Title: Flower of Love Part: 3 Author: Bubbles Hullo! Bubbles here. You guys are so sweet!! Everyone has been sending me so much fan mail it's unbelievable! You are the best!! I have been struggling to think what would happen next but now, thanks to a few suggestions from my faithful fans, I believe I've got it. This story should be out pretty methodically now. I hope you all like part 3! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- When Serena came to, she found herself lying on a soft surface, not the expected snow. The cold and the smell of the street was gone. 'I'm must be dreaming,' she thought. 'But why let the dream end now?' Serena kept her eyes closed and enjoyed the comfort. Suddenly a foul-smelling substance was thrust under her nose. Serena gasped and her eyes popped open. The world that greeted her was unlike anything she had ever seen. It was a bedroom, that was clear. Pale blue curtains covered the windows. The furniture was of a fine quality. Serena turned her head and saw... Darien. He was there, sitting beside her bed, a relieved expression on his face. "You're all right," he breathed. Serena looked at him, confused. "You fainted in the street. I brought you inside." Serena looked around the room once more. "This is your home?" "Yes." "How long have I been here?" she asked. "Not long. A half hour maybe. I was.. worried about you." 'Actually, my heart stopped and my world collapsed.' "Serena blushed and looked down. Her head snapped back up. "Thank you Dar- Mr. Shields. You're very kind. But now, I must go home. My sister... I must go." She tried to sit up but couldn't. "No! You mustn't go! I mean, You're not well enough to go. My friends Lita and Andrew are doctors, they have gone to get their medical supplies. They left strict instructions that you shouldn't be moved-Serena!" Darien cried out in alarm. Serena had fallen back on the bed and had started to sweat. Her eyes were partly closed. "Please," her voice was a strangled whisper, "please. My sister Ami. She's is so sick..can't walk. I must go to her...please." "I'll send someone. Where do you live?" Darien said. His eyes were filled with worry. "Forty-four Lighton Street..Cheapside. Please..." "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything," Darien promised. Serena gave a slight nod, then drifted off into the unconscious world once more. Darien ran out into the hall calling for a servant. "Hurry up and fetch Andrew!! Hurry!" Darien paced around the front hall, waiting. The door burst open and there stood Andrew and Lita. "Where is she?" they asked. Darien raced up the stairs into Serena's room. She lay so still that horror gripped for a moment. Then an arm was flung out. Andrew and Darien went to Serena's side. They did not need to touch her in order to know that she was burning hot. Heat fairly radiated from her face. Lita ran and got a bowl of cold water and a washcloth. Constant application of the cold water to her face and throat lowered her temperature somewhat. For two days, Andrew and Lita tended to her. Throughout the procedure Serena would often call out. "Stop it! Leave it alone!! The fire!! Noooo!!" Sometimes she would just scream. It pained Darien to see her this way. She seemed to be on the verge of insanity, with no one to pull her back. Andrew gave her a stiff dose of quinine, with Lita and Darien holding down her arms. Andrew looked at Darien. "It is 9:00 by my watch. Darien, I'm going to go to Serena's sister. Lita you should get some rest." His sister left the room. As Darien was about to do the same, Andrew spoke to him. "Darien..You do know that she is very ill. With her condition, and the looks of the fever..she may not survive the night." Andrew left him in a stupor. Darien turned back into the room and stared at the figure lying on the bed. Her face was pink from the fever, and yet she shivered. Her hair clung to her forehead. Darien knelt by the bed and grasped her hand. It was warm, too. "Serena," he said softly, "Serena, please don't leave me. I have not known you, I realize that, but, please don't leave. Since I first met you, I knew you were special. Andrew said it was pity, but I know that isn't true. What I felt, couldn't have been pity. I had never felt this before. I have dreamed that you feel the same way. Please. Don't leave without me knowing if..you..feel..." Tears started to roll down his cheeks. "Serena! You can't leave me. I won't let you. I won't. I promise." And so, throughout the night, Darien stayed with her. He held Serena back. The Next Day.... Darien was shaken awake by Andrew. He had slept on his knees by Serena's bed. He still clasped her hand. "Darien. Darien. Look," Andrew said. He gazed at Serena. Her face was peaceful and cool. She no longer shook nor cried out. "She survived the night. It's a miracle. Come downstairs and eat. It's nearly tea time. Lita didn't want to wake you. She will tend to Serena now." And so, with one last glance at the sleeping girl, Darien accompanied his friend downstairs, leaving