We find ourselves being led into an elegant parlor. Honestly, after the Head Steward Josaf introduced himself and began to lead us here, I could not help but become more curious. For instance, this Josaf is well mannered and educated. If I did not know better, I would say that he was trained in the Palace. I can even sense the young servant I brought with me, trying his hardest to emulate the servants from the Palace in front of Head Steward Josaf.
"Madame Ludy will be with you, shortly," said Josaf as he motioned for us to sit on a couch that looked brand new. "In the meantime, please enjoy some refreshments."
"Thank you, Head Steward Josaf," I said as a young maid came in gracefully with a trolley full of finger foods and a marvelous tea set.
I stared in awe as Josaf skillfully took the teapot and poured it gently in the teacups for me and the Palace servant. The rich aroma quickly filled the room as he poured the fragrant tea. I was inwardly shocked as I recognized the tea instantly. This tea was impossible to obtain because the plant was so hard to maintain! How could a poor Baroness obtain such luxury!? I had to find out! I took a sip from my cup.
"My, this tea is quite fine! I say, wherever did you obtain this?" I tried to not sound flustered or that I was probing; however, I felt that nothing could slip past his eyes as he answered me without telling me what I really wanted to know.
"We grow a single tree here, though these leaves were bought as the tree has not produced any proper tealeaves. It is called 'Blue Angel Tears' as the tea seems to give off a blue tint. It happens to be our young Lady's favorite," beamed Josaf at the mention of the young girl, who will soon marry the Crown Prince. "She happens to enjoy rich aromas and bright flowers. I am sorry, but the previous flowers did not suit her taste."
"No need, Head Steward Josaf," I say as I make note of our future Princess' preferences. "Everything here was given to the family and they may do whatever they wish. I also see that much of the furniture was changed."
"Yes. Everything was changed to suit My Lady's taste," beams Josaf as I notice the chandelier in the middle of the room and am momentarily stunned.
It was not low hanging and the walls are tall, hence why I missed it the first time. It looked no bigger than a large serving bowl with strings of crystals hanging around the main structure; however, what really made me in awe was that it seemed to stream to the edges of the wall, almost like a web of dew crystals. Honestly, it looks like the structure is a blooming flower caught in a spiderweb with delicate morning dew around the 'threads.' It had to be the most beautiful piece of art that I had ever seen.
"Lady Ludy Harkins with Lord Richard Cloud-Harkins, now arrives," states a servant walking in the parlor, prompting the young servant with me and I to stand up.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen," says the Madame as she awkwardly makes her way in while her husband walks close behind. "Please sit."
"Thank you, Madame," I say as we all sit in the available chairs, giving me time to assess the Lady in front.
She wore a nice, proper dress that was neither too expensive nor too cheap. Her shoes appear new and her hair and make-up is well presented. The only thing was, she seems very nervous, almost out of place. I smile at her to calm her down while Josaf quietly serves them tea.
"Lady Ludy Harkins, may I be the first from the Palace to offer my sincerest congratulations today. The late King had a very strong brotherly bond with your late father and it was their wish to have both families be joined in union, to one day rule the kingdom. Sadly, they both did not live to see the day that the Crown Prince would wed your daughter, Aphra Ginny Harkins," I pause to gauge out her reaction, which totally surprised me to no end.
"W-What!? The Crown Prince will marry, who!?" said the Baroness as she suddenly stood up while Sir Richard remained shocked in his seat. "Heavens! Does the girl know about this!?"
What surprised me was that she had sharply turned to look at her cool Steward, who politely smiled with a bow to her.
"Forgive this servant's ignorance, but as far as I know, she would not know," said Josaf still in a cool manner while the Lady quickly lost all color to her face and plopped back down on her chair.
"Lady Ludy! Are you alright?" I say as I get up to my feet to help her while Josaf moved closer to fan her with his handkerchief he kept in his pocket.
"...Why... yes...Yes, I am quiet alright," said the Baroness as she tried to calm herself while Josaf looked at me.
"Pardon me, Head Steward Wesley, but normally when there is something as big as this, there is always some proof or evidence that such a promise exists. By chance, may I ask, what proof is there that such a union would be formed?" said Josaf, again making me curious as to why he was so calm.
In fact, even the young maid appeared calm as well as the other servant that had announced their arrival and never left. Both of them appear like statues. Too strange.
"There is such proof," I say as I grab a small box from the inside of my coat pocket and opened it to show them. "This ring, along with its mate, were forged for the purpose of this union. This is the one that will be for the groom while we were informed by the late Baron that he presented the other ring to his granddaughter around the time of her birth. The bride should have the matching pair."
I see their reactions and again I grow curious at them. The Baroness picks up the ring to examine with her husband while Josaf bowed his head, but not before I saw his eyes widen with surprise briefly.
"This ring... I do not recognize it," states the Baroness as a black haired youth comes in unannounced.
"Hey, why is everyone in here?" he states as he gives a bored look while Josaf clears his throat.
"Walliams, we have guests. Please be polite," warns Josaf as I see the youth's eyes widen when he sees the ring in the Baroness' hand.
"Hey, Aunt Ludy, why do you have me Lady's ring that she carries around her favorite necklace? Do not tell me she left it behind!" said the youth as he snatches the ring from her hand to examine, then sniff! "Wait... this does not have her scent. It only looks like hers, but it cannot be hers..."
"Walliams, where is your brother?" says Josaf as Walliams soon loses interest in the ring and hands it back to the Baroness.
"He fell asleep. He has had a long day," he says with a shrug when I suddenly notice a black swish behind him briefly before disappearing.
Was I seeing things? How many secrets does this household have!?