A Kind of Beauty and the Beast Story

by Jessica Chapman

  "Oh, well, the same as ever I suppose." She replied vaguely, hoping he would quickly lose interest in their conversation.

  He laughed at her annoyance. "So is that good or bad then?"

  "Oh neither good nor bad really. Just alright I guess." Lila said honestly.

  Bartholomew laughed again, such a nice sound to be heard.

  "H-how have you been?" She decided to ask in return for the sake of merely being polite.

  He shrugged and faked her tone of voice. "Oh, the same as ever."

  Lila found herself smiling at his tease.

  "I-Is that bad or good?" She asked, playing along.

  Bartholomew chuckled. "I find that I am quite enjoying my time here at the castle."

  "I sure wish I could say the same." Lila replied, rolling her eyes.

  He frowned. "Oh, is something wrong?"

  She shook her head and crossed her arms with a sigh.

  "It is just not so easy when unexpected and embarrassing things happen to you." She said, thinking of none other than the mischievous King.

  Bartholomew smiled with amusement. "Indeed. But I find that is what makes life so interesting."

  Lila sighed. "I suppose you are right. Still, I would prefer for things to remain mostly calm if possible."

  He raised an eyebrow. "Really? Most people would want at least a little excitement in their life."

  She rolled her eyes again. "Some things are too exciting."

  He tried to hold back a chuckle. "Yes, I suppose that is true. But you seem to handle unexpected situations quite well you know. I am thoroughly impressed by how well you maintain your composure."

  Lila looked away with wild embarrassment and nodded. "Th-thank you."

  For a moment it was awkwardly quiet, so Bartholomew looked away and examined the surrounding area curiously.

  "By the way, what are you doing cleaning here all by yourself?" He asked with concern.

  "Well my friend Daphne was here too, she just went to get some more mop water a bit ago." She explained.

  "Oh, I see now. That is good to hear." Bartholomew replied, looking relieved by her answer.

  "What are you doing here today?" Lila asked, curious as to why he was alone too.

  Bartholomew's face fell, and he looked extremely uncomfortable all of a sudden.

  "Well, I am doing some research actually. The King did not want to have his studies today so I had some spare time on my hands. I was just a few shelves away when I heard you coughing earlier." He explained quickly.

  Lila was quite curious about his unusual expression.

  "Is there any way I could help you find what you are looking for?" She asked.

  Bartholomew frowned. "No Miss Lila that will not be necessary. Thank you for your offer, but I do not wish to hold up your own work."

  Lila nodded with understanding. Whatever he was doing, it seemed he did not wish to disclose any details to her. And why would he? It's not like it was any of her business.

  "Excuse me, I must be going." He said abruptly.

  Lila nodded as he bowed politely before turning and walking away. After a moment, when the shock of everything wore off, she got her duster and got back to work, wondering if Daphne had just decided to go all the way to the sea to fill her bucket. Honestly! What was taking her so long?

  "Excuse me, Miss Lila." Bartholomew suddenly said from behind her.

  Lila jumped and turned around with surprise.

  "Y-yes?" She said, a bit startled to see him again.

  "I apologize. I did not mean to be short with you a moment ago. It was very rude of me to leave so quickly." He said in an apologetic tone.

  "Oh, I did not think you were being rude. You seem to be busy right now so I do not mind if you must go." Lila replied, shocked by his worry.

  Bartholomew smiled, truly looking relieved.

  "Thank you, I appreciate your understanding." He said.

  She nodded. "There is no need to thank me. We all have our worries to deal with."

  He nodded and gazed at her for a moment, looking thoughtful.

  "Indeed. Although, I hope there is nothing distressing you at the moment." He said.

  Lila laughed. "Well, it is nothing apart from all the other maids here, or yourself for that matter. We are all here to make a living."

  Bartholomew nodded. "True. But I do hope this job has not been too troublesome for you."

