Chapter 5 The Storm Before The Calm

Fyre

The house had barely welcomed me when the lights went out, I hurried out of the room to see what has happened.

"Be careful with your steps or you'll fall," a familiar voice called behind me, I took a deep breath.

I spared him a glance only to be greeted by that lazy grin and effortless arrogance he wore on his sleeves.

I wanted to believe he was just worried but his roguish charm said otherwise.

He flicked the lighter he held, lighting one of the candle in the house. I brought the candle with me guiding it carefully so that the wind from the open windows won't blow it.

"I think one of the lines went out, I'll go check it out, but it is windy outside, might be dangerous. We would have to stay in the darkness until after the rain," Mr. Montague said, I knew his name was Leonard but proper etiquette demand I don't use that.

Men like himself were often particular when it comes to honorifics.

I nodded quietly.

He seriously did not have to explain.

We both stood there in awkward silence, him just standing there staring and I'm just here...

"I'll go see if Mrs. Hawthorne needs any help." I offered.

The darkness in the hallway made it impossible for me to see, my leg knocking out one of the porcelain vases.

"Ow.."

Mr. Montague stood still, staring at the jagged pieces scattered across the floor.

"That was made by the best porcelain maker in the country," He murmured, showing emotion to the vase.

Of course my sorry could never repay but I said it anyway.

"It's alright. I'll simply take it out of your salary," He replied calmly.

"That will take forever to pay," I said, wringing my hands together with worry yet lifting my chin stubbornly.

Mr. Montague didn't respond, he shrugged, "And who said that?"

"You said it was from the best porcelain maker, he was likely famous," I argued, straightening my legs.

"Are you hurt?" He finally took notice.

"Not really, I think--"

"Quickly now," He urged ignoring again, "The vase only cost a shilling which is equivalent to an average day's wage, taken it off won't be problem"

"Of course not." I muttered through gritted teeth.

"Wait." He called, I stopped myself from going any further.

"Need anything else?"

"No. But I see you are settling in well, I saw you brought most of your things earlier this afternoon." He observed.

"I did."

"Okay... And your room?" He scratched his head, "How does it feel? Like home?"

"I haven't stayed a night there to decide if it feels anything close to home," I answered.

It almost felt like he wanted to say something but didn't know how to begin.

"Maybe if you... Wait! Where is Danielle?" He asked, looking around to find her, "good lord above," He cursed, hurrying down, "I can't believe I forgot."

"It's okay, I already picked her up... Saw the sky changing and knew it wasn't a good thing, so I hurried to go bring her, she is also in her room resting. And please, don't put this on Lara, she was busy setting her room up," Mrs. Hawthorne explained.

"Thank you so much," I mouthed the words immediately she glanced at me.

"You don't have to thank me; this is also part of my job. I'll go to the kitchen now, Lara if you are not too busy please join me," Mrs. Hawthorne said warmly.

"She's busy," Mr. Montague decided that for me, as I stared blankly on why he came to that conclusion, "Have you forgotten? you have to take care of Danielle"

"No she did not. Lara dear, I think you should go do that, I already arranged what she can change into on her bed." Mrs. Hawthorne was kind enough to intervene.

"Thank you," I said with gratitude, immediately following behind Mr. Montague as he lifted Danielle and place her on his shoulders.

"So how was lessons today?" He asked playfully.

"Fine," Danielle answered as they played together leaving me behind.

When we got to the room, he had started taking off her clothes getting her ready for her nightclothes as she chattered on about her new friends to him and he just listens following through with every of her words, laugh where it was needed.

He raises his head to see how clueless I was given he was handling this well, "Don't just stand there Lara, come introduce yourself, I know you two already know each other. Do you remember her?"

Danielle shook her head.

I crouched next to her, offering a gentle smile, "Uhm... It's me," I was quite awkward around her, must be the environment.

"Something wrong?" Mr. Montague asked.

I shook my head in response but I did not speak.

"It's okay, Danielle acts like this to people she doesn't like," He added lightly.

I stiffened slightly.

Does he think that will in anyway make me feel better?

"I'll take today, tomorrow you can try again with her. You can join Mrs. Hawthorne in the kitchen if you'd like or you settle in your room, you've barely settled in since you came." He was considerate enough to take notice.

