The Return

By Eliana Machado Coelho and By the Spirit Schellida

1888. The dense England fog could not be able to extinguish the radiant exchange of glances between Henry and Margarita. Their relationship has everything to be good, different from what is happening between the young and beautiful Rosa María and the gentleman Robert, Henry´s brother. She is obliged to be

• Language: English
• Publisher: World Spiritist Institute
• Release date: Jul 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088225875

Book preview

Spiritist Romance

The Return

Psychography of

Eliana Machado Coelho

By the spirit

Schellida

Portuguese into English translation:

Cristofer Valdiviezo Pintado

Lima, Peru, June 2020

Original Title in Portuguese:

O Retorno © Eliana Machado Coelho.

Revision:

Kharen Cusihuaman Osco

Alexa Gonzales Navas

World Spiritist Institute

Houston, Texas, USA

E–mail: [e-mail]

SYPNOSIS

1888. The dense England fog could not be able to extinguish the radiant exchange of glances between Henry and Margarita. Their relationship has everything to be good, different from what is happening between the young and beautiful Rosa María and the gentleman Robert, Henry´s brother. She is obliged to be married with the stringent Mr. Gonzales. Rosa Maria and Robert, two soulmates, are in front of a true love, but impossible. Cruel and merciless acts do not let them experience happiness, generating too much suffer and pain at that time. However, all should be harmonized. It is necessary to adjust the feelings. And it is in Brazil, at this time, where all of them will get together to have a new lesson and the opportunities to forgive each other.

THE RETURN

Psychography of

Eliana Machado Coelho

By the spirit

Schellida

England, 19th century. Two souls are trying to find each other through time. However, it is in Brazil of our time where that beautiful love is going to triumph.

1888. The dense England fog could not be able to extinguish the radiant exchange of glances between Henry and Margarita. Their relationship has everything to be good, different from what is happening between the young and beautiful Rosa María and the gentleman Robert, Henry´s brother. She is obliged to be married with the stringent Mr. Gonzales. Rosa Maria and Robert, two soulmates, are in front of a true love, but impossible. Cruel and merciless acts do not let them experience happiness, generating too much suffer and pain at that time.

However, all should be harmonized. It is necessary to adjust the feelings. And it is in Brazil, at this time, where all of them will get together to have a new lesson and the opportunities to forgive each other.

In this book, the spirit Schellida, through Eliana Machado Coelho, one more time, gives us elevated and divine lessons in this captivating romance. She clearly explains us the differences between Animism and Mediumship. Besides, she clarifies that true happiness is about generous and kindly feelings, giving us blessings and peace in God´s great love.

About Eliana Machado Coelho

Eliana Machado Coelho was born in São Paulo, capital of Brazil, one October 9th. Since she was a child, Eliana had always a connection with the Spiritualism, and the constant presence of the spirit Schellida in her life. To this day, Shellida is known to be as a lovely, beautiful and delicate woman with a sweet smile. There was already indeed a solid partnership between Eliana and the beloved mentor for the works that both would carry out together.

As time went on, Eliana, supported by her loving parents, grandparents, and later by her husband and daughter, started to work, and always had Schellida by her side. After years of studying and training in Psychography, in July 1997 her first book came out: "Despertar para la Vida (Waking up to Life), a work that Schellida wrote in only twenty days. Among other books that came out later this one called  La Conquista de la Paz. " (The Conquest of Peace).

Aside from this, some natural peculiarities have arisen about this duo (medium and spirit) which makes an impression through the beauty of the romances received by them. One of them is regarding the origin of the name Schellida. Where did it come from? And what does Schellida mean? Eliana replies that this name, Schellida, comes from a shared experience between them, and for ethical reasons, she will leave the revelation to her own mentor. Schellida warned her she will write a book telling the main part of her terrestrial trajectory and her love connection with the medium. For that reason, Schellida once stated that if she had to write books using another medium, she would sign with a different name in order to preserve the worker's suitability without making them go through doubtful questions, embarrassing and dispensable situations, once the name of a spirit means little. What prevails is the moral content and the high doctrines passed on through reliable works.

