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What did Cindy and Mattie's mother do when she suddenly became aware that Maddie was no longer going to be the scullery maid for her and her family? She was stunned, to say the least. So were her daughters and their friends, as well as her own friends. Now, Cindy and Maddie's mother, with her friends mocking, rather than supporting her, would have to find someone else to fill the scullery maid role immediately, or assume that task herself. That was not likely to happen.

Everyone knew that Cindy and Maddie would probably never return home again, because of the terrible way they had been treated. But, fortunately, they had escaped! Maybe in time, they might forgive their mother and sisters, too.

To their mother's way of thinking, she would just have to find another scullery maid. Maybe this time, it would be another sister, or a brother of Cindy and Maddie. Maybe she would be able to find a destitute, older person, a hard up street person, or a desperate, homeless, young man to assume the role.

Whoever the new scullery maid would be, he or she would be probably be mistreated, just like Cindy and Maddie, or Xaviar.

Rosa and Nadia would likely try to continue to help new scullery maids and thus provide a steady stream of students for the new school.

Taking a peek into the future, one might be tempted to ask what eventually becomes of cinder bullies? There is no doubt that the old tradition continues on during that era, and cinder bullies keep on bullying sculley maids.

Perhaps in time, some cinder bullies learn compassion, if they are shown compassion. Whoever would choose to use and abuse scullery maids is destined to lose them in time, when they would no longer accept abuse and seek help elsewhere.

What about the future lives of Cindy, Millie and Xaviar? Their school has been well founded and thus, it is destined to thrive under the guidance of Rosa and Nadia as its matrons, especially with Bentley and Bessie providing funding for it.

Cindy's fame with respect to growing beautiful roses would likely spread around the world. Millie, with her seamstress skills is destined to sew for many others, including royalty. Xaviar's ability to play the flute, his love of music and dance, in conjunction with his love for Cindy and Dancer, would cause him to succeed in that realm. For his exceptional cobbler skills, he could become famous, too.

What happens to the two young men, Phillip, the prince, and Patton? Do they ever succeed in turning their lives around? They will likely do that, with the help of Bentley and Bessie, who are serious about helping them and other young folks.

Phillip's future as prince, is relatively secure, as long as he behaves like a responsible adult. His realm of learning likely extends beyond that of growing roses under Cindy's nurturing, as Bentley has future plans for him.

Patton, with his powerful, singing voice might become famous. Under Bessie's guidance and Bentley's supervision, his ability to care for others could lead him to make positive changes in elder care, as well.

Which one of these young folks is most likely to inherit the huge estate? Would it be Phillip, Patton or Xaviar? Or maybe it would be Cindy, Millie or Maddie?

Who is predestined to become the princess? Those questions remain unanswered.

Would it be Cindy? Probably not, because Xaviar would always be her prince, and her first love. Maybe it would be Millie, or even Maddie. Who knows, as that part of this story still remains to be told. Meanwhile, Dancer will still be dancing to the sound of the Xaviar's flute.



***Epilogue

Scullery maids were basically slaves and servants to their parents, or others, and many of them were seriously maltreated. Some spent most of their lives in that role, from early childhood onward.

Thousands of young women and men were forced into compromising situations from a very early age. Many did not know the difference, or realize that it was possible to break free from that kind of bondage. Even when they did manage to find their freedom, they could often wind up in even more oppressive situations.

Note that scullery maid oppression in this story is fiction. In reality, it probably did not come to an end during that particular era, but kinder, gentler and more compassionate people gradually introduced social changes that allowed young people increased opportunities for advancement in accordance with their interests and personal preferences.

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No one was really prepared for Maddie's unexpected entrance. She was alone, beautifully dressed and very gracious to Bentley and Bessie, who had absolutely no idea who she was. Phillip stood taller and straighter, as she was introduced to him. Patton simply gazed at her with awe, from a distance.

Rosa spotted her and immediately recognized the beautiful gown that Millie had made for her. She nudged Nadia.

"Guess who is here?" she whispered to her.

"Our third student!" said Nadia, who was amazed to see Maddie arrive, so well dressed. "She looks beautiful!"

"Millie," said Rosa, quietly. "Cindy's sister is here now, but Cindy is busy with Dancer, at the moment. Would you like to invite her to join us?"

