Franklin stood in front of the full length mirror, as he brushed his hair. He had on a three piece silver blue suit and black suede shoes to match his black belt. His suit was pressed exactly the way he liked it. He smiled, running a hand through his now brushed hair. After tonight, he was going to make Evangeline his. She would not be able to refuse him after she has heard the offer he has for her, he beamed proudly.

A knock sounded at the door and he turned. "Come in". He called out, turning again to gaze at himself infront of the mirror.

"Your grace". Ella bowed from where she stood behind him. He could see her through the mirror.

Turning, he observed the girl. Her face was bruised, and so were her arms. Her clothes looked unkempt and torn in places.

"What happened to you?". Master Franklin asked the lass.

"Your grace. I have something to tell you". She imbibed her saliva before continuing to speak. "There is something you need to know".

"Can this not wait until after the ball. I am already running late". He frowned. He did not want to anger Valencia. Until he got what he wanted from the woman, he was willing to give her what she wanted; a wedding.

"No your grace". Ella shook her head vigorously. "This is very important. It can not wait. It is concerning Evangeline".

Master Franklin's ears perked, suddenly, he was interested in what the maid had to say concerning Evangeline.

"Speak". He commanded, staring directly at her.

Franklin began to pace the room, feeling agitated as Ella narrated everything that had transpired within the few hours he had arrived in Milford. He moved to pour himself a drink. He could not believe that Sevêren, his childhood friend and best friend, had lied to him in this manner. Sevêren did fansy Evangeline but he had denied it, only to go and kiss her?. What was worse, Evangeline had lied to him too. She had bluntly told him several times that she belonged to no one, now Ella has revealed that Evangeline belonged to his worse enemy. Evangeline is the mistress of his uncle.

"Leave me, I do not wish to be disturbed at this moment". He said to Ella, waving her away.

"Yes your grace". She bowed. "I hope this revelation would open your eyes to see the kind of person Evangeline is. My Sevêren was just a helpless man caught up in her web".

"I said leave!". Master Franklin hissed at her.

"Forgive me your grace". Ella scurried out of the room.

Once out of Master Franklin's chamber, Ella grinned triumphantly. Finally, she would be rid of Evangeline, then she will no longer have to compete with her for Sevêren's love and attention.

Hurrying out of the estate, she made her way to the servants quarters, smiling happily. This ball was indeed going to be one to remember. She was sure of it. The Earl would definitely have Evangeline sent back to Castor for good. After changing out of her clothes, she rinsed herself and got dressed for the ball.

******

Picture of Ella

"Ella!". Mrs Clarkson hissed when she saw Ella make her way into the kitchen. "Where have you been since morning. I will not condone this type of tardiness!".

The ball had already started and the guests had arrived. Maids filed out of the kitchen, carrying glasses on serving trays, filled with sparkling wine while others carried trays of assorted meat to the ballroom.

"Mrs Clarkson forgive me". Ella put on an act. "I know I should have informed you before leaving the estate but my mother was unwell and I had to attend to her". She lied smoothly.

Mrs Clarkson glared at her. "The next time you repeat this, you will loose your job. Poor Evangeline had to do all the laundry by herself because Yvette was cleaning the rooms".

Ella rolled her eyes mentally. "Forgive me. It will never happen again".

"It best not!. Now take the tray and hurry in to the ball room and serve the guests". Mrs Clarkson instructed.

"With pleasure". Ella beamed.

*****

I spotted Evangeline the moment I entered the ballroom. For a moment, I forgot why I was angry at her. The red dress she wore clung to her body like a second skin, the neck hung low enough to show off the top of her creamy boosom. Her long brown hair was pinned above her head to expose the delicate flesh of her neck.

I itched to touch her. To kiss her succulent lips which she licked every now and then as she served the guests. Her hips swayed dangerously with every step she took and she had the attention of every male in the room, and some females.

