Susan continued to give instructions, and as the conversation drew to a close, Luther prepared to take his leave. Mike, somewhat panicked, hurried away. His steps were uneven, as if he couldn't find solid ground on the soft carpet.
"Uncle Mike."
A very young voice called from behind, and Mike stumbled, steadying himself by grasping a column. A young girl stepped out from the corner, dressed in a deep green gown. The dress was finely made, but for her age, it seemed rather somber.
"Oh, Anna," Mike exhaled, "what are you doing here?"
Anna pouted, looking unhappy. "They're having too much fun to notice me." She twisted her dress. "Look at this color—it's so old-fashioned. But Mama insisted on it!"
Previously, Anna had run off into the woods alone. Although it had ended without incident, it left everyone quite worried. Therefore, her two older sisters had been watching her closely. Now, with the grand ball at Hild Manor, the little girl had hoped to steal the spotlight. However, she couldn't even have a dress that suited her tastes, which made her feel terribly wronged.
"Don't be upset, little princess." Mike approached her, indicating she should take his arm. "Fair lady, may I have the honor of accompanying you for a walk?"
His demeanor was elegant, his attitude kind yet respectful. Anna couldn't help but show a shy yet delighted expression. "Of course, sir." She feigned maturity, giving a slight nod and lifting the hem of her dress gracefully as she approached.
In the long corridors and spiral staircases, the young lady and the middle-aged gentleman walked side by side. Moonlight poured in through the windows, as soft and luxurious as fine silk. Amid the faint strains of music, the gentleman graciously praised the young lady's youth and beauty. The most exquisite gems in the world could not compare to the color in her eyes, and the freshest flowers were merely the dirt beneath her feet. Everyone was enamored with her, and she deserved everything. The gentleman's elaborate and exaggerated metaphors, delivered with genuine sincerity, seemed entirely fitting.
Flattery is always an essential part of a gentleman's education.
Anna had not yet entered society and was unfamiliar with many gatherings. Hence, such compliments were quite novel to her. Although she might have heard one or two from her sisters' suitors, they were never directed at her. The young girl quickly became cheerful. Upon reaching the hall's entrance, she looked at Mike expectantly. "Go on, little princess," Mike smiled.
Anna released his arm, took a couple of quick steps, then seemed to remember something. She paused, lifted her head, and walked in with great poise.
In two more years, she would step into this dazzling world and begin to consider marriage. But for now, she could still preserve a bit of her precious innocence.
Innocence that Mike carefully protected.
After watching Anna leave, the smile on Mike's face gradually faded. Susan and Luther's conversation weighed heavily on his mind like a leaden stone. He knew the state of the Hild estate well enough to know it couldn't afford such a large dowry. Additionally, with the extra hundred pounds sent annually, only a few in Hope Town could manage that.
The music played on, one tune after another. People held hands and danced in circles. Among the jewels and feathers on the ladies' heads, Mike saw Vincent's face.
Vincent saw Mike too.
Amid the swirling figures, they stood as still as statues, exchanging a glance, a look, while the surrounding noise seemed to fade away.
It was just an illusion, surely.
The noise inside and the silence outside divided this small piece of land into two, signifying their eternal separation. Mike knew Vincent was someone he could never have, and the best course of action was to keep a respectful distance, maintaining a facade of courtesy and respect.
But there were always too many things pushing him towards Vincent, or perhaps it was his own inability to resist moving towards him.
Uncontrollable, irredeemable.
Biting his lip, he gestured for Vincent to meet him in the garden.
Just like those noblewomen signaling their lovers.
Vincent silently walked beside Mike.
They strolled to the fountain, passing young ladies and gentlemen. The moonlit garden was serene and beautiful, perfect for a leisurely walk. Mike attempted to speak several times but was interrupted by encountering various young people in love. He could only keep looking at Vincent, his emotions as intense as the fragrance of the flowers.
Vincent gazed at him silently.
In the garden, there was a large maze, built when the first Lady Hild was alive. Mike led Vincent inside, turning corner after corner until they reached a dead end, where they could go no further.
A private, suitable place for a conversation.
"Sir, I have something to ask you. Please give me an honest answer."
Mike, having suppressed his emotions for a long time, spoke urgently.
Vincent looked at him impassively.
"I heard… Jennifer's dowry is quite substantial, something the Hild family cannot afford." Mike spoke with near certainty, "Was it you?"
Vincent's Adam's apple moved.
"Does this trouble you?" His voice was deep and melodic, every word like a verse of poetry. "Cara mia."
The raspy French made Mike's heart race. He forced himself to remain calm. "Mr. Thomas, whatever agreement you have with the baron, I just hope…"
Vincent slowly approached.
"What?"
"I… I just hope you won't use the happiness of the young ladies as a bargaining chip."
Mike wanted to retreat but didn't want to appear weak. He stood tall, ensuring his words carried weight.
In the moonlight, his face and neck glowed silver, delicate, fragile, strong, and vulnerable.
Those contradictory traits fused together perfectly in him. It made one want to embrace him, to bite his neck, yet also to simply gaze at him, unwilling to mar such a perfect picture.
"Cara mia."
Suddenly, the sound of laughter erupted nearby, causing the floral wall to tremble slightly. The laughter quickly turned into gasps. Mike was startled, struggling to maintain his composure. He frantically stepped away, trying to leave, but Vincent grabbed him, pulling him into a desperate kiss. Vincent's frantic kisses landed on Mike's face and neck, causing him pain.