Welcoming the Addington's within our home, my father spoke to me with excitement that they shall be our new neighbours; neighbours that lived five minutes away from our household. I was not exactly excited or bedazzled, I was curious as to why they would want to move all the way out here, and live in a mansion that surely looked, and probably was haunted.
If I would not be so ridiculed or chastised, I shall pay no mind to such trivialities and go on with my day and spending my time with Edward. Albeit, before I could briskly leave the room, father instructed me to take monsieur Emilio for a tour. As we walked the halls, I had forgotten due to my time apart, I blatantly introduced the young man to all the rooms, which also left a tense and awkward atmosphere dangling above our heads. Trailing down another hall side-by-side, Emilio spoke to ask me a query:
"Mademoiselle, have you visited France within your lifetime?" Asked he, finding my monotonous white eyes as I found his cerulean iris' that were bouncing with life and glistening underneath the rays of the sun.
"Father says I may never travel in fear of anyone finding out about my eye condition."
"Your eye condition, miss Andrade?"
"Yes, monsieur, my eyes are as white as a blind man's alas, I can see the marvels of the world around me."
Emilio gave a small head motion of understanding, extending his hand and placing it upon my shoulder, making shivers run down my spine. "Your eyes remind me of Christmas snow globes, crafted by a master craftsman, mademoiselle." Exaggerated Emilio, warmth rushing to my cheeks. "T-Thank you, monsieur. I am sorry to say, but I know not of something beautiful that I can compare with your own eyes." Said I, fidgeting with the hem of my sleeve.
"Do not fret mademoiselle, your presence is a compliment on its own." Emilio chuckled, showing me his charming smile that would make all ladies swoon. All went silent once again as we moved from room to room. It was an unusual occurrence that a boy so wealthy and handsome as Emilio would even be walking beside me, rather than a lady who could give him so much more.
This came as a surprise to me as to why his family has made such a bold decision to move and habituate themselves upon these deserted lands. As I was about to move onto the dining room, Emilio had asked me another query, perhaps more of a request. "Miss Andrade, do you happen to have a flourishing garden?" Asked him, peeking through the curtain of a window.
"Please monsieur, you may call me Elaine. We do have a garden, although I would not perceive it as 'flourishing'."
"Ah, that is fine, Elaine. Why do you disregard your family name? It is evident in your place within society."
"It is my father's name, I would rather my mother's. You are curious about the garden? Shall we go?" I truculently said, wanting to avoid any confabulation about my father. Emilio had a surprised look upon his face as if he had known why I wished to avoid the topic. "Alright, Elaine. Off we go then." Emilio feigned his curiosity and I had nodded, moving down the hall in solicitude. After a quick stroll down the hall, Emilio and I had arrived at the garden doors, soon to open them and reveal the messy state of the Andrade family garden.
The hedges had overgrown and become so dishevelled and overgrown that I could not recognise what they once had been; the floral areas of the garden were not blooming with their exotic colours, their stems drooped in dismay and the petals withered, swept away by the wind. I paid not a penny of thought to this garden, for gardening was not one of my specialities or interests. To be blunt, I despised flowers. The sister of mine, Melinda, was compared to a variety of flowers by many men due to her ravishing appearance, alas, every rose has its thorns and Melinda's thorns were cuspidated, sure to shed the blood of anyone who dared step in her way. I witnessed Emilio cringe at the sight of the poorly cared for garden, seeming to try and search for something positive to comment about. "Ah, I'm sure a little clean will relieve this garden from its misery! What do you think, mademoiselle?"
"I do suppose it could use more than a little clean. Although, I am not one to care for such things."
"Oh mon! I was quite sure of my thought that you would at least enjoy the sight of fresh flowers!" Exclaimed Emilio, clasping his hands together in surprise. "I have not yet met a young lady who does not enjoy the sight or thought of flowers; you intrigue me, Elaine, intrigued very much so I have been since the moment I laid eyes upon you!"
