Princess for brother

Chapter 3

With each passing day, George's presence in the Kembel ancestral palace Кембеловbecame more palpable. He moved like a shadow through the corridors, making small talk with the servants, taking an interest in the estate's affairs, and always looking for meetings with Travis and Ashley. His manners were impeccable, his speech eloquent, and his eyes piercing. But behind this outward courtesy, Ashley increasingly felt something unsettling, as if there were dark depths lurking beneath the surface of the calm.

George began to make his first attempts to attract Ashley's attention. He skillfully chose the moments for meetings, as if calculating each step. One day, when Ashley was walking in the garden, George suddenly appeared from behind the bushes, as if by accident. His appearance startled her, but at the same time something stirred in her-curiosity, perhaps, or an unconscious attraction.

"Miss Kembel," George said with a slight smile, " I couldn't pass up such beauty. Your image is like a picture of a great master come to life.

Ashley blushed slightly at the compliment, but at the same time, she was wary. She wasn't used to such open admiration and didn't know how to react.

"Thank you, Mr. Harris," she said stiffly. — But let's skip the ceremonies and move on to simpler forms of communication.

George bowed his head in agreement, but Ashley could see a hint of dissatisfaction in his eyes. Nevertheless, he continued the conversation, skilfully supporting topics that might interest the girl. He talked about his travels, shared observations about life in London, and even touched on some aspects of managing the estate.

Ashley listened curiously, but in her heart of hearts, she sensed that there was more to this conversation. She couldn't figure out what it was, but her gut told her to be careful.

Meanwhile, Travis grew increasingly concerned about George's influence on his sister. He saw the way Ashley reacted to his words and looks, and a fire of discontent and anxiety burned in his soul. Travis knew that George wasn't as simple as he looked, and that his interest in Ashley could be dangerous.

One evening, when Ashley and George were back in the garden, Travis decided to step in. He walked over to them and tried to contain his irritation.

"Ashley, we have some important matters to discuss. I'm sorry, Mr. Harris, but I have to interrupt your conversation.

George bowed slightly, but there was a hint of displeasure in his eyes. Ashley felt uneasy, as if an invisible wall had formed between her brother and her guest.

After George left, Travis took Ashley aside and said, " I'm sorry.

"Sister, I ask you to be careful when dealing with this person. I don't trust him, and I don't think his interest in you is as simple as it sounds.

Ashley looked at her brother with a puzzled and slightly offended expression.

"You've always been prone to exaggeration, Travis. Mr. Harris is a polite and well-educated man. I don't see any reason to worry.

Travis sighed, knowing that convincing his sister wouldn't be easy. But a strong determination grew in his heart to protect her from the possible threat.

As the days passed, George continued his attempts to get close to Ashley. He sent her small gifts — delicate trinkets, flowers, books - each time choosing what she might like. Ashley accepted the gifts, but in her heart of hearts, she began to doubt George's sincerity.

She often found herself flattered by his attention, but at the same time alarmed. Ashley felt that she was standing on the edge of a precipice, and every step could be fatal. But curiosity and a desire to sort out her feelings kept her in touch with George.

Travis, on the other hand, was getting more and more gloomy every day. He saw his sister gradually succumbing to George's charms, and he knew that he had to act more decisively. But how do you convince Ashley that her life is in danger if she doesn't want to see it?

There was a sense of foreboding in the air of the Kembel Palace. No one knew yet what this conflict of interests would lead to, but everyone felt that something inevitable was about to happen that would change their fates forever.

George watched, waited, and prepared his next move. There was a fire of ambition in his eyes, and a darkness in his heart that no one else knew about yet. His attempts to get Ashley's attention were becoming more insistent, and Travis's displeasure was becoming more obvious. It was as if the Kembel Palace was in the midst of a storm that was about to erupt in all its might.

The atmosphere in the Kembel ancestral palace Кембеловgrew more tense with each passing day. The conflict between Travis, Ashley, and George was gathering momentum, and even the walls of the ancient building seemed to feel the weight of discord hanging over the house. Margaret and Thomas, who had served the family for many years, couldn't stay away. They understood that disagreements between the heirs could lead to sad consequences, and decided to make attempts to smooth the conflict.