I seized the opportunity but I didn't return to my room. Rather I went to the Kitchen to help with dinner.

I went straight to work, didn't even ask questions on where things were kept, I just followed my instincts and did what was needed.

"You are quite skilled," Mrs. Hawthorne said, impressed, she stood there in awe, pleased at me.

I continued with my duties, even helped in lighting up the stove so we can get cooking.

I wanted to make small talk, even though I know it wasn't necessary, I just wanted to know certain things, especially about Mr. Montague lifestyle, it seem like he was a private man.

Keeps things hidden for a reason.

"How long have you decided you will be staying here for?" Mrs. Hawthorne asked as I stirred the pot, the smoke rising slowly.

I covered my nose seeking for fresh air.

"Did my question--"

"No, not at all, actually I really don't know what to decide, it's not like I can say yes and then tomorrow say no," I answered honestly.

Mrs Hawthorne smiled softly.

"It's alright dear, do take your time. Let us know if you start to feel uncomfortable and want to leave... We will understand."

I nodded my head.

"It's quiet," She said softly.

I looked around curiously.

"The mansion I mean... It's quiet. It's never was like this. When someone leaves you tend to feel the absence again."

"But why are there barely any staff? Lack of funds perhaps?" I asked carefully.

"No..." Mrs. Hawthorne waved off the suggestion with a horrified wave of her hand.

"I doubt Mr. Montague will ever struggle, he is very much blessed with bountiful wealth ever since I knew him."

"Then he must hate people," I tilted my head, meeting the confirmation for myself.

Mrs. Hawthorne made a disapproving sound.

"It's not in my place to speak and you are still very new here. I wouldn't want you having to deal with any issues."

"You are right I should know my place," I said quietly.

I retreated returning to chop up the vegetables on the counter.

Mrs. Hawthorne touched me gently on my shoulder.

Ronan

"Is there a problem?"

"You and the new maid..."

"What about us?"

"Mr. Montague, I know I told you to try and be nice to the new maid..." Mrs. Hawthorne said, clasping her hands together anxiously.

"And that I have been, or have I not been doing enough... I think I've tried my best to make her comfortable as you wanted, somehow I feel like I'm making myself out to be creep who lurks around her." I said dryly, took personal notice of that.

Wasn't so fun to agree with myself.

"Well.... I wanted to point out that you aren't giving her the maid treatment,"

"However do you mean the maid treatment?"

"You gave a guest room... She is supposed to sleep in the servants' quarters"

I let out a low groan, rubbing the back of my neck.

"I gave it to her so she can be close to my daughter, besides, there are so many rooms in this entire house nobody uses, if you want one, you can take it," I replied with a careless shrug.

"It's not just that, what about having her sit with you at the table?"

"Her stomach was grumbling; thought she was hungry. Again, it's not a problem but if you feel I'm doing too much and want me to stop, then I will."

I paused, confused on Mrs. Hawthorne expression. What was she concerned over if she gave me a full lecture days back on how I should be more considerate towards the new help.

"You should, there should be a line between a maid and her master, going close to her and treating her like a guest will only ruin that boundary" Mrs Hawthorne said carefully, worry clear in her voice.

I squinted slightly, studying her face.

"Has she being any trouble?" I asked.

"No," She answered sharply.

"Then what is the problem?"

Mrs. Hawthorne hesitated to utter another word to convince me, there certainly was something she was hiding and refuses to let me know and now I am curious, more interested than I should and would like to know.

"I've heard, I'll try and create that distance. But now I can't have her change rooms, it will be silly of me," I finally accepted.

"It's okay. I see you trust her because you went through all that trouble to test her that night, she seems down to earth and very trustworthy," Mrs. Hawthorne said reassuringly.

"She is amazing I suppose but for some reason, she doesn't laugh at any of my jokes, she acts like I'm not funny,"

"It depends"

"Depends?" I repeated, "You laugh at my jokes, Danielle too... Unless... Unless you fake it,"

I leaned forward suddenly, eyes widening.

"No sir, I laugh because it's funny. Miss Lara might just find something else funny and maybe your jokes aren't one of them," Mrs. Hawthorne said with a small smile.

I stared skeptically into the glass of brandy on my desk. I've had several attempts with her and all seemed to no avail, certainly