Eliana and the Schellida spirit have several published books (among them The Right to Be Happy, No Rules for Loving, A Motive for Living, Awakening for Life and A Diary in Time). Other unpublished books will soon come into production, besides the old works to be re–edited. In this way, the spirit Schellida guarantees the task is extensive and there is a long road ahead for both of them, and will always continue together bringing lessons about love on the spiritual plane, the tangible consequences of The Action and Reaction Law and the necessity of harmonization, happiness and the conquests of every one of us, because all good always prevails when there is faith.

CONTENTS

FIRST PART

1.– Encounter

2–. Religion

3.– Knowledge

4.– Culture

5.– Premonition

6.– Dream

7.– Tortures

8.– Resignation

9.– Love

10.– Renunciation

11.– Fascination

12.– Bonds

13.– Revenge

SECOND PART

1.– Reencounter

2.– Sensitivity

3.– Phobia

4.– Consequences

5.– Protection

6.– Mediums

7.– Disobsession

8.– Education

9.– Imbalance

10.– Reconciliation

11.– Fulfillments

Paranormality, Animism  and Mediumship

First Part

1.– Encounter

1888. The dry and cold breeze was blowing into the serene face of that young man who was contemplating the sky looking for a star in the London firmament which, owing to the constant fog, was very arduous to see.

Nearby, the Victoria Railway Station was announcing with a strident whistle the departure of another train. That high–pitched sound of the whistle meant that the train was going to another part of the United Kingdom. This elegant station was carefully designed and adorned with opaque designs on the large stained–glass windows that, besides embellish the luxurious hallway, used to protect the users from the abrupt cold weather in London.

Grabbing his short–brimmed hat as a courtesy, the young Henry greeted all the ladies that were passing smilingly having an interesting conversation. Among them, Margarita, a beautiful young woman, escaped to the prose to observe better that gentleman.

As they were exchanging glances, perhaps in a distraction, Margarita stumbled with a protruding stone on the road of the street. She tried to stand up delicately, but she could not and emitted a sound of pain. Henry quickly approached to the lady as soon as he could and helped her with generosity and satisfaction.

– Did you get hurt? – The gentleman inquired politely and attentive.

– It was only a sprain – Explained the lady with dump eyes trying to dissimulate the pain. 

Rosa Maria, Margarita´s young stepmother, intervened with a very polite and with her soft voice:

– It may be only a sprain, but surely is not serious. The pain disfigured you, look! – She got surprised.

Gently, Henry asked for permission, took one of Margarita´s arms and put it on his shoulder and holding her waist and arms, he could carry her easily. He showed firmness and walked to the square where he helped her to sit on a comfortable bench.

The rest of the ladies followed him. They showed interest in the ability of the young gentleman, they were looking attentively.

Henry asked for permission to remove part of the bulky large dress and, carefully holding Margarita´s foot, he took off her little short spout boot with lateral buttons so that he could examine her feet and find any protuberance.

Henry kneeled and put her foot in one of his knees to have a better view of the contusion.

– Ouch! – moaned the young lady as soon as she felt the pain, getting embarrassed, but she did not show any expression.

– I think it is not serious, it does not look fractured. I believe that it was a severe sprain. Try to step on the floor– asked Henry to her, stretching out on the floor a handkerchief, which quickly took out of his lapel so that the admirable young lady put her foot on it.

When Margarita try to put her foot on the floor, she felt an intense pain.

– It happened because…– exclaimed Dolores, one of the ladies and Margarita´s aunt– she does not look where she walks!

– Dolores – justified kindly Rosa Maria –, there is not too much illumination. Moreover, everyone could easily stumble with the protruding stone of the road. Just think! – kindly emphasized the young stepmother, defending her stepdaughter.

– We are in a hurry! Gonzales must be worried about you! We need to return now! – added Dolores even more irritated.

