Alice sat in the comfortable chair, still digesting the revelation that Lord Everhart was her uncle. The tea and snacks provided a small comfort, but her mind was a whirl of questions and emotions.
Lord Everhart studied her with a gentle smile. "Come, Alice. Let me show you something." He stood, gesturing for her to follow.
Curiosity piqued, Alice rose and followed him out of the study. They walked through the mansion, its grandeur evident in every detail. The walls were adorned with portraits, each capturing a moment in the family's history. Lord Everhart led her down a long corridor lined with these portraits. Everlyn, the Chamberlain followed them from a distance, giving them space to have a private conversation.
As they walked, Lord Everhart began to speak. "Your father, Duncan, married your mother, Annabeth, who was a commoner. Because of that, he took her family name instead of keeping our family name, Everhart. It was his way of protecting her from the scrutiny of our world."
Alice glanced at the portraits, recognizing some of the features that mirrored her own. "Why didn't I know about you before this?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion and a hint of sadness.
Lord Everhart sighed, his expression tinged with regret. "It's a pity your father didn't talk about me. We were very close once, but he left the family on very bad terms when he insisted on marrying your mother. Our father, your grandfather, did not approve of the match. There was much conflict, and Duncan chose to leave rather than stay and fight."
They stopped in front of the largest portrait in the corridor. It depicted a distinguished man and woman seated regally, their expressions stern yet dignified. "These are your grandparents," Lord Everhart explained. "Both are now deceased, and I have taken over as the head of the family."
Alice stared at the portrait, trying to reconcile the faces with the stories she had heard. "They look so... strict," she murmured.
"They were," Lord Everhart admitted. "Our father, especially. He had very high expectations and was not tolerant of deviations from his plans. Your father's decision to marry your mother was seen as a rebellion, an act of defiance that he couldn't forgive."
Alice's heart ached for the father she barely remembered, understanding now the sacrifices he had made for love. "So, he left everything behind for her," she said softly, more to herself than to her uncle.
"Yes," Lord Everhart said, his tone gentle. "He chose love over duty. It was a brave choice, but it came with many costs."
Alice turned to her uncle, searching his face for answers. "And you? What did you think?"
Lord Everhart smiled wistfully. "I admired his courage, even if I didn't agree with his decision. We were bound by duty, but he chose to follow his heart. It's not something everyone has the strength to do."
They continued walking, the corridor leading them to a balcony overlooking the lush gardens below. The setting sun cast a golden hue over the landscape, adding a touch of serenity to the moment.
Lord Everhart turned to face Alice, his expression earnest. "I want you to know, Alice, that you are part of this family, regardless of the past. You are welcome here, and I will do everything in my power to support and protect you."
"Thank you, Lord Everhart."
"Please, Alice. We are family. You can call me, Uncle."
"Thank you, Uncle." Alice smiled awkwardly.
"Now Alice," he began, "I will now hand you over to Evelyn. She will be your guide and help you with anything you need during your stay here. If you have any questions or require assistance, Evelyn can help you."
Alice nodded, still absorbing all the information and the whirlwind of emotions she felt. Evelyn, the chamberlain, stepped forward with a kind smile. "Come with me, Miss Alice. Let's get you settled in."
Evelyn led Alice through the mansion once more, this time heading up a grand staircase adorned with intricate railings and a plush red carpet. They reached the second floor and walked down another hallway until they arrived at a large, ornate door.
"This will be your room," Evelyn said, opening the door to reveal a spacious and elegantly decorated bedroom. The room was filled with luxurious furnishings, from a massive four-poster bed draped in rich, velvety fabrics to antique wooden dressers and a plush chaise lounge by the window. The walls were adorned with beautiful tapestries and paintings, and a chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room.
Alice's eyes widened in awe. "This is my room?"
"Yes, and if you need anything, the maids will be here to assist you," Evelyn said, beckoning two maids who had been standing nearby. "Now, let's get you properly groomed and refreshed."
The maids led Alice to an adjoining bathroom which was larger than her entire house back in the village. The bathroom was a marvel of opulence, with a large marble bathtub sitting in the centre, surrounded by ornate fixtures and soft, fluffy towels. The walls were lined with mirrors and shelves filled with luxurious bath products.
Alice could hardly believe her eyes. The maids gently helped her undress and guided her into the warm, inviting bath. As she sank into the fragrant, bubbly water, she felt the tension and grime of her journey melt away. The maids washed her hair with scented oils, their gentle hands massaging her scalp and neck, making her feel more relaxed than she had in a long time.
After her bath, the maids led her to a massage table where they gave her a soothing massage. Their skilled hands worked out the knots and tension in her muscles, leaving her feeling rejuvenated and at peace. Alice closed her eyes, savoring the sensation of being pampered and cared for.
