Rebirth: Revenge of the Abused Daughter

Meeting the Duke of Cornwall

Early in the morning, Captain Lawhitton came as he had promised and I told him that we are going to that party. I don’t know why but he looks more thrilled than I am. I think he is thinking that it will be his chance of winning me over, BUT, as wicked as I am… I am not going there to enjoy rather I will attend to meet the Duke and might as well use a little bit of witchery to gain connection. I don’t want to do that but if I wait and work hard to gain it my revenge will be for nothing for I know it will take a long time for that or might not even happen. I want to torment the Broughtstons before they could forget what they did to Sonia, Helen, and Elena.

“That's it, class; I hope you had learned something today. And Betty darling, you need to think of a better trick than that water on the door. You need to thank your classmates for helping you clean the wet room because of your trick. See you tomorrow everyone.” I said with a smile as Betty look as grumpy as she crosses her arms on her chest.

“Goodbye and have a nice day Miss Witman.” the whole class said as they start fixing their things and walk out.

“Catherine dear, can you stay for a moment. I would like to speak with you.” I said as Catherine stop from going out and walk closer to me at my table as all of the children went out.

“Yes Miss Witman, what is it that you want to say?” Catherine said as I take the box out from my bag and placing it on the table in front of her.

“As much as I am thankful for the gift, I can’t accept such an expensive gift. Please tell your uncle that I am grateful for the gift but I can’t accept it.” I said as Catherine look at me and she smiles at me and covers her mouth to hide her laughter.

I look at her surprise as she takes a deep breath as if calming herself before she looks at me and smiles.

“Uncle Alejandro said you will do this and say that… so he told me to tell you that if you want to truly return that you have to go and see him.” Catherine said making me look at her with confusion before I take a deep breath.

‘I know it; I will be seeing him again huh. But if I don’t want to… then I have to take this. This is like a game of psychology huh.’ I utter in my mind as I look at the box and take a deep breath.

“I see, thank you, Catherine. Don’t forget to do your homework.” I said as I smile at her with a deep sigh.

“Have a good evening Miss Witman.” Catherine said as she walks out of the room leaving me alone.

I look at the box and then take a deep sigh. This is going to be hard to return. I doubt that the man will take it back but I have to at least try returning it. I can have such an expensive gift, it feels shady to me.

“Well, might as well see that guy so I can return this. I don’t want people talking about me receiving something expensive to someone as… well, you know what I mean.” I said as I take my books and return the box into my bag and walk out of the room.

I am as reluctant as I walk towards the Kauffman’s property as I was told Mr. Cotswold is staying there for a moment until his house is ready. I don’t know why of all places I am going there but I have to return the necklace somehow. When I pass the servant cleaning the front yard I ask if Mr. Cotswold is there and he said he is so I continue walking into the property just to stop when I see something.

“Woah, what nice fine horse.” I utter as I watch this big brown horse being bath by some servants near a tree but it seems like they are having a hard time with the horse moving around as if it doesn’t like to be touched by people.

“Do you like horses, Miss Witman?”

I didn’t notice that I am standing there admiring the horse for a couple of minutes not until that sexy male’s voice speaks behind me. I turn to look behind me to see Alejandro who is wearing a black vest covering a white inside shirt with his nicely flattened trousers and black shoes. He is not wearing his hat so I can see how nicely done his jet black hair is making his face stand out more. With him dressed like that, I can feel my chest beating fast again to my annoyance.

“Yes, they somewhat intrigue me. They are some magnificent creatures that show us that even how long and not well the road is we must be strong and continue the run. Good day to you Sir Cotswold.” I said as I turn to face him as he looks at me with his signature smile.

“Miss Witman, what brought you here right just after your class?” he said as he looks at his pocket watch that is placed in this small pocket in his vest with a chain.

“You might as well have guessed Sir. It is about the gift you had given me. I am afraid I can’t accept it. It is too much of a gift don’t you think?” I said as I take out the box and hand it to him but he just looks at it and smile.

“I know you will eventually do that. I am sorry but I have a rule that once I give something I won’t take it back. That is yours to keep.” He said making me look at him then sigh.

‘Men, he sure is hard to deal with.’ I utter in my mind.

“Alejandro, who are you talking to?” we both look towards the direction of the man who speaks just to see this well-dressed man in his 30s.

To his appearance, he seems to be in higher status. Dressed and build just like any man who is rich and powerful. He has this small beard on his upper lip, thin pinkish lips, an elongated nose, bluish eyes, and thin eyelashes. His hair that is not wearing a hat like Alejandro is turning white. His hands are behind him as he walks with a dignified posture.

“Your Grace I would like you to meet Miss Witman. She is Catherine’s teacher at school. Miss Witman this is my step-father the Duke of Cornwall.” Alejandro said making me look at the man then take a deep breath.