"Yes, I would love to do that!" replied Millie, immediately. "She is all alone."

Maddie was finding it very difficult to break away from the prince, but Bentley intervened, as soon as he saw Millie approach her.

"Phillip, you two can talk later," said Bentley, suddenly realizing that this was the young scullery maid that Nadia had mentioned to him. She was obviously breaking free of oppressive servitude too. Millie would be mentoring her. "I need your assistance with something else at the moment, Phillip."

"Please come and join us," Millie suggested to Maddie. She was uncertain how Maddie would respond to her, or how Cindy would react when she saw her sister.
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Maddie started to protest, but changed her mind immediately, as the prince walked away with Bentley.

"He is the prince!" said Maddie, excitedly. "I cannot believe that I met him!"

Cindy's mother had been quite shaken up after seeing Cindy at the welcome home party, but she became absolutely furious, when she suddenly saw Maddie with Millie.

"How humiliating, and right in front of all of my friends, too!" she said, under her breath. "How could my daughters do this to me, on today of all days?"

She was thoroughly embarrassed, but helpless to intervene in any way, as she watched both Rosa and Nadia welcome Maddie, warmly.

"I see both of your daughters here," said one of her elderly friends, with a disapproving frown. "May I remind you that normally, scullery maids are not invited to parties in our village circles."

"Someone had to say that," thought Cindy's mother, angrily. Wisely, she did not reply.

"I guess times are changing," explained another of her elderly friends. "All three of my daughters are here, too. Every young woman dreams of meeting a prince someday."

Just then, Cindy looked up and was stunned to see her sister, Maddie with Millie, but she decided to stay close to Xaviar and to let Millie deal with her, at least for the time being. She knew that Rosa and Nadia would not put up with any trouble from her.

"At some point, we will have to talk," decided Cindy. "Maybe she is trying to break free now, too. I hope so."

"Millie," asked Maddie, when they had a moment alone and a chance to talk. "Would you teach me how to sew like you do? I know you made my gown, and it is so perfect."

Millie smiled, as that was exactly what she hoped would happen.

"Rosa could teach you a lot too," replied Millie.

"I think that I made Rosa very upset," confessed Maddie. "I was so unkind to her."

"But now, she has forgiven you and is being kind, wanting to help you, right?"

"I upset Cindy, too."

"An apology can go a long way."

"It looks like I have a lot of apologizing to do, but will you teach me, please? I need a place to live, too, as I cannot go back home now."

"You can stay with me," said Cindy, who had been listening to her conversation. "I have my own place in the rose garden. There is enough room for both of us, but I will have to have permission from Nadia first."

Nadia did not think that it was a good idea and would not give her approval. She decided to speak to Rosa about it.

"It might be better to have her stay with Millie for now," suggested Rosa. "That way, we can teach her how to sew, and she will become independent, too."

"Xaviar will work with Patton on his singing, Cindy will be teaching Phillip about the rose garden and Millie will have Maddie, as her first student seamstress," replied Nadia. "That is perfect."

Meanwhile, Cindy's mother was stunned, as she suddenly began to realize that she no longer had a scullery maid.

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The day of the welcome home party dawned without a single cloud hovering in the sky. It was going to be an absolutely gorgeous day! Bentley and Bessie had everything under control, so that if their guests began arriving early, they would all be cordially welcomed and made to feel right at home.

Phillip and Patton were advised to be on their best behavior, having been instructed on how to comport themselves properly in the presence of guests, and more importantly, with respect to all of the young ladies and other young men, who would be attending the party. They had also been confronted by Bentley about their drinking and both had promised to stay sober.

Nadia, Rosa, Cindy and Millie had done the decorating for the welcome home party, with the assistance of Xaviar and Phillip, so everything looked perfect. The fragrance of scented roses wafted in the air and permeated the huge tent.

"This is truly going to be a royal feast!" said Bentley, as he surveyed the tables laden with more than enough food for everyone. Bessie was delighted too, and heartily agreed with him.

"Phillip is a prince and a prince should be treated royally, regardless," Bentley had insisted to those who wanted to see the young visitors severely reprimanded for their behavior. "Patton should not be punished by himself, when both of them were culprits."

No one could dispute his wisdom.

"I was a royal rogue once, too," he explained to Nadia and Rosa, who were still not certain he was doing the right thing.

