Shadows of Deception: The Luna’s Impostor

Chapter 22: Sleep Eluded

Eloise sat in the room, the weight of her father's words still pressing on her mind. The room was adorned with rich tapestries and gilded frames, showcasing generations of the Van Alen family. The grandeur of it all only added to her confusion. Her father, Mr. Gabrielli, had told her that the real Eloise had been promised to this family since childhood, and it was her duty, as an impostor, to fulfill that promise now that the real Eloise was no longer here. But the recent revelation had thrown her into a whirlwind of questions and doubts.

She replayed the conversation in her mind. Lady Clara Van Alen, a woman who exuded an aura of cold maturity, had just informed her that she had been chosen by her soon-to-be husband. Chosen? How? Did this mean the man knew the real Eloise? Or was it her, the impostor, that he had chosen? Eloise's thoughts raced, unable to settle on any one answer.

Lady Clara's gaze bore into her, waiting for a response. Eloise felt the pressure mounting, unsure of how to navigate this delicate situation. Her silence stretched on, and just when she thought she might have to speak, Lady Clara's voice cut through the tension.

"I think that would be enough for today. You should retire now. Let's continue our chat later on," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Eloise nodded gratefully, seizing the opportunity to escape the pressing questions. She needed time to think, to process everything. Perhaps rest would clear her mind and provide some clarity.

Lady Clara called out, "Yvonne."

A maid appeared promptly at her side. "Yes, my lady?"

"She will be the one attending to you during your stay here," Lady Clara stated, turning to Eloise.

"Young lady, my name is Yvonne. It is my pleasure to serve you," the maid said, bowing respectfully.

Eloise managed a smile and a nod, though her mind was still in turmoil. Lady Clara continued, "Accompany her to her room. Draw her a bath so that she may rest before the master and the young lord arrives for dinner."

Yvonne gestured for Eloise to follow. "I will be leaving then, my lady," Eloise said, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil. Lady Clara nodded with a faint smile, and Eloise followed Yvonne out of the drawing room, her thoughts still tangled.

Eloise found herself being led upstairs by Yvonne. The imposing presence of Lady Clara still lingered in her mind, but as they ascended, Eloise couldn’t help but be captivated by the warmth and coziness of the mansion's interior. The contrast between the cold, eerie aura outside and the inviting, well-furnished inside was striking.

The walls of the grand staircase were adorned with numerous portraits, each one meticulously painted and framed. Eloise paused occasionally to take in the details: the elaborate costumes, the regal postures, and the expressions that seemed to hold untold stories. Most of the portraits were quite old, depicting generations of Van Alens. The latest portraits, she noted, were of Lady Clara and Lord Sebastian Van Alen, looking every bit the powerful couple they were reputed to be.

"Where is the portrait of the young lord?" Eloise asked curiously, halting her steps in the middle of the hallway. Yvonne, who had been walking slightly ahead, turned to face her, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes. Eloise had taken the liberty to familiarize herself with the family portraits before arriving, hoping to ease her introductions. Yet, there was no image of the young lord among the collections she had seen.

"The young lord doesn’t like taking his portraits," Yvonne stated, her tone carefully neutral. Eloise frowned slightly at this revelation.

"Is that so," she murmured, more to herself than to Yvonne. She found it odd but chose not to press further, sensing the discomfort in the maid’s demeanor. They continued their walk in silence, Eloise's mind racing with questions.

What kind of man was the young lord who would soon be my husband?

Why did he shun having his portrait taken?

These thoughts occupied her as they finally reached her chambers. Yvonne opened the door, revealing a room that was as luxurious and inviting as the rest of the mansion's interior. Once they headed inside, Eloise finally saw the entirety of the room. It was spacious and much like her room in the Gabrielli family mansion. The room had a large balcony facing the bed, allowing her to gaze at the sky while lying down. It was beautiful, and she couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Let's get you ready to rest now, young lady," Yvonne stated, her tone gentle yet firm. Eloise nodded in return, still taking in the beauty of her surroundings.

Yvonne walked over to a small table where a silver bell was placed. When she rang it, maids began to swarm into the room with practiced efficiency. They moved with purpose, drawing a bath, unpacking Eloise's belongings, and selecting a dress for her to change into. Eloise watched in awe as the room buzzed with activity, each maid performing her task with precision.

Her preparations started immediately. Eloise was bathed, dressed in a soft nightgown, and her belongings were neatly unpacked and organized. The efficiency and care of the staff were impressive, and Eloise felt a sense of gratitude despite the day's overwhelming events.

Once everything was in order, Yvonne dismissed the other maids. "We will be leaving now, young lady. Please have a good night's sleep," she stated, bowing slightly before closing the door behind her.

Finally, alone, Eloise made her way to the bed. She had been traveling for days and longed to rest on a cozy, soft, and warm bed. She sank into the luxurious linens with a sigh of relief, the fatigue of her journey catching up with her. The bed was as comfortable as it looked, and she let her body relax into its embrace.

Despite her exhaustion, sleep was elusive. Eloise lay there with her eyes closed, her mind racing with thoughts of the day. The imposing presence of Lady Clara, the mysterious absence of the young lord's portrait, and the grandeur of the Van Alen mansion all swirled in her mind. She tried to push the thoughts away, focusing instead on the gentle sounds of the night outside and the warmth of the bed.

Minutes turned into hours, and Eloise found herself tossing and turning. She couldn't understand why sleep would not come. Was it the new environment? The unanswered questions that plagued her mind? Or perhaps the anticipation of what the next few days would bring?

Sighing, she opened her eyes and gazed up at the canopy above her. The moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting soft, ethereal shadows on the ceiling. The tranquility of the room contrasted sharply with the turmoil in her mind.

Eloise took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She thought about the journey that had brought her here, to this moment. She remembered her family, her home, and the life she was leaving behind. The weight of her future pressed down on her, mingling with her curiosity and apprehension about the Van Alen family.

As she lay there, her thoughts gradually began to slow. The warmth of the bed and the rhythmic sound of her breathing started to soothe her. She focused on the present, the softness of the sheets, the gentle glow of the moonlight, and the quiet of the night.

Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy, and her mind drifted into a state of peaceful drowsiness. The questions and worries faded into the background, replaced by a sense of calm. Eloise finally surrendered to sleep, her body and mind finding the rest they so desperately needed.