Chapter 15

Chapter Fifteen- Day Two at Sea, the Evening

-Back in Manchester-

Walter had already bathed and was sitting in his nightdress and robe by the main parlor's fireplace. He felt warm and cozy as he lounged on his sofa and read his book of poetry. His late wife, Eudora, had loved poetry, and after they had married, she would read him different poems every night before they went to sleep. After she had died, Walter had put all her poetry books into a chest and left it in the mansion's basement. He couldn't bear to read the same words Eudora had once so lovingly read to him. After he had straightened his act, however, and had committed to being a good father to Dianna, Walter had found the books again. He had been the one reading them to Dianna as she had fallen asleep. Even after Dianna had been kidnapped, Walter couldn't bear to close up the books again. He would read them very night, because it was the only time he felt close to his missing daughter.

Now he smiled as he read one happy poem after another. Poems about springtime, sunshine, animals running through the soft grass, merpeople swimming with the fish, a baker baking sweets and delicacies. Because he knew his daughter was coming home, he couldn't help but be happy.

Reading also gave him a chance to relax at the end of the day. Not only did he have his work with his shipping and packaging business to be concerned about, but now he immersed himself in preparing for Dianna's return as well. If he wasn't reading over business documents, he was reading the checklist for what he had to do for the ball he was planning in her honor. If he wasn't visiting the factories to see how everything was running, he was busy visiting bakeries to taste food for the ball, or he would go to the dressmaker's to see how Dianna's new dress was coming along. Walter was eager to see Dianna as soon as possible. He had wanted to surprise her in her return with the ball, but he didn't think the preparations would be done in time.

Just as he was finishing a poem about taking a horse ride through sunny meadows, Klara came into the room.

"Sir, a telegram for you." She handed him the note and left the room. Walter saw the address was a town somewhere in France, but not the southern parts where his first telegram from Dianna had been. This town was more in the north, a little closer. It read:

Dear Father,

A storm has delayed us for a couple days. We are staying at a pub in north France. Will be home soon, but at a later date than planned. Will keep you informed on our journey.

Love,

Dianna

Walter closed the letter and sighed. He then realized that the new date Dianna would be arriving on would be her birthday! And the preparations for the ball should be done by then! Imagine Dianna's surprise and happiness when she came home to a birthday ball planned for her!

Walter was disappointed that their reunion would be delayed, but not too unhappy. He believed everything happened for a reason.

~

Author: sorry I kept you guys waiting so long!! Hope you're enjoying the book so far! WARNING- in the following chapters, there will be some material too mature for young readers. Please take caution, and don't continue reading if you're younger than thirteen! THANK YOU! PLEASE let me know what you think and please vote!! Love you guys, thanks for reading, and please enjoy! :))))