The Pearl Box and the Seahorse by Ann Wilson (books to read for 13 year olds .TXT) 📕

10.THE EVANS IN DESPAIR

The Evans were not happy at the ball as the men had not returned with Rosemary. Sir Gerald felt like standing on fire every moment, but concealed his feelings from the guests.  Lady Evans was more worried though she consoled her husband saying, “Rosemary must have stayed at the Castle tired of the ride.”

 

The governess indeed was in grief, suspicious if it was a wild horse, and had tumbled Rosemary somewhere.  She did not reveal her suspicions for fear of increasing the sorrow of the situation.

Tired of a stealthy search at Rosemary’s room, Sir Grey Winkle returned to the ball unnoticed.  He never gave a sign of suspicion to anyone; perhaps, no one noticed his actions, as every heart at the Sea Castle was awaiting Rosemary though the guests knew nothing about her missing.

Finally, after a long search, the men returned empty-handed long after the ball, and Sir Gerald was startled to know that the housekeeper at the Rock Castle denied receiving Rosemary.

There was great confusion at the Sea Castle, and Lady Evans was more concerned that she gave orders to continue the search deep into the woods.

The Evans had a sleepless night, expecting Rosemary to return any moment.

Sir Gerald took short naps, but was not able to sleep due to nightmares of Rosemary being eaten by a wild beast, being kidnapped, or about her safe return.The dreams were irregular and disturbing that he had no heart to sleep.

He walked up and down the banquet hall, stopping now and then to look at her portraits that showed her child-like beautiful face.

Lady Evans and the governess were praying continuously that the innocent girl should return safe.

11.ABODE IN A FARMHOUSE

  Rosemary felt loved and protected in the humble farmhouse than in her royal castle.  Rosemary had a simple and delicious supper with the good family.  She was more comfortable with them in every aspect, and she was able to break the strict rules of her royal life; especially, she need not sit erect than the chair.

Ferdinand was a brave young man of four-and-twenty, and was a center of attraction wherever he appeared as a brave, well-educated, handsome, and a chivalrous young man.  He was well-versed in Latin, Greek, and French other than English. 

He was protected by Oswald and his wife since the brothers lost their parents, and the good couple treated Ferdinand like one of their children.

  Rosemary was delighted that Ferdinand was an eligible man to take her hand in marriage.  His benevolence made him a perfect match in her eyes.  Above all, she felt that she is alive because of him and was confident of the fact that he loved her.

  “How happy it is to live the life of a peasant than that of a royal lady,” she thought, as she was dozing off on the clean bed specially made for her.

  She thanked God for saving and protecting her, and also prayed for the welfare of the kind family. She wished that it be a long night for her to stay there and her mind was filled with thoughts about Ferdinand.  With various thoughts and feelings of love and gratitude, she finally fell asleep.

12.HAPPINESS AT THE SEA CASTLE

  It was a bright moonlit night, and Ferdinand reached the Sea Castle at halfpast eleven.

  Sir Gerald and Lady Evans were overjoyed on hearing that Rosemary was saved from a pack of hounds and is safe in Ferdinand’s farmhouse.  He also conveyed her message that she would like to come home the next day, as she was tired and weak, and would like to stay that night.

  The Evans were happy that their prayers were answered, and thanked God for protecting their daughter through Ferdinand.  The governess was the happiest of all.  She was in tears as she thanked him for saving her most beloved child, whom she had brought up like her own.

  Sir Gerald presented a spectacular sword to Ferdinand that had extraordinary works with precious gems on it for his chivalrous act.  He was happy to know that Ferdinand was Oswald’s brother, for he knew a little about the kind Oswald, who was the richest landlord in their village.  They earnestly requested Ferdinand to have supper and stay that night, which in no way he was able to refuse.

  Sir Gerald decided to arrange a banquet on his daughter’s return and wanted Ferdinand to be honored for his chivalry in front of the royal guests.

  Ferdinand was thinking about his love, which was wiping off his sleep for a long time.  He did not tell the Evans of Rosemary’s mission to the Island of Peace, which disturbed him a little. 

It seemed foolish to him as Rosemary was running after an unknown destination; however, he was determined to protect her throughout the mission.

13.THE BEWITCHING SINGER

  Rosemary was waiting in the beautiful garden filled with the most beautiful and exotic flowers of the earth.  The flower beds were shining with dew as the sun rose above majestically.  The sweet scent of the flowers and the twittering of the birds made the place more lively and enchanting.  “This must be one of the most beautiful places on earth,” she thought as she walked around waiting anxiously for Ferdinand.”

  She was bewitched by the songs of the larks and started singing in her musical voice as she sat near the beautiful pond at the center of the garden.  It had beautiful flowering plants, weeds, and swans.  The birds stopped singing to hear the enchanting song of the beautiful young lady.

“Let me see thy eyes

While I am alive

Let me retrospect

Before my memories die

Let me hold thy arm

And walk around with charm….”

She sang all day until evening, waiting for Ferdinand, and was troubled as the sun descended into the west.  Finally, she went to bed, but, being unable to sleep, she once again sang an enchanting song, gazing at the stars and the moon, through the window.

“Let me see thy face

Before I am awake

Let me live my dream

The moonlit sky does wait

Oh, let me hold thy arm

Before I quit my dream.”

The verses confused her that she sprang up from her bed and realized that it was a dream. Rosemary was not able to sleep further for it was dawn, and was surprised to find everyone awake and busy in the household as she came out of her room.

14.THE EVANS AT THE FARMHOUSE

Lady Oswald helped Rosemary to get ready, and gave her the most beautiful dress she had.  It had excellent floral designs on it.  It fit Rosemary perfectly and she was exceedingly beautiful in that lovely dress.

Ferdinand rode towards the farmhouse on his horse elegantly as a prince, and The Evans followed him in a splendid coach followed by their men.

Oswald and his good wife received Sir Gerald Evans and his Lady with much respect as they got down from the coach.  The children gave beautiful bouquets and the Evans received them happily and hugged them with much affection. 

Rosemary embraced her father and his lady who were in tears on seeing her.  She once again felt the warmth of her mother from Lady Evans, her stepmother, who really loved her so much beyond the limits that Rosemary could imagine.

  Sir Gerald thanked the benevolent family for protecting his daughter.  He invited them to the banquet and said that he wanted to honor Ferdinand and the good family for their kindness.  He was glad as they accepted the invitation, and Rosemary was the happiest of all.

  After spending a good time with the family, Sir Gerald Evans and his party set off for the Sea Castle.  Oswald and his wife went into their house talking about further plans for the banquet.  The children were gazing at the coach till it was visible and Ferdinand did not take his eyes off the coach either.

15.THE GOOD FRIEND

Rosemary was busy painting the countenance of Ferdinand in her spacious gallery, and it was almost finished whilst Miss Lenore Winkle, her most beloved friend arrived.  Rosemary was glad on seeing her and they embraced in great joy.

 

Lenore seemed to be different and spoke in a sad attitude whilst Rosemary wondered what was