  She shook her head. "It is just a big change from what I am used to. I grew up on a farm out in the country, so castle and city here are all new to me. Besides that, I really miss my father some days."

  "Oh, he is back home I presume?" He asked curiously.

  Lila nodded, this time a bit solemnly. She almost forgot some days that he was sick at home waiting for her to return. Truly, she missed him and the comforts of home, especially amidst all these embarrassing encounters.

  "Indeed. He has been suffering with an illness as of late and the doctors and medicine he needs is expensive. I have come here to work until I can pay for it all. But I plan to return home and visit him soon as soon as I can." She explained.

  Bartholomew looked quite upset by her words, his eyes easily betraying his deep concern.

  "I am very sorry to hear all that Miss Lila. I had no idea..." He said.

  Lila suddenly gave a small laugh in an effort to lighten the mood. She certainly had not meant to disclose so much. It seemed she had gotten carried away talking again. She supposed though that it had merely been nice to talk to someone so understanding and thoughtful. Lila did not even like speaking these things to Daphne, for fear she would burden her friend down with such worries.

  "There is no need to be sorry. As long as I just keep working as hard as I can things will work out well enough." She said.

  Bartholomew smiled at her confidence. "Well I have no doubt you can do it. You seem to be the kind of girl who can do anything she puts her mind to."

  Lila blushed and looked down at her feet. This boy, he was just so very polite and charming! Why again was he wasting his time talking to someone as boring as her right now?

  Just then, she saw Bartholomew reach into his pocket and pull something out. Then he took her hand and placed a small coin purse in it.

  "Here, for your father." He said gently.

  Lila gasped with shock.

  "No, I could not possibly! I assure you, there is no need to trouble yourself!" She said, holding it back out to him.

  "It is no trouble really. Please, I insist you allow me to do this." Bartholomew said with a kind smile, putting his arms behind his back.

  Lila blushed horribly, but she was not too proud to accept such a generous gift, especially if it meant helping her father. So she quickly put the small pouch in her pocket.

  "I do not know what to say. I am so grateful..." She replied quietly.

  "Again, it is no trouble at all. I am happy to help in any way I can. Besides, I do not want you to work yourself too hard now Miss Lila." He said softly.

  Lila had to look down at her feet again to hide the rose red color her face was at that moment. First he had saved her from a fall, and now this! Just how was she ever going to pay him back?

  "T-thank you again!" She replied, having to hold back tears of relief.

  Bartholomew smiled. "You are very welcome. I wish your father a swift recovery. But please excuse me now, as I really must be going."

  Lila nodded as he bowed and left. She watched his back until he reached the library door. But as he turned to leave down the hallway, he glanced back at her. Lila blushed wildly and quickly looked away as their eyes met again, although she thought she might have seen him smile.

  "Oh my!" Daphne's voice suddenly said from somewhere nearby.

  Lila jumped in surprise. She turned and looked behind the bookshelf they had fallen against. Daphne was standing there holding the bucket of clean water, a big smile imprinted on her face.

  "That was Mister Bartholomew leaving, was it not? He came and spoke with you aga
in!" She exclaimed.

  "We were just talking. It is nothing!" Lila protested with furious embarrassment.

  Daphne shook her head with a raised eyebrow. "I am not so sure about that."

  Lila sighed and looked away. Her friend was nearly as bad as the maids some days! Suddenly though she remembered the coin purse, so she pulled it out and looked inside. About twenty or so gold pieces were contained.

  Daphne's jaw dropped. "W-where did you get that?"

  "Bartholomew just gave me this to use for my father's medicine. But I had no idea it was so much..." Lila replied, still in shock herself.

  Her friend's jaw dropped. "He did what now!?"

  Lila shook her head with disbelief. "I am just as surprised as you!"

  Just then Daphne giggled and smacked her shoulder.

  "See, he does like you! Why else would he do such a thing?" She declared.

  Lila puffed out her chest defensively.

  "Maybe he is just a kind and generous person!" She retorted.

