As the evening shadows lengthened across the quiet streets, Giselle and Vivienne sat on their porch, enjoying the cool breeze. Their conversation halted abruptly as the sound of wheels on gravel caught their attention. A nondescript cart pulled up in front of Zafron's house, its arrival unexpected and intriguing.
"Well, what do we have here?" Giselle murmured, leaning forward in her seat.
From the cart emerged a figure that immediately piqued their interest - a woman, her form obscured by an elegant dress and a veil that covered her face. With quick, purposeful steps, she made her way to Zafron's door and disappeared inside.
Vivienne's eyebrows shot up. "My, my. It seems our new neighbor has some interesting visitors."
"Indeed," Giselle replied, her voice thick with suspicion. "And why the secrecy? That veil... it's as if she doesn't want to be recognized."
The twins exchanged meaningful glances, their minds racing with possibilities.
"Do you think..." Vivienne began, hesitating. "Could she be a lover? Perhaps Zafron isn't as unattached as he led us to believe."
Giselle's lips pursed in disapproval. "If so, he's certainly being discreet about it. Though not discreet enough, apparently."
As they continued to watch, speculating in hushed tones, the atmosphere inside Zafron's house was charged with a different kind of tension.
Zafron had been lounging in his living room, a book in hand, when the door opened. He leapt to his feet, startled by the sudden intrusion. But as the veiled figure stepped inside and removed her covering, his surprise turned to shock and relief.
"Lady Matilda!" he exclaimed, his voice a mix of joy and concern. "I... I wasn't expecting you."
Matilda's face, usually composed, showed signs of strain. "Zafron, my dear. I'm sorry for the sudden visit, but I had to see you."
Zafron immediately sprang into action, his instincts as a servant kicking in despite their changed circumstances. He rushed to tidy up the room, clearing away books and straightening cushions.
"Please, my lady, sit down. Can I get you anything? Tea, perhaps? Or something stronger?"
Matilda sank into an armchair, a small smile playing at her lips. "Tea would be lovely, thank you."
As Zafron busied himself in the kitchen, his mind raced. 'Why is she here? And why now, after a week of silence?' He glanced out the window, noting the darkening sky. 'She doesn't seem to be in a hurry to leave. What could be so urgent?'
Returning with a tray of tea, Zafron found Matilda looking more relaxed, her eyes closed as she leaned back in the chair. He set the tray down quietly, not wanting to disturb her moment of peace.
"My lady," he said softly, "the tea is ready."
Matilda's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled at him gratefully. "Thank you, Zafron. You've always known how to make me feel at home."
As they sipped their tea in companionable silence, Zafron couldn't contain his curiosity any longer. "My lady, forgive me for asking, but... what's the matter? Has something happened at the mansion?"
Matilda's face clouded over, the strain returning to her features. She set down her teacup with a soft clink. "Zafron, I'm afraid things have become... complicated."
Zafron leaned forward, his concern evident. "Complicated how, my lady?"
Matilda took a deep breath before continuing. "Lord Blackthorn... he's not happy with my decision to hire you. He feels I overstepped my bounds."
Zafron felt a chill run down his spine. "What does that mean for me, my lady? I'm not to return to the mansion?"
Matilda reached out, placing her hand over his in a gesture of reassurance. "No, Zafron. I made you a promise. I said I would change your life, keep you safe. And that's exactly what I intend to do."
Relief washed over Zafron, but it was quickly replaced by concern for Matilda. "But what about you, my lady? Won't Lord Blackthorn be angry?"
A shadow passed over Matilda's face. "Let me worry about Blackthorn. Your safety is my primary concern right now."
Zafron nodded, though his brow remained furrowed with worry. 'There's more to this than she's telling me,' he thought. 'But why? What is she protecting me from?'
As if reading his thoughts, Matilda continued, "Zafron, there are things happening at the mansion... things I can't fully explain right now. But I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"
"Of course, my lady," Zafron replied without hesitation. "Always."
Matilda's smile was tinged with sadness. "Thank you. Your loyalty means more to me than you know."
They lapsed into silence again, each lost in their own thoughts. Zafron's eyes kept drifting to the window, watching as the last rays of sunlight faded from the sky. 'She should be leaving soon,' he thought. 'It's not safe for her to be out too late.'
But Matilda showed no signs of preparing to leave. Instead, she seemed to be steeling herself for something.
"Zafron," she said finally, her voice low and urgent. "I need to ask something of you. Something that may put you at risk."
Zafron straightened, his heart racing. "Anything, my lady. You know I'd do anything for you."
Matilda's eyes searched his face, as if gauging his sincerity. "While you're here, I need you to be my eyes and ears in the village. There are... forces at work here. Forces that threaten not just me, but everyone in Blackthorn Manor. I need to know what people are saying, what they're doing. Can you do this for me?"
Zafron nodded solemnly. "Of course, my lady. But... what exactly am I looking for?"
"Anything unusual. Any strangers in town, any odd behavior from the villagers. And..." she hesitated, "I need you to keep an eye on Cordelia."
Zafron's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Lady Cordelia? But isn't she your friend?"
Matilda's expression hardened. "Friends can sometimes be the most dangerous enemies, Zafron. Remember that."
As the implications of Matilda's words sank in, Zafron felt a mix of excitement and fear. 'What have I gotten myself into?' he wondered. But looking at Matilda's determined face, he knew he couldn't refuse her.
"I understand, my lady," he said. "I won't let you down."