I glowered lowly when I saw the Duke of New Bridge approach her. He leaned closer to her, casually placing his hand around her waist as he whispered something into her ear. Evangeline went rigid briefly before she shook her head, stepping away from him. The duke looked offended.

It was obvious what he had offered her. Any other maid would have jumped at the opportunity but not Evangeline. She had bluntly refused to be the duke's companion for the night in exchange for some good fortune. That is why Ella's story about Evangeline being the mistress of my uncle did not sit well with me. Lord Nathaniel Hawthorne, duke of new Bridge was a powerful and wealthy duke and a lot of females have fought to be in his bed yet Evangeline had refused. That was not a trait of a promiscuous woman.

I did not quite understand what her mission was though, here in Milford, If my uncle is her lover. Surely, there must be a reason for her to leave Castor, and for Philip to claim that she belonged to him instead of Lord Lancelot.

I made my way towards her. I had to speak with her. Today, she would have to tell me the truth or else I would be forced to get it out of her through other means. One thing was for sure however....... I was never going to let Evangeline go. Even if she indeed belonged to my uncle!.

******

Lord Lancelot Hemmington stood at a dark corner in the ballroom with a cigar in his hand. He had only just arrived, taking the spot he was in, in order to observe his surroundings. It has been twenty eight years now since he was last here. The Earl before, had thrown a party to celebrate the birth of his new born son. Being the brother in law to the Earl's wife, Lord Lancelot and his wife had been invited at the time.

Lord Lancelot remembered how beautiful the Lady of the Earl's household looked that fateful night. Her blue gown complimented her beautiful blue eyes, her straight golden hair; curled into a beautiful hairdo. He remember how he had foolishly lusted after his wife's sister that night, right in the presence of his wife. It was something he regretted gravely.

Lord Lancelot loved his late dearly yet that had not stopped him from lusting after other women. He liked to indulge himself in the company of other women to satisfy his sexual edges but he always came home to his lovely wife.

That night, he had taken a walk in the garden of the Milford estate and found Lady Rosa sobbing by herself. This was a joyous occasion for her, he had thought that she would be partying along with the others having finally brought fourth the heir of Milford.

Being the charmer that he was, Lord Lancelot found a way to get Lady Rosa to trust him. There, she had confessed that she did not bare the child. One of the Earl's mistresses had taken seed and bore him a son. Seeing that he and his wife have been married for long without the fruit of the womb, the Earl had the child taken from the mother and had her killed.

Lancelot was however not surprised by this revelation. He and the Earl were alike in most things. He would not have hesitated to do the same thing if the situation was presented before him. He however did not tell her that. Instead, he took advantage of her vulnerable state and had his way with her that night, and many nights after without any one knowing until he had finally put a stop to it. He grew tired of her and desired to move on to the next.

That was the last he saw of her until he heard she had delivered another son. Two weeks after the second son was born, the illegitimate son of the Earl disappeared without a trace till this day, making Franklin the sole heir of Milford estate and lands.

Lord Lancelot sighed. Deciding to have a taste of the sparkling wine, he gestured for a servant to bring him a glass. Taking a sip of the wine, his eyes roamed the ballroom, settling on his nephew. He had only seen the boy once, on his tenth birthday. Lord Lancelot's wife had brought the lad over to spend the day with her.

Now, he had to admit that the lad had grown into a fine young man. He however did not have any of his late father's features. Lancelot noticed. The former earl was a heavy man with golden hair just like his wife. He also had green eyes and a darker skin tone.

Franklin, however, was a buff young man with dark hair and blue eyes. Lancelot frowned, he wondered for a moment if indeed the boy was his brother in law's son. Brushing away the thought just as it came, Lord Lancelot followed Franklin's gaze, seeing that it landed on a beautiful maiden with a curvy body in a red dress.

Evangeline

He felt his lungs loose their usefulness. By god he had missed her. She looked more beautiful that the last time he had seen her. He however did not appreciate the attire she wore, neither did he appreciate the lustful eyes on her. He felt jealous that every other man in the room was staring at what only belonged to him.

