Chapter 13
1938 Words
Alexander wiped his forehead as he stares at the main door on the manor of Sir Thomas Ruccie. He recuperated for three whole days and on one of those, he actually had a dream with his patient on it. It was confusing and bothering him but he cannot just let it affect his job. He doesn’t want his personal life to meddle with his professional one.
He was disgusted with himself for even thinking of the woman. It seems as if he has some hidden feelings towards Amelia. Which is bad in so many ways.
Haymich opened the door after his knock and bowed after seeing him. “Good morning, Doctor. Sir Thomas is waiting for you at the drawing-room.”
Alexander nodded and followed the man inside. They passed bare walls where there are usually portraits of ancestors on huge mansions such as this. However, this mansion has none. He had walked this same very hall when he first came here but he still can't grasp the idea of how rich Thomas Ruccie is. Though there is not much decoration, every piece of furniture looks valuable.
They reached the drawing-room with Thomas Ruccie looking by the window which had the view of the path towards Amelia’s simple shelter.
“My deepest apologies for my absences, Sir,” he started.
Thomas glanced at him. “No need for you to be sorry, Doctor. Your absence is understandable. How are you feeling now, by the way?”
Alexander slightly moved his coat when he felt too constricted. "All recuperated and ready to get back to work, Sir."
He glanced at Haymich who remained by the door and felt himself pressured with the situation. Thomas has never asked for him ever since he started. He wonders what changed.
“Is there something the matter, Sir, that you have called for me?”
“Actually, I have a question,” the man said. “How is she? How does she take your method?"
“She’s very cooperative. We’ve talked about from the very beginning, on her early childhood.”
“Did she spoke about her mother?”
“Indeed, Sir.”
“And how did it come out?”
“It went out smoothly actually.”
“She did not break down?”
“No, Sir,” he answered, confused. "Is there something I should know about her mother?"
“None," Thomas said too quickly. "There is none." He breathed. "Amelia had a fine adjustment opening up to you. She rarely does that.”
"She willingly answers my question and she tells everything in detail," Alexander stated.
"That means only one thing." Thomas looked back outside. "She trusts you."
"And that is what I wanted to have, Sir, from the very beginning. Trust is the foundation of these sessions so they could be fruitful. We are leading to something, Sir. I am positive of it."
"But do you think she is capable of healing from this past, Doctor?"
Alexander shook his head. "I cannot be so certain. I haven't yet figured out what her mental illness is but based on her early childhood, she did experience tragic events that may trigger it."
"She was only a victim," Thomas whispered.
Alexander did not say anything. He doesn't want to conclude anything without knowing the whole story is. This case is delicate yet dangerous all at the same time.
“I must get going,” Alexander stated. "I have to make up for my absences with Miss Amelia."
Thomas returned his eyes to him. His face looking somber. “Yes, Doctor. I wouldn’t want to take much of your time.”
He nodded and walked out of the room with Haymich leading the way. But before they could completely get out, Thomas said something that caught him off guard.
"Be gentle with her today, Doctor. This day is her mother's death anniversary."
~~~~~~~
That time, Ray was on duty and he was all smiles as he greeted him good morning.
“Haven’t seen you in a while, Doctor.”
“I was, unfortunately, sick but I’m better now.”
“Oh yes. Fever is the most dreadful thing to happen in this town where healers are not always available.”
“Indeed.”
The guard started to open the door with his key. “The Miss is already waiting, Doctor. Lea is also inside, preparing tea.”
“Thank you, Ray,” he said as he enters.
Amelia raised her head as soon as he was inside. “Good morning, Doctor.”
Unintentionally, he avoided her gaze and sat down without greeting back. He can still remember the dream he had and how comfortable and overwhelmed he felt when he saw her there, taking care of him. How silly of him to even think of that.
“Tea, Doctor?” Lea asked.
“Yes, please.” He smiled at the maid.
He glanced at Amelia and caught her watching them, her sewing completely forgotten. She remained staring at the poor maid until the latter bowed and told them that she will be back by lunch.
Alexander cleared his throat right after the door was closed. “Shall we start?”
Amelia resumed her sewing. “Yes, Doctor.”
While she is occupied, he stared at her and observed the woman's movements. Does she know that this day is her mother's death anniversary? Mayhap not for she looks unbothered and acts like the usual. Or mayhap she does know but she simply doesn't care.
Because that is what she is. Impassive.
Though her life story is not.
She has a very interesting past and it is something that Alexander wanted to delve into deeper.
