2. Chapter 1
Our story truly begins on a sunny May afternoon. Belle Villeneuve returned from her lunch break to find an invitation for an interview with HR Manager, Christine Parsons. The memo was cryptic and didn't explain the reason for this meeting.
At three, Belle went to Ms Parson's office. She was immediately asked in. She was greeted by Ms Parsons and a beautiful, dark-skinned woman in her mid-thirties who was introduced as Penelope Feathers. Although Belle didn't really care for celebrity gossip, when she'd been hired by the RMI, she researched her boss. According to the tabloids, after a few wild years, Adam Beaumont turned into a recluse. Last sensational story about him was from 2005 when he was seriously injured in an explosion. Since then all statements considering both young duke and his company were issued by 'P. Feathers'. Belle could only assume it was the same person.
As she sat down, Belle wondered what the company owner's publicist was doing here.
"Good afternoon, Ms Villeneuve. I apologise for the unexpected meeting, but don't worry. Everything is perfectly all right. Ms Feathers is looking for an employee to transfer to Belmont Hall. You are on a shortlist of our researchers with proper qualifications. I'll let Ms Feathers present her offer".
"How do you do, Ms Villeneuve?" Ms Feathers was smiling. Belle nodded her reply. "I'll go right to business, shall I? His Grace, Duke of Eden is looking for someone to properly curate the estate's collection of artworks and library. The job would require actually cataloguing both collections, writing and publishing its monograph and suggesting how to improve and promote it. His grace would rather have someone already working for the company and not a total stranger. Given your dual degree and linguistic fluency, you're not only on our shortlist, but you're also our best candidate. Of course, you would need to move to Belmont Hall. We wish to offer you a year-long contract for preliminary work. Designing and preparing both databases, preliminary cataloguing, suggesting a promotion. Afterwards, depending on how you would feel in Belmont Hall, either the job would be yours more or less permanently, or your position in RMI would be waiting for you. I have a prospect and a draft of a contract for you to peruse." Ms Feathers handed Belle a thick folder. "I expect you would need a few days to consider our offer? Well, I'm in London until the end of the workweek, so perhaps we could schedule an appointment for Friday morning? Say, ten?"
Belle nodded.
"I just have one question, if I may? Why me? Why not someone older, more experienced?"
"Honestly? You really have the best qualifications, not only among the RMI employees, but we have also headhunted at several universities, museums, galleries, you name it. It's the combination of the languages you're fluent, your art interests, and your proficiency in cataloguing that's unique. Besides-" Ms Feathers hesitated slightly. "Besides, we are asking you to move, hopefully permanently, to Cumbria, of all places. Belmont Hall is very secluded and quiet. Thus we were looking for someone who may not miss too much all the city has to offer, whom we won't be uprooting, whose family won't keep them in London. While we were headhunting, you struck us as a person for whom it wouldn't be too much of a sacrifice."
"Thank you. I guess, although I spent practically my whole life living in big cities, I wouldn't mind living in the country. I will have your answer by Friday"
After they said their goodbyes, Belle returned to her cubicle in a daze. Although she kept working on a project of a streaming service celebrating upcoming Shakespeare's Year, her mind was mulling over the pros and cons of moving North.
At three, Belle went to Ms Parson's office. She was immediately asked in. She was greeted by Ms Parsons and a beautiful, dark-skinned woman in her mid-thirties who was introduced as Penelope Feathers. Although Belle didn't really care for celebrity gossip, when she'd been hired by the RMI, she researched her boss. According to the tabloids, after a few wild years, Adam Beaumont turned into a recluse. Last sensational story about him was from 2005 when he was seriously injured in an explosion. Since then all statements considering both young duke and his company were issued by 'P. Feathers'. Belle could only assume it was the same person.
As she sat down, Belle wondered what the company owner's publicist was doing here.
"Good afternoon, Ms Villeneuve. I apologise for the unexpected meeting, but don't worry. Everything is perfectly all right. Ms Feathers is looking for an employee to transfer to Belmont Hall. You are on a shortlist of our researchers with proper qualifications. I'll let Ms Feathers present her offer".
