"What….what…"
Her eyes widened and she tried to push herself up immediately.
"I…"
Before I could say anything she snatched the book from my hands and stood up, flushed in the face and breathing heavily.
"You!"
I raised my hands. "What did I do wrong?"
She groaned and turned about to leave but she halted at the door.
"Good evening Madame."
I looked to the door to find Miss Curtis standing with shock in her face. She had seen the very unfortunate scene.
I pushed myself up with a little smile and stood up.
"Mrs Williams?" She called with an open mouth.
"It's…" she stuttered, her face reddening the more.
"What do you want?" I interjected and instantly the flushed woman quickened out of the room leaving me to answer alone.
She turned looking at her until she entered and slammed her doors.
Turning to me she had no words to say.
"If there's nothing you have to say you can leave Miss Curtis, I'm quite busy tonight and moreover…. What are you doing here by this time of the night?"
She tried to recall herself. "I came to ask for the…" she shook. "No, no, Madame asked me to get the… the housekeeper."
"Oh, you can." I gestured at the door. "Even though I don't think it is the right time. Please…" I said and she shifted from the door and I slammed it.
Great!
Now she has caused a scene! And who knows she might go ahead to tell Mother that… what can she even say? That she found the housekeeper on top of me?
That would be ridiculous.
She started knocking on her doors, I heard. But there was no response. What was difficult? It was an accident. I don't think it's something she should be so shy about. Although…. It was very bad. Imagine mother being the one that saw us, of course, they would overthink the situation. It's all her fault! not mine.
After some time I heard the door unlock.
Okay. She doesn't seem that much affected.
Their light footsteps scurried out of the corridors.
Let's all hope Miss Curtis is not a gossip.
Out of curiosity to know if she would, I went down that night to the drawing room after changing.
I found Mother sitting with sleeping count in her hands and then Mrs. Williams was standing in front of her with clenched hands clasped together in her front. There was no Miss Curtis.
I wanted to go back but she ended up sighting me on the door. I avoided lunch, avoided dinner and now she would think it was because of the argument that I was avoiding her. I was not dodging her but rather I was angry at myself. Angry at myself for everything.
I went in nonetheless and took a seat. Earl at the door seeing me rushed to my feet, he lay calmly and drifted to rest. I touched its head before I diverted to the two women.
"Is that all that would be needed?" She asked.
"Yes, I think so." Mother nodded.
"Is she traveling?" I asked.
"Yes, son. She is going to a distant market tomorrow to help me get some medicine."
"Are you sick mother?" I leaned forward.
She smiled softly. "I'm getting older every day, it's possible that I need some medications to keep me strong."
"I know, but if it's something serious I reckon that you tell us both, don't keep us guessing, alright?"
She nodded. "Of course I will. Don't worry."
"I do have to worry, you are all we have now, what are we to do if we lose you to some sickness?"
"Stop Eugene, I am not dying, it's just a minor issue."
I returned to resting on the chair. "It better be."
With her smile still intact on her face, she turned to the housekeeper who never bothered to look sideways. Still embarrassed, I see.
"That would be all."
"I think you should hand me the money now so I won't disturb your sleep early in the morning."
"That's true." She took her purse lying on the seat and counted out a few coins which she gave to her.
With a bow, she left.
"How distant is the place? Is it out of Bickport?"
"Yes, to the Lindgreen, have you heard of it?"
"I think I have."
With the name, I think that would be far.
"How many days journey?"
"Two or three days." She answered.
"Has she been out of the town that far before?"
She looked up from the cat she was caressing with a realization.
"It's true, I have never sent her to such a far place before."
"Why don't you send another person or you could get the medicine from somewhere else."
"No, the medicine is only recommended to be found in Lindgreen and I…. Only trust her to do it for me." She said at last.
"And you're certain she would be successful?"
"Let's hope," she said with worried lines creased on her face. Her eyes were darting about in thought.
"You don't need to worry, Mrs Williams is a strong and wise woman I'm sure she would do just fine…."
"Would you go with her?"
Excuse me?
"What did you say, mother?" I think heard wrong.
"Please accompany her. It's just a few days journey." She pleaded. "What do you say?"
"I… I don't she would want me as a company."
"Oh." She nodded. "That's true, She hates company after all."