Lita in charge. Serena opened her eyes. She was still in the blue room. She was afraid it had all been a dream. This time a lady, not Darien, occupied the chair next to her. The woman looked up. "Ah, so you're finally awake Serena. You have given us quite a scare." "Did I? What happened?" "You mean you don't remember? You have been terribly sick for almost three days. You have had the fever. We were all quite worried about you." "Am I still in Darien's home?" "Yes. And you won't leave for at least three days. you're as weak as one of God's kittens." "Three days! I cannot stay here that long! My sister would-" "Andrew is taking care of her. Don't worry. We have made sure that she has had lots of food and medicine. The two sick sisters." The lady smiled. "Who are you?" "Oh, excuse me. My name is Lita. Andrew is my brother. We're both doctors. Darien is an old family friend." "Ah." Serena paused to process all the new information. "Lita, I hate to be rude but do have anything to eat?" "I was waiting for you to say something about that. I had a tray made up for you." And so, Serena spent the evening with Lita, eating and talking. Serena found out that Lita was not married, but a had sort of 'boyfriend' named Kenneth. She also discovered that Andrew was engaged to a lady named Mina. Lita had been about to say something about Darien and Mina, but she had quickly shut her mouth. Serena sensed that this was a private matter, and did not press her on it. "Now," Lita said as she rose out of her chair, "you must sleep to build up your sleep." She tucked the thick blanket around Serena's chin. "Good night. You are a blessed girl. I will be here when you wake up." Lita blew out the lamps and left. Serena settled down into the bed and closed her eyes. It was the first peaceful sleep she had had in a long time. Meanwhile.... Lita walked downstairs and into the library. Darien jumped up. "Is she all right? Will she be okay?" Lita grinned. "Don't worry so much Darien! She's fine and she's sleeping like a baby so don't go up and disturb. Serena really is the sweetest thing. She told me about her sister. How is Ami, by the way?" Andrew frowned slightly. "Well, her sister's constitution is very weak. I can tell that she has been sick most of her life. She can barely walk. But, I think that if Ami stays on the medicine I gave her, she should get better by the end of the month." "Good," replied Lita. "Andrew, Lita, do you think you could stay the night? I don't want to be alone if Serena has a relapse of the fever. I would feel better if you were here." "Of course Darien. I'm going to retire. Goodnight Andrew. Goodnight Darien." Lita kissed their cheeks and went up to bed. "I wouldn't worry too much about a relapse Darien. Serena is a strong girl. Goodnight." Andrew and Darien both went up to bed. The Next Morning.... Serena was sitting up in bed. She felt a lot better. She still couldn't believe that she was here, in Darien's home. 'I wonder if Mr. Shields is fond of me. He has been so kind. But I must be dreaming. He just has a kind nature.' Suddenly, Lita walked into the room. "Good morning Serena. How did you sleep?" "Fine. There was nothing to interrupt me. It was wonderful." "Good. You have a visitor Serena. A Mr. Gregory Jones." Serena's face lit up. "Gregory came to see me! How nice of him! Where is he?" "I'll send him in." Lita left the room just as Gregory walked in. He kissed Serena's cheek and sat beside her. "Serena, dear, how are you? Ami is quite worried about you." "I am feeling better Gregory. Mr. Shields has been so very nice to me. I feel quite spoiled. How is Ami?" "She is doing better, thanks to Andrew. He has given her some medicine so hopefully she will get better. Ami is also worried about.." he hesitated. "What everyone will think." Serena finished. Gregory nodded as she continued "She is worried about what people will think when they find out I have spent 3 days in the home of Darien Shields." Gregory nodded again. "Ami is always worried about what society thinks." "She wants to know when you will come home." "Lita said in about two days." "Good. Ami was afraid that you would miss our wedding. After all, we do marry next week." "I know Gregory, and I wouldn't have missed it for the world." Gregory stayed for about a half hour more. When he left, Lita came back into the room. "My, you two certainly had a lot to talk about." "He has been a great comfort to my sister and me." "Are you...uh.." Lita looked slightly embarrassed. "Oh no! He is engaged to my sister! We aren't..no." Serena brushed away a stray hair, then looked at her hands. They were still smudged with soot and were sticky. In fact, her whole body felt that way. Dirty. She stood out in the clean room. Lita saw her stare at her hands. "Serena, how would you like a bath?" Serena looked up at her wonderingly. "A real bath? Oh please!" So Serena had her bath. Lita helped her undress and get into the tub. It was filled with steamy hot water. Serena sank into it. The warm water washed away the