The sky was blue outside today, the weather was blue even though it was the last days of autumn. The place smelled like musty. Cat stared longingly at the vast countryside seen from her room. Cat hadn't been out of this house for almost a month. In the afternoon they studied with the Duke, while in the morning they helped the kitchen. The Duke was quite pleased with his progress. Cat didn't have much to do today, as the Duke was visiting town on a business trip. She got dressed and went out into the garden.
She wandered around the garden for a while, enjoying the view. But Cat felt uneasy because Andrew wasn't there. This beautiful day was soulless and unpleasant. Cat realized how his presence had stirred the mood. She was happy this morning both that Andrew had said she was staying with him for a while longer, and that Andrew had told her not to act like a maid anymore and to settle in an upstairs room. Afternoon training with Andrew had become her great pleasure. She took great pleasure in this work.
After walking for a while, Cat stopped at the top of the descending slope and looked beyond. She folded her arms over her breasts. She imagined Andrew's handsome face and blue eyes. She turned and looked at the house. She thought about what it would be like to live in a house in the middle of such breathtaking beauty. She wondered what kind of woman he would bring here.She imagined Andrew and his wife sitting side by side on the sofa by the fireplace, talking and laughing.
She shook himself out of these thoughts abruptly. For a moment he imagined that the woman sitting next to Andrew was himself. He was mad at himself for thinking such crazy things. She spun around and walked towards the tree that stood just meters away. She leaned his back against the tree, as if trying to get strength. He stood for a while with his back to the tree.
Seeing Andrew Cat standing with his back to the tree coming from the south grove towards the garden, he changed course and started riding towards the tree. Cat was surprised to see the horseman coming towards her. The horseman came and stood right in front of him. Cat thought he'd be in town all day.
"Mr. Andrew"
Andrew stood imposing on his horse, like an ancient Viking warrior. His shadow was falling on Cat. Andrew:
" What are you doing here?" She asked.
"I wanted to take a walk," Cat said. Andrew Cat had no emotion on his face, as always, and simply nodded. "You're back early," Cat said as if trying to break the silence. "I'm done early," Andrew simply said coldly. Cat didn't say anything more and headed towards the house. "Mary, hold out your hand," Andrew said after riding beside her for a while. His voice was commanding. Cat held out her hand without question. Andrew's daughter sat in front of him in one swift motion. "Home is pretty far to walk," said Andrew, and rode off. This was the first time Cat was this close to Andrew. She felt his breath on his neck. Her heart was beating faster than ever.