"You certainly were," added Bessie, with a smile. "You grew up, and they will too."

Bentley decided that Phillip should stay close to him throughout the day, and Patton would make certain that Bessie was well taken care of, at the welcome home party. That way, they could be introduced to the guests as they arrived. They were also expected to take on the role of hosts to the guests. There is no doubt that they both felt a little sheepish about being treated royally by Bentley and Bessie, after what they had done.

Those who would be honored throughout the day were Cindy, Millie and Xaviar. They were being officially appointed as mentor-teachers for the new school, with Nadia and Rosa as matrons. The day was filled with promise and new hope for all of them.

What no one could anticipate was the joy of Cindy, Millie and Xaviar, when early that morning, they were advised of their positions in the new school by Bentley, who was also providing financial backing for this project. Nadia and Rosa were thrilled; so was Bessie. The young folks had already agreed to help Phillip and Patton, as well as Maddie once she sought assistance, so the school had unofficially started.

Later on in the afternoon, Xaviar would play his flute and with Cindy's assistance, Dancer, would entertain the villagers. Millie decided to ask Patton to sing if he was willing to do so and discussed the possibility with Xaviar, who was astounded to learn that Patton could sing. But would he, they both wondered.

Nadia dressed in her own new gown, had surprised both Rosa and Millie with new gowns, and much to his amazement, Xaviar with a tailor made suit, as well. Cindy was attired in her beautiful gown too, so they all arrived at the manor, dressed royally. Nadia wondered who would be wearing the new gown Millie had recently created.

As the guests arrived, they were amazed to see Rosa and Nadia, Cindy, Millie and Xaviar being treated royally, and so well dressed. That was totally unexpected. Cindy's mother, her sisters and their friends did not expect to see their former, family scullery maid ever again, especially not at a party like this.

Cindy's mother, along with several of the other women became furious, but Rosa and Nadia were very gracious to them. Cindy was equally gracious to her mother, sisters and their friends. Millie looked around, but could not find Maddie anywhere. She too, made a point of being gracious to those who had been unkind to her, as did Xaviar.

So the day started off well.

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Bentley and Bessie, as well as Nadia and Rosa knew that Phillip and Patton might possibly make life difficult for everyone at the welcome home party, unless appropriate measures were taken immediately in order to prevent that from happening. They also were aware that Xaviar, Cindy and Millie could be targeted by them, and wanted to protect them.

At least now, the three young folks were aware of the potential problems associated with alcohol addiction where the two young visitors were concerned. But, no one suspected that Maddie would try to become involved with the prince and Patton, although Millie knew she might show up at the welcome home party.

Patton had his eye on Millie from the moment he met her, but now, she had caught him drinking and would likely keep her distance from him. Xaviar and Cindy were closely knit because of Dancer, and that was a bond would not be easily broken.

Nadia and Rosa both realized that the welcome home party was extremely important to Bentley and Bessie, as he was in the import-export business, and thus, financially in a position to help many others, including local villagers. Hosting the annual welcome home party always gave them a chance to become re-acquainted with old friends, and to meet new villagers.

Bentley and Bessie, not having children or grandchildren of their own, always took a serious interest in the young folks. Thus, the welcome party always included the younger members of the local community, too.

They knew that having the prince present might give young folks added incentive with respect to attending the welcome home party. Maybe they could help some of them too, just as they were assisting Xaviar, Cindy and Millie. To them, the new school proposal presented a wonderful opportunity for young folks needing help.

Bentley was concerned about Phillip's obvious pain and spoke to Xaviar about the lift for Phillip's shoe. Xaviar explained that he had built it, but had not received an appropriate response from Phillip, or any cooperation from him with respect to placing the lift in his shoe, mostly because the prince had been drinking in excess.

Together, they decided to discuss the problem with Cindy, as Phillip would be working closely with her in the rose garden.

Cindy agreed to help however she could. Phillip finally agreed to let her put the lift in his shoe. He was actually quite embarrassed about being crippled, but he responded to her gentleness, and was totally amazed to find that it did help him to walk more comfortably. He could also stand straighter with it.  

But, it still needed a bit of adjusting according to Xaviar, who observed Phillip closely. He promised to have it ready for Phillip before the welcome home party, and was as good as his word. It was ready and Phillip could wear it comfortably.

