Under the moonlit sky, the grand mansion transformed into a magical spectacle. A myriad of lights adorned the facade, tracing intricate patterns that seemed to dance in the darkness.
The gardens were adorned with softly glowing lanterns, casting a warm and inviting glow upon the well-tended paths. A gentle breeze carried the scent of flowers, weaving a fragrant tapestry that enveloped the air.
Verena stood at the entrance, mesmerised by the enchanting scene before her. She had been there before, but it was in the morning, and she was not given a chance to go inside the main mansion.
Now that she looked at it, the mansion's exterior was a canvas painted with light, each window a vignette of warmth and life. The fountain at the centre of the courtyard played a symphony of water, its gentle splashes harmonising with the rustling leaves of the surrounding trees.
Louis stood beside her, hands at his back, as he watched her reaction. He had seen girls jumping while watching such a view, but looking at Verena, he noticed she appreciated the beauty but didn't lose her mind.
"This is so beautiful!' Verena admitted, and a small smile finally formed on her lips, which was not gone unnoticed by Louis before it was completely gone. And she just watched the view with calm expressions, her eyes wide with wonder.
Louis smiled at her, his eyes sparkling with shared excitement. "I knew you'd appreciate its beauty. And today, you're not just appreciating it as an outsider," he said, guiding her further into the house.
In the hall, a procession of servants stood in impeccable uniformity, a living testament to the house's heritage.
Louis, ever the gracious host, guided Verena through the scene. He introduced her with a warm smile to the head servants, who received her with a mixture of respect and curiosity.
"Allow me to introduce you, Verena. This is Mrs. Hawthorne, our head housekeeper, and Mr. Bennett, our butler," Louis said, gesturing towards each of them.
As she took in the breathtaking sight, the head servant, Mrs. Hawthorne, approached Verena with a genuine smile.
Not only did Louis have a head of staff, also known as butlers, chauffeurs, bodyguards, and two gardeners, she caught sight of them tending the gardens, but he also had two more servants.
What exactly were they doing in this house, and why did he need so many people? Verena was wondering in her mind. She already knew Louis was wealthy but didn't expect that the man's wealth was far, far beyond what she had imagined.
In her hands, she held a bouquet of flowers, each bloom seeming to capture the essence of the night. "Young mistress, We've heard much about you," she said, her voice a gentle melody in the tranquil evening.
Mr. Bennett also nodded with a formal smile. "Indeed, it's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, ma'am."
Verena gazed at the lady because she had just met Louis a few days ago. How did they hear about her already? Nevertheless, Verena returned Mrs. Hawthorne's smile and replied,
"Thank you, Mrs. Hawthorne. This is truly magical. Thank you for the warm welcome," she replied, her voice filled with awe. Verena accepted the bouquet with a grateful smile, the petals soft against her fingers.
She couldn't help but feel a sense of intrigue and curiosity about this grand estate and the people who resided within its walls. Little did she know, her arrival had sparked whispers and excitement among the staff as they eagerly awaited her presence.
"We've prepared a small gift for you as well," Mrs. Hawthorne continued, presenting a beautifully wrapped package. "It's a token of our appreciation and welcome."
Verena carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a delicate ring. Inside lay a ring that seemed to capture the radiance of the moon.
She looked up at Mrs. Hawthorne, her eyes brimming with emotion. "You don't have to but this is so thoughtful of you."
"It's our pleasure, dear. Your presence has brought a renewed spirit to this house," Mrs. Hawthorne said warmly.
As Verena wore the ring, the lights around them seemed to shimmer in approval. She realized even the head staff were rich here to gift her something expensive.
The night was alive with a sense of celebration, and Verena felt a deep connection to the place that was now not only Louis's home but hers as well.
As the introductions continued, Louis made it clear that Verena was not just a guest but the young mistress of the house and his soon-to-be beloved wife. The news spread among the servants like wildfire, and a ripple of reactions followed.
Verena noticed the mix of emotions on the faces of the servants. Many faces lit up with genuine happiness, thrilled by the presence of the woman who had captured their master's heart.
"Your wife? Oh, how wonderful!" one of the maids exclaimed, her eyes shining.
Yet, there were those who had never seen her before, and their astonishment was palpable. A young footman, who had been dusting a nearby shelf, stared at Verena with wide eyes, nearly dropping his feather duster in shock.
Verena, guided by Louis, felt a mix of emotions as she navigated this new world. Her heart swelled with a sense of belonging and pride, knowing that she was now a part of this legacy.
And as the whispers and hushed conversations followed her through the hall, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the role she now held in this grand house.
Louis gestured towards Mrs. Hawthorne, his tone courteous yet firm. "Mrs. Hawthorne, would you please assist Verena in finding her room?"
Mrs. Hawthorne's gaze shifted between Louis and Verena, her expression a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Of course, Mr. Louis," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. She then turned to Verena, a polite smile gracing her lips. "Right this way, Miss Verena."
As they walked together, Verena sensed Mrs. Hawthorne's unspoken questions. With a light-hearted chuckle, Verena decided to alleviate the tension. "Oh, please, call me Verena. 'Miss Verena' makes me feel like I'm in a Jane Austen novel."
Mrs. Hawthorne's lips twitched in a hesitant smile. "Very well, Verena." Her tone was a blend of formality and newfound familiarity.
Verena sensed the opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings. "Just to clear things up, Louis and I aren't married yet. So, it wouldn't be proper for us to share a room before the wedding."
A soft realization dawned on Mrs. Hawthorne's face, followed by a warm smile. "Ah, I see. Thank you for explaining, Verena. Tradition is something we hold dear in this house too."
With the air now cleared, they reached the second floor. Mrs. Hawthorne paused before a door adjacent to the open balcony, turning the knob to usher Verena inside. "Here is your room, Verena. I hope it suits your liking."
Verena's eyes widened as she took in the exquisite decor. She turned to Mrs. Hawthorne with genuine awe. "It's breathtaking. Thank you, Mrs. Hawthorne."
The older woman's smile widened. "I'm glad you like it, my dear. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
As Mrs. Hawthorne left Verena to her own devices, Verena's gaze wandered around the room, taking in the plush carpet, the elegant writing desk, and the inviting armchair by the window.
Verena couldn't help but speak her thoughts aloud. "This room is like something out of a fairy tale."
Louis's voice echoed from the doorway, amusement evident in his tone. "I'm relieved that the room meets your high expectations."
He leaned against the doorframe, his shirt's upper buttons undone, revealing a glimpse of his tanned skin and the hint of his collarbone. The casual disarray of his appearance contrasted with the quiet strength in his posture, creating an aura of magnetic appeal.
Verena's gaze fell upon him, the muted lighting lending an air of intimacy to the moment. The flicker of candlelight and the distant moon's glow played upon his features, accentuating the rugged lines of his face.
His eyes, deep and expressive, seemed to hold secrets and stories, drawing her in like a moth to a flame. There was an understated allure in the way he stood, at once approachable and enigmatic.
Verena turned to Louis, her eyes twinkling with playfulness. "Oh, don't think you're off the hook. I'm still waiting for that tour of the gardens you promised."
Louis crossed the room with a grin, taking her hand in his. "Consider it scheduled for tomorrow. But for now, how about we enjoy this beautiful room together?"