"How do you do, Ms Villeneuve?" Ms Feathers was smiling. Belle nodded her reply. "I'll go right to business, shall I? His Grace, Duke of Eden is looking for someone to properly curate the estate's collection of artworks and library. The job would require actually cataloguing both collections, writing and publishing its monograph and suggesting how to improve and promote it. His grace would rather have someone already working for the company and not a total stranger. Given your dual degree and linguistic fluency, you're not only on our shortlist, but you're also our best candidate. Of course, you would need to move to Belmont Hall. We wish to offer you a year-long contract for preliminary work. Designing and preparing both databases, preliminary cataloguing, suggesting a promotion. Afterwards, depending on how you would feel in Belmont Hall, either the job would be yours more or less permanently, or your position in RMI would be waiting for you. I have a prospect and a draft of a contract for you to peruse." Ms Feathers handed Belle a thick folder. "I expect you would need a few days to consider our offer? Well, I'm in London until the end of the workweek, so perhaps we could schedule an appointment for Friday morning? Say, ten?"
Belle nodded.
"I just have one question, if I may? Why me? Why not someone older, more experienced?"
"Honestly? You really have the best qualifications, not only among the RMI employees, but we have also headhunted at several universities, museums, galleries, you name it. It's the combination of the languages you're fluent, your art interests, and your proficiency in cataloguing that's unique. Besides-" Ms Feathers hesitated slightly. "Besides, we are asking you to move, hopefully permanently, to Cumbria, of all places. Belmont Hall is very secluded and quiet. Thus we were looking for someone who may not miss too much all the city has to offer, whom we won't be uprooting, whose family won't keep them in London. While we were headhunting, you struck us as a person for whom it wouldn't be too much of a sacrifice."
"Thank you. I guess, although I spent practically my whole life living in big cities, I wouldn't mind living in the country. I will have your answer by Friday"
After they said their goodbyes, Belle returned to her cubicle in a daze. Although she kept working on a project of a streaming service celebrating upcoming Shakespeare's Year, her mind was mulling over the pros and cons of moving North.
~B'n'B~ ~B'n'B~ ~B'n'B~
When she returned home that evening, Belle made a list of all arguments for and against moving to Cumbria. Eventually, the decision wasn't that hard. With a glass of wine and a laptop, she sat on her small balcony overlooking sad, Thatcherite housing estate where she lived and called her father.
After few rings Maurice Villeneuve appeared on her screen.
"Mia Bella! It's Tuesday, what do I owe the pleasure?" He smiled at her. "Just give me a second to save my work- Did I tell you? It's children's books and web series about a cat who lives in a children's bookshop and is interacting with various characters. And I'm designing them! Isn't it wonderful?"
"Yes, Papa, it's great. I'm calling, because-"
"Oh, and the authors are two lovely ladies who started it as an introduction for bedtime stories they read their daughter, and-"
"Daddy! Please, it's important!" Maurice looked at her curiously. "I got a job offer, I guess"
"You guess?"
"Well, yes. I mean- My boss, and I mean Lord Beaumont, not my immediate supervisor, is looking for a curator for his art collection in Belmont Hall."
"And your name is on the list of potentials?"
"Apparently, my name is The List." Belle finished her glass. "I haven't even been interviewed, Papa. I simply got an offer to move for a trial year to Cumbria, organise cataloguing system and such, and get paid three times as much as now, plus bed and board in the main house. What are the odds, Papa?"
"Low, but it's not exactly an unbelievable offer. Mia Bella, they ask you to drop your life for a year-"
"There's a chance it's a permanent position." Belle murmured.
"Which only supports my point. Nobody with experience will be eager to abandon their career path. RMI is your first job after graduation, you don't have family, it's more likely someone like you would be willing to relocate. And you certainly have qualifications for that job. Why are you hesitating?"
"I'm not, Papa, not really. I mean, I want this job, it's an amazing opportunity, and I probably won't ever get a chance like that, it's just that-"
"No buts, mia Bella. You said it yourself. You want this job. End of story. If next May you decide it's not for you, you can resign. Now, read the offer very carefully, and if you're okay with it, accept it and call me, when you'll be moving out."
Belle sighed. She knew that was what she wanted to do.
"You're right. Thank you, Papa. Send me some info about that project of yours, please? I love you. I'll talk to you soon."
"Have a good night, mia Bella."
