As days went by, with the medication that Dr Button had prescribed me, I was able to sleep and the things I was seeing, sort of stopped. I was able to distinguish reality from whatever was happening to me. With a heavy sigh, I stretched my arms, and my legs feeling rested after a good night's sleep. I felt good, better than I've felt in years. All perked up, I pushed myself off the bed and strode into the lavish bathroom. I briefly perused the empty cabinets and shifted my attention to the layout. He'd blended the old with the new. He had a refined taste, judging by the marbled floor and expensive Venetian tiles, that complemented the wet room in the corner.
I was hungry, so I skipped perusing around the bathroom and jumped into the shower. It smelled of him, musk and white pepper. I took a good whiff, inhaling his scent. I loved the way he smelled. I turned on the shower to get ready for the day, ready to face the world again. Well, somewhat ready. He and Enid had been around a lot, making sure that I was eating, and resting enough, and my recovery was progressing well.
When I was done, I quickly dried myself and put on a pair of joggers and a t-shirt that Enid had left for me. I wasn't sure who they belonged to, but they were clean and that was all I could have asked for.
The moment I stepped into the dining room, my eyes fell on Mason who sat at the head of the table sipping on his coffee, reading the paper.
He casually glanced at me and returned to reading his paper.
" Good morning, Mason " I squeaked striding towards the table, making Mason halt mid-way as he was getting ready to sip on his coffee.
He raised his head and leaned into his chair " That will be Mr Kinnaird for you, Miss Abernathy. You are my ward. Do not mistake this for more than it is." He coldly remarked, impassive. And with that, I quickly understood that the cold, impassive man that I met in Mr Perry's office returned. I was allowed a peek at the smooth, charming Mason and that was all there was.
My perky sunny mood took a nosedive, and with that I quietly took my seat, pinned under his cold blue gaze.
" How are you feeling, Miss Abernathy ?" He added reprising his reading, nursing his coffee. Didn't even bother to look at me when he asked the question.
" Better" I mumbled under my breath, staring at the empty plate in front of me. I wasn't sure if I had done something to upset him. I felt like I was being scolded. Just didn't have any clue why.
" Good. I'll speak with the school to have your records transferred to the one in Morston District. I'm sure, due to your absences, you have fallen behind." Mason took a bite out of his bread and jam but still didn't bother to take his eyes off the paper.
" I was homeschooled, Mr Kinnaird " I meekly mumbled, cowering in my seat. My appetite had vanished. I wasn't hungry anymore.
" Would you like to attend a school or would you like to continue your studies at home? Eat" Mason finally raised his head to look at me. His gruff voice reverberated through me in ways I didn't expect, despite the even tone he used whenever he spoke. Since he brought me to his home, my studies had been the last thing on my mind. All I did was fantasise about him. I was besotted with him. I've forgone my first love, the books for Mason.
" I would like to continue my studies at home, Mr Kinnaird " I finally replied, and he finally nodded in agreement. He didn't try to persuade me otherwise.
" You are not eating, Miss Abernathy. Dr Button said it is crucial for your recovery, so please eat. I will not ask you again." Mason reprised perusing his paper, impassive. His expression didn't let anything on. It had become very clear that Mason kept his cards close to his heart.
I silently let out the breath that was holding and picked up a few slices of toast from the plate. They were still warm, I loved toast and jam.
The rustling of the paper being folded broke my attention making me glance towards Mason, as he placed his paper on the table with his eyes on me. Under the steely gaze of the stoic man at the end of the table, I felt complied to do as I was told and I began eating my bread and jam.
" I will make arrangements for tutors. You will reprise your studies on Monday, so, rest up. There is a library down the corridor, a few doors down from the room you are staying in at the moment. Feel free to use it. Carter will be bringing your belongings this afternoon. If there is anything you need Enid will provide you with it." Mason placed his paper on the table and pushed the chair to stand up. Mason seemed to have done some thinking or maybe he'd planned this long before I crashed and burned like a fool. And waited for me to fail, at being able to look after myself. I felt unwanted. And suddenly I didn't want to be there anymore. It was just something he had to deal with, a problem.
" I could always go back to Lamport. I already have Mrs Prinsley and Mr Leighton. You don't need to trouble yourself." I raised my eyes to look at him, pleading. He didn't want me there and I didn't want to be there.
I was expecting a scoff or to be mocked considering the circumstances of how I ended up in his house in the first place, but none of that came. He remained impassive at my words, stalwart.
" Miss Abernathy, as I said you are my ward and therefore it is my responsibility to make sure that you thrive. As of this moment you are under my tutelage. Hector and Anika have entrusted me with your well-being. I fully intend to make good on that. Now, if you will excuse me I have some business to attend to. Please make yourself at home." Mason stood up and took a last sip of his coffee before sauntering out of the dining room.
I reflexively nodded when he took his leave. Mostly, because I was speechless. Mason was self-contained, every word that came out of his mouth was meant to be on point. Obviously, what I had been privy to the other days was sporadic. Something that he didn't show very often. Two contrasting traits, that lived within the same man. I was intrigued and at the same time drawn. Despite my secluded life, I had an inquisitive nature. Even though I didn't venture out of the house often, I saw the world through other people's eyes.