Henry could not hear the conversation that the ladies had while he was lending his assistance. He fell in love with that lady!

– Hey, gentleman?! – asked Dolores, showing her jealousy as she noticed that the gentleman was interested in Margarita –. Gentleman?!– insisted as she noticed that the gentleman did not listen to her.

– At your service, my lady! – replied Henry with a pleasant smile and, simultaneously, he his head showing that he was at her disposal.

– How can you affirm what she has? Are you even a doctor?

– Not yet! – Replied he, animatedly–. I am in the fifth years of the Medical School. Apart from that, when I can, I help with the attention to my father, a recognized and experienced doctor, who has been working in this city many years. From my point of view, it is not a fracture. However, she will have to accomplish a temporary immobilization in order to recover faster. Based on how it looks, she will not be able to walk as the pain is acute –. He turned around to Margarita and inquired: – Do you live far?

– On behalf of her stepdaughter, Rosa Maria informed with precaution:

– A little bit! Having on count that it will be more difficult with Margarita in these conditions... I do not what to do!

As always, Henry offered his help again:

– I will find a car!

He carefully put the lady´s foot on the floor and stood up to look for a carriage that could help them.

When the gentleman was gone, Dolores got angry with the situation and accused Margarita of having done everything on purpose.

– If she saw where she walks, this would not happen. She seems enchanted! She could not take her eyes off him, not for a second!

– It is not like you say, Dolores! – intervened the lady´s stepmother–. Come on, nobody injures oneself just because they want. Use your common sense!

– I have never seen someone like you, Rosa Maria! Why do you justify all in favor of Margarita?

– I try to act with justice, Dolores. I don´t see any reason to condemn her, like you do. I should ask you: why do you attack her too much? It is for sure that the envy blinds you so that you cannot to see the true, letting it project the vanity and incomprehension!

– You offend me with those words, Rosa! What do you want? Do you want to end our friendship? If you want it…

– Speechless, Dolores hugged the other two ladies that come with them, which were her daughters, but they turned around, without saying a word, not to see Rosa Maria and Margarita, leaving them there, without a doubt.

– What shall we do? – Margarita was worried.

Rosa Maria did not know what to do, but calmed Margarita while she was trying to devise an idea. The night was coming around and no passerby was walking nearby. Worried, Rosa Maria was looking around. She moved away a little bit and started walking from here to there, holding her large black dress of fine fabrics that demonstrated her good social class due to the capricious embroidery, which formed small flowers with silk ribbons in the same color and, as an elegant final touch, her delicate hat had an elegant rein which covered half of her face.

The fog increased and her clothes and the woolen overcoat with buttons on the neck level, which went down passing her waist, started to get wet.

Suddenly, in the distance, the friction of some horse´s hooves with the ground started to sound, which made their hearts feel in calm. Rosa Maria stood on tiptoes to try to the carriage in the middle of the dense fog. As they were getting in calm, they saw the driver carriage stopping close to them.

Henry descended smiling and courteous from the carriage steps and went towards the ladies.

The driver blocked the door so that it could be open. The gentleman, taking Margarita into his arms as a perfect gentleman, seated her in the carriage and, immediately, helped the lady´s stepmother to enter to the transport that he brought. He entered to the carriage as soon as he gave to the driver the address, which Rosa Maria had told him.

Inside the carriage, they were having a good conversation while the horse´s trots rocked them smoothly.

It was not a long time until they arrived in front of an elegant residence with walls exquisitely lined of ash rocks where large cast iron entrance halls, which had attractive arabesques, adorned the impressive solid wood doors, which were flanked with wide windows with curtains in very good conditions that decorated and exhibited the delicacy of the residence front.

In front of the residence, there was an austere gentleman who was waiting anxious. The man, who was well–dressed, was walking impatiently and taking out his pocket watch all the time to bring himself up to date of the delay.

When the carriage stopped, Henry descended first. After that, with good and courteous manners, he helped Rosa Maria, who accepted his help delicately, but worried after seeing her husband.