  Her friend giggled again. "Maybe."

  Lila rolled her eyes and turned away. Then she pulled out the coins and quickly counted them. Twenty-two gold pieces exactly. He must make good money as the King's tutor indeed! No wonder everyone thought she might be trying to seduce him.

  Lila turned to Daphne and took her hand, placing half of the money with her.

  "I have more than enough now to catch up on our debts and pay for my father to see a doctor. Send the rest to your family." She said.

  Daphne's face turned red and she almost started crying right then. She gave Lila a big hug, and the two of them quickly went back to work. After they finished their assignments both of them ran to the post to send the money back home. Daphne even decided to pay for another letter. Her friend was nearly in tears the whole time.

  Lila would really have to pay Bartholomew back for his generosity someday. Although there probably wasn't much someone like her could do for him.

  About two days later Lila received a letter from Maryann and her father. He was doing well, but said he missed her terribly. He thought since she had made enough money to pay for some medicine and a doctor that it would be alright for her to come home now.

  Lila sighed. It wasn't that easy, and he knew it. She still had to make sure they could afford such things until he could fully recover! He would just have to make do with Maryann's company until then, something Lila was not unhappy about. She returned to the postman and sent a letter back home, saying that she was fine, the job was exciting, and that nothing bad had happened to her so he could stop worrying already! Then she thanked Maryann for her help, told her father how much she loved him, and about visiting as soon as she could. Lila hoped that would be enough to put him at ease for now.

  The next time Lila cleaned the library, and every time after that she hoped to run into Bartholomew again. She truly wanted to thank him properly and tell him how much the money had helped both Daphne and herself, as she was sure he would appreciate such news. However, she had not come across him again even once in the weeks that passed. She supposed that he was just very busy with the King's studies, as such a client was probably difficult and quite demanding. She hoped though to see him when he next had free time.

  ******

  "That is enough, I am tired!" Westan snapped, pushing a pile of books off the table.

  Everyone in the study room was startled by the noise. Mr. Jameson gazed at him warily.

  "V-very well sire, as you wish. We can conclude for the day." He said with a bow.

  "Good." Westan grumbled as he stood up to leave.

  Ever since his talked with Zacchaeus he had been finding it hard to focus on his sessions. He could not even sit out in the garden anymore, as his council man said it was against tradition. Now Westan was cooped back up in the library again, feeling just as frustrated as before!

  "My Lord, you looked quite vexed today. Is there anything we can do for you?" Bartholomew asked gently.

  He looked at the boy and saw his eyes were full of true concern. But Westan was not supposed to discuss anything other than his studies with his teachers, so he just turned away and left the room, completely ignoring Bartholomew for the hundredth time. He decided to go out to the garden and take a ride with Dark Oak before the sun set. Afterwards he returned to his chambers for the night, eating supper alone once more.

  Westan lay on his bed that evening and sighed. He truly did not know what to do! These sessions with the tutors were becoming increasingly difficult for him. He felt trapped when they came together for his lessons as he was forced to treat them so indifferently when he really just wanted things to go back to way they were before! But that wasn't even a possibility now.

  Westan lay there for a while thinking of what to do, but suddenly a knock came at his door and interrupted his thoughts.

  "Your Majesty, Lord Zacchaeus is here to see you!" One of the guards announced.

  Westan immediately jumped up and ran to the door. Zacchaeus was here to see him? So late at night? Could it be to see how he was doing?

  He quickly opened it and smiled at his council man.

  "Zacchaeus! Wh-what are you doing here?" He asked, quite excited to see him so unexpectedly.

  The man bowed. "Sire, I come with important news."

  "Yes, what is it?" He asked curiously.

  His council man sighed and shook his head. "Well, unfortunately it pertains to your tutors."

