MARINA of the tale —
The greenhouse of the Asturias manor is located behind it's main building past the stunning though simple fountain area by the blue rose bushes. It was made with tinged glasses and mossy frames making it feel unkempt yet anciently beautiful. The way the vegetation ran wild on the walls yet neat at the center made it look like a natural paradise.
The problem with that is the fact that it isn't all that natural. It's practically a cage. It is all for show. It is never 'that' real. Fitting to a tea party where the guests are here for show as well.
When Lily gave me a subtle warning about how the event would turn out to be, I knew how my expectations would plummet from a mere theater, to an actual circus. At least a play had a script to keep everything in order. But this? This is going to be chaos.
Mother felt agitated both with the sense of excitement and nervousness. She kept on calling out for the maids, asking to double check and triple check the things I doubt would have any thing wrong about them. She spent basically her whole time arranging the event and planning out the things to be ready before the guest would arrive. I'm just simply worried that her anxious state would be the event of a disaster. It's unusual to see her disoriented when I pegged her to be the picture perfect kind of woman in front of obnoxious nobles.
But perhaps it was too early for me to change my opinion of her.
Right off the bat when the ladies with their daughters and sons entered the green house, the rigidness in Mother's face disappeared as if it wasn't there. Her eyes glowed like diamonds and her expression softened as each of the guest curtsied and bowed as per respect. It was a legitimate surprising transformation. Like a mask immediately put on.
Deciding it was a good idea, I mimicked my mother's expression and did a little curtsy as well. I smiled, the corners of my lips almost twitching at the gestures I wasn't used to. Is this going to be my whole life now?
It was, I should've known, worse than than that. From here on, everything's just starting.
"I am so pleased that I could dine with you again, Lady Helena," the lady of house Chevrolet started, setting her tea cup with a barely audible clink. "How has it been? Isn't it, 16 years if I'm not mistaken?"
"Yes, it has," Mother replied. "I myself haven't noticed how long I haven't been able to have time with you all. I'm as glad as you are to have you dear ladies with us."
The other women said said their thanks and other things I couldn't pick up with their chorused voices in an indistinct chatter. They tried their best to keep up with the sense of the gathering, flaunting their elaborate gowns and hats along with the glittery set of jewelries. My eyes twitched at the strain of holding back from staring at the big ruby gem at the fingers of someone wearing the most ruffled dress of them all.
The sight made me want to scoff. Clearly they wanted to flaunt their wealth. Typical nobles with their materialistic values. I'm glad Father was able to talk Mother off her initial choice of clothes. It's satisfying to see her be more elegant than the others even with just the simple green gown embroidered with vines and lined with white laces on the hems and sleeves. I'm definitely glad to inherit Father's sense of fashion.
As I was quietly enjoying a crumpet along with my tea, a voice boomed over the chatter earning the attention of all us seated in front of the table. Even the young lords and ladies who were like mannequin dolls since the beginning craned their necks over to check out what was happening.
Looks like it was time for the real show, or at least, the kind of show that these kinds of people liked.
"It's really been that long, hasn't it Lady Helena? I haven't been able to see you since you married off to this... this place. My, I've always been wondering how you fair in such a place!" The woman with the bright ruby ring spoke with such malice, snickering as slightly that perhaps only I and Mother could see.
Who's this rude woman? How come Mother ever befriended such a mean thing?
"I—" Mother started, only to be cut off for her voice was too faint. I couldn't blame her, the comment was so underhanded and said as if Mother never wanted to be here in the first place.
I wonder if that has been true. Or are they spinning her narrative for their favor? They could be. I could see that their fond of it, telling lies as if it's second nature.
With the exception of myself, everyone here is of pure noble blood. They think she doesn't belong here, where as I am merely a decoration made to listen to their taunts. Are they stupid to think that I have no mouth at all?
Sensing my distress, Mother placed her hand over mine underneath the table. I looked at her, already ready to pounce back at the insults thrown at us. But she shook her head. I gaped at her in disbelief. I felt enraged at the mere thought of hiding my emotions once again.
The Lady went on with her ramble, waving her hands in an overly dramatic way to make her claims more true. It only made me feel sicker. I clenched my hands over my dress, creating rumples as I crush the garment through my frustration.
