The Cinder Bullies (23)

"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.