Cameron Hensley, Earl of Howden. ‘Tis not of importance, for once someone seems to like me without knowing I am worth 300,000 pounds.

A pause kept both at bay for a few moments, Master Hensley unwilling to accept her compliment, feeling as though it would make him appear of a supercilious air.

“Such is the fate of artless maid, sweet flow’ret of the rural shade. By love’s simplicity betray’d, and guileless trust, till she, like thee, all soil’d, is laid low i’ the dust…”

Taken aback at the recitation of a poem of familiarity by this young lady, Kelsey looked from his idle hands on the marble surface straight into her sea green eyes in awe, “Burn’s To a Mountain Daisy.”

“Aye, indeed, you are correct.”

What more is she capable of?

“You have a natural feel for the Scottish vernacular, I dare say, Miss White.”

Natural beauty as well, although it is better left unsaid…

“Aye, well, I suppose my brother is the doer of it all. He has always been quite fascinated by all things of our dear sister region.”

“Close to your brother, aye?”

“My dearest and closest companion, Ackley is. We have always shared a common bond since I was little,” Elisabeth stated, stopping her hand almost as quickly as it went to twirl a piece of her hair about her pointer and middle fingers.

Goodness! I have the most annoying tendencies. When will I ever stop doing that?

Kelsey looked at her in piqued interest, his dark eyes seeming to question her statement.

“‘Tis unnatural, I ken.”

“No, ‘tis very natural.”

“I fear I’ve spoken out of context once again, please forgive me.”

His eyes changing to a warmth of understanding, Kelsey shook his head, “I judge you not, Miss White, only I’ve never heard of quite an association among those of whom I converse with.”

“Oh, much better I feel then,” she smiled, “I feared you would reprimand as the others who knock down all associations with the male familiarity.”

Making his face to the best of his ability as that of an older matron, and tweaking his voice to a higher octave almost impossible and with humorous dictation, “Whoever heard of a little sister enamored in her brother’s wit? Rudely preposterous, if you ask me…”

Giggling, her teeth showing she was so amused, Elisabeth shook her head in amusing protest, “You know, you’re different…”

“So I’ve been told…”

She smiled once again, sighing inside herself, “But in a good way…”

“You, Miss White, are the first to tell me that. Most young ladies will have nothing to do with me.”

“Well I am honored to be that person, Master Hensley. And I can’t imagine why not; you have a very witty and handsome personality that would easily cajole even the most inept personality to laughter.”

As well as a handsome person.

“I’m most grateful, Miss White, for your compliments. Although, when a gentleman chooses not to dance much he is not very greatly favored among the ladies of the county, no matter how lively his personality is found.”

Asking however warily, she knew she must know his answer, “How about a lady who chooses the same? Is she not in favor for ridicule?”

“Aye, she is. Yet, I favor her disposition most welcomingly, for following others comical life is very unattractive.”

She gave a pleased smile.

“And I give the gentlemen a most amiable vote, albeit displeasing to society.”