For a while Belle watched the sunset, thinking about what she would need to do, before moving to Cumbria. She read the draft of her contract once more, wrote down some questions she had for Ms Feathers, and started planning her relocation when she heard her bell ringing. She sighed, closed her laptop and went to answer the door.
On the other side stood her neighbour and almost-but-not-quite-boyfriend, Gaston Jones.
"Can I help you?" she didn't move from the doorway, effectively blocking his entrance.
"Well, good evening to you, my dear." Gaston gave her a dashing smile. Belle shuddered.
"If I may remind you, I'm not, and have never been, your dear. You helped me carry my boxes. We went a couple of times for coffee. We are neighbours. And not for long, actually. That's all. Now, did you want something?"
"Just to see you on this fine evening."
"All right, you saw me. Goodnight."
Belle moved to close the door. Unfortunately, Gaston caught her arm and put his foot inside, blocking the door.
"Get off me and get out."
"Darling, listen-"
"I'm not darling and if you don't let me go, I'll call the police."
Gaston loosened his grip but didn't step back.
"Good. Now get out of my house and don't ever come over, because it was the last time I opened you door. If you ever call on me again, I'm notifying the police. Goodnight." Belle stomped on his foot. When Gaston instinctively took a step back, she shut the door and bolted it.
Now certain it was high time for her to move out, she made herself some tea and began sorting her things. Given she would get bed and board in Belmont Hall, she decided to pack most of her stuff for storage, send her most precious things to her father and take mainly clothes and toiletries with her. She kept packing her apartment until midnight and went to bed sure her decision was the right one.
After few rings Maurice Villeneuve appeared on her screen.
"Mia Bella! It's Tuesday, what do I owe the pleasure?" He smiled at her. "Just give me a second to save my work- Did I tell you? It's children's books and web series about a cat who lives in a children's bookshop and is interacting with various characters. And I'm designing them! Isn't it wonderful?"
"Yes, Papa, it's great. I'm calling, because-"
"Oh, and the authors are two lovely ladies who started it as an introduction for bedtime stories they read their daughter, and-"
"Daddy! Please, it's important!" Maurice looked at her curiously. "I got a job offer, I guess"
"You guess?"
"Well, yes. I mean- My boss, and I mean Lord Beaumont, not my immediate supervisor, is looking for a curator for his art collection in Belmont Hall."
"And your name is on the list of potentials?"
"Apparently, my name is The List." Belle finished her glass. "I haven't even been interviewed, Papa. I simply got an offer to move for a trial year to Cumbria, organise cataloguing system and such, and get paid three times as much as now, plus bed and board in the main house. What are the odds, Papa?"
"Low, but it's not exactly an unbelievable offer. Mia Bella, they ask you to drop your life for a year-"
"There's a chance it's a permanent position." Belle murmured.
"Which only supports my point. Nobody with experience will be eager to abandon their career path. RMI is your first job after graduation, you don't have family, it's more likely someone like you would be willing to relocate. And you certainly have qualifications for that job. Why are you hesitating?"
"I'm not, Papa, not really. I mean, I want this job, it's an amazing opportunity, and I probably won't ever get a chance like that, it's just that-"
"No buts, mia Bella. You said it yourself. You want this job. End of story. If next May you decide it's not for you, you can resign. Now, read the offer very carefully, and if you're okay with it, accept it and call me, when you'll be moving out."
Belle sighed. She knew that was what she wanted to do.
"You're right. Thank you, Papa. Send me some info about that project of yours, please? I love you. I'll talk to you soon."
"Have a good night, mia Bella."
For a while Belle watched the sunset, thinking about what she would need to do, before moving to Cumbria. She read the draft of her contract once more, wrote down some questions she had for Ms Feathers, and started planning her relocation when she heard her bell ringing. She sighed, closed her laptop and went to answer the door.
On the other side stood her neighbour and almost-but-not-quite-boyfriend, Gaston Jones.
"Can I help you?" she didn't move from the doorway, effectively blocking his entrance.
"Well, good evening to you, my dear." Gaston gave her a dashing smile. Belle shuddered.
"If I may remind you, I'm not, and have never been, your dear. You helped me carry my boxes. We went a couple of times for coffee. We are neighbours. And not for long, actually. That's all. Now, did you want something?"