fever, the memory of the street, everything. She inhaled deeply and could smell the soap. Lita poured hot water over her hair, rinsing the grime out of it. Then Serena just sat there, the bubbles gliding over her skin. She had not had something as luxurious as a bath in what seemed like a lifetime. The bath did, however, bring back more memories. The memory of bubbles and laughter. Serena shook her head and then dried herself off with the white, fluffy towels Lita had brought her. When she asked for her clothes, Lita told her that they had been thrown out. "We can't have you going around in garments as threadbare as that! I brought a few dresses that were too small for me. Perhaps they will fit you." As she tried on the clothes, Lita kept complimenting her. "My what broad shoulders you have! They'll make your waist look as small as a pin." "Your hair is so pretty, will you let me braid it?" It turned out that most of the gowns fit, but Serena chose the plainest one. It was pale blue and bit of white lace around the collar and cuffs. Serena did let Lita braid her hair. In fact, by the 3:00, Serena looked like a lady. Carefully, the two women walked down the stairs, Lita supporting Serena most of the way. They walked into the library where the gentlemen were waiting. Upon the opening of the door, both men rose to their feet. Darien stood, awestruck, at the sight before him. Serena looked beautiful. The dress complimented her eyes and her hair seemed to glow with a soft sheen. Serena wore no jewelry but Darien knew that she didn't need it. Her pale skin was lightly dusted with freckles. Andrew noticed his friend's stupor and nudged him. "Good evening Serena. I'm so happy to see that you're feeling better," Andrew said as he kissed her hand. Darien felt a flame of jealousy soar through him. "I am glad also that you are well," he murmured. Serena blushed slightly, unused to all the attention. "Tell me Mr. Jones, how-" "Andrew, please." She smiled. "Andrew, how is my sister? Gregory said she was well, but I want to be sure." "Of course. Your sister will be fine. She also had a slight case of the flu but if she continues to take the medicine I gave her, I am quite sure that Ami will recover. You are the other hand need at least two more days of rest I am sure." "You have been very kind. All of you. I don't know how to thank you enough." Serena looked at host. "Thank you Mr. Shields. Without your help, I am almost sure I would still be out on the street." Darien looked as if he wanted to melt. "Anyone would have done the same." "If you think that sir, you do not know London." The evening carried out in the same graceful tone. Andrew spoke of subjects that Serena could talk of, Lita kept the gentlemen from dominating the conversation, and Darien kept her comfortable. He couldn't believe how much she had changed. Serena had gone from the Little Match Girl to lady. She had impeccable table manners and she laughed in all the right places. Between courses, Darien managed to get a really good look at Serena and she did look a lot like Mina. They could practically pass for relations. 'Come along Darien,' he thought, 'let's not take the wishful thinking to an impossible height, shall we?' However, their evening was short. Serena was still rather weak and had to retire early. Lita and Andrew went home, for they were also tired. Darien stood at the bottom of the stairs, staring at Serena's closed bedroom door. 'So close, and yet so far,' he thought wryly. "Excuse me sir, but this message was left for you," Walters interrupted. "Thank you." Darien opened the note. It was from Seiya. It read: 'Hullo Darien! Hope you have given a little thought to my idea. I will come and see you around two tomorrow. Sweet dreams.' Darien clenched the note. It folded into a tight ball. How dare he?! Darien could barely think of Seiya as his brother. But he held Darien on a tight rein. He had Mina's love letters. Darien did not know what he would do. Perhaps the night would bring answers. The Next Day.... Serena stretched her arms and rolled her head back. This bed was so comfortable. She would miss it when she went back home. 'That's not all you'll miss.' Serena sighed. She would miss Darien. A lot. A whole lot. 'Well, if all else fails, I could still sell my flowers across the street.' She got out of bed and grabbed her wrap. Then she noticed the night stand. Upon it lay a single pink rose, with a note attached. Serena picked up the flower and smelled it. It's scent was light yet beautiful. She opened the note. 'Dearest Serena. Good morning. I saw this rose and immediately thought of our meeting...and you. Darien.' Serena smiled to herself, then frowned. What would Ami say? She could hear her now... "Accepting flowers from a man you barely know? It's bad enough that you are sleeping at his house! Really Serena, be sensible." 