As they made their way back home, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the path. Matilda delicately lifted the hem of her sundress, revealing a glimpse of her ankles as she navigated around muddy patches. Zafron walked beside her, his hand intertwined with hers, still marveling at the warmth of her touch.
'This must be what heaven feels like,' Zafron thought, sneaking glances at Matilda's profile. The golden sunlight caught in her hair, creating a halo-like effect that took his breath away. 'Walking beside such a beautiful woman, her hand in mine... I could do this forever.'
As they approached the twins' house, Zafron felt a small knot of tension form in his stomach. The memory of their earlier encounter - and the night before - was still fresh in his mind.
Giselle and Vivienne were in the front yard, hanging laundry on a line stretched between two trees. They looked up as Matilda and Zafron approached, their eyes widening slightly at the sight of their joined hands.
"Good afternoon again, Mistress Matilda," Giselle called out, her voice overly cheerful. "And Zafron," she added, almost as an afterthought.
Vivienne merely nodded, her gaze fixed on where Matilda's hand met Zafron's.
"Hello, girls," Matilda replied warmly. "Lovely day for laundry, isn't it?"
"Oh yes, Mistress," Vivienne said, finally finding her voice. "The breeze is perfect for drying."
As they exchanged pleasantries, Zafron couldn't help but notice the twins shooting furtive glances at each other, their expressions a mix of curiosity and something that looked suspiciously like jealousy.
'They're wondering about us,' he realized, feeling a strange mix of pride and unease. 'About me and Matilda.'
After a few moments of polite conversation, Matilda and Zafron bid the twins farewell and continued on their way. As they walked away, Zafron could practically feel the twins' eyes boring into his back.
Once they were out of earshot, Giselle turned to Vivienne, her voice low and urgent. "Did you see that? Lady Matilda, wife of Lord Blackthorn, holding hands with that... that servant!"
Vivienne nodded, her lips pursed. "And not just any servant. That handsome young man we saw last night. The one we..."
"Shh!" Giselle hissed, glancing around nervously. "We agreed not to speak of that, remember?"
"But sister," Vivienne insisted, "don't you think it's strange? Lady Matilda has never shown such... familiarity with a servant before."
Giselle's eyes narrowed as she watched Matilda and Zafron's retreating figures. "Perhaps she's just being kind. You know how she is, always so considerate of others."
"Kind enough to hold his hand?" Vivienne scoffed. "And did you see the way he looked at her? That was no servant's gaze."
The twins fell silent for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Giselle spoke, her voice tinged with a mix of admiration and envy. "He is rather handsome, isn't he? Such striking features..."
Vivienne nodded in agreement. "And those eyes... I've never seen such a shade of green before."
"It's a shame, really," Giselle sighed. "A man like that, wasted on servitude. If only..."
"If only what?" Vivienne prodded.
Giselle shook her head, as if clearing away an impossible thought. "Nothing. It's not our place to question Lady Matilda's decisions. Or Lord Blackthorn's, for that matter."
As Giselle and Vivienne resumed their laundry duties, their conversation took a more bitter turn, their voices lowered to ensure privacy.
Vivienne huffed, aggressively wringing out a shirt. "Do you remember, sister? Just days ago, when we brought him that basket of fresh bread and preserves?"
Giselle nodded, her lips pursed. "How could I forget? We spent hours preparing it, hoping to catch his eye."
"And for what?" Vivienne spat, hanging the shirt with more force than necessary. "To watch him moon over Lady Matilda like a lovesick puppy?"
Giselle's eyes narrowed as she recalled the memory. "He barely even looked at us when we delivered it. His eyes kept darting to the main house, as if hoping she'd appear."
"We're fools, Giselle," Vivienne said, her voice thick with envy. "Absolute fools. To think we ever had a chance with someone like him."
Giselle picked up another piece of laundry, her movements sharp and angry. "It's not fair. What does she have that we don't? Besides wealth and status, of course."
"And beauty," Vivienne added bitterly. "And grace. And that infuriatingly kind personality."
