“Charlotte?”
“Oh, sorry. I was just lost in thought for a moment.”
The diversion aired out the previously tense topic. Breathing a sigh of relief, Anna, who had picked up the spoon, suggested, “You know, you’ve looked unwell since yesterday. Why don’t you take the rest of the day off? Janine and I can handle things here.”
“I can’t just take a break, though.”
“How about you run to the restaurant nearby and grab some juice? The salon guests will be arriving soon, and it’d be nice to have something to quench your thirst before that.”
“I’ll gladly buy it. Thank you, Anna, Janine.”
Charlotte refused the offered coins and quickly stood up, swinging open the door to head outside. As she did, she locked eyes with a brown-haired boy hiding against the wall. Charlotte sighed in relief and called out his name.
“Finn.”
“Charlotte.”
“Why are you here? You have the day off today and tomorrow, right?”
“That’s because the chef asked me to…”
“Lies.”
Charlotte caught the hesitation in the young island boy’s voice; he was not adept at deceit.
“The chef isn’t here until this evening. He left after preparing lunch and won’t be back for a while.”
“…”
“He wouldn’t have called you in on your day off for errands.”
Caught in his clumsy lie, Finn sheepishly scratched his head.
“Actually, I came to see you.”
“Me?”
“Yes. Are you free tomorrow evening?”
It was an unexpected question. Despite his younger-looking face, Finn was only two years her junior, which had led to them becoming fast friends in a short time. For Charlotte, who had never had a younger brother, this was a refreshing experience since she had been working from a young age and rarely interacted with peers her own age or younger.
As Charlotte gauged the intent behind his invitation, Finn quickly added, “It’s nothing big, but there’s a small festival happening at the town square at nine. You can bring other friends too. The more, the merrier.”
It wasn’t a date request. It was an opportunity to briefly escape her usual thoughts. Charlotte smiled and nodded.
“Then I’ll come. Can I dress casually?”
“Yes! I’ll come to pick you up.”
“No need. I know the way well enough.”
Charlotte wanted to avoid any potential gossip at all costs, especially since rumors spread quickly on a small island. The worst case would be if word reached Richard, who was not one to hide his jealousy.
Finn’s spirits, dampened by her firm refusal, nodded reluctantly. Charlotte, feeling a twinge of guilt, asked with a slight smile, “Not to make it up to you, but could you tell me where they sell the best juice around here?”
An hour later, as guests of the Countess began to arrive one by one, Charlotte’s peaceful break was over.
Dressed like the other maids, Charlotte looked indistinguishable among them. She didn’t mind; considering her indebtedness to the Count’s family, she was willing to work for months without pay.
Chloe Kensington, up close after a long time, stood out like a lily among the lavishly dressed ladies. She was soft, elegant, and beautiful.
Guests invited to the salon vied for the attention of this classic beauty. Ladies with eligible daughters or relatives were especially eager to catch her eye.
“It’s clear why the Earl treats you so well. Being so poised and beautiful, he can’t help but be devoted.”
“I’m embarrassed I can’t fully perform my duties as his wife due to my frail health. You flatter me too much.”
“I heard you’ve been delicate since childhood. This is ginseng my husband fetched from the eastern continent on his last trip; it’s said to be very beneficial for health. I brought it especially for you, Mrs. Kensington. It arrived this evening, so I’ll have a servant send it over.”
“Oh, how kind of you. I’ll gladly accept your gracious offer, Mrs. Deerbell.”
While the Countess conversed with the guests, Charlotte stood ready to serve behind them, just another piece of furniture against the wall, half-listening to the conversations that flowed in front of her. Her legs were sore, and it was somewhat boring, but aside from occasionally refilling empty cups or pulling out a chair for a lady, it wasn’t particularly hard work.
It would have been an uneventful evening had it not been pierced by a sudden conversation.
Richard’s impending marriage.
It was common for men to marry in their mid-twenties, and soon-to-be twenty-eight Richard was slightly past the typical age for marriage.