'I must speak to Mr. Shields about this.' Serena hugged her wrap closer to her body, as if it would calm her beating heart. It didn't. She walked downstairs, gathering up her nerve to tell him that he shouldn't have given her the flower. "Excuse me, Walters?" She asked. The old man turned. "Yes, madam?" "Where is Dar- Mr. Shields?" "Out madam. He did not mention where he was going, but he gave assurances that he would be back soon. You might try waiting for him in the library. That is where he usually goes when he returns home." "Thank you," she said and went into the suggested room. Walters smiled. Mr. Shields had taken a great liking to this girl he could tell. No one else would mutter words like 'Serena' and 'love' in their sleep. Serena looked around the library. It was an impressive room. The walls were a forest green and luxurious sofas seemed to be just waiting for someone to sit on them. A piano sat in the corner, unused. Serena sat down at the bench and opened the lid. The keys were a vision of ivory. They were so smooth and perfectly round. The pressed one down. The note was a ray of light breaking the silence as one breaks the darkness. She held it down again. It's brilliance was the same. Serena closed her eyes and pressed the key next to it. She put both hands down on the piano and began to play. Serena was so absorbed in her music that she did not hear the door open. Darien came inside his house grumbling softly. He had spent the morning trying to find Seiya hotel, but to no avail. Then he heard the soft strains of Mozart. "Walters, how is playing the piano?" "Miss Serena I suppose sir. I told her to wait in the library for you. Did you want some lunch sir?" But Darien gave no answer. He wandered to the library like a man in his sleep. Opening the door as quietly as possible, he stepped inside the library. He saw Serena sitting at the piano. Her back as straight as a rod, her eyes closed. She was playing the sonata perfectly. There was no sheet music to guide her, but she knew every note. "Serena," he breathed. Her eyes flew open and the music stopped abruptly. She turned. "Mr. Shields! I was, uh, I-" "Where did you learn to play like that?" "Play sir?" "The piano. I was listening to you. You had the music memorized. Can you do it again?" "I don't know how to play the piano," Serena said, looking confused. "Yes you do! I was here. I saw you playing!" Serena turned to the piano. She gently stroked a key, then let her finger glide over it. "I...sir..please excuse. I have a terrible headache." Serena sat down on the bench and held her head. Darien rushed over to her. "I'm sorry for pressuring you. Allow me to help you upstairs." Serena nodded. He supported her all the way up the stairs and into bed. "Rest, Serena." She nodded again and Darien went out, but not without one long lasting look at her. Darien returned to the library and sat down at the piano. She had been playing it, he was sure of that. But where did she learn how to play? And Serena had known the music like the back of her hand. It seemed to be coming from her subconscious. Darien looked at the piano again. What had caused her to play? An hour later Serena was still sitting in bed. This time however, Gregory was at her side. "How are you today Serena?" "Very tired Gregory. Mr. Shields says he found me playing the piano downstairs. I don't even know how to play the piano!" Gregory looked at her. "You did lose your memory when you were thirteen. Who knows what know what kind of life you led? You could have been a princess for all we know!" "But that's pretty unlikely, isn't it?" They both laughed. Suddenly, their pleasant conversation was interrupted by loud, angry voices coming from downstairs. Serena got out of bed and ran silently down the steps, with Gregory on her heels. The noises were coming for the library. Serena stood outside the closed door and tried to listen. She recognized Darien's voice. "Curse it man! You haven't given me anytime! 7,000 pounds is a lot of money. Mina marries in three weeks! I have to have some time to gather up that amount of money!" "Don't lie. You have the money. I'm sure of it. And you won't see these letters until I have my money. Good bye Darien." The door flew open and then banged shut. Serena and Gregory jumped behind the potted plant. The man who had emerged looked startlingly like Darien. He stormed out the front door. "Gregory! Quickly, follow him!" "But Serena-" "Hurry Gregory! It's he least we can do for Mr. Shields! Hurry!" Serena cried. Gregory leapt to his feet and ran out to follow the mysterious young man. Serena, on the other hand, opened the door to the library. Darien was sitting at his desk, his head down. "Mr. Shields?" She inquired softly. He raised his head and was about to stand when Serena motioned him not to. "Are you all right? I heard some yelling." "I could be better," he smiled grimly at her. "Is there anything I could to do help you?" "Not unless you can work miracles. But, why would you want to help me?" Darien stood up and walked toward her. "Why Serena? Why?" Serena's eyes were locked with his and she was unable to look away. "You've been so kind to me I..." she faltered. Darien was holding her hand. "You wanted to repay me? No other reason?" He brought her hand to his lips. "I don't..." Darien was kissing her fingertips, the back of her hand, her wrist.. Serena quickly withdrew her hand. "Serena?" "I..I-" She turned abruptly and rushed out of the room. Darien could hear her footsteps retreating upstairs. He ran his fingers through his black hair, silently cursing himself. How could he do that?! What sort of idiot was he? 