The twins fell silent for a moment, both lost in their resentful thoughts.
"You know," Giselle finally said, her voice low and dangerous, "Lady Matilda may be kind, but she's still married. To Lord Blackthorn, no less. If word of this... closeness... were to reach the wrong ears..."
Vivienne's eyes widened. "Giselle! Are you suggesting we...?"
"I'm not suggesting anything," Giselle replied quickly. "I'm merely pointing out that their behavior is... unconventional. And potentially scandalous."
The twins exchanged a loaded glance, a mix of jealousy, hurt, and a hint of malicious intent passing between them.
"It's such a shame," Vivienne said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "A handsome young man like Zafron, throwing away his future on an impossible infatuation."
Giselle nodded, a cruel smile playing on her lips. "Indeed. Someone really ought to help him see reason. For his own good, of course."
As they continued their work, the twins' minds raced with possibilities, their earlier admiration for Zafron now tainted with bitter envy and thwarted desires. The peaceful afternoon had sown the seeds of potential conflict, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance of their small community.
As they stepped into the house, Matilda let out a contented sigh, her shoulders relaxing as she released the hem of her sundress. The fabric fell gracefully around her ankles, a few specks of mud clinging to its edge.
"Oh, what a wonderful morning we've had," she exclaimed, her eyes bright with lingering excitement. "I can't remember the last time I enjoyed a walk so much."
Zafron nodded, a warm smile playing on his lips. "Indeed, Mistress. It was truly delightful. Thank you for showing me your beautiful flower garden. I've never seen such a diverse collection of blooms before."
Matilda waved her hand dismissively, though her cheeks colored slightly at his praise. "Oh, it was my pleasure, Zafron. I'm glad you enjoyed it." She glanced down at her dress, noting the muddy hem. "However, I'm afraid all this traipsing through nature has left its mark. I really must freshen up before lunch."
"Of course, Mistress," Zafron replied. "I should do the same. If you'll excuse me—"
"Oh, Zafron?" Matilda's voice halted him as he turned to leave. There was a moment of hesitation before she continued, "Would you be so kind as to bring my wash equipment to my room? It's in the green case in the storage closet."
"Certainly, Mistress," Zafron said with a slight bow. "I'll bring it right away."
As he made his way to the storage closet, Zafron couldn't help but wonder about Matilda's request. It seemed a simple enough task, but there was something in her hesitation that piqued his curiosity.
Opening the closet, he easily spotted the green case. As he lifted it, he was surprised by its weight. 'What on earth does she have in here?' he thought, his curiosity growing.
Carrying the case to Matilda's room, he knocked gently on the door.
"Come in," Matilda called.
Zafron entered, setting the case on a nearby table. As he did so, the latch came undone, and the case fell open, revealing its contents.
Zafron's eyes widened in astonishment. The case was filled with an array of soaps, lotions, scrubs, and oils, each in delicate bottles and jars. The scents of lavender, rose, and jasmine wafted up, creating an intoxicating blend.
"Is... is this all for bathing, Mistress?" Zafron couldn't help but ask, his voice tinged with wonder.
Matilda laughed, a light blush coloring her cheeks. "Yes, it is. I know it might seem excessive, but each has its purpose."
Zafron's mind reeled. 'So many products... Is this just how women are, or is Matilda special?' He thought of his own simple soap back home and felt suddenly inadequate.
'What is she trying to wash away?' he wondered, his gaze moving from the luxurious bath products to Matilda's face. 'All her sins? She's spotless to me!'
Realizing he had been staring, Zafron quickly averted his eyes. "I... I hope you enjoy your bath, Mistress," he managed to say, his face growing warm.
"Where exactly were you planning on going, Zafron?" Matilda asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Zafron blinked, taken aback by her sudden question. "I-I was just going to give you some privacy, Mistress," he stammered, his face growing warm.
Matilda tilted her head, studying him for a moment. "But who will help me with my back?" she asked, her voice soft and sultry.
Zafron's heart skipped a beat. "I... I could help you, Mistress," he offered, his voice barely above a whisper.