"We ladies have heard of it, haven't we? The manor is lacking as opposed to the great Leos that I assume you are still proud to be apart of. It's such a shame, I hope you and your daughter are getting by."
Whispers erupted at the shameless show. Each of them had a lot to say and for the first time, I was opened to the rumors that I was apparently sheltered from in consideration for my recovery. No wonder Father was opposed to the idea of a party. I would very much like to go back to the library and study than this, thank you very much.
"That's right. This is the reason for our gathering today, isn't it? You don't have to worry. We'd be much happy to remind you and be able to provide the comfort you once knew," the chirpy woman continued as if she was obliged to. Acting like she's being helpful and as if we're the unfortunate ones, how spineless. "We have so much to talk to you about! It's been ages since we've done this."
Polite sounding yet obviously mocking giggles began, hidden beneath the courtesy of fans and handkerchiefs. I certainly do not like the sound of where this is going. No doubt they'd be mocking some other people not present today along with my Mother and I. It's as if we were the ones who are outcasts to our very own tea picnic.
That is something I could never allow. Not anymore. If they expect that Marina would just listen and tremble at their disguised attacks, that's where they're wrong. I might look like her, but I have never been her.
I settled my napkin down on my table in such a way that everyone would take notice. I stood up and took my right hand away from my Mother's grasps. All eyes were on me now. The girl who was supposed to be invisible throughout the entire thing. They're stupid enough to not even remember the reason why they were asked to be here.
"I'm sorry everyone, honored ladies and guests, but I wish to be back to my chambers now," I said, my voice mellow yet stern on the edges. It was obvious that I didn't want anyone to interrupt what I was going to say. "I'm glad that you've all been present at the celebration of my recovery, but I would like to apologize that I would leave early. I think my head is starting to get dizzy again. Forgive me, but it looks like I won't be able to join you for the rest of my party."
My party. This plans were supposed to be for me and I deliberately repeated and emphasized those words for everyone to hear. Of course, I never really wanted to create a scene, but it's starting to turn towards something I definitely do not want to see or hear. Making them realize what they've done and puting shame over those who literally asked for it, I think that's to be expected. Let them tarnish their own name in front of the public. They like gossips, don't they? How would they like it now that they would surely be the topic of the conversation and not the one who is in for the talk?
I smiled, picturing their faces as they try to clean their name once this is over. I then bid my goodbyes, bowing my head before I go. "Excuse me," I said.
"Marina," my Mother called out.
I turned, slowly. "Yes, Mother?"
"Are you alright?" Her voice was uncertain, worried yet distant, her mind still dawdling in the words of a mean old hag.
Frankly, I was disappointed. I thought she would handle this better than I would. She was the true noble, not me. She had the blood. She was used to this. What kind of Lady was she back then to enjoy such humiliation and join in with their kind of fun. Has she always been like that in her prior years?
I remembered what Father said, about her marrying off to this family. Did she not want it? Was she embarrassed? I'm starting to pity the man who married her and I wish that wasn't the case.
"I'm alright, Mother," I replied. "I really just need some rest."
I went off, two maids following me towards my room. I left with all the intention of dispersing them to go home. Without me, there'd be no reason to celebrate. That's all I want right now. This whole thing, just this once before I face the real deal, to go away. I couldn't handle it for now, but I would face it head on the next time. I'm just starting.
Mother forgot about this, I bet. The environment of a society handled by class and hierarchy. She was sheltered like me after their marriage, away from the bustle of power that us commoners didn't bother to take part in. But the idea that she missed frolicking and gossiping among the wives of those petty little rich men, it leaves a bitter taste behind my throat.
I do not need the rumors spread by the nobles. I do not trust them. It makes me remember the things I've learned from that talking book. It makes me mad, and it makes me more furious that Mother has no idea what her ancestors have done.
I stopped by the my door as the maids opened it for me, Lily greeting me with her worried face while she stood by my bed. I went inside thinking more about my need to see and talk to Father than going to bed. But I need rest, so for now, that's what I'll do.
But as soon as I've get the chance, I would get my answers.
—
[ FINISHING THE STORY - blue ]