He left his spot the moment Franklin made his way towards Evangeline. Taking long strides, he got to her before the lad could, grabbing her right arm roughly and causing the silver tray in her hands to fall to the floor while making loud cluttering noises.

Evangeline turned so pale she could pass for a white sheet of paper. Never in her life had she been so frightened of a person. She visibly shook at her knees and felt the need to ease herself suddenly. Even so, sparks erupted where he touched. His tight grip on her arm only sending waves of undeniable pleasure through her. Unconsciously, she inched closer, unintentionally inhaling his scent. By god she feared this god like creature but she had to admit that she had missed his touch.

What has come over you woman?!. Her subconscious screamed at her.

Ella noticed the scene which was about to unfold, she stood by the duke of New Bridge as she watched Master Franklin make his way towards where Evangeline and Lord Lancelot stood. The duke of New Bridge had his hand on Ella's behind as he indiscriminately caressed it. Ella did not mind, after all, she would be spending the night with him for a good fortune.

"Unhand her!". Master Franklin hissed at Lord Lancelot, who had Evangeline in a tight grip. Master Franklin was boiling with rage at the sight of his uncle. "I said unhand her this instant!". He bellowed, causing the whole room to suddenly fall silent.

Guests turned around from whatever they were doing to watch the scene. Evangeline felt utterly embarrassed being the centre of the commotion. Ella looked on, amused. Sara and the other maids looked terrified while some of the guest just wished a fight would ensue already.

Valencia, who was now entering the ballroom with her lover, Anthony, indicated her disapproval at the fact that all attention was focused on the maid instead of her, by hissing out her frustrations. She had spent a lot of funds on the red gown she had on only to show off but her plans had failed because of Evangeline. Oh how she hated this maid.

She hurried down the stairs and stormed towards where the two men where exchanging glares. Grabbing Franklin by the arm, she broke his gaze away from the Duke of Castor. Franklin turned to glare at her instead, he abhorred the sight of her.

"What is the meaning of this?!". She demanded rudely. "You are ruining everything!".

"Stay out of this Valencia!". He barked at her, earning a few gasps from the people around and causing Valencia's face to turn a shade of red.

"You must be Lady Ashwell". Lancelot had a teasing glint in his eyes as he spoke. "Forgive my nephew for his lack of manners. He did not have the proper upbringing of good parents".

"Nephew?". Valencia looked shocked.

"Yes". Lord Lancelot answered casually, briskly pushing Evangeline behind him protectively.

"He never mentioned an uncle". Valencia shook her head.

"I can understand why. Just like his father, he fears me. -".

"Do not mention my father, you murderer!". Franklin seethed.

"My word, Franklin,, behave yourself". Valencia furrowed her brows at him.

"Tis quite alright. You see, my nephew and I do not see eye to eye ever since his father's death".

Valencia nodded in understanding even though she could not quite understand what the problem was which had caused uncle and nephew to detest each other. Standing there, she however noticed the similarities between the two. Franklin did not have the duke's height, but he had his hair colour. The shape of his face was a replica of the duke's, and their actions matched each other.

"You are not welcome here!". Franklin seethed, snapping her out of her observations.

"I was invited. However, I do not wish to stay long. I have found what I came here for, so I shall take my leave".

He turned to leave, taking a shuddering Evangeline's hand in his, when Franklin grabbed the duke's arm and yanked Evangeline away from him.

"She is going nowhere with you. Evangeline is mine!". He seethed, blocking the duke from taking Evangeline from him.

"What?. What are you saying Franklin?!. Have you taken leave of your senses?!". Valencia seethed.

"Shut up Valencia!. Return to your chamber this instant. I am in no mood to deal with you right now".

"You do not want to test me lad. I will break your neck and feed you to the vultures". Lord Lancelot threatened, his eyes glaring dangerously at his nephew.

Franklin whimpered, averting his gaze from the man. He now understood why his uncle was feared. The man could simply instil the fear of him in anyone just by glaring at them. He was however not going to back down. His uncle had deprived him of his parents, he would be damned if he did nothing and let him take away the only woman who made him feel alive.