“Tell me more of what happened after the ball.”
~~~~~~~
Many gifts from eligible bachelors were delivered by their doorsteps. Haymich carried every single one, every day into the parlor. The gifts vary from flowers to jewelry to ribbons to shoes and all other girly stuff. Her father inspects everything meticulously and when it surpasses his standards then it shall be given to her.
Theodore frequently visited. He is the only one allowed though many men wanted to be admitted. Every day, he was by the doorstep just before noon. She would watch as he strides to the door from his already departing carriage. Fresh flowers on hand and a forced smile ready. At that time, Amelia was by the parlor or in the music room, wherever she fancies staying.
That day, she is in the music room, practicing a piece her father gave her to keep her occupied. She walked away from the window and to the piano. Sitting erect, donned perfectly with her day gown and hair half tied with a ribbon, she grazed the keys by her fingers, listening to the footsteps getting nearer.
Then the sound erupted.
It started slow and smooth. Her eyes are closed as she feels the music get in tune with her breathing. Every pause gave chills. Then the music rises. Loud on her ears. Her fingers were moving fast, her heart started beating erratically along with it. Her head was bobbing as she presses on every key.
As it ascends higher and higher to its final pitch, Amelia opened her eyes and took a sharp breath.
Theodore never heard her play until now. They were always by the parlor, chaperoned by Jane when Miss Pia had been dismissed.
Theodore was beaming as he walked towards her, clapping. She had never seen him smile like that before. He might have been very impressed with her performance.
"That's outstanding, Miss Amelia. I am much honored to hear you play."
She stood up. Haymich was standing firmly by the door to the parlor where the two have come from.
"Thank you, Sir."
"I insist that you call me Theodore, Miss Amelia. We have been seeing every day and I would like to cut the formalities," the man said. "If you do not mind of course."
She nodded. "Then you should have to call me by my name as well."
They settled by the parlor. The room is very spacious with couches on every corner to accommodate a large number of guests. There were little decorative things to bring life, just chairs to sit and tables to put beverages and such. The curtains were parted, making light from outside freely enter the room.
"I assume you want to see my father," she said since that is what he always does. He first goes to her father then to her.
"No, actually. I've come for you."
Amelia smiled then looked at Haymich. "Where is my father this time?" she still asked.
"He is currently out, my lady, but he will return by lunch."
"Of course." Amelia nodded. "You may leave us now, Haymich."
"Yes, my lady." He bowed then went out of the door.
"Where is your abigail?" Theodore immediately asked.
"Don’t fret. We will be chaperoned in a while."
In an instant, the door to the music room opened. Jane bowed her head then walked towards Amelia’s seat, handing the latter the basket of their handiworks.
“That’s a beautiful handkerchief, Amelia," he said though she thinks he does not really know lady's preferences.
To her, the handkerchief looks like a mess. She had been trying to salvage it for days because of a failed pattern she had followed.
“Thank you," she still said.
“You are usually inside the house. You don’t want to go out?”
“I cannot go until I have my father’s blessing. And it’s harder now that I have no companion other than Jane.”
“Your father must find you a new governess soon. Or better yet a companion. I am certain you’ve already learned everything there is to learn. So a companion is more needed. Invitations are sent for this year’s season. We wouldn’t want for you to miss it.”
“We will see.”
By lunch, her father, indeed, arrived and the three of them gathered on the table to eat. The table was served with roast ham and sauce to go along with it, mashed potatoes, grilled salmon, and a platter of various fruits.
“Theodore and I will be out of town next week,” Barkis suddenly said.
“For business, father?” she asked.
“Of course, my child. What else?”
She nodded.
Barkis sliced a piece of meat. “I expect you to be on your best behavior while we are away.”
“Yes, father.”
“And I do not want you entertaining gentlemen. They have to wait until I get back home.”
She was silent. Theodore had his attention on his plate and has no plans on intervening.
“I have hired a companion for you. She will be here once we are gone. Be nice to her.”
“Yes, father.”
“Remember my orders, Amelia. I do not want to go back with news about you around town.”
Even on their departure, Amelia had to listen to her father’s endless orders. It is different from before. They both know it.
“I will know if you did something inappropriate,” he whispered, holding her in both of her arms.
He kissed both of her cheeks then walked to his carriage. She watched the vehicle getting farther and farther. As the distance between them stretched, her shoulders sagged and her whole body felt like it has lost all strength.
“Miss.” Jane caught her.
She looked up at the sun and felt the heat on her face.
Freedom.
#DTSOAM
- Writer