‘What a coincidence. It seems like luck is actually on my side.’ I said with an evil smile on my mind.

“It is nice to meet you, Your Grace.” I said as I curtsy while the man is looking at me.

“So you are that teacher Catherine is telling us about. It seems like the young girl is telling us the truth about you. You seem to be a good woman and something special.” the Duke said as he looks at me with a smile.

I smile at him using my witch ability and casually draw the Duke’s attention towards me. Sonia’s witch ability is not like those we usually watch in movies with a woman in dark, ugly, and scary looks.  Sonia’s witch ability that I am starting to get used to is like what those hypnotists do that they stir people’s minds and emotions into their liking. It is not like any witch that uses potion and curses. I don’t even know if I can do curse too. Since I didn’t yet train and control my abilities all I can do are the basic ones. 

“Thank you for the compliment, Your Grace.” I said as I casually look at Alejandro just to look away seeing him looking at my face as if observing me.

“So what brought Miss Witman here?” the Duke said as Alejandro faces the Duke.

“She is here to return a gift I give her but I can’t get it back because I have already given it to her, Your Grace.” Alejandro said making me sigh and look at the Duke.

“I do say, you should keep it, Miss Witman. A gift is a gift; you can’t return a gift given with good intentions. With that said, Alejandro, why not invite the young miss into the celebration tomorrow.” the Duke said and Alejandro faces me.

“If Your Grace says so then I have no other choice but to keep it and say thank you once again.” I said as I take a deep breath looking at Alejandro.

I look at Alejandro just to take a deep breath and look away. I don’t know what is happening to me but I feel really odd while in this man’s presence. I don’t feel anything with him like a crush, a fling, or something but this body is reacting to his smile and gazes. My chest pounding as hard, my face burning even my entire body and not to mention I am not like this to any man before. WHY HIM?

“Miss Witman there will be a party at the house of the Lord Mayor tomorrow as a celebration for the safe return home of our Military men. I am inviting you to join the celebration with us.” Alejandro said and I just smile as the Duke look at his son.

“I will be there; Captain Lawhitton had invited me and my family. He will be sending us a carriage.” I said and the Duke looks at me.

“Ahh, so the young captain invited you ahead of us. It looks like the young miss has friends like the captain I see. Then we will be seeing you there Miss Witman.” the Duke said as I smile at him.

The Duke excuses himself while Alejandro is left to walk me around the Kauffman’s property. Since Catherine is staying at the boarding school during school days and can only go home during weekends I am alone with Alejandro as he walks me into the property.

“I heard from Catherine that you have just settled in here and not from this place? What had happened for you to decide to settle here?” he asks as I look at the cornfield where servants are working so hard to take care of the crops.

‘Here we go with the questions.’ I utter in my mind as I just smile and look at the field.

“Well, when my father died we live alone in a small village. We are doing well but a strong storm destroyed our crops so we decided to move by selling our properties there. We move in here hoping to start over.” I said as I look away to the horizon that starts to change color due to sunset.

“I see.” he utter and I take a deep sigh.

“It seems like it is getting late. I have to return home now. Thank you for the company.” I said as I stop walking and face him.

“Then let me send a carriage for you so…”

“It is quite okay sir; I can walk there my way as I have something I have to get on my way. Thank you for the offer but I will decline.” I aid curtsying to him before I turn and step away from him.

‘I have to get away from this guy or I’ll end up confusing myself. Avoid him at all cost.’ I utter in my mind.

I am already walking away from the Kauffman’s property when I see the Duke walking towards me with some other man.

“Ahh Miss Witman, are you heading back home now? Why not let Alejandro sends you back when we have some carriage you can use.” the Duke said stopping as he looks at me with his smile.

“Oh, Your Grace, Sir Cotswold did offer but I declined for I have something I have to do on my way home. Thank you for having me here… Your Grace, have a good evening and I’ll have to excuse myself.” I said as I curtsy to them and start walking away when the Duke suddenly calls out to me.

“Miss Witman, if by chance you need anything feels free to ask me or Alejandro. We will surely help you in any way we can. No one had ever changed Catherine the way you did so we owe you so much for that. That girl is broken when her parents are like that and she never did open up to anyone or even smile but when you appeared you changed her. We highly owe you for that. Come see us when you need anything.” the Duke said when I face them.

I smile and curtsy again to them as I silently congratulate myself. Things are going smoothly even if it is not part of my plan.

“I will surely remember, Your Grace. I should get going, thank you for having me here but I have to go before it gets dark.” I said and the Duke nods while the man beside him remained silent.

“Take care on your way young miss.” he said as he nods and I smile and turn to leave.

I walk away and when I am already out of the property I look back and smile cunningly.

“Looks like I will be one step to my revenge. Wait for it, I will surely return to Winterlock.” I said with a satisfied smile on my lips before I turn and start walking away.