While Henry was helping Margarita descend from the carriage, Rosa Maria tried to guess her husband´s opinion, anticipating his behavior as she already knew his rude manners in this kind of situations.

Mr. Gonzales, which was irritated, anticipated his wife´s arguments and critically interrogated:

– Finally! Did you mind if I was worried? You should show more consideration, Mrs. Rosa Maria!

– Forgive me, husband! – asked the modest young lady who seemed to be his daughter –. I did not do it on purpose. We had an incident: Margarita got injured and could not be able to walk. This young gentleman offered to help us and only then did we find a transport to get here.

Having on count that his reception was not in a courteous manner, Henry waited for the opportunity to introduce himself.

Walking near the carriage, Mr. Gonzales claimed:

– I have already advised you! We have our own means of transports. You both should not walk alone and without the protection we have!

Then, he addressed more gently to his paralyzed daughter that was next to the driver´s door and asked as a generous father:

– What happened, Margarita?

Barefoot, the young lady lifted slightly her dress, showing him the injured area, which could not be seen owing to such bright luminosity.

– I cannot walk – alleged Margarita with a tearful voice. I got injured accidentally.

Rosa Maria is not guilty of our delay.

Mr. Gonzales, ignoring the presence of Henry, approached her daughter, grabbed her hand and inclined to try to examine her closer. He helped her to walk and Margarita bended because of the acute pain that punished her mercilessly. Suddenly, Henry held the lady with gentle care as she almost fell.

Mr. Gonzales, which was stocky, tried to analyze a form of carrying her daughter in his arms, but finding himself sloppy and panting, he requested:

– Rosa Maria, call a servant!

Since they arrived, it was the first time that Henry expressed and he did it kindly, as always:

– Excuse me, Sr. if you allow me, I can take her into the house.

Mr. Gonzales was disorientated and indecisive owing to the good manners of the gentleman, and allowed him with a singular gesture:

– Be careful! – asked the father.

– Absolutely! – affirmed the young gentleman, pleased.

He carried Margarita into his arms again and carefully entered to the Gonzales´ residence, giving the most softly and courteous care to the injured lady.

– Put her here! – requested Rosa Maria, pointing at the divan that adorned one of the rooms where there was an excellent good taste. There were valuable paintings on the light–colored walls, which contrasted with the expensive large dark colored rugs. It could be seen nice porcelain vases with fresh and aromatized flowers, and others glass ornaments that embellished the furniture and showed the luxury of the noble residence.

Mr. Gonzales was still anxious and approached his young wife to asked her in a little bit angry tone:

– Who is he? – he asked pointing at the gentleman with a peculiar gesture.

At that moment, Rosa Maria started to feel anguish in her heart because she did not even know the gentleman´s name. Certainly, she would not easily find any satisfactory explanation that reply to her husband. How could she accept to be with someone whose name she ignored?

After helping Margarita get comfortable on the divan, Henry took part in the conversation letting the young lady escape from the pressure:

– I am Henry Russel, at your service! – bowing his head in a polite gesture, as a popular tradition in that time.

Mr. Gonzales bowed his head and greeted the gentleman, then focusing on his daughter:

– We need to call a doctor, Rosa Maria! Exhorted Mr. Gonzales –. Send a trusted servant to a doctor´s house. I want margarita to be attended today.

– If you allow me, Mr. Gonzales! – Henry interfered again –. My father can come here to attend to her.

– Who is your father? – replicated Mr. Gonzales.

– Doctor David Russel, a well–recognized doctor in this city for a long time.

– I do not know many of them here… We are from Madrid, Spain. We were in France, we resided in Paris for five years and, then we moved to London less than a year ago.

– If you allow me, I will order the carriage driver to bring him as soon as possible! – insisted Henry.

Mr. Gonzales doubted at first, but when he observed better the likeable gentleman, he concluded that the gentleman was of a good lineage owing to his clothes and dedication exhibited without pride.