  Chapter 08- From Bad to Worse

  The next day was a bit cloudy, with a slight chill in the air. Lila had been tossing and turning all night with bad dreams, and this weather certainly was not helping her feel better. She even put on an extra layer of undergarments that morning before skulking off to work. The day progressed slowly after that, with everyone feeling quite sluggish.

  "Oh dear, I do hope the sun comes out soon." Daphne said sadly as they were moping the west wing.

  "Me too! For this rain is positively depressing!" Another maid replied.

  "Indeed, for we cannot even see the stable boys today." Someone else joked.

  All the girls began to giggle, except for Lila who was sick of such inappropriate talk. She just wanted to get her work done and get back to bed! It probably would be a long day though, as everyone was moving slowly and wasting time on silly jokes.

  At about noon a glimmer of sun started to peek through the clouds. But just before lunch came around they heard some shouting coming from the end of the hall. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked to where the commotion was stemming from. Lila caught sight of a young girl running towards them with an absolutely terrified expression on her face.

  "Everyone, everyone! Did you hear?" She exclaimed with tears when she reached them.

  "What is it Isabella?" A blonde haired woman asked with worry.

  "Why, the King tutors have been thrown into the dungeon for treason!" She said with a fearful face.

  Lila's heart skipped a beat and her drowsiness wore off immediately. The King's tutors? Did she mean Bartholomew and Mr. Jameson?

  "Where did you hear such news?" Lila asked the girl.

  "From Lizzy! She works in the kitchen, but her husband knows the dungeon patrol guard. She says he told her last night after he witnessed the two men being imprisoned for himself!" The girl explained in rush.

  "I heard that this morning too, but I was not sure whether to believe it or not. After all, Amanda usually never gets the details right." Another girl replied.

  Lila's face paled. Was this just another silly rumor? Or could this terrible news possibly be true?

  "But why? Why would this happen?" Lila asked the girl with increased worry.

  Isabella shrugged. "Apparently they were caught trying to kill the King. Or at least the evidence pointed to an assassination attempt."

  Daphne gasped and the rest of the women started whispering among themselves. Some believed it, others didn't. Lila was still just in shock.

  "No, it just cannot be true!" She
exclaimed after a moment.

  Daphne nodded. "Like you always say, it is probably all false anyways. Surely those men could not have had such malicious motives!"

  Lila licked her lips nervously. Her friend was right. There was no way they would do such a thing! She was aware that she had not known them long, but Bartholomew was such a kind and genuine person and seemed to the utmost most respect for the King. So why would he do such a thing?

  But then again, that day Lila had seen Bartholomew in the library, she had sensed that he was trying to hide something. She just assumed it was related to family or personal problems, but now she was not so sure. Maybe, as hard as it was for her to admit, they were indeed capable of such actions.

  Lila turned to Daphne and pulled her aside for a moment.

  "I just cannot believe this has all taken place! We should go and see whether they are in their rooms after we finish cleaning here." She said quietly.

  Her friend nodded nervously, also looking concerned. So they continued to work silently, waiting until all the other maids moved on to the next area before they headed off towards the guest rooms secretly.

  The guest hall was a very large and extravagant area located in the east wing of the castle on the second floor, and it was absolutely decked in luxury. There was expensive drapes and furniture all along the walls, with large windows facing the scenery outside. She had heard from those who cleaned the rooms that the insides were grand as well.

  After a moment Lila spotted a guard nearby. She took a deep breath and casually approached.

  "Excuse me Sir, where might I find the rooms of the King's tutors? We are here to clean their chambers." She said casually.

  The man frowned, eyeing them suspiciously.

  "Go away ladies! This area is currently under investigation so no one is allowed to enter." He replied harshly.

  "Oh my, what happened?" Lila asked with fake surprise.

  "The men you are seeking were arrested for treason last night. Their rooms and affects are being inspected as we speak." He explained.

  Lila felt her heart sink like a rock in the lake. Then the rumors were true this time! But why? Why would Bartholomew be so kind and generous to her if he was just here to murder the King? It didn't make any sense at all!