Chapter 15 ~ She Has Your Features! ~

• ~ She has your features! ~
• The kitchen staff informed the Earl of Lancashire the moment he entered the kitchen that Lady Isabelle had arrived. William bounded up the staircase, his footsteps echoing against the wood and stone as he took them two at a time. Reaching the upper floor, he paused outside his sister’s private chamber. Drifting through the door, a familiar sound of humming reached his ears.
• With a gentle push, 'I am so glad to see you little sister!' William thought as he stepped inside the room.
• Isabella was putting away the last of her belongings. A smile tugged at the corners of William's lips as he watched her smoothing out wrinkles in her summer dress.
• 'You still have to make sure everything is organized faultlessly!' he thought with warm devotion, “When did you arrive, Bella?” William asked.
• Isabella spends the year travelling abroad, only visiting Ireland for family events. During her absence, Isabella submerges herself in various family-owned businesses scattered worldwide.
• From charming hotels in quaint towns to bustling factories in vibrant cities. She moved from one establishment to the next. Isabella's job was to deal with the physical aspects of the business. Ensuring that each family company functions smoothly and flourishes. Nurturing connections between various families and allied enterprises.
• Isabella knew her brother was there long before he spoke a word. She just wanted him to make the first move. "I have missed you so much!"
• As she had always done, she spun around, rushed over to her brother with a bright smile, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "William!" Her eyes were sparkling with excitement. "It has been too long!"
• His warm chuckle filled the room, "I know!" William returned the embrace.
• The last time they had been at the Mansion together was the previous hunt, which happened a year ago. Lady Isabella adjusted her brother's tie, "So, tell me, William, how are the contestants looking?" She knew the hunt would begin shortly after the contestants had been given the ghost-hunting equipment that William and her brothers had designed.
• Kissing the side of her cheeks, "As always, delicious and completely unaware!" William forced a smile.
• “Oh no!” Isabella placed her hands on her hips. “I recognized that look... what is wrong?”
• William wasted no time explaining the situation to his sister. Flopping down on the edge of her bed. "You know when Mam finds out about Miss Erickson ... she is going to kill Travis for his stupidity!" His tone was low with frustration. "And Miss Erickson!? I have no idea what Mam is going to do about this, but I do have an idea!"
• Lady Isabella gazed into the distance, her mind whirling around several thoughts. “I wonder,” she mused, “just how much Miss Erickson resembles us?” She was genuinely curious about the situation.
• William pinched the bridge of his nose, motioning his head from side to side. He could not believe that Isabella missed the most significant part of the issue. "Seriously Bella!? You are acting as if you are oblivious to the importance of this issue. Did you not hear a word I said? Miss Erickson is a fathlia, and with each minute that goes by, I can smell her ... power!" The wheels of his mind were beginning to turn. "And there is no record of Miss Rosa Erickson anywhere! Not under Lancashire or Erickson. It is as if Rosa doesn't exist!"
• "I already know you or Mam will deal with that ugly situation with Travis." She waved her hand dismissively, "Oh, dear brother!" Isabella cooed! "You can't blame me for being inquisitive about the situation. After all ... there hasn't been an extension to our family in centuries." She crossed her arms over her chest. "I wonder how extensive the bloodline has gone?"
• 'Ever since the necklace has been taken off Miss Erickson's neck, all I can sense is her power!' He had noted to himself the changes in Miss Erickson's energy. William pulled out the necklace that once belonged to his dear, beloved, dead wife. "Miss Erickson has your face! There is no denying it ... She is kin!"
• Isabella's smile expanded. "I have to meet the one who has my face!" She bounced on the heels of her feet.
• William groaned playfully, one side of his lips turned up. "I have extended an invitation for Rosa to join us this evening for tea!"
• "Mam told me she would be in the lounge. We should go there!" Isabella clapped her hands together. "I have to meet the one who has my face!" She giggled, "This is so exciting!" Isabella studied her brother for a moment, "Oh dear brother," she said in a half-scolding tone, "don't look at me like that! This is exciting. The bloodline has carried on."
• William softly scoffed, "And we know what comes with our surname!"
• Isabella motioned with her feet to the door. "The ladies of the family have 'always' been more reasonable. It is the males who have the temper and the violence that follows them." Her hand rested on the door frame. "Come on!"