Eric had arrived at the household with a sore body. The ride back from Clifford Hills were the most uncomfortable travel he had ever gone through. Since the carriage Marry was riding was just big enough for her and her Maid. While he sat at the back with their luggage. It was usual of course, they wouldn't share space with him. But still he did not enjoy.
Soreness still lingered while he prepared a pair of blue shoes that complimented his master's dress. No doubt, she would shine in it. With her long wavy brown hair and freckled face. She would look like the queen of summer. Beautiful in all her glory.
He had been taken aback when he first laid eyes on her. A strange tight unfamiliar feeling lingered in his chest since. And it had not been good. Her beautiful wide eyes, full lips, down to her full breasts, and hour glass body had made him thirst for her attention. No doubt if he was anything but a servant, he would have court her and make her his. But, he had been taken away once because of that. If he wanted to stay, he needed to act the part.
"Eric, do I look good enough?" Clary stepped out of the changing room, the dress wrapped her waist with pearly ribbons. She looked like the morning sky.
"You look well presented, I feel your father will be mostly pleased," He answered politely despite all the words hanging behind his tongue. Clary nodded with a hint of satisfaction. She sat then brushing her long hair, unaware of his gaze.
She was so beautiful. Eric thought while finishing the last touch. The last layer of gathered dust had been lifted. He was not impressed with how Anna kept Clary's shoes. They were placed neatly, but not well protected. Nothing like what he would do for service. He was taught to do better.
"Eric," Clary looked back, "You can stay here. I'll be meeting my father in private." She announced.
Eric blinked, looking at his master in disbelieve. They say the only reason a master to not bring their butler is either it had something to do with the law or that you weren't trusted. He stretched his lips in a stern line.
"Very well," He answered. Asking question was also something he was not suggested to do.
Clary nodded, then left. The door swung shut after her, leaving him to his own devices.
In the end all he could do was clean up after the mess, his thoughts wandering to what Clary wanted to say to her father in private. Did she not want him anymore? Was she more comfortable with Anna? Was that what she wanted to talk about?
Eric frowned at his own insecurities. Since when did he care whether a woman wanted him or not?
The door swung open. Eric looked back in surprise, startled by Clary's sudden entrance. The cloudy look on her face alarmed him.
"Miss, is everything alright?"
Clary stopped in her tracks, as if she just remembered he was there. She smiled softly, "Oh, Eric, yes I'm alright. Don't worry,"
"Are you sure?" He asked again. She nodded, "Yes I am. I'm just deep in thought. Listen, I have something to tell you," She sat on the edge of her bed. Colour starting to appear on her cheeks. Eric stood closer to her, listening carefully, "Yes Miss?"
"I have asked my father if I could live in my grandmother's house and continue her business. He said I could."
Eric blinked at this. He remembered Clary's grandmother as the sweet but energetic woman. She owned a private plantation deep in the mountain walls, hidden from human eyes. The barrier that protects it is strong, not even another witch or even a dark being could pass it. Unless they had special permission of course.
But it wasn't the walls that protected it that made it speciall. It was what lay Inside it. Two hectare worth of magical plants, herbal medication, and rare flowers to make the strongest of potions. Eric did not think they would continue the business after what happened to her. That Clary was willing to carry on with her grandmother's legacy.
"Clary, are you sure?" He said, the walls momentarily forgotten. He knew how much this meant to her, since her grandmother had died in it. And in the way she did… a tragic accident.
"Eric…" Clary whispered to him, her eyes gazing into his. "Do you remember me?"
She caught him off guard. Eric shook his head, "Never, I've never forgotten you Miss."
She smiled, the brightness in her eyes softened his heart.
"Am I as you remembered?" She asked sweetly. He swallowed.
How can he tell her that she had grown to a woman any man would want. Her smile, her voice, the shape of her hips, her round full breasts, and lastly, her lips.
Then she was a child. He was thirteen, and he saw her more as a little sister. Someone he cared for dearly, held close in his heart. But now, after those years passed. He had been stunned with her beauty. She turned into a fine woman, he could not deny that.
"You've grown in a fine woman Clary."
She smiled, her eyes glistening with joy. She bit her bottom lip, "Can we just… be friends? I don't really enjoy the formality." She admitted. Eric recalled this was one of the things that made him love her, her openness.
"Of course. If that's what you want. Why not?"
"Thanks Eric,"
"No problem. Now you tell me how you are. Are you sure you want to take It over?"