None of them could have prepared me for her return, not even Charles.
I knew she was coming back, but I didn't expect it to be in the middle of my scheduled day. Tonight? Maybe. Tomorrow? Most definitely I expected that, but now? I took a deep breath, holding it before I exhaled.
I have to be brave, to face her and hear what she's got to say, even if she berates me. I tried my best today, so hopefully that was worth something. I know it wasn't enough, wasn't perfect because I'm never perfect but it was all I could do.
I just hope I was at least good enough for today, and that the Tea Evaluation doesn't get me in trouble. I know Charles is probably on thin ice but I think I'm on thinner, especially if she hears about that. About how I didn't drink that blood-infested tea or wine. I'm not exactly sure what it was but I know it smelled foul.
I think I'm always on thin ice around my parents, especially my mother. It surprises me how I haven't fallen through yet and drowned already. Being choked by the rushing water as they would stare down at their mistake, finally getting rid of what attaches them to each other. I would think that would make them both happy and disappointed.
Seeing as how they would have to find another heir to replace me; probably not biological since they can't stand each other. But someone good enough to be better than me. Someone to follow all the rules and do as they say without a second thought. I stare blankly daydreaming about the scenario until I'm snapped back into reality.
"Lady, Victoria are you listening to me?" I blink back, "Oh, sorry Mr.Kyle, I was in a daze and rather surprised to see you. I haven't seen you since the ball." Kyle bowed his head, "Yes, I know I usually am the one to announce when dinner is ready or any formal meal. But now I am here to announce lunch with the Lady of the house. Per her request."
"I see, thank you for letting me know Mr.Kyle. Again you usually stay downstairs, so if you don't mind me asking, was it her request for you to come tell me directly?" Kyle shifts his eyes to the floor, "No, it was mine. I asked the Lady of the house if I could come tell you directly since it would be much faster than usual." I lifted a brow, that's odd, why would Mr.Kyle request to come tell me directly if it wasn't an order?
I press my lips into a line, nodding my head, "I understand, well then I suppose you will come and bring me to her?" "Yes, she advised getting changed first and then meeting her downstairs." "Okay, then I will do exactly that, can I say goodbye to Charles?" Kyle blinks at me before saying, "Make haste, Lady.Victoria."
I sigh, turning around to Charles who seems to already be waiting for me. He has a bright smile on his face, his pale skin sort of shimmering in the light despite looking worn out.
"I guess this is goodbye for now." "Yes, thank you for showing me the new gown you're working on and for the chat." I walk over to him and squeeze his palms, lowering my voice to a whisper, "Also thank you for getting me away, I hope you don't get in trouble. You really do work so hard." I step back and see his eyes expand, a sort of sorrow forming as he quickly embraces me. "Thank you Victoria, I want to say that in case I do get in big trouble."
He pulls away with watery eyes, wiping a few tears as they fall, "If this is really a goodbye then I want to say that it's been an honor to work for your family and to meet you. You truly are an amazing person Victoria Acres." I feel my heart stop at his words, Amazing? Me?
My eyes almost water themselves but I stop them, biting my tongue. Giving Charles one last nod before turning back to Kyle, "I'm ready now, thank you again, Mr.Kyle, for letting me say goodbye." He steps out of the way, and I walk past him, his eyes shifting from the ground to grab my hand, "Make haste."
I freeze and he gives me one last stern look, "Remember she's waiting." He then took off and Charles rushes up to me with concern, "Why did he grab your hand like that? Are you okay Victoria?" I feel a tiny piece of paper in my hand, realizing what Mr.Kyle was talking about.
Either he's entailing my mother or I gulp, or Rene'. I squeeze the paper tight, "I'm fine Charles, but I do really need to get going now. Thank you for checking up on me." I hold tight to the sides of my dress, walking down the same hallway that Mr.Kyle did.
"Lady.Victoria!" Charles yells, making me turn back to him confused, "Yes?" "I-thank you!" "Charles you already said that." His shoulders raise, a light red tone coming upon his pale face, "I know I just felt like saying it again. Sorry, I'll let you go." I wave at him and turn back around, that was odd but I'm not going to think about it too much. After all my mind is too preoccupied with this little note, why would Mr.Kyle give this to me? If my mother were to find out about this she would have his head.
I turn the corner and run up on some maids, who give me a polite curtsy. Their faces are covered by masks and they look like something from a theatrical play. It was strange, to say the least, "Lady. Victoria please follow us."
"Is this part of the meeting with my mother?" They don't respond, they just start walking and I follow asking more questions. "Will I wear a mask too? Why did she come back so early? Is everything alright? Do you know why Mr.Kyle-" "Mr.Kyle what?" The voice was hollow, and stern, catching me by surprise as both maids turn to me, "Is Mr.Kyle bothering you with names that shouldn't concern you? Going about nonsense instead of doing his job?"
Nonsense? Why would he be going on about nonsense? Has Mr.Kyle done this before?