We ate lunch in uncomfortable silence. The exchange between me and Mason soured the mood. Not because he'd just told me that I will have only three weeks over the summer. It was at the thought that in one year, I would have to leave his home and most likely Morston. Angst quickly crept in, and realised that I didn't want to do either of those things.
I glanced at the last mouthful of spanakopita on my plate, I was full. A sigh escaped my lips, drawing the attention of Mason and Adam. It came out louder than I intended to be.
" What burdens you, Miss Abernathy?" Mason asked making me aware that he'd heard the sigh. I couldn't say whatever was going through my head. I knew he'd think that was off my rocks, again.
" Nothing much," I mumbled trying to avoid getting scolded again, and placed the cutlery on my plate, pushing the plate towards the middle of the table.
" I see. I think it's time to get going." Mason pulled out his wallet and placed the money on the table. Nikos hadn't come back since he'd brought the food.
Adam nodded and stood up, Mason had managed to put me and Adam in a sour mood.
" I'll get the car ready, Mr Kinnaird," Adam said as he made his way out, while I still lingered in my seat and so did Mason.
" Miss Abernathy " Mason began the moment Adam was out of earshot " This is not a game. I expect you to finish your studies with the highest honours. If you intend on behaving like a spoiled brat, please feel free to do so when you will be your own person. Until then I expect you to behave like a lady. Which you are not at the moment." And there it was, I was being scolded again and I had no clue what I have done wrong. Once again I was at odds, with myself, with everything.
" I apologise, Mr Kinnaird " I shyly mumbled, staring at the table, even though I had no clue what I was apologising for.
Mason stood up and offered his hand for me to take. At this point, I reluctantly took his hand and stood up, as he led me through the dark room. The stern look on his face needed no further words. Whatever, I had done displeased him. I pondered on asking, but I knew I would probably get scolded again, for my aloofness. It had been a nice day. I didn't want to ruin it further.
Nikos nodded the moment we stepped into the restaurant and made his way towards us " Mr Kinnaird, Miss. I hope that the food was to your liking." Nikos smiled looking at Mason.
" As always Greg outdid himself," Mason smiled at Nikos " Until next time," Mason added shaking Nikos's hand.
" Until next time, Mr Kinnaird. I will let Greg know. " Nikos replied, letting go of Mason's hand, and pushed the door open for us.
As we stepped out of the restaurant, Adam was waiting in the car, and Mason seemed to have eased a tad. Mason opened the car door and helped me get in. His mannerism was that of a gentleman, and I gathered that he wanted me to behave appropriately in and out of the public eye. I had no idea who he was or what he did, but at that point, I knew he was someone of high standing. Or so I thought.
" Home, Adam," Mason said and I couldn't help but feel guilty and responsible because our day had been cut short.
Adam nodded and set the car in drive and I glanced at Adam hoping that he wouldn't get scolded like I just did.
When we pulled in front of the house, Mason stepped out of the car, helping me out of it and collected the heap of bags on the back seat.
" Take the rest of the day, Adam. I will see you tomorrow morning at six sharp." Mason said before closing the door. The icy air around Mason hadn't thawed and I was dreading, stepping back into the house. I didn't want to get scolded again.
Adam nodded and set the car in drive, leaving me and Mason standing on the pavement in front of the house.
" Shall we," Mason waved towards the large mahogany door, urging me to move my feet. I glanced at him and nodded. I wasn't feeling like talking anymore.
" I'm thirsty," I mumbled when we stepped into the house. I wasn't, but I needed a moment to breathe without being constantly scrutinised.
" I will place these in your room," Mason said over his shoulder as he sauntered towards the bedroom. I let out the breath that I was holding and headed towards the kitchen only to find Enid, packing what she'd prepared for lunch.
" Hi, Enid," I said a little more gleefully, feeling at ease around her. Happy to see a friendly face.
" Hello, dear. Happy birthday " Enid hugged me, and a sweet smile graced her lips.
" How was your day out, shopping?" Enid asked as she pulled away from my embrace. I had no clue how to answer that.
" Good and bad. A little of both." I said with a frown and took a seat at the table.
" Did something happen?" Enid worriedly asked as she took a seat at the table.
I shrugged " I don't know, but I got scolded again. We went shopping and it was all good then we went to have lunch at The Greek," I sighed, trying to wrap my head around what had happened at lunch.
" Adam asked how did I enjoy my day and I rambled about how I had one more week and then I will have the summer off, so I will be able to do more things. And I asked Adam to join me, sometime. And I got told off, even though I don't know what I did wrong," I was miffed, and sad at the same time. I wanted to have a nice day. It had been a while since I felt this good since my parents had died.
" Dear. You shouldn't have done that," Enid said with a deep frown, and resting her cheek on her hand. Enid had become a precious source since she seemed to know Mason better than anyone.
" Done what?" I asked contrite. I was confused. What did I do?
" Ask Adam to join you. Carter, yes. Even Louis but not Adam. He is " Enid fell silent when her eyes fell on Mason who stood in the doorway, with a deep frown. I immediately felt the size of a grain of sand when his gaze shifted to me and Enid stood up and scurried out of the kitchen. I already knew what was coming next, so I sort of braced myself for it.
" Miss Abernathy," Mason waved me to take a seat as he joined me at the table.
" I don't think I made myself understood earlier. " Mason paused and poured himself a glass of water " Your behaviour is lacking. I suggest you make good use of that library and read some books on how a lady should behave." Mason's frown deepened further, angry. I've lived in that house for six months but I've never seen the man raise his tone, or frown at me.
" Yes, Mr Kinnaird. May I be excused?" I meekly mumbled and pushed the chair to stand up, making it screech against the floor.
When I raised my eyes to look at him, my gaze met his icy blue eyes and I knew what I had just done wasn't to his liking. He'd pointed it out on various occasions.
" My apologies," I hurriedly mumbled and scurried out of the kitchen. No matter how infatuated I was with Mason, each time he scolded me I felt tiny under his gaze. Insignificant.