The maids enters the Marianne's room, their usual cheery greeting on their lips, even if they do not mean it. But as they nears the bed, they are met with a glowering stare from their young charge. She sits up in bed, her eyes red-rimmed and dark circles under her eyes. She looks as if she hasn't slept a wink, as she thinks about what happens between her father and the Baron throughout the night - she is clearly not in the mood for pleasantries. The maids stammers, uncertain what to say.
"Umm... Good morning, young master?" one of them ventures, her voice trembling slightly.
Marianne scowls at the maids, her anger bubbling over. "What is it that you want?" She demands, her voice harsh.
She never care about the maids feelings as they have never liked her in her past life.
The maids exchanges nervous glances, and one of them speaks up timidly. "The Viscount's arrives last night. We were sent by him to wake you, young master. And to help you get ready for the day," she says, her voice barely above a whisper.
Marianne let out a growl of frustration. "Fine," she says, swinging her legs out of bed. Then her mind registers what she says.
Her father is back? He is back indeed, but what scares her most is her father getting to know that she sneaks out again.
She stands up, her clothes rumples and unkempt. She glared at the maids as if daring them to comment on her appearance. But they merely averts their eyes, their expressions carefully blank.
"Where is Theresa?" She asks as she does not see the white haired woman.
"S.she has gone out to the village of Gainsborough in Lincolnshire." One of the maids says.
"Why?"
Isn't he too curious than before, they thinks.
Marianne notices the look of sneers on their faces but says nothing.
"She lost her daughter." Another maids says and her heart beat. Why can she forget this of all? She remembers Sarah, Theresa's daughter died, leaving her nine years old daughter behind.
Marianne remembers she trusted Theresa's granddaughter so much till she betrayed her and followed Beatrice.
She can't help but remembers of her little maid back then too, which she saw at the front of the church. Her little maid who is ready to take the bullet for her
"You may go," Marianne says curtly, and the maids scurries out of the room, relief evident on their faces.
Marianne stands there for a moment, breathing heavily, her anger not yet spent. She runs a hand through her hair, trying to tame the unruly locks.
She eventually walks into the bathroom.
She disrobes, carefully folding her clothes and placing them on a nearby chair. He then pours some scented oil into the tub and steps inside. The water is just the right temperature, and she allows herself to sink into the deep tub. She closed the eyes and breaths deeply, enjoying the feeling of relaxation that washed over her.
She picks up her towel and gets out of the tub.
She is dressing herself up today, no one is helping.
After she has finished wearing her coat, breaches and boots, she opens her door and sees that her father is about knocking too.
"G..good morning father." She stutters. She remembers last night and cannot help but hide her eyes in guilts that she has hears what she shouldn't have heard.
The Viscount is a tall, imposing man, with broad shoulders and a strong jaw. He has a full head of grey hair, neatly combed back, and his eyes are a piercing blue. His face is lined with age, but his features are still strong and handsome. He is dressed in a fine velvet suit, with a crisp white shirt and a black cravat. He wore a gold signet ring on his finger, and he wears himself with the air of a man used to power and privilege.
"You don't wanna invite me in." The Viscount says and she let him in.
As they gets, in he sits on her bed and sighs as he look around.
She stands before her father, waiting for him to speak. The Viscount studies his daughter's face, his eyes scrutinizing every detail.
Finally, he spoke, his voice low and commanding. "You weren't home yesterday night. Where did you go to?" He asks.
Marianne tries to search for lies in her head. "I went to read in he library." She finally says.
"You know that you are a girl. You should not walk alone at night." He says.
"Your training is till in me. I am strong, father." Marianne says and they smiles together.
"Did you see me yesterday?" He asks as if trying to confirm something - Marianne smirks as if he knows what he's talking about.
"No father. I'm seeing you today since you arrive." She lies and her father nods, even though he believes not.
"Okay. I just want to check up on you." The Viscount says and stands up, trying to leave, but Marianne's next word stops him.
"What if Baron dies next week, father. Would you know what the reason is?" She asks and Viscount turns to him with a frown, but also a slightly change of expression.