Henry was wearing a well–ironed English cashmere suit and polished boots. He had a natural elegance which was perfectly complemented with his good posture, inspiring confidence on everyone, mainly due to his excellent manners.

Margarita´s father seemed more friendly, he spoke carefully and worried without any presumption:

– Do you accompany your father while he works?

– Yes, Mr. Gonzales! – confirmed Henry –. When I am in the city, of course. I have been studying medicine for five years, and I will graduate soon.

– Where do you study, Son? – Mr. Gonzales asked with curiosity and interest.

– At Oxford University! It is one of the biggest cultural centers in the United Kingdom and all around the world.

The host nodded slowly and confessed:

– Although I know your country in some ways, I do not know where Oxford is. Despite hearing a lot about that city, I do not remember if I have been to it.

– The city of Oxford is located in the plain of the upper river Thames. It is 150 miles north–east from London. Having on count the public works that being built, the river Thames can be sailed from Oxford to its estuary.

– The river Thames! The one which passes through London? Pardon my ignorance, I am an uneducated man.

– I do not have to forgive anything, Mr. Gonzales. But it is correct, the river you mention is the Thames. It rises in the Cotswold hills, and passes through six English counties in all its trajectory until it discharges in the North Sea, right after crossing London.

– But its waters look like a completely drainage! – Margarita´s father complained frowning the brow and showing repugnance.

– The river Thames have been being contaminated for about 30 years very near here by two counties which discharge in its wide riverbed all the industrial and residential detritus. This causes fish mortality and water impurity.

Unfortunately, the river Thames is our main source of water. This is a constant danger – lamented Henry–. Plagues and epidemics can be originated at any moment in this city.

– When you come to London, do you sail on it?

– Close to the second county, yes. From that point on, I do not like the odor and the landscape. I take the steam train to cross the rest of my journey.

Mr. Gonzales got interested in the gentleman´s instructions, but he needed to interrupt the lesson:

– I appreciate your explanations. But in this moment, let us take care of Margarita now.

– Of course! – The gentleman got surprised when he realized that the conversation was getting longer.

Henry took action and order the driver´s carriage who was waiting to bring his father with him. Before Henry´s father, Dr. David Russel, arrived, they continued discussing about the most famous and the richest city in the world at that time: London.

As Henry perceived that Mr. Gonzales was interested in that city, he demonstrated all his knowledge. At the same time, the young lady´s father, which was impressed, did not inhibited his curiosity:

– I like this city very much, my little friend! – affirmed Mr. Gonzales –. I do not only have for its financial interests as the expansion of maritime trade provides to the businesses, and I am a businessman, do you understand me? Not only England, I love all the United Kingdom! I am worried about the information you said to me, a moment ago, of the river Thames and that we are close to it and exposed to plagues and epidemics. In order to have a better understanding, what can you add to that information?

– We must admit – Justified Henry –, that London is the richest city in the world, as well as the most populated. It is already known long–standing. We cannot conceive that London, as it is today, be the same without the river Thames which, from the North Sea where it discharges, constitutes an important waterway for our industries due to its estuary.

– ‘Estu…es…’, what? I am not used to the terms of your language, my friend. I have traveled a lot since I was a child and, in some way, I speak English, French and Italian. That is why my father´s company made me be involved with unusual words every day. However, I see difficulties sometimes. I would like you to speak in a way I could understand easily, because I am really interested in the tenor of this matter.

– Estuary… Let me see… – Henry reflected with the intention of clarifying and impressing Estuary is the part of the river or sea that invades into the land as if it were an arm, creating the Port of London, which is essential in our commerce and, why not say it, in the commerce of all United Kingdom if Great Britain, once it reaches the heart of England! – Henry stooped to recognize his interlocutor´s impressions, and then he continued: – However, although the river Thames has a regular river level, we have already experimented great floods when the prolonged rainfalls and the abrupt ice melting coincide with the high tide, which literally floods the center of London that is practically at the sea level –. And he continued: – As you might have heard, in 1664 and 1665, a pandemic killed more than 75000 Londoners! The epidemic plague destroyed us, principally due to the overpopulation that gathered looking for offers, jobs and a better quality of life.