Rumors about the prince's presence continued to spread around the village. Several the mothers of young ladies envisioned their daughters with him. For them, this was not an opportunity their daughters could afford to pass up. One of them might even become a princess, so making a good impression was important.

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Patton walked along slowly, heading towards the village. He stopped, pulled a flask out of pocket and took a sip of wine. He was already inebriated and began to sing at the top of his lungs.

Millie heard him coming in the distance, and knew that it was him, because of the song he was singing. It was the same melody he had whistled, when she left. Rosa was at the manor helping Nadia and Bessie, so she was alone.

"What on earth is he doing?" wondered Millie, as he came closer and closer. "Is he drunk? This is not good!" She decided to follow him, but to stay behind him at a safe distance, and watch out for him. There was no one else around to help him.

Patton did as Bentley had requested and posted the invitation to the welcome home party for the villagers, where it was supposed to be placed in the forum. It looked a little crooked to Millie, but at least it was there for everyone to read.

Patton turned around and headed right back towards the manor. Millie ducked down behind a bush, so that he would not see her.

"He really does need some help!" she thought to herself. "What can I do?" Being concerned about Patton, Millie decided to keep following him and to make certain he arrived back at the manor safely. 

He continued to sing at the top of his lungs, stopping every once in a while to take an occasional drink from his flask, as he walked on. A little while later, stumbling on a rock, he dropped his flask, but he did not realize it had fallen to the ground.

"He has had enough to drink anyhow," decided Millie, who picked it up and hid it in her satchel. To her, Patton had a beautiful and powerful  voice. "It is too bad that he is drinking, but I think that might be opera music he is singing!" said Millie to herself. "I wonder if Xaviar or anyone else, knows he can sing like that!"

A little while later, Patton arrived at the manor, still followed by Millie. He stumbled on the threshold, as he went through the front doorway, regained his footing and closed the door behind him.

"What are you doing here, dear?" asked Nadia, who was just leaving the manor. "I did not expect to see you at the manor today."

Millie decided to discuss Patton's drinking problem openly, immediately. She reached into her satchel, pulled out his flask and handed it to Nadia There was still some wine in it.

"We've caught him now," said Nadia. She decided to be honest with Millie too, and tell her what was happening with Phillip, as well.

"Both of our visitors are drinking stolen wine, so Bentley is going to have to deal with them now. But, thank you for seeing Patton back to the manor."

Just then Rosa came along, chatting happily with Cindy and Dancer.

"Both of our young ladies and Xaviar, know what is happening with the visitors now." said Rosa, after Nadia explained everything to her and Cindy. "That is a very good thing."

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Bentley was quite concerned. He had been checking his wine cellar, in preparation for the welcome home party and soon discovered that several kegs of wine were missing. In the dust on the cellar floor, he could see two sets of men's footprints.

"There is no question that our two young guests have raided the wine cellar," he told Bessie, quietly. "They left a trail behind them."

"I am not at all surprised, dear," she replied. "They have been far too happy for young men experiencing withdrawal from alcohol."

"Now, I will have to confront them."

"You will have to catch them green-handed, first. Do you remember when you and I raided my father's wine cellar together? We were so young and did not know any better, then. We got so drunk that night, we were sick for three days." Bessie laughed, as she recalled her father's fury. She had wondered at that time, if she would ever be allowed to see Bentley again.

"He sure got rid of me quickly!" replied Bentley. "But, I returned and apologized to him."

"Very graciously too," added Bessie.

"Let's hope they are not planning to get the young ladies drunk."

"With several kegs of wine, they might just try to do that!" said Bentley. "Nadia and Rosa would be furious," said Bessie.

"They might offer it to Xaviar, too."

"Then, they will both have to answer to Nadia!"

"I would not want to be in their shoes!"

Bentley and Bessie knew just how angry Nadia could become, as they had been there when she found out Xaviar had been forced to do the work of a scullery maid.

"We will deal with the problem before it goes that far," Bentley assured Bessie.

"I sure hope so!"

A few hours later, there was absolutely no doubt that Phillip was inebriated. Xaviar was trying to persuade him to let him put the lift he had made for him into his shoe. Finally, he gave up and Phillip headed for the manor.