Sevêren had just entered the ballroom, when he saw the scene, he rushed to Franklin's side. "By god what is going on here your grace?!". He whispered to Franklin.

"Have this man removed from my property". Franklin ordered, having found new courage to face the Duke with Sevêren by his side.

"I shall not leave from here until I have what I come for". He stated sternly. "You do not want to upset me lad".

Franklin laughed nervously. "I do not fear you uncle. You do not frighten me in anyway. The girl stays me and that is final".

"I have had what belongs to me taken once. I shan't let it be repeated. I am not a patient man Franklin, it will do you good and everyone here to give Miss Evangeline to me".

"I have had enough of this little exchange, your grace". Franklin mocked. "My father must have tolerated you. But this is where this foolishness ends". He smirked. "Guards!". Master Franklin bellowed for his guards but none came. He did so repeated but none came.

The smug smile of Lord Lancelot's face told the lad he had lost this fight. And indeed he was right as fifteen guards of duke Lancelot came marching into the ballroom. Lancelot stepped towards Franklin, his hands behind him as he grinned triumphantly.

"As much as I would like to stay the night here, being that we are family and all, I would not like to inconvenience you". He intentionally let his eyes linger on Evangeline's body. "She is a screamer, she might disturb your sleep". He smirked.

Franklin aimed to punch the duke but he missed, falling over a table and crushing to the floor. Sevêren rushed to his side to help him but the Earl shoved him away, standing to his feet on his own. He had lost. The man who had killed his father had humiliated him today. His hatred for Lancelot grew even more powerful.

"Take her". He sounded defeated.

"She was never yours to give". Lancelot tittered, taking Evangeline's hand in his.

Ella nearly cheered at her triumph and Valencia could not be more happy that the Earl had finally decided to let the dreaded maid leave.

"Even so". Franklin stared at Evangeline. She was in tears. What was she crying for?. He frowned. She was a liar. She and his uncle deserved each other. He spat. "I have heard her moan my name when I had my way with her".

Evangeline stiffened. Why was the Earl lying. He was only serving to make her situation worse. She looked at him pleading with him with her eyes but he looked away.

"Take your whore with you!". Franklin seethed. "She is unworthy. You both are alike".

"Do not call her names!". Lancelot sneered, digging his nails painfully into the flesh of Evangeline's arm. She winched but he did not stop. He was seething with jealousy. She had indeed slept with the titled men of Milford.

"Why not?. What do you call a female who has slept with not only one, but two men in the Milford household?!". Franklin continued to taunt.

Lord Lancelot turned to Evangeline, a look of disappointment crossing his face. Turning, he began to make his way out of the ballroom, dragging Evangeline behind him. Franklin followed after him, glad that he was getting the duke upset with his lies.

"Where is your assistant?. I hear he too had tasted your mistress". Franklin called out.

Lancelot halted and turned to his nephew. "Philip is dead, just like your father for trying to take what is mine. Shall I add you to the list?". He chided, pulling a gun out of his pocket and aiming it to the Earl's head.

"Shoot me if you dare. It is common knowledge that you are a killer!". Franklin laughed bitterly.

"No. Please. Stop!". Evangeline cried out, coming to stand between the two me.

"See?. She prefers me. I am the better man". Franklin continued to test Lancelot's patience.

"What is all this nonsense you are spewing Franklin?!". Valencia who had followed the men out of the ballroom hissed. "Would you risk your life for a maid?". She screamed.

Mrs Clarkson heard the commotion and rushed to the corridor where the men stood. The sight of the duke aiming a gun at Master Franklin, made her heart skip a beat.

"Shoot me!". Franklin glowered.

"No. Please!". Mrs Clarkson begged, rushing to cover the Earl with her body. "Lord Lancelot, put the gun away. Please. Do not shoot him, he is your son!".

Tantataaaaa....... Boom!!!...