Once the massage was complete, the maids dressed her in a beautiful gown. The gown was made of soft, flowing silk in a deep emerald green that complemented her eyes. It was adorned with delicate lace and intricate embroidery, making her feel like royalty.
As she admired herself in the mirror, Evelyn returned and smiled approvingly. "You look lovely, Miss Alice. Now, it's time for dinner. Follow me."
Evelyn guided Alice through the mansion once more, leading her to a grand dining room. The dining room was magnificent, with a long table covered in a pristine white tablecloth and set with fine china and crystal glasses. Candles flickered in ornate candelabras, casting a warm glow over the room.
Lord Everhart was already seated at the head of the table, and he smiled warmly as Alice entered. "Welcome, Alice. Please, have a seat."
Alice took her place at the table, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. As the first course was served, she couldn't help but marvel at the turn her life had taken. From the uncertainty and fear of her past to the opulence and kindness she was now surrounded by, it was almost too much to take in.
As Alice took her seat at the grand dining table, her eyes widened in amazement at the spread laid out before her. Platters of beautifully arranged dishes, from roasted meats to vibrant salads, adorned the table. It was a feast unlike anything she had ever seen, and the sight of it all made her stomach growl with hunger.
However, as she looked at the array of forks, spoons, and knives laid out beside her plate, Alice felt a wave of hesitation. There were so many different utensils, each one seemingly designated for a specific dish or course, and she had no idea where to start.
Sensing her unease, Lord Everhart smiled reassuringly. "It's okay, Alice. Just be comfortable and use what you know."
She nodded gratefully, picking up the nearest fork and reaching for a dish that looked both inviting and unfamiliar—a beautifully cooked fish. The salmon was garnished with fresh herbs and a slice of lemon, its flesh glistening under the soft candlelight.
As she took her first bite, Alice's eyes widened in delight. The salmon was tender and flavourful, with a delicate balance of smokiness and a hint of citrus from the lemon. She savoured each bite, feeling a warmth spread through her as she enjoyed the new and exquisite taste.
"Is it delicious?" Lord Everhart asked, watching her reaction with amusement.
Alice nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, it's wonderful! I've never had this kind of fish before. My village isn't near the sea, so we didn't get fish like this."
Lord Everhart chuckled warmly. "Don't worry, you will have every opportunity to eat this more often while staying here."
As she continued to eat, Alice glanced up and noticed a large portrait hanging on the wall behind Lord Everhart. The painting depicted a beautiful woman and a young boy standing beside Lord Everhart, all three of them smiling warmly. Her curiosity piqued, Alice stared at the portrait, wondering about the people in it.
Lord Everhart caught her gaze and turned to look at the portrait. "Ah, you must be wondering about my family," he said. "That's my wife, Lady Elara, and our son, Edmund. Elara is currently out, but she'll be back later this evening after dinner. As for Edmund, he is away at the Hevlaska Academy."
Alice's eyes lit up at the mention of the academy. "The Hevlaska Academy? Is there a chance I could go there?"
Lord Everhart smiled, seeing her excitement. "Currently, the school does not take in any new students as it's already halfway through the year. But perhaps next year, if you still wish to go."
Alice's face brightened with hope, and in her eagerness, she nearly choked on her food. She beat her chest lightly, forcing the food to go down, and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry for my table manners."
Lord Everhart laughed heartily. "There's no need to apologize, Alice. Just enjoy the food."
Feeling more at ease, Alice continued to eat, savouring the delicious meal and the warm atmosphere. The salmon was just one of many delightful dishes, and she found herself eager to try everything. The evening was filled with laughter and conversation, and for the first time in a long while, Alice felt a sense of belonging and comfort.
After the delightful dinner, Alice felt a warmth and contentment she hadn't experienced in a long time. Lord Everhart escorted her back to her room, their footsteps echoing softly through the grand corridors.
Once inside her room, the maids greeted her with kind smiles and gentle hands. They helped her change into a soft, comfortable nightgown made of the finest silk. The fabric was cool and smooth against her skin, a luxurious contrast to the rough, worn clothes she had been accustomed to.
"Now, Miss Alice," one of the maids said as she tucked her into the large, plush bed, "please remember not to wander around at night. The corridors are not lighted, and it can be quite easy to lose your way."
Another maid placed a small silver bell on the nightstand beside Alice. "If you need anything, just ring this bell. We'll come to you immediately."
Alice nodded, her eyes growing heavy with the promise of a restful sleep. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
The maids smiled and quietly left the room, closing the door softly behind them. Alice nestled into the soft pillows and luxurious blankets, feeling a sense of peace and safety. The events of the day played through her mind, but the comfort of the bed and the warmth of the room soon lulled her into a deep, dreamless sleep.
The last thing she heard was the faint rustling of the curtains as a gentle breeze drifted through the room, carrying with it the promise of new beginnings and the hope of uncovering the mysteries of her past.