"Mother, I would swear that the prince is inebriated again," said Xaviar. "He is stumbling around, falling down and acting like a court jester, a very foolish and loud one, at that."

"That does not surprise me," replied Nadia. "Stay away from Phillip for now, and I will speak to Bentley about him." She knew it was far too soon to expect a young man who has been a heavy drinker, to stay sober. "Watch out for Cindy and Dancer, too." Nadia decided not to waste any time and to have a serious talk with Bentley right away. Anything that concerned her son was something that she could not ignore, as his mother.

Patton was nowhere to be seen, as he had gone to the village at Bentley's request, to post an invitation to the welcome party in the village square.

"Who is this young man anyhow?" wondered Maddie, who was outside in the garden, when he walked by. "Oh, maybe he's the prince, but he sure looks tipsy to me!" She waved at him, but if he saw her, he just kept walking. 
"I would really like to meet him. We could party it up together!"

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Millie decided to attempt to create a new gown for Maddie, just in case she figured out some way to break free of her scullery maid role, and wanted to attend the welcome home party. At this point in time, it did not seem highly likely that would happen, but there was always the possibility. Millie had already spoke to Rosa several times, about trying to help Maddie, but Rosa had responded in such a way that she did not expect.

"You can try to help her," said Rosa, sincerely. "But I find that when a person seeks help, and then helps him or herself first, then an outsider's help is generally more welcome. You cannot impose your help on anyone who does want take the first step."

"You mean that she has to break free, first?"

"At least want to, or try to break free!" replied Rosa, who was seriously concerned about Maddie's well-being, too.

"Until that time, if you try to help her, she will merely attack you, and you do not need that."

"You are probably right." MIllie had already tried, as had Rosa. Both of them had met with animosity.

"But I think Maddie should get to meet the prince, too," Millie thought to herself. "Every young woman should meet a prince charming, at some time." So, Millie began to work on the new gown and found a pair of matching slippers for her. They were not new, but would be new to her.

Rosa watched her working and was amazed at how perfect and beautiful her work actually was.

"Thank you, I have had an excellent teacher!" replied Millie, when Rosa commended her on her work.

Because Millie was going to be an independent seamstress teaching other young women the art of sewing, Rosa decided not to question her about the gown she was working on.

"If she wants to tell me about it, she will."

Meanwhile, Maddie was working on her own plan to break free of the cruelty of her mother, sisters and friends. She was determined to attend the welcome home party, but what she needed was a gown to wear. She had made up her mind to beg, borrow or steal one. She had no idea then that Millie was making one for her. Imagine her amazement the next day, when she found the gown that Millie had made for her. It had been carefully wrapped in brown paper and placed in the garden, where she could not help but find it. Inside the package, there was also a pair of matching slippers and a new ribbon for her hair. Millie was almost reduced to tears, at that moment, but decided not to say anything to her mother, sisters or their friends.

"Someone cares!" she thought to herself. "But I have no idea who would leave me such a beautiful gift. Maybe it was Cindy?" Maddie knew her mother would be so busy at the welcome home party with her friends, that she would never miss Maddie at the hearth. The same would be true of her sisters and their friends. None of them would expect her to show up dressed so beautifully, looking like a young lady. She knew that she would have to be very careful though, so that no one would see her.

The next day, Millie walked past the garden and saw Maddie, who much to her amazement waved at her, but very cautiously. Millie merely waved back and walked on.

"Maybe it is from her?" thought Maddie. "I am certain she is the one who left me the flowers, even though I was nasty to her."

"She found it!" whispered Millie to herself. She smiled. "One random act of kindness can change someone's world!"

Millie knew then, that Maddie would be attending the welcome home party and she was glad.

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Rumors spread quickly in small villages, and so Cindy's sisters and their friends, soon learned that a prince was visiting the estate, and that he would be attending the welcome home party. They were all determined to meet him.

Millie was not aware of what happened with the prince and his attendant, on the evening they arrived, other than the fact that they had been seen at the tavern, acting out like young men who were drinking. She was secretly enthralled about the prince's visit, but was also taking Rosa's word of caution with respect to him, very seriously. Millie wanted to talk to Cindy, so Rosa asked her to deliver the huge, white tablecloth that she had made for the head table, when she went out there.

