Chapter 15
1495 Words
Amelia stood by the terrace, overlooking the orchard she most loved. The breeze was cold but it did not bother her. It was peaceful and it gives a simple reminder to her...something she will not name though.
Her hair was loose, her nightgown the color of white. If someone would see her, he/she would think that she is a ghost because of how she looks in the darkness.
The moon is at its peak, the night very late. Raising her hand, she watches her fingers shook. The nerves kicking in. She clasped her fingers all together to stop it from its episode.
She rested her head beside her when she felt a graze on her cheek. "I'm alright." She breathed. "I have to be."
By the morning, Lance called in for her as expected. He was all groomed and looking as malevolent as always. His smirk and amused eyes give away what he intends to do.
"Good morning," he greeted cheerfully.
"Good morning," she managed.
Jane was behind her, carrying their handiworks as they plan to do this morning. Lance merely glanced at her abigail then directed back his attention to her.
"You wish to stay indoors when the weather has never been fine as today's?" he inquired as he walks towards her.
Taking her hand, he then kissed it. His touch lingered for a while before he finally lets her go.
"What are your plans then?" she asked as she clasped her hands together.
"A stroll would do you good."
She shook her head. "Your sister intends to walk again by the park later this afternoon. I wouldn't want to cancel her plan just to satisfy yours."
"We wouldn't want that. My sister doesn't really like it when she is not followed."
She did not comment. Instead, she moved past him and sat on her usual spot. Jane did the same and they started working.
"Do you need any help?" he asked after a minute of silence.
"If you can do needlework then we would be very grateful for the helping hand."
"I do know actually," he said and she turned her head to look at him.
"You do?"
"You don't believe me?"
She lowered her work and turn her whole attention on him. "Well, as we all know, this activity is not well-suited for men. Why would you partake in something that could lessen your masculinity?"
"May I?" he asked Jane, pertaining to the stack of cloth and the sewing kit.
"Of course, Sir."
Amelia watched them closely. Jane hurriedly gave him what he wanted and he sat down on a seat adjacent to them.
"The Varseilles care not about what specific gender should do. They only see to it that we are knowledgeable in many in order for us not to rely on others. The needlework is one of the basic lessons. We have to present ourselves in our best behavior and appearances all the time. That means, we have to mend our clothes ourselves whenever necessary."
He was an expert on his hands and he clearly knows what he is doing. Amelia could not make herself continue her work when Lance is being quite unbelievable and amazing at the same time.
"May I ask where will these go after they are done?" he suddenly asked.
She looked at the pile of unused cloth and the finished product that consists of embroidered handkerchiefs. She thought she could have it for herself but she already had tons.
"I don't know," she answered honestly.
Lance stopped his work to look at her. "May I have a suggestion, Miss Amelia?"
She returned her eyes to him. "You may if it is not something bold or indecent." Then gave him a meaningful look.
Lance can't help but guffaw in return.
Jane momentarily paused from her work, merely listening a while ago but cannot help but look now. She was intrigued by their banters that it seems as if the two are already close.
"I assure you, Miss, it is not something that shall taint your reputation. In fact, it shall gain you popularity among the common folk."
"What do you have in mind, Sir? Speak it now."
His grin widened. "I suggest we give it to the poor. They have little clothes, some have none. They would be grateful for your kindness and all your efforts shall not be wasted."
Amelia tilted her head slightly. "I do not expect for you to be a charity worker."
"Expect the unexpected when it comes to me, Miss Amelia. I like trying new things. It is those that are untried that make me excited." He winked.
She did not react. "Your suggestion is nice and a helping hand should really be reached out for the poor. However, Sir, I will not engage with the lower class without my father's permission," she said with finality then continued her work.
"Your father is not here so I assume my sister is in charge with the matters at hand. And I am quite certain she will agree with this endeavor so there is really no need for you to bother much."
"Sir," she started, head still bent on her work. "If it is not very clear to you, I have not been outside for years and the activity you suggest is something to be well-thought-of before executing for my sake."
"Are you scared, Miss Amelia?" he asked. "Because if you are so scared to get out of the world and stay indoors like before then it is quite pointless to have you welcomed to society. You should have stayed secluded...until the day you die."
Her stares went back to him. He smiles like what he said is not something offending. Though the way he spoke of it was spiteful and condescending.
He intends to be her friend but whatever he is doing will not get her favor. He wishes to start anew but he likes more to break her coldness that he spites her for it.
Amanda entered the room, seeing them looking at each other challengingly. "What is this? A staring game?"
Lance looked away first. "It is, my dear sister and I lost for you have intervened." He stood up and kissed his sister by the cheek. "How are you?"
"I'm fine." She walked towards the couches. "Haymich told me you visited yesterday but I was asleep and did not get to see you."
"I came to see Miss Amelia actually."
"Brother!" the woman exclaimed, laughing. "You dare hurt my feelings? You are telling me you have come yesterday to see Miss Amelia when I, your sister, have been gone for days on our abode."
"You forget, sister," he said as he sat. "I have my own residence and I am clueless as to what is happening inside our parents' house."
"Clueless?" she asked with a meaningful stare. "I'm quite certain you're not too left out."
Lance merely smiled and turned his attention to the watching Amelia. "Do consider my suggestion, Miss, and I shall come tomorrow for your answer." He then stood.
"Leaving so early? I just came here," Amanda said.
"I have businesses to attend to, sister. Some other time."
"You make it a daily routine to visit," Amanda remarked. "If I do not know you to be a rake, I would think that you're courting Miss Amelia."
Lance laughed heartily. It is so easy for him to laugh and be merry, Amelia noticed.
"Varseilles will fetch me soon, I have no time for fancying women." He then turned to her. "Miss Amelia, I hope to have your answer by the morrow."
She did not answer. She just stared him back. They gazed at each other for quite a while, grey against black, playful against plain cold.
This little game of theirs will eventually spark and they shall burn together. They are perfectly aware of it. It is an awaiting disaster for them both.
Amanda had to cough to break their stares.
Lance nodded at her as farewell then started to walk out.
"It's unfortunate that he did not stay for long," Amanda commented. "He's always been occupied. That's why I wonder what's the intention of his visits. Did he tell you?"
"He wishes to be my friend," she answered meekly.
"Lance doesn't do 'friend'. It is always more with him." Amanda reached for her hand and tapped it. "Do be careful around him. Though you are a very respected woman in town, he won't mind it just to get what he wants."
"What do you mean?"
"It means he will get inside your skirt one way or another."
Jane, beside her, gasped.
"What a bold thing to say, Miss," she merely commented, not in any way bothered.
"He likes games, Amelia, and you have piqued his interest. I will not be surprised that one of these days, he has completely had you under his control."
Amelia looked back down and resumed her work. "I doubt that."
#DTSOAM
- Writer
