Alice closed her eyes, allowing herself to be drawn into the past. She felt herself slipping back to that pivotal moment when she was in the carriage, the memories becoming clearer and more vivid.
The memory unfolded before her: It was daytime, the sun filtering through the trees as the carriage traveled along a bumpy, forested path. The interior was dimly lit, the curtains drawn to shield the harsh daylight. Alice's heart pounded with a mix of fear and hope, knowing she was being taken somewhere far from the dungeon.
The carriage gradually slowed to a halt, and Alice's heart raced. The door creaked open,
"This is your stop," the hooded figure said, his voice a low, gravelly whisper.
Alice hesitated for a moment before stepping out of the carriage. The fresh air hit her, carrying the scent of pine and earth. "Thank you," she said, her voice trembling slightly with a mix of gratitude and fear.
As she turned to leave, she heard the hooded figure whisper something almost inaudible. She strained to hear and caught the faint, sorrowful words, "I'm sorry."
Alice's heart ached with confusion and a flood of emotions. She wanted to turn back and ask him what he meant, but the moment had passed too quickly. The carriage door closed, and it moved away, leaving her standing alone in the bright daylight.
She turned around, her eyes widening as she took in her surroundings. Before her stood a huge mansion, its imposing silhouette stark against the clear blue sky. A butler stood at the entrance, his posture stiff and formal. As she approached, his eyes flicked over her disheveled appearance with a slight look of disgust.
"Miss Alice, I presume?" he said, his tone clipped and impersonal. "This way, please."
Alice nodded mutely, feeling out of place and self-conscious. The butler turned and led her inside the mansion, his steps precise and unwavering. The interior of the mansion was grand and opulent, a stark contrast to her dirty, ragged state. She felt the weight of the butler's disdain but followed him without a word.
As they entered a large foyer, the butler stopped and gestured for her to wait. "Someone will be with you shortly," he said curtly before disappearing down a hallway.
Alice sat down on the edge of an ornate chair, her hands fidgeting nervously in her lap. The room was silent, save for the distant ticking of a grandfather clock. Time seemed to stretch as she waited, her mind racing with questions and fears.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and a middle-aged woman dressed in a formal gown entered the room. She had a commanding presence and an air of authority about her. Alice jumped in surprise, her heart skipping a beat.
"Good afternoon, Alice," the woman said, her voice calm but firm. "I am Evelyn Thorne, the Chamberlain of this household. Before anything, I have a few questions for you."
Alice nodded nervously, her eyes wide. "Okay."
The Chamberlain took a seat across from Alice, her gaze steady and penetrating. "First, tell me your name."
"Alice Ingraham," Alice replied, her voice trembling slightly.
"And your parents' names?"
"Duncan and Annabeth Ingraham," Alice answered.
"Where did you live previously?"
"Willowbrook village," Alice said, her mind flashing back to her childhood home. "Can I ask why was I brought here?"
Evelyn's eyes softened slightly. "My master has been searching for you for a very long time. Any further questions you have will be answered by him."
Alice's heart raced with a mix of fear and curiosity as she followed Evelyn through the mansion. They walked down another long hallway, passing more ornate decorations and grand rooms. Finally, they reached a set of double doors at the end of the corridor.
Evelyn knocked softly before pushing the doors open, revealing a spacious study filled with books and antique furniture. Behind a large desk sat an older man with a stern but kind expression.
"Lord Everhart, this is Alice Ingraham," Evelyn said, gesturing for Alice to step forward.
Alice hesitated for a moment before entering the room. Lord Everhart stood and walked around the desk, his eyes studying her intently.
"Welcome, Alice," he said, his voice warm yet authoritative. "I've been expecting you. Please, have a seat."
Alice sat down in a comfortable chair, her nerves still tingling. A maid entered the room, carrying a tray laden with tea and an assortment of delicious-looking snacks. She placed the tray on the table in front of Alice and quietly left the room.
"Are you hungry?" Lord Everhart asked, his voice gentle. "Please, help yourself."
Alice looked at the tray, the delicious aroma making her realize just how hungry she was. She picked up a small pastry and took a tentative bite, savoring the rich flavors.
Lord Everhart watched her with a kind smile. "Alice, do you know what happened to your family?"
Alice's expression darkened slightly. "The hooded man in the carriage told me about the fire that happened in the village."
Lord Everhart nodded. "Yes, I heard about it too. It was a terrible tragedy. I regret not meeting your father earlier."
Alice looked up, curiosity piqued. "What is your connection to my father?"
Lord Everhart stood and walked to his desk. He opened a drawer and pulled out an old, faded photograph, which he handed over to Alice. She examined the photo, recognizing one of the children in it.
"The taller boy is me," Lord Everhart said, his voice softening with nostalgia. "And the smaller boy is—"
"That's my father," Alice interrupted, her eyes wide with realization.
Lord Everhart smiled warmly. "Yes, Alice. I'm your uncle."