"Just to see you on this fine evening."
"All right, you saw me. Goodnight."
Belle moved to close the door. Unfortunately, Gaston caught her arm and put his foot inside, blocking the door.
"Get off me and get out."
"Darling, listen-"
"I'm not darling and if you don't let me go, I'll call the police."
Gaston loosened his grip but didn't step back.
"Good. Now get out of my house and don't ever come over, because it was the last time I opened you door. If you ever call on me again, I'm notifying the police. Goodnight." Belle stomped on his foot. When Gaston instinctively took a step back, she shut the door and bolted it.
Now certain it was high time for her to move out, she made herself some tea and began sorting her things. Given she would get bed and board in Belmont Hall, she decided to pack most of her stuff for storage, send her most precious things to her father and take mainly clothes and toiletries with her. She kept packing her apartment until midnight and went to bed sure her decision was the right one.
~B'n'B~ ~B'n'B~ ~B'n'B~
Next morning Belle called her landlord to let go of her lease. Luckily, her lease required only two-month notice. Then she arranged for the movers to pick most of her stuff on the weekend.
She spend rest of the week in a daze. At work Belle tried to concentrate on finishing her last project. While she was passionate about Shakespeare online and she made some actual progress, time after time her thoughts returned to the new contract draft tucked safely in her bag. At home she sorted through her stuff and packed her books and most of her kitchen utensils to go to storage.
Finally the Friday came. At ten Belle met woth Ms Feathers in one of the conference rooms.
"Please, let it be a yes," she plead.
Belle nodded and smiled.
They quickly went through the contract and Belle's additional questions. Then Ms Feathers explained the life in Belmont Hall and arranged for her transport. As Belle didn't have a car, someone was to drive her from the nearest train station in Langwathby. Afterwards, they went to Ms Parsons office, where Belle's superior, Jack Libret was already waiting for them. Belle quickly signed the annex to her contract that delegated her for a year to Belmont Hall.
"As much as I'm going to miss you and your work ethics," smiled Libret. "I'm so jealous you're the one to move to Cumbria. From what rumours say, the library in Belmont Hall is beyond any imagination."
"Oh, it is, I can assure you." said Ms Feathers. She took a copy of the annex. "I must bid you goodbye. Ms Villeneuve, I shall see you next Saturday."
After she left, Belle quickly discussed with Ms Parsons and Mr Libret her last week in RMI headquarters. They decided she would keep working on Shakespeare online until Wednesday, and then would pass it on to Sam Fleisher.
Before she knew, Belle said for-now-temporary goodbye to her coworkers. At home she finished packing and went to bed early, thankfully not accosted by anyone.
She spend rest of the week in a daze. At work Belle tried to concentrate on finishing her last project. While she was passionate about Shakespeare online and she made some actual progress, time after time her thoughts returned to the new contract draft tucked safely in her bag. At home she sorted through her stuff and packed her books and most of her kitchen utensils to go to storage.
Finally the Friday came. At ten Belle met woth Ms Feathers in one of the conference rooms.
"Please, let it be a yes," she plead.
Belle nodded and smiled.
They quickly went through the contract and Belle's additional questions. Then Ms Feathers explained the life in Belmont Hall and arranged for her transport. As Belle didn't have a car, someone was to drive her from the nearest train station in Langwathby. Afterwards, they went to Ms Parsons office, where Belle's superior, Jack Libret was already waiting for them. Belle quickly signed the annex to her contract that delegated her for a year to Belmont Hall.
"As much as I'm going to miss you and your work ethics," smiled Libret. "I'm so jealous you're the one to move to Cumbria. From what rumours say, the library in Belmont Hall is beyond any imagination."
"Oh, it is, I can assure you." said Ms Feathers. She took a copy of the annex. "I must bid you goodbye. Ms Villeneuve, I shall see you next Saturday."
After she left, Belle quickly discussed with Ms Parsons and Mr Libret her last week in RMI headquarters. They decided she would keep working on Shakespeare online until Wednesday, and then would pass it on to Sam Fleisher.
Before she knew, Belle said for-now-temporary goodbye to her coworkers. At home she finished packing and went to bed early, thankfully not accosted by anyone.
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