Currently, as we can see, we are experiencing an increase in the population, because, since the XVII and XVIII centuries, we had less people by the epidemics. There were divulgation and orientation movements that raised the population awareness to adopt hygienical habits. That reduced the mortality and, having on count the traditional birth rate, a population explosion happens in all the country, not only in London. Since the XVIII century, the industrial revolution permitted the adoption of a more appropriated nutrition, giving us a better quality of life. But, with many people today, how would we manage today the epidemic that happened in the years 1664 and 1665? That plague killed a high number of people owing to the overpopulation. At that time, the number of citizens in London was considerably less than it is today. Therefore, we can deduce that it would be a real catastrophe if there were a plague focal point in London and, coincidentally, the Thames, which is affected by the pollution, caused a flood owing to a prolonged rainfall or the ice melting.

The river Thames is very useful for us, but a flood with the organic current conditions of the river in this overpopulated city, an epidemic would be a tragedy for all of us. As you said, it is a discharge in the open air.

– Interesting! I never thought about that.

The Dr. David Russel´s arrival interrupted them.

All the attention returned to Margarita who appreciated the conversation, as well as the young gentleman without saying a word.

Dr. David Russel was conducted by one of the residence servants to the room where all of them were.

The doctor came with his oldest son, Robert, and fixed his eyes on his other son Henry, which immediately understood the gesture and properly introduced his relatives, and detailed to his father margarita´s accident and what generated the need of his consultation.

The Dr. David Russel, an authentic London gentleman from the XIX century, showed his noble manners and started examining his patient.

While all of them were surrounding Margarita attentively, Robert, Henry´s brother, observed the details of the elegant residence. Without containing himself, he separated from the group and started to observe the most delicate details of the residence.

He allowed his step to follow his contemplation, as he got astonished with all the trivial details in the sparkles, adorns and curtains.

He came to the paintings and, especially, with a great Spanish carillon1.

(1) Spiritual author´s note: Carillon is a great pedestal and pendulum clock.

This artifact was in the center of one of the most visible walls.

He stopped next to the grand piano, which was open, and tried playing some notes of a romantic melody, which was very popular at that time: Nocturne of Chopin, a Polish musician who tried to express the shades of all the feeling of his soul and heart to the compose music and play it with excellent ability.

Rosa Maria, which was attracted to the played notes, approached to the living room where Robert was, surprising him with this question:

– Do you like music?! – She expressed with satisfaction and a smile.

Rosa Maria saw his fright and then she apologized:

– Forgive me! It was not my intention…

– It is me who has to forgive you – Robert responded to her politely.

– I should not be around your residence, observing the details. Replying your questions: Yes, I really love music, specially the romantic and quiet ones, those which raise the soul and transport our imagination to the true harmony and welfare.

– I totally agree! – Rosa Maria got enlivened as she did not usually find someone to share her knowledge about art and music.

Robert, which considered himself a profound expert, was very surprised and inquired:

– Who does this piano belong to? It has a good origin; it is produced by a first–class artisan. He put a lot of effort in every detail as if this instrument were the only and last one, or especially composed to be played by a distinguished artist! Its appearance is noble and classic. And the sound…! Very well–tuned!

The young lady perceived the gentleman´s unexpected enthusiasm and informed him:

– It was a gift of my father for one of my birthdays, long time ago, obviously. I would really like that Margarita get interested in it, it is only an illusion though! However, she really loves listening to it.

Robert, who was a music and art lover, allowed his enthusiasm to dominate him and, on impulse, showing a special shine in his eyes, excited with a personal desire, expressed:

– I would love to hear her play!

In that moment, Mr. Gonzales´ angry voice could be heard in that room.

– Rosa Maria! I need your help!

With a polite courtesy gesture, the young lady asked for permission before she leaves quickly to attend to his husband´s request.