'Curse it! You've scared her away! She'll never talk to you again!' Serena stood in her bedroom, thinking. Her hand still quivered from his kisses. So light and gentle... 'Stop that! Mr. Shields was just- All right I don't know what he was doing! But that never should have happened! Good going girl, now you're in love with him!' That evening Serena dined in her room. Darien only picked at his food. Both Andrew and Lita noticed his odd behavior but knew better than to question it. Darien's temper was easily set off when he was in such a mood. The Next Afternoon.... Lita was in the spare bedroom, braiding Serena's hair. Serena was also wearing a new dress, the dress that Lita had given her in fact. Lita had also given her a basket of food to take home to Ami. They walked downstairs together. Lita was snuffling softly into her handkerchief. Andrew was waiting for them at the door. He kissed Serena's cheek. "Good bye Serena. I'll miss you. You've been a wonderful patient." She smiled. "Good bye Andrew. Where is Mr. Shields? I..wanted to thank him." Andrew brow furrowed. "I don't know where he is. He said he had business to attend to but he did say for me to give you this package. He doesn't want you to open it until you get home. I'm sorry he's not here to wish you good bye Serena." He helped her into the carriage. "Good bye Lita," Serena said. "Thank you so much for what you've done! Good bye!" She called as the carriage drove away. In no time at all the driver pulled up in front of Serena's home. It looked so shabby compared to Darien's grand house. 'Come on Serena, you knew the dream wouldn't last forever.' Serena grabbed her parcels and ran inside. "Ami! Ami!" She called. "Oh Ami!" Serena ran into her sister's waiting embrace. "I missed you so much!" "And I you! I can't believe you spent all that time in a man's house! You simply must tell me everything!" By the time Serena had finished telling Ami about her 'trip', it was dinner time. Gregory had dropped by and was having dinner with them. "What was in that parcel Mr. Shields gave you by the way?" Ami asked. "Oh! Goodness I had quite forgotten about it." Serena said. Taking some scissors, she slit the brown paper open to reveal...three new dresses. "Oh my." The first gown was of a pale pink. The cloth was plain but tiny silken rosebuds Lined the cuffs and collar. It's skirt was full and there were tiny rose etching at the hem of the bodice. The next dress was a light purple. The neck was high and lacy. The a large purple bow was at the collar and the belt was a fine satin. There was even a hat to match! It was to fit high on the head; white and purple flowers crowned it. That last garment was not a dress, but a coat. The material was thick and lined. It was a deep green, much like the walls of Darien's library. It was finished off by the brown fur at the collar and the matching muff. Ami and Gregory stared at the presents wide-eyed. It was Serena who spoke first. "Ami, try on the purple gown. It would do good for a wedding dress." "Serena! How can you even think of accepting these gifts! They must have cost hundreds of pounds! We must-" "Ami," Gregory interrupted gently. "Mr. Shields has been very kind. He would be hurt if we tried to give these dresses back. Please try on the purple dress. I'll bet you look lovely in it." Ami was about to protest again but one look at her fiancee made her be quiet. Picking up the dress, she walked into the other room, shut the door, and proceeded to undress. Gregory looked at Serena. "I'm glad we are alone. I managed to follow that fellow. He stopped at a few pubs but I believe I found his hotel. It's called The Goat's Head." "Wonderful Gregory. We should go there tomorrow night and try to get those letters." "You mean break in?!" "But of course. How else would we get them?" Just then Ami walked back into the room. The dress fit her perfectly, or at least, Gregory seemed to think so. He stared at her. "Ami, you were sent from heaven." He stood up and kissed his bride to be. Ami blushed. "Oh! Before I forget! Serena, I was reading the paper when I came across a Help Wanted ad. Someone is looking for a lady's maid. It's there on the table," she said. Serena picked up the newspaper and read the advertisement. "Well, tomorrow it looks as if I'll be going in for an interview. Mina McMullen is in need of a maid." ---------------------------------------------------------------- Yeah! It's done! I hope you guys liked it. I kept getting letter about how people wanted it to be longer so I hope I complied. Stay tuned for part 4! -Bubbles