The Countess graciously entertained the ladies subtly pushing forward their daughters or nieces. Charlotte’s heart sank at this. The Countess’s demeanor was a reflection of the Earl’s. If she was open to discussions about his marriage, it meant the Earl was actively seeking a match for his brother.
Another woman. His wife.
She had braced herself for it, and even during moments of happiness, she had dimly thought about the end… But hearing it confirmed by others was different. As the conversation continued, her heart grew increasingly painful. Anna, noticing Charlotte’s pallid face, quietly whispered for her to go make more tea.
Returning after a brief respite, the conversation had heated up. Charlotte’s clumsy attempt at serving was immediately noticed by the Countess, who issued a dismissal.
“Could you inform Richard about this? He’s likely in the library.”
“Yes, madam.”
Charlotte nodded politely and turned to leave. But upon reaching the library, Richard was nowhere to be seen. Mrs. Jennon, who was organizing books, shrugged when asked.
“I’m not sure. He left early this morning.”
“Do you know where he went?”
“I don’t. He went out alone.”
“…I see.”
“What’s the matter?”
Could she really pass this task along? A sudden impulse shook Charlotte.
Three days.
It had been three days since she had properly faced him. She had avoided him intentionally, and knowing her feelings, he hadn’t approached her unnecessarily either. Yet, he hadn’t completely let go.
Suddenly, she remembered yesterday morning’s incident at the Earl’s breakfast table. Richard had dropped his knife. As Charlotte bent to pick it up, he suddenly kicked it under the table.
She had ended up under the table, frozen in place. His long, pianist-like hands abruptly clasped her wrist in a firm grip.
Please…!
Charlotte inwardly pleaded, but the strong grip did not let go. This was not the end of it.
“I’m considering selling the troublesome northern estate.”
“The value of the surrounding areas is expected to rise soon. It might be better to wait a bit before selling.”
During the conversation, his index finger gently traced her palm. The slight contact of skin flared with overt temptation, a skilled provocation reminiscent of those used by professional entertainers. The incident at the opera house came to mind. Though back then they were somewhat concealed in the private box above the auditorium, now they were at a dinner table, making his behavior even more shocking. Despite the obscene touch, the voice above her head remained perfectly calm.
“I worry the Queen’s reign won’t last much longer. She has no heir, so a nephew will likely succeed the throne.”
“Even if Sir Glenn, the nephew, succeeds, I don’t expect much change. He’s also conservative and pro-aristocracy.”
“My, is His Majesty’s illness that severe? I heard about it through a letter from a lady-in-waiting to the baroness.”
Soon, another maid brought a new knife, and only after being released did Charlotte realize it. This was Richard Daniel Kensington’s subtle warning. A message that he was watching how long she could run.
Thinking back on that moment made her head swim. It wasn’t yet time. She couldn’t face him.
Better to pass the message on.
Hesitant, Charlotte spoke again, “The Countess mentioned something to His Lordship. If you’re not too busy, could you pass it on?”
“Sure. I’ll take care of it. What is it?”
“It’s just that…”
Right as she was about to spill everything, a thunderous sound as the front hall door burst open made her freeze. Simultaneously, she heard the voice of the steward, Thomas Jennon.
“Oh dear, lightning out of the blue. You must not have had time to grab an umbrella.”
“The Earl?”
“He’s stepped out momentarily.”
The low voice was unmistakably Richard’s. Mrs. Jennon gestured towards him.
“You might as well tell him directly.”
Unable to resist the push on her back, she awkwardly approached the railing where a thoroughly soaked Richard and Thomas, holding his coat, were looking up.
“I’ll have the bath water prepared immediately. How about a warm cup of tea in the meantime?”
“No need…”
Just as the man was about to dismiss the offer indifferently, he looked up. Their eyes met. The gaze between the lovers who had not seen each other for a long time was neither warm, tender, nor sensual. It was cold, brief, and static.
As if he had never looked up at her, Richard turned his gaze back to the steward and corrected himself.
“Actually, a cup of tea sounds good.”
His tone was as usual, utterly unremarkable. Taking a short breath, Charlotte clenched her fists. For some reason, her palm felt unbearably itchy.
🍉🍉🍉