Robert raved in his mind the idea of contemplating a beautiful melody played in that piano. He imagined that it would be a joy to fill his thoughts of dreams with indelible melody played by such elegant hands.

Without placing value on his thoughts, the gentleman was asked to return to the other room where all of them were gathered to take care of Margarita.

2–. Religion

Attending to her husband´s call, Rosa Maria verified that she needed to give orders in the kitchen, as the guests, at insistence of Mr. Gonzales, accepted the invitation to have dinner.

It was a retribution that demonstrated that Margarita´s father was satisfied and grateful to the gently care given by the doctor to his daughter.

After that, in middle of their interesting conversations, the servant, properly trained, announced them that the dinner was ready to be served in the hall.

Rosa Maria and Mr. Gonzales took the initiative and indicated where the dining room was. Dr. David Russel and his son Robert immediately followed them, while Henry helped Margarita, who was having difficulty owing to the immobilization made by the experienced doctor on his foot. The lady needed someone to help her go to her place at the table.

The place which was destinated for eating exhibited a very elegance touch.

The great table was adorned with a high–quality light beige linen tablecloth with delicate high relief embroideries in a slightly stronger tone, which formed little elegant flower sprigs. The silver tableware, which was decorated with the food, demonstrated art.

The English porcelain plates and the cutlery were perfectly positioned in the places where the participants were going to sit. In this way: the owner´s residence sat in the heads of the table; to the wife´s right, the Dr. David Russel, Robert was sat to her left, and Henry sat in front of Margarita.

Some silver candelabrums shined with the candlelight, completing the Gonzales´ tasty dining table.

A servant served to food to them with dexterity, she was helped by a solicitous butler with a perfect gentleman appearance, as English customs used to be, and that Mr. Gonzales wanted to assimilate.

As the conversation continued, Dr. David Russel commented:

– Pardon my curiosity, but it is difficult not to note Mrs. Rosa Maria´s French accent. Did you reside in France or live with many French people?

The young lady replied timidly:

– I am French. That is why I have that accent.

Dr. Russel apologized again and asked:

– It is very interesting that a French lady is Rosa Maria –. And, after a brief pause, he added:  – I have observed better that your physical characteristics are similar from that nation.

Clarifying the situation, Mr. Gonzales, with his rude manners, tried to be courteous and indicated:

– My wife´s real name is Rose Marie, but I do not like French language or pronounce words in a delicate way. For that reason, since we are married, I have always called her Rosa Maria. I prefer to call her like that!

Owing to Mr. Gonzales´ spontaneity and his indelicacy to refer to the French language, nobody perceived the joy that Margarita showed and the shining in her eyes while observing Henry, who also observed her in the same way during the dinner.

After dinner, all of them went to the living room bar and they had to tolerate Mr. Gonzales disagreeable cigar, as well.

It did not take long until Margarita insisted and obliged Rosa Maria to play the piano.

When Robert saw the lady´s proposal, he was the first to encourage Rosa Maria to play. He was eager to appreciate the melody. His heart was beating stronger while he heard the delightful music that the young lady was perfectly playing. It seemed that his gentile soul went to his finger toes when she pressed every piano key. 

They spent enjoyable hours together until Dr. David Russel considered that it was the time for them to retire, as he noticed that it was too late. He did not forget to recommend his patient to follow his instructions firmly regarding to the compresses and the frictions with the thick ointment that he prescribed her.

Everyone said goodbye kindly, but Henry did not resist and asked Mr. Gonzales for permission to return the following day in order to visit Margarita and see her recovery. The gentleman´s request gave expectations and romantic dreams to Margarita.

Mr. Gonzales´ life experience and astuteness permitted him immediately identify the young gentleman´s intentions with his daughter.

With a serene and agreeable countenance, Mr. Gonzales allowed Henry to visit her as he observed that Henry had indispensable virtues to romance his daughter.

When the guests retired, the Gonzales family went to sleep.

In Margarita´s bedroom, which was well–decorated with an English style of those times, Rosa Maria and a servant helped the young lady to change clothes to sleep.

