<div style="text-align: justify;">London, England, 1865<br/><br/>The Alberts family was one of those families who had been high class for generations. Their roots laid in the nobility, but now, the family made their money from the commerce of silk. The ships that came in from distant lands brought the rich fabric, and made sure the family was kept wealthy.<br/><br/>And, as a perk, the women were kept well dressed. Silk and lace, all the best for Mrs. Alberts and her young daughter. Catherine Margareth Alberts - named after both her grandmothers - was an only child, and the pride and joy of her parents. The girl was intelligent, elegant and had all the knowledge required of a female in her age.<br/><br/>Young Cathy knew how to sew, embroider, sing, draw, and hold a conversation with ease. The piano was something she was still learning, but the girl showed promise in that as well. And, unlike many of the girls in her social circle, Catherine actually enjoyed all this work. She wanted to be able to teach her future children and take good care of her family.<br/><br/>True, she didn't have a family yet. Not even the prospect of one. There wasn't an engagement, but there was someone her heart desired. Of course, it was a desire she knew could not be realized. But still, it was a desire. <span style="color: #00FFFF">"Thad!"</span>, the girl's cheerful voice called out. That was one of the family's servants, and one who, in her mother's words, Cathy 'abused' cruelly. She disrupted his work, asked silly questions, or called him to see things not many men would be interested in. <br/><br/>When the servant came to her presence, the girl would show him a radiant smile and a pair of lace gloves. <span style="color: #00FFFF">"What do you think?"</span>, she asked cheerfully as usual. <span style="color: #00FFFF">"I just got them, but I am unsure about whether or not they will look good on me. As you know, I tend to ruin them as soon as I get them"</span>. The girl sighed and smiled again. <span style="color: #00FFFF">"I am horribly clumsy, am I not?"</span>, she asked, almost in a teasing intonation. It sounded as thought she was daring the servant to agree with her.</div>