The hot sun burned on my skin, blinding my eyes as I tried to open them. Inevitably shutting them again.
"Lady.Victoria?" A soft, slivery voice asked, "Are you alright? Your finger was bleeding so I took the time to bandage it." "What?" I pushed myself off the ground trying to focus my eyes, "Sir.Bertram?"
"Yes it's me." He gave me a pearly smile ruffling his curly hair, "You were mumbling while you were out, I suppose you kept calling me by the name of 'Charles'. Seems rather familiar."
I glanced at my finger seeing a bandage there, giving it a wiggle. "I did? What else did I say?" "Yes and not much, you were sweating intensely. So I asked your guard if I shall aid you, and they agreed I could." My eyes turned to the emotion-less guard, their eyes staring at me like daggers ready to strike. I shiver, "How kind of them…Uh, Sir.Bertram when did you leave the tea table?" "A while after you, I wanted to make sure you were okay, after my sister's spoken for tone."
I dig my nails into the ground staring at the green patch underneath me, "Yes, I am quite fine. Just got a little overheated and hurt my finger along the way but you fixed it. Thank you for that, I apologize for calling you by another name." "It is fine, you were seeming to be in a dream so I know it wasn't on purpose." His eyes narrowed, "I just wondered why you called his name, I wished you would call me for help."
My eyes widen, "Pardon me?" Sir.Bertram gave a sort of pouty expression locking eyes with me, "I wish you would call me for help. I know you think I'm after your weaknesses but I genuinely want to be friends with Lady.Victoria. Maybe something more if you shall wish it." He held out his hand and I took it hesitantly, he pulled me to my feet.
"Does your finger still hurt?" He sounds like he really does care, "A little bit but I think I'm okay now." He smiled again, "Well, I'm glad you're feeling better, and that I could help." He leaned in close catching me off guard, "Oh and don't worry about Lady.Bellum finding out about this. I will just tell her you had some gardening work to observe and that you wish us a good day." He winked and I gave him nod, "Thank you. Thanks a lot for that Sir.Bertram."
He steps away leaving me some space, "Of course I hope you feel better and please write me if you have any time. I would love to hear more about the books you read, books that aren't related to business stuff." I curtsied smiling softly, "It will be on my list then, Sir.Bertram, I guess with that, don't be afraid to write me too?"
He pressed a hand to his cheek putting his hands together, "Of course! I'll try to write you as soon as my schedule frees up. Thank you again for being an excellent host." "You really think so?" "Yes, I think we should do this more often and if you're uncomfortable with my sister I will come by myself,maybe even bringing a little literature." He laughed, "Literature and my favorite coffee of course, I know this was tea gathering, but I would quite enjoy if we had coffee together."
Coffee..I guess it doesn't sound so bad since it's with Sir.Bertram, I could find out more about his intentions. "That sounds nice, maybe I'll take you up on that." "Yes, please think about it, it would be wonderful if you visited one of our estates."
If I visited him? I don't think that would be a good idea, plus I don't think my mother would even allow that. I give him a bigger smile and he returns it, seeming not to press me with the question.
"Glad you could agree, I hope we meet again soon Lady.Victoria, may you have a quick recovery." He extended his hand and I took it, Sir.Bertram placing a kiss upon it. I take my hand back not having much of a reaction, and he bows before heading off. Down the green patch, almost having a skip in his walk.
A hand is placed on my shoulder, "Lady.Victoria." I flinch, glancing back at the guard, "Yes?" "Time to head back, you need to continue with the rest of your schedule." I nod, "Okay." The guard passes by me, "Follow." I nod doing exactly such, a chill running over my spine, someone feels to be watching me. I'm not sure who but I don't turn around to see.
I keep walking, passing the empty tea table and leaving the flower beds behind. The cold air seeping back into my skin as I rentered the mansion. A maid approached me, passing a thin paper over, "You're schedule milady." I take a quick glance, I have to go to the Library next, how ironic.
"Thank you, let my mother know I will proceed with these today." "She already knows you will, Lady.Victoria." I suck in a breath, of course she does. I pass by the maid going over to a long hallway, the hallway seeming to close in as I continued down but eventually I make it to the library.
The bolted doors being open as I approached, the library, haven't been here too often but it was rather grand. Having three floors of books,long spiral stairs leading up to each floor. Along with a sliver space for tea, I sigh going over to the sliver space. There's books already laid out for me and I sit down going over them. It's rare if I ever choose books for myself.
The first one is about 'Guest Etiquette', I flip to the cover page and it's torn at the top. That's odd, I glance back to the watching eyes, tensing up a bit trying to read. Best not to focus on it, best not to let my mind wander.
Wander in the depths of my mind, of why Charles was there in my dream and about that letter Rene' left me. About what she knows about this house. I clench the edges of the book, what all does she know?