"Maybe I'll get to meet the prince?" Millie thought to herself, but when she got there and knocked, it appeared that no one was around. She left the package from Rosa just outside the door. At the back, she could hear something and decided to go see who, or what it was.

"I don't know you," she said to the tall, good looking, young man, who was busy loading up Nadia's patio furniture onto a wagon. He looked up and was startled to see a young woman standing there. 

"Oh, excuse me. I did not see you," he replied, politely. He brushed his unruly hair away from his face.

"Are you the prince?" asked Millie, excitedly.

"No, not me. I am just Bentley and Bessie's new helper, formerly the prince's attendant. My name is Patton," he said, with a grin. "The others are all up at the mansion, setting up the tent for the welcome party."

"Oh, I see."

"I will tell them you came by."

"Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I will come back later."

"I am really enjoying working on the estate. I just love these people as they seem so happy," said Patton enthusiastically.

"I am really glad to hear that."

"It has not been much fun looking after the prince, as he has been spoiled for many years and thus, always acting out or misbehaving, in some way. At least now, he cannot scream at me to do his bidding, all of the time."

Millie's heart went out to the young man, at that very moment. She knew only too well what that must have felt like.

"Will you be attending the welcome home party, too?" he asked Millie, politely. "I would love to see you again."

Millie turned and smiled, as she left.

"Yes, I will be there."

Patton knew that he had found a new friend. He also realized that if he wanted to see her at the welcome home party, he would have to be on his best behavior until then.

"Great!" he called out to her, but she did not respond.

"I wonder if she heard me!" Patton asked himself. He started whistling an old, familiar, love song, hoping she might hear it from a distance. 

She did.

"He might get along really well with Xaviar," Millie thought to herself. "They both love music. Maybe tonight I will get to meet the prince too, but now, do I really want to?"

True to her word, Millie did return later. Nadia thanked her graciously for bringing the tablecloth. Cindy was delighted to see her and so was Dancer. None of the young men were around, as Bentley and Bessie had them working on last minute touches to the huge tent in preparation for the welcome home party.

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"I think that maybe having a lift put on his shoe might help the prince to walk more comfortably," thought Nadia to herself. She was quite concerned about his obvious pain. Having spent time with a cobbler and his wife, she knew that it might actually work. She wondered if Xaviar would still remember the happy times they had spent living and working together with them. He may also have learned some things from the cobbler that she did not, or could not recall.

"I will have to speak with him about this."

Just then, Xaviar walked through the door. He was concerned about his mother, as well as Cindy and Dancer.

Nadia explained what had happened with them in the rose garden. He was not really surprised, but wondered if Cindy and Dancer should spend time any with the prince.

"We will have to see how that pans out, but there is something else that I want to talk to you about, Xaviar." Nadia said. "Do you recall talking to the cobbler about making shoe lifts for crippled people?"

"I remember helping him to make one," replied Xaviar. "Why do you ask?"

Nadia explained the prince's predicament.

"He might be more comfortable and less inclined to imbibe, if he did not have so much pain."

"Mother, I don't know why I did not think of that first. You must be an angel, as you are always helping someone!"

"Could you build a shoe lift for him?"

"I could try."

"There are a lot of other things you could probably teach the prince, if you were willing to spend time with him. I wonder if he knows how to read and write properly? Maybe he would like to learn how to play the flute, too."

"Who knows? I can hardly say no to you about the shoe lift, Mother, but I may need your expertise on that kind of a project!"

And so, Xaviar was introduced to his prospective teaching role with respect to Phillip.

When he talked to Cindy about it, she replied, "Your mother is probably right, as Phillip does appear to be in pain. Do you mind if I teach him about the rose garden?"

She smiled, as right away, Xaviar showed signs of being just a little bit jealous.

"I would only be teaching him gardening, and it might help him to get his mind off his pain. The outdoor fresh air and exercise would be great for him, as he is very pale and sickly looking now. By the way, Dancer does not like him, at all!"

"No wonder!" replied Xaviar. "Besides that, he is our dancing dog!"

"And always will be."

"And you are my young lady!"

Cindy smiled, as she knew that she had found her prince, long before Phillip arrived on the estate.

Nadia was listening to them from a distance, and decided to let the two of them work things out together, instead of interfering. Both of them were becoming responsible young adults and she was proud of them.

"What about the prince's attendant?" wondered Xaviar. "Where does he fit into the picture now?"