Margaret, a housekeeper with many years of experience, knew the character of each member of the family well and was able to find an approach to people. She could see Ashley wavering between curiosity and apprehension, Travis growing increasingly grim with concern for his sister, and George playing his words and actions expertly, like a skilled chess player. Margaret knew that to succeed in her mission, she would need all her wisdom and tact.

Thomas, the head butler, was also deeply concerned about the situation. His loyalty to the Kembel family knew no bounds, and he was willing to do anything to keep the peace in the house. Thomas watched the palace gradually turn into a battlefield, and it pained him to think that such beautiful walls could witness a tragedy.

One morning, Margaret came up to Thomas in the hallway and said softly:"We can't stand by any longer, Thomas. The conflict between the young gentlemen and Mr. Harris is becoming increasingly serious. We need to find a way to settle this.Thomas nodded, looking off into the distance as if thinking of something important."You're right, Margaret," he said. — I think we should step in, too. But how to do this without making the situation worse?Margaret looked at the butler thoughtfully.— We need to talk to each of them separately, get to know their thoughts and feelings, and then try to find a common language. Perhaps if we show them that we are concerned for their well-being, they will listen to our words.Thomas agreed to the housekeeper's plan, and they decided to start with Ashley.

That afternoon, Margaret found Ashley in her room. The girl was sitting by the window, looking out at the garden, her eyes deep in thought."Miss Ashley," Margaret said softly as she entered the room, " may I have a word with you?"Ashley turned to look at the housekeeper."Of course, Margaret. What's bothering you?The housekeeper came closer and sat down in the chair opposite the girl.— I can't help but notice how worried you are about the current situation in the house. Your relationship with your brother and Mr. Harris seems very strained to me.Ashley sighed, looking away."Yes, Margaret, that's true. I don't know what to do. Mr. Harris gives me a strange feeling — on the one hand, he is polite and attentive, on the other — I can't help feeling that there is something dark behind his courtesy.Margaret listened intently, nodding her head."I understand your concerns, Miss Ashley. But remember that Mr. Harris is also a human being, and he may have his own reasons for doing so. Maybe we should give it a shot?Ashley looked out the window thoughtfully."You may be right, Margaret. But I can't forget my brother's concern. Travis thinks George is dangerous, and his opinion is important to me.The housekeeper smiled softly.— Your feelings are quite natural, Miss Ashley. But let's not jump to conclusions. Perhaps we can work together to find a way out of this situation.

Meanwhile, Thomas decided to talk to Travis. He found the young master in the study, where he was studying documents."Sir," the butler said as he entered the room, " I would like to discuss the current situation in the house with you.Travis looked up from his paperwork."What exactly is bothering you, Thomas?"The butler stepped closer and looked at his host.— It seems to me that a conflict between you, Miss Ashley, and Mr. Harris could have serious consequences." We servants are deeply concerned for the well-being of the Kembel family, and I believe we need to find a way to resolve our differences.Travis frowned."Thomas, I appreciate your concern, but Mr. Harris is a threat to Ashley. I can't ignore my concerns.The butler bowed his head.— I understand your concern, sir. But perhaps you should listen to other opinions? Miss Ashley, for instance, is not so adamant about Mr. Harris.Travis sighed, leaning back in his chair."I know, Thomas, but I can't risk my sister's well-being.

After these conversations, Margaret and Thomas spent a long time thinking about how to proceed. They knew that their efforts might be futile, but they still hoped that they would be able to find a common language and help the Kembel family overcome difficulties.

At the same time, George was keeping a close eye on what was happening in the palace. He saw Margaret and Thomas ' efforts, but he didn't think much of them. His plans were much bigger, and he was willing to wait as long as it took to reach his goals.

Ashley and Travis continued to hesitate, torn between their feelings and their fears. The Kembel Palace Кембеловseemed to be waiting for the outcome that could change everything.

As the days passed, the tension in the house grew. Margaret and Thomas continued their efforts to smooth the conflict, but so far their efforts have not brought tangible results. Ashley was talking to George more and more often, and Travis was getting more and more worried about his sister.

Nevertheless, Margaret and Thomas did not lose hope. They believed that they could find the key to solving this difficult situation and help the Kembel family maintain peace and unity. But fate was preparing them for new challenges, and no one knew what they would turn out for the inhabitants of the ancient palace.