Beyond the Hartfield Gates, A Legacy Unveiled

Julian had a mission.

Julian's mother confirmed his assumptions, and he discovered that Bloom was, in fact, the last in the family to have a magical skill and the eldest daughter of Annabeth and Hector Hurlstone. Now, motivated by a sense of obligation to bring their long-lost daughter back to her family, he was en route to the Hurlstone estate. Other than Bloom herself, he was the only one who knew who she really was and where she was.

He persuaded himself that he had to do it out of duty, not because he wanted to get closer to Bloom without her attempting to kill him. She would be mad at him for this, but what had he got to lose when she already hated him?

Julian believed that although she would view it as arrogant pride, her family should be aware of her fate. I can't hide this for long.

Hurlstone was a long way from Hartfield. The manor was still several hours distant, and he had already been traveling for three days. At times, he wished he hadn't been born into a noble family. Bloom might have trusted him without the restraint she displayed toward highborn people if he had been common. He could have expressed his opinions without worrying about the consequences.

Crossly, he thought, Bad form, lad. You wouldn't have spoken it at all if you weren't a noble person.

Life was really difficult. Why couldn't it be so easy?

Julian had had plenty of time to think throughout the last three days of the long, boring travel. He was aware that he couldn't take back the words he had spoken to Bloom. He would never be forgiven by her. And here he was, ready to exacerbate the situation.

Brooding and feeling terribly miserable the entire way, his thoughts deteriorated as he made the last part of his journey.

A lush, flourishing forest surrounded the Hurlstone manor, which was perched at the foot of a gently sloping slope. He spotted more gardens and plants the closer he went. It made sense for a family of green mages.

His horse was led by servants to a little guest room. Being a small, remote estate, Hurlstone probably didn't get many visitors. With a bed big enough for two people and an adjoining bathroom, the room felt cozy despite its small size. He took out his best clothing and placed his saddlebag on the ground.

A knock on the door was heard. When he answered it, a young lady with brown hair and purple eyes was grinning at him. This child was just like her older sister, so any doubt that Bloom wasn't noble was instantly dispelled. She was around eight or nine, he estimated.

She gave a well-practiced curtsy and added, "My mother, Lady Annabeth, sent me to invite you to dinner with us."

Julian grinned. "I would accept with honor." The small girl giggled as he returned his courteous bow. "Mirada, may I ask what your name is?"

The girl gave a bashful smile. "My name is Annelise," she answered. "My mother also says to let you know that dinner is in twenty minutes and that you can ask Perry, the butler, for anything you need." After giving another curtsy, she bounced down the hallway.

A man who Julian thought was the butler appeared at the door. After giving him a smile, Julian returned inside to change.

After he was done, he requested Perry to escort him to the dining hall and opened the door. The man calmly complied.

Despite its small size, the Hurlstone dining hall had a cozy and inviting feel. In order to create a sense of community where nobility and commoners ate together, a large table was placed on the dais, and several smaller tables were used by the staff. If she didn't decline to come, he reflected absently, Bloom would love that.

There were seven persons at the top table. Annelise sat at the very end, and Julian recognized Lady Annabeth from some social event. A small boy, around eleven or twelve, was standing next to her. At the opposite end of the table were three young ladies and a man who was a few years his senior.

Julian approached and bowed to the dais.

He formally said, "Greetings, milord, my ladies."

Annabeth, the lady, grinned. Julian Hartfield. You were a newborn when I last saw you. I hope your mother, my dear buddy, is doing well.

"Very well done, Madily. She gives her best wishes.

"Sit down, youngling. Let's start our lunch, please. We might retire later, and you can explain to us why you have chosen to make this unexpected trip to the nation. The butler pulled out a chair between the man and the little boy, and she smiled.

With a kind grin, Annabeth said, "Let me introduce my family." "These are Henrik and Aaron, my boys. I think you've previously met Annelise, my youngest. Henrik's wife, Charlene, is this beautiful woman. Aurelia and Diana, my naughty twins, are at the end of the table. Hello everyone, this is Lady Denara's son, Lord Julian Hartfield.

The servants started bringing out the food after the introductions.

Why does Lord Hartfield travel all the way to small Hurlstone, then? As soon as Julian's meal arrived, Henrik asked. "It can't be marriage to our only daughter, can it?" When Annelise grinned at her brother, he waved his hand hazily at her, and he returned the smile.

Julian grinned. No, it's simply business. But I'm afraid that has to wait until after supper.

He couldn't identify which twin was Aurelia or Diana, but he remarked, "My cousin Bryony tells me she recently visited your estate." You simply didn't see her. A few days ago, she went past on her way home.

"Bryony spent a day or two with us. Hearing about her father saddened me.

"So were we," Henrik remarked. "My father's brother, Uncle William, was our closest relative."

Annelise said, "My favorite is Uncle Willie." "He always treats me well, is funny, and brings me candy."