As Emilio had said those words, my curiosity to find out his reasons for choosing to walk by my side grew stronger, taking over my process to think. I was impatient, not wishing to waste a minute longer to interrogate him.
"My father has bribed your family for you to marry me, hasn't he?" Asked I, standing in front of him with sobriety.
"Why ever would you think of that, Elaine? I dare say, that is a very profound accusation."
"It is a simple question you should be able to answer, Emilio, or are you forbidden to utter the truth?" Emilio was silent for a minute after I had replied, I thought he may have been desperately trying to find an answer to come back. After years of being approached by individuals who falsely praised and loved me, I knew the signs and grew accustomed to this, learning to differentiate them all. "If you would follow me, we must not be absent for dinner." Said I, wrapping my shawl around my arms as a cool breeze flew past.
Entering the manor, Emilio walked in silence once again, this time the atmosphere more tense and suffocating. Finding the dining room, I felt my shoulders ease and my mind as I was no longer alone with Emilio, now within the presence of my family and the Addington's, all seated and waiting patiently for their meals.
"Come and seat yourselves, young master Addington, Elaine!" Father said, gesturing for the maid to pour water into the empty wine glasses. "What took you both so long? My daughter must be a spectacular guide!" He boasted, obviously trying to gain the attention of master and lady Addington.
"Monsieur Emilio wished to view the garden; we spent that time planning how to improve the current state that it has been thrown into." Said I, adding a spiteful tone aimed towards Emilio.
"Isn't that great? Young master Emilio must've changed your views on nature, Elaine?" I nodded, agreeing to what my father had to say to avoid any unnecessary trouble. "Master Addington, I must inform you that my elder daughter, Melinda, is marrying the duke of Marseilles within France, isn't that spectacular?" Father proudly announced, acting as if he were the most successful and richest man to grace the earth. Seated beside mother, Melinda was smiling uncomfortably, her cheeks flushed bright red and nervous sweat gathering below her hairline. I truly wondered why she would be so nervous, for she never was ever before.
"Well, that is quite the achievement! You must be a very proud father to marry your daughter into such wealth and status." Replied master Addington, taking another sip of his wine. Soon after, lady Addington had spoken up and asked me a question:
"Elaine, what activities do you partake in?" Lady Addington asked, her eyes staring directly into mine as if she were trying to find something hidden within them. "I practice my perusal of the harp and my education, lady Addington." Said I, answering her question with my best manners and attitude even though I felt not to give her my recognition. "Marvellous! My Emilio enjoys music as well, I'm sure you both must have many things in common." She proclaimed, looking over to her husband in such a devious way that shivers of fearful apprehension run from the top of my spine to the bottom of my toes. Lady Addington had appeared to me as a force to not be reckoned with.
After dinner, the Addington's were enjoying the company of the Andrade's within the drawing-room, finally setting me free to do what I desired. I thought of what I may possibly do when I reach my bedroom; maybe I shall write to Edward? Or even read? All I knew now was that I was filled with exultation to be away from all the social confabulation. Alas, before I could ascend the stairs, someone had called my name.
"Elaine, wait!"
Emilio stood like a posing stature upon the first step, holding onto the rail. "What is it, monsieur?" Asked I, wanting his request to be quick, hoping he would also admit to his involvement within my possible arranged marriage. "I am absent-minded on the topic of being included within an arranged marriage with you. I beg of you; I am aware of your current troubles involving friendship and family so, give me the chance of being your friend." Pleaded Emilio, his face stern as he gazed into my eyes. I was surprised alas, not astonished by his request because I already had a beautiful friend, a friend that has not been poisoned by wealth, fortune, and status; A friend that could love me and Ihim to no bounds.
"I see you are genuine, so I shall give you a chance. Till next time, monsieur Emilio." Bidding him farewell, I smiled and continued my journey towards my room.