He did not realize that Bessie had already solved that problem for him, as now having a prince's attendant was no longer necessary. He would be Bessie's full time helper, instead. If he was on his best behavior, then he would be allowed to spend time with the young folks. If not, he would lose that privilege, or be asked to leave.

"He just might become a responsible young man yet," said Bentley, when Bessies told him about it. "That is an excellent idea."

"I do need a helper," she said, seriously,

"Me too," said Bentley. "Between us, we will keep him busy and out of mischief."

"Keep people so busy that they don't keep you busy, is what you always said," she whispered to Bentley. "But, he will learn how to be our helper, not our scullery maid."

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"I see what we are dealing with now," said Rosa, when Nadia spoke to her about the prince and his attendant being inebriated, the previous evening. "The question becomes one of who owns the problem."

"He does, of course," replied Nadia. "Maybe it would be more accurate to say they do, as in the prince and his attendant."

"Then they are the ones who have to deal with the problem, too," Rosa continued. "It is also Bentley's and Bessie's responsibility, before it is ours."

"It does become our problem, if it affects Cindy, Millie and Xaviar," replied Nadia. "Or us."

"Let's trust that Bentley and Bessie are able to deal with it, before that time comes," said Rosa. "I am certain that Bentley knew this prince was somewhat of a rogue, before he invited him to visit the estate. Bessie probably did, too. We both know that they are always trying to help other folks."

Rosa suspected that the prince had been invited because of his inability to cope with his disability, but also because of his drinking problem. He needed help and so did his attendant.

"Nadia, we can work this out to our advantage," said Rosa. "If we are going to start a school, then we need students."

"You mean the prince and his attendant as students, along with Maddie?" Nadia was stunned. "What a wonderful idea!"

"Let's see what happens at the welcome home party first, and then we will talk to our young folks about mentoring them."

In the meantime, Bentley had decided to take matters into his own hands. He would speak to the prince, and Bessie would spend some quality time with the prince's attendant.

Both of them would avoid any direct confrontation with the young men, while quietly advising them that on the estate, they would be expected to behave like gentlemen all of the time. Being, or becoming inebriated, would not be deemed appropriate behavior. In fact, it would mean that they had to leave immediately and would not be allowed to return.

Later, Bentley brought the prince to meet Nadia.

"Phillip will be staying with us on the estate for now," he said to her quietly, after they had been formally introduced. "May we venture out into the rose garden?"

"Cindy will be working out there with her puppy," replied Nadia. She could see that the prince was being polite, at least for the moment. With Bentley present, there would probably not be any problem.

"Wonderful!" replied Bentley. "I would like Phillip to meet them both."

Bentley was totally amazed, as he surveyed the almost perfectly manicured rose garden.

"She does wonderful work!" he exclaimed.

As they walked about in the rose garden, Nadia could see that the prince was walking with a severe limp, and was likely experiencing some pain, but he did not comment on it. She realized that Cindy would likely show him compassion.

Cindy immediately talked to Bentley and Phillip, like the roses were her pride and joy. Bentley could see the joy on her face, as she spoke.

Phillip was very quiet, but he seemed to enjoy her company, as they strolled about together talking about various roses. That gave Bentley and Nadia a chance to talk privately.

"Phillip was born with a very severe deformity," explained Bentley. "It is a miracle that he is able to walk, but he still lives with a fair amount of pain. I think that spending some time on the estate could prove beneficial to him."

"I see," said Nadia. She knew that her son, Xaviar, already had a firm place in Cindy's heart and suspected that she would likely be able to relate to Phillip, too. But, she also knew that It would be in a different way.

"This is Dancer," Cindy said to Phillip. The puppy growled, and then started to bark at him non-stop.

"Dogs can be very sensitive to strangers," explained Nadia.

"Did he remember the prince's carriage flying by?" wondered Cindy. "Or is he just warning me to be careful?"

Cindy looked at Nadia and Nadia just nodded, as if she understood Cindy's thoughts.

"Phillip, let's go and meet some of the others on the estate," said Bentley to Phillip, diffusing the situation immediately. "Phillip, maybe Cindy could give you some tips on growing roses."

Nadia beamed as her concept of a school, with Cindy as a mentor, was being introduced.

"I would like that," replied Phillip politely, as they left.