CHAPTER XVI: Father's Love

Beatrice placed the fork and spoon diagonally on the plate indicating that she's done with her dinner.

"Have you enjoyed your stroll today?", asked by the Marquees who was also done eating.

"Yes, father. I am very much.", she answered wearing an elegant smile. "I have seen things that I haven't even know of, Father. With Marielle, I really enjoyed this day. I also bought cuffs for you father.", she added.

"Is that so?" It was seen on the Marquees' face that he was surprised.

Right after that, Marielle walked towards and handed to Beatrice a blue small box.

"Yes, Father. When I saw these cuffs, you and brother came to my mind." Beatrice happily handed to the Marquees the small box.

The Marquees opened the small box. Silver cuffs with carved rose. It was like the blue rose in the crest of the Croix, the blue rose with silver wolf.

"Thank you, My Beatrice.", happily said and accepted by the Marquees. He added, "I supposed there is also for your brother?"

"Yes, Father. I will be sending it to Brother tomorrow."

"Your brother will be pleased."

"I am glad to hear that."

"Also, I have heard that you bought foods for the servants.", the Marquees said while gently wiping his lips.

Flinched. "Ah.... Yes, Father. I just really enjoyed the day, and wanted to share my happiness through sharing foods to them. Did I... perhaps do something that I shouldn't?"

Now, that she possessed this body, she thought that she should also make her status in light. But she did not intend to use food bribery, she was in good faith in sharing the foods to them. It appeared that she overlooked her acts that might be too much from the real Beatrice's way.

The Marquees smiled and said, "No, it was very kind of you, My Beatrice."

She beamed hearing the response of the Marquees. "Thank God" She sighed inwardly.

"Thank you, father." After thanking his father, she reached its hand, and continued. "Father."

The Marquees stopped and leaned straight to his chair. "Yes, My Beatrice?"

"You do love me right, your daughter?" "I will start with this." In her memories, real Beatrice tends to use her charm with his father and brother when asking something exorbitantly.

The Marquees chuckled a little, and gave a lovingly smiled. "What's with that question? Of course, I am. You are my beloved daughter. I love you with all my heart.", he said.

With the upright warm response of the Marquees, Beatrice felt something sharp in her chest. "Beatrice, you are..." She expected that she was prepared, but most likely that she was not. It might be because that she doesn't know or has no idea what it is like to have a father. In her previous life, she grew up without having one on her side.

She involuntary gulped and then, took a deep breath.

The Marquees, who was observing her, slightly furrowed his brows with worries. "Is there something wrong? You can ask me anything, My Beatrice. I am your father."

"None, father." She shook her head. "I was just... I was just thought how blessed I am to have a father like you.", she said lowering her gazed. She tried to control herself from crying. "So this is father's love?"

The Marquees took his hand from her holding, and put it on the top of her hand and gently clasped it. She turned her face to the Marquees. "It is the same with me. You are my blessings, together with your brother."

Looking at the Marquees, she mused of how blessed and lucky the real Beatrice was. She held the thought of doing everything to protect this family.

But before she'll be lost by her emotion, she remembered her agenda for tonight's dinner. "The foster house."

"Father."

"Yes?"

"There is something that I would like to discuss with you."

"..."

"I... um.... There is a foster house that I would like to support and to offer financial assistance. They are five kids. Three boys and two girls with Sister Mildred."

"Foster house? Sister Mildred?"

Not answering the question, she continued. "In return, in proper time, they will be trained to work as knights or servants here in the Mansion. If you will allow Father, I would never ask for any dress or jewelries in the future."

"..."

"Please Father." She gently squeezed her father's hand which holding her now. She put her best determined eyes.

The Marquees smiled. "You really are her daughter."

"her?" "Father?", I asked curiously. "Is he talking about the late marchioness?"

"Of course, I will. This was not new to us. We are even active in donating to the church. Let me prepare our budget for it first. I will let you know once it's done. And also, silly, your dress and jewelries, you can still ask for it"

With the positive response of her father, she abruptly stood up and walked towards the Marquees. She wrapped her arms on the shoulder and neck of the Marquees from behind. She hugged him. "Thank you, Father. You really are the best father of all."

The Marquees was stunned, but happy with the sudden changes of her daughter.

****-------****

"Marielle? Do we have any picture of mother?", Beatrice asked to her maid who is combing her hair.

"I haven't seen any, My Lady, but I heard that there is one in your father's bedroom."

"hmm."

"You do really miss the late marchioness."

"Ah...Yes. Yes, I am."

"Actually, I am curious about her. Remembering father when she said those words, I wonder what kind of woman she was. It seems father doesn't want to discuss her so I didn't insist in asking and just go with the flow."

(You really are her daughter)

"The late marchioness might be benevolent and compassionate woman."

"My Lady, I have prepared the books that you requested last day. I put it on your table on the library for your morning study."

Lost in thought, she's still able to respond. "Thank you, Marielle."

Marielle finished combing her hair, then, walked away. Beatrice stood up and went on her bed.

"Good night, My Lady."

"Good night too, Marielle."

After turning off the lights, her maid stepped outside. Beatrice was left alone lying on her bed, and staring at the ceiling. It was already dark and only the moonlight which was seeping through the curtains lighting the entire room.

The time she was with the Marquees flashed into her minds. Her lips unconsciously curve upwards, a warm smile. "So this is like what it felt of having a father on your side."

With that happy thought, Beatrice, then, closed her eyes with a peaceful smile on her face.

----

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