Rose Kenward let her head rest against Luke Mallory's shoulder and

Rose Kenward let her head rest against Luke Mallory's shoulder and

smiled in contentment. She and her friends were on their way out to

the country. Marie, Rose's best friend had heard about an estate that

was supposedly very old. Rose had a special interest in the town as

well, she knew her mother had been born somewhere in the are and she

was eager to see the area.

Rose snuggled closer to Luke and he smiled at her.

"Rosie, didn't you say that your mom was from around here?"

"Yeah, apparently she was born here, she had a row with her sister and

she left. I think my aunt died a while ago. She's never talked much

about her hometown, I've always been curious about it, although, to

tell you the truth I'm a bit anxious."

"Don't worry babe, I'll protect you." Rose smiled and ignored Marie's

conversation with Sam, her boyfriend.

"Hey you guys, look at this, it looks like we're coming up to the

estate." Rose peered out the window and saw two signs, one said

Kenward Farms in bold letters, the other said Ravensmere in curly

script. Marie began to turn into the one that said Ravensmere, but

something felt wrong to Rose, that wasn't the way to go,

"Go right," Everyone looked at her strangely.

"But Rose, the sign says that will take us to Kenward Farm,

I know, just, oh just do it." Rose suddenly felt agitated though she

had no idea why. Shrugging, Marie took the right turn. Marie slowed as

she went through a pair of gates onto a gravel drive. A huge house sat

at the end of the drive, Ravensmere.

"Well what do you know, our Rosie has a passable sense of direction,

how'd you do that Rose? Was Ravensmere calling to you?" Luke looked at

her in amusement and Rose smiled impishly.

"Maybe." The group of friends laughed as they trouped up to the

imposing front doors. Just inside a middle aged man sat with a table

and a money box.

"Good afternoon, It looks as though you're the only people for the

tour today, slow this summer. I'm The butler, Jeeves, I will be your

guide." Jeeves took their money and locked it into the box. "Due to

the abnormally small group today, I think we can go on a special tour.

Lets start outside shall we?" Jeeves led the way outside over to a

smaller gate that led into several paths. Jeeves began talking about

the gardens and who built them, he led them down a winding path to

what looked to be a kitchen garden. He was about to lead them off when

a harried looking man raced up to the group and whispered hurriedly in

Jeeves' ear. The butler rolled his eyes.

"I am sorry, but some urgent business has come up, if you don't mind

waiting, I'll be back in a moment."

"Take your time," Said Luke. The butler hurried off and Rose turned to

see if there was anything worth exploring. She saw a small path that

led between two hedges, looking back, Rose saw that her friends were

preoccupied with something else.

It'll only be a quick look, thought Rose.

She headed down the path and after a winding walk she found herself at

a round gateway leading into a Chinese themed garden. Rose stepped

inside, she couldn't resist. As she did, she relaxed, it felt as

though she were coming home. Weird.Rose wanted to go further in, but

she heard her friends calling her. Looking back one last time, Rose

vowed to come back to the garden.

As Rose came into view of her friends, she saw something was terribly

wrong. Sarah was sitting on the ground, her breath coming in ragged

gasps. Sam knelt by her, fumbling though her purse.

As she approached, he looked up in panic.

"Rose, where's her inhaler?"

"In her other purse, oh no, she's having an attack isn't she?" Rose

knelt beside Sarah and grabbed her hand.

"Sarah, breathe come on, in, out, in, out, you can do this, come on,

we'll get help.

Sarah looked around, and Saw Luke hurrying towards her with the Butler, a worried frown lay on both their faces.

Rose heaved Sarah to her feet and pulled her towards the butler.

"She's got asthma, she doesn't have her inhaler. Call a doctor or something."

"We have one in residence Lady Rose is a doctor. I'll get her."

"No need, I am here." Rose turned to see a gray haired woman, presumably lady Rose, hurrying towards the group.

"She doesn't haver her inhaler?" Said lady Rose,

"No, it's back at school." Lady Rose nodded.

"Come on, I have some things that will help up at the house." Lady Rose pulled Sarah along to the house. The asthmatic girl's breath was coming in short little gasps. Rose hurried after the pair, Sam and Luke right behind her.

Lady Rose led them into the house and through a confusing maze of passages into what seemed to be a workroom. A Rows of vials and bottles lined one wall, another was covered in books. A physicians table sat in one corner along with various other instruments.

"Sit here," Lady Rose pointed to the table. Rose helped Sarah climb on. The girls face was a deathly shade of white. Lady Rose plucked one of the vials from the wall, uncorked it, and waved it under Sarah's nose.

Instantly, Sarah's breathing improved. Rose stared at the vial in confusion,

"It won't last all that long, we have to go into town to get an inhaler." Lady Rose pulled on a coat that lay over her chair. She opened the door, and stepped through. Rose followed her, motioning for Luke to stay behind.

"Wait, for me!"

Lady Rose slowed as Rose caught up to her.

"I'm assuming your name is Rose Kenward?" Rose stared in surprise at the older woman.

"Yes, how did you know?"

"You look exactly like your Aunt."

"I don't have an aunt. She died a while ago."

"Yes I know, but you look exactly like her."

"Yes and how do you know this?"

"I knew her."

"Is that so?" Lady Rose shot her a bemused look.

"Don't look so surprised. I grew up with her and your mother."

"My mother never mentioned you."

"That doesn't surprise me."

Lady Rose led Rose to a car and hurriedly got in. Rose entered the passenger side and held onto the dashboard in a stunned silence for the short drive to the small town.

"I'll be back in a bit." Lady Rose got out of the car and headed into what looked like the general store. Rose almost jumped out of her skin when a loud tapping came from the window. A handsome face was grinning at her.

Rose rolled down the window a bit. "Yeah?"

" Hello Rosie, I see you couldn't resist me."

"Who the hell are you?"

"Your soul mate."