Involved in warm blankets, Margarita felt comfortable in her luxurious bed where a light–pink silk canopy2 with folds and bows decorated the princely bed.

(2) Spiritual author´s note: Canopy was an adornment frame, upholstered or swaddled, which is placed as an ornament on top of beds, very used in the past.

The young lady´s eyes shined, and her thoughts became amazed at remembering Henry to the point that she forgot her injure.

Rosa Maria perceived her stepdaughter´s fascination and, when the servant left, she took the opportunity to sharpen even more Margarita´s imagination. Sitting on Margarita´s bed, Rosa Maria observed her while she was straightening her long hair, unbraiding it and put it in the front part of her body, and commented smiling:

– Henry fell in love with you, as well!

– Do you really believe that? – hesitated the young lady, desiring a confirmation.

– It is evident! I think that your father also perceived it!

– Dad?!

– Of course! I really noticed it when Henry asked your father for coming tomorrow – she laughed graciously.

– But, my dad…

– And taking at her word, Rosa Maria interrupted her and argued:

– If Mr. Gonzales permitted him come, it is logical that he sympathized with the gentleman and approved his behavior!

Margarita´s smile could be perceived that she was full of dreams that were like those ones who are going to marry.

Rosa Maria made Margarita come back to reality and asked:

– Do you like him, do not you? – said the stepmother.

– You cannot imagine, Rosa Maria!!! You cannot imagine!!! – She gave a deep sigh and said happily: – I have never had the opportunity to meet a someone like him, so intelligent, so delicate, so elegant…

– … Educated! Solicitous! Courteous! Refined! A true London gentleman! – added Rosa Maria to the opinion that Margarita had already emphasized.

– Rose, could it be…?

– Could it be, what? – Rosa Maria questioned with an impish smile. She seemed as romantic as the young lady, but she observed with an inquisitive gaze to Margarita, to whom she considered more than a sister, making her feel more anxious.

– Ahhh! You know… – she said with a darling gesture.

– No! I do not know, Margarita. Tell me!!! Come on! – exclaimed Rosa Maria.

– Could it be possible that he likes me?

– What a silly question, Margarita! If Henry were not interested in you, why would he come tomorrow? – At that point of the conversation, Rosa Maria made her voice deeper, copying and caricaturing Mr. Gonzales´ rudeness and she said:

– Ah! Henry is coming tomorrow to face the old Gonzales again because he felt in love with his mustache!

They laughed with pleasure and Margarita reflected:

– It is true! Ah…! – she gave a sigh encouragingly. She was thinking and, then she found new plans and affirmed:

– I want to be gorgeous tomorrow! Can you help me to choose a dress? What about the blue one with embroidery bodice?

– The one with French ribbons that I gave you?! – the stepmother replied enthusiastic to emphasize her participation in the cloth style.

– Yes!!! Of course!!!

– In your waist, we will tie a big ribbon and a beautiful bow that will complete the young servant´s elegance! – Rosa Maria exclaimed as she were dreaming.

– And in my hair, Rosa?! – asked the anxious young lady to not forget any detail.

– I will do that look! Relax, Margarita – affirmed generously.

– Ah! Tell me! How will it be…? Do you already have an idea?! – Margarita got worried.

– An adorned look with blue myosotis mimosas to make a combination with your dress – Her stepmother revealed with natural delicacy, describing, and imagining every ready–. Tomorrow morning, I will order that dressmaking to an around florist that I met last week. Ah! She has magic hands for that work and an incomparable good taste. – Clarified Rosa Maria, encouraging the young lady´s dreams.

Excited about the dress and look recommendation, Margarita affirmed:

I want to impress Henry. Wow! I think I fell in love – The lady confessed showing her feelings with soft smiles.

With joy and satisfaction in the serene and white face, Rosa Maria was pleased with her stepdaughter happiness as if it were hers.

Both, stepdaughter and stepmother, harmonized so well in their tastes, sentiments, and in the confidences, a bigger union than mother