Moriarty’s Beloved Guest

The man spoke with authority; an aura of regal and royalty surrounded him, and his graceful movements of placing his teacup on the saucer were works of art. Everyone in Britain, without a doubt, is head over heels with this young Earl whose got the looks and wealth.

"Lady Catherine? Is that you?" Albert smiled in astonishment before standing up and walked towards Catherine. "It's been a long time."

"It has truly been a while, Albert. How are you?" Catherine smiled in response.

"I've been great since of late. Truly, your beauty never ceases to flatter anyone around you. Still majestic as ever." Albert complimented in return, which made William and Louis side-eyed each other and smiled in understanding.

"I see you are still a joker as you were back then." Catherine laughs while looking at Albert, on the other hand, Albert smiles while looking at Catherine in a serious manner.

"I am not kidding you, milady. You truly are beautiful. Shining like a star in a galaxy."

Catherine looked at Albert in astonishment after hearing his words. William and Louis who stand silently on the side, smiled at the way Albert subtly telling his impression.

"Then, I am honored of the praise." Catherine blushed hard while responding. At this point, Sebastian Moran arrived in the room along with Fred who fetch him, informing of the presence of the guest.

"I heard we have a guest and a female at that." Moran said while walking towards the group. "Oh! I think I recognize you, Aren't you the daughter of the Faucigny Family? Catherine, was it?" he asked as he looked at Catherine's face.

"Yes, I am. Although I am no longer together with my family, still, I bear the Faucigny name." Catherine replied, giving a curt smile.

"We should head to the dining room; Catherine must be hungry… I'll make sure to cook delicious food for the lady." Louis abruptly cut off the conversation to prevent Moran started making flirty moves on Catherine, especially in the presence of Albert.

"Yes, we should. Come, Catherine, Louis cooks very well. You might find yourself eating three servings of the food. His culinary expertise is truly admirable." William complimented Louis as he guided Catherine into the dining table. Albert followed along with Louis leaving Fred and Moran at the room.

"What's up with them? I never seen them this interested in a woman." Moran commented.

"You should leave Lady Catherine alone. Don't flirt with her, she is special." Fred warned his companion then went off to the Kitchen to help Louis.

"Huh? Special?" Moran thought to himself after what Fred said. With a curious mind, he went to the dining room as well.

In the Dining Room…

"Wow! You are so talented, Catherine. Becoming a doctor at the age of 25, not everyone could achieve this feat. Amazing!" Louis complimented Catherine during dinner. The rest of the people in the table also shared tons of compliments to the lady.

"That's true. I heard that one can only be a doctor if one has attained the qualifications of having experience in the medical field for years. I even hear that the youngest doctor that joined the team was 28 years of age. While Catherine is only 25 and was able to become a doctor. Truly astonishing. A genius, I say!" William smiled as he sings praises to Catherine.

"Please, everyone. I am just doing my job as a doctor. No need to exaggerate your compliments." Catherine tried to steer the topic from herself but to no avail. Giving up, she just listens to their words while eating.

"All these words are true; you deserve much praise. You shouldn't shortchange yourself." Albert commented among the sea of compliments. Catherine shyly looked at him, and after a while, she responded.

"Since you've said so… Then I won't be modest then." Her laugh echoed to the dining room, filling it with her warm presence. 

After that eventful dinner, William asked Catherine for a private talk privately in the study.

"What is the matter, William?" Catherine asked as soon as she sat on the chair. William first served her tea before answering.

"I asked Fred earlier to look for the Lady and to gather information in advance. I hope you wouldn't mind about this."

"No. I am also curious about the situation. Please go on." Catherine nodded her head.

"The girl's name is Frida. She is an 18-year-old woman who has been living in the bar since she was born. She also has a younger sister with whom she cares much. She worked as a waitress in the bar, as repayment for the owner taking care of them. Her situation is not that bad, and considered modest." William handed Catherine some files.

"I see. I'm just worried that if the lady is truly pregnant, the bar is not an ideal place for her to conceive the child. Pregnancy and child rearing are a delicate matter." Catherine voiced her opinion about the matter which William also agreed on.

"That is true. Well… we will see what we can do when we visit tomorrow." William assured her.

The two of them went out of the room, only to be greeted by Albert standing not far from the study room door. William chuckled at the situation.

"Brother, what are you doing standing there? Do you need anything?" William made the first move.

"Uhm.. no. I was just checking if everything is all right. Were you two discussing something?" Albert quickly change the topic.

"Nothing much. We were just talking about a patient of mine, which is his student." Catherine politely explained.

"I see. Well then Miss Catherine, you must be thirsty from all the talking, care to join me for some tea? We have some roselle tea. It's your favorite." Albert extended his hands while William just smiled.

Catherine don't have anything to do after the talk so she gladly accepted the invitation. She turned around to also invite William but the latter decline with the pretext of having some school works to finish.

The two proceed to go to the drawing room, where a freshly brewed tea made by Albert personally was waiting. Catherine sat down across Albert and thanked him after receiving a cup.

"Sir Albert, if you wouldn't mind, can I ask you something?" Catherine took the initiative to ask what was bothering her.

"Please, do tell." Albert gave her a smile as he sip the tea.

"Did you went to the hospital three days ago? I saw you walking away…"

"Oh… that… I-uhm… visited someone nearby and was walking home. I just took a look at the hospital when I heard there was a Medical Mission Group that came to Durham," Albert confidently lied. He couldn't risk telling her that he specifically went outside the hospital just to catch a glimpse of her.

"Oh. I see. Well… I was actually planning to visit here… you know… to say hello." Catherine hid her disappointment very well. She also couldn't risk telling him that she was hoping for him to come.

Silence echoed through the room and it was only when the clock rang to indicate that it was nine o'clock at the evening did the two of them stand up. Louis entered the room to inform then that the carriage is ready for Catherine.

"Well… Albert, I have to go." Catherine sadly bid her farewell and Albert also accompanied her outside. Louis was understanding so he kept distance from the two.

"Catherine, you know, you can visit freely here. You are pretty much welcome." Louis gave his opinion when he notice how the two of them are reluctant to end the day.

Catherine awkwardly laugh when Louis pointed it out. "Of course… Thank you, Louis. By the way, where is William?"

"Brother is still in the study doing paperwork. No worries, I'll tell him of your departure." Louis informed them while pointing to a well lit room at the second floor of the mansion…

"So I'll be on my way then… Goodbye Albert, Louis." Catherine gave Albert a long glance before boarding the carriage.

"See you sometime, Milady." Albert smiled softly, waved his hands and told Fred to drive slowly.

The carriage went on its way, and even when it was out of sight, Albert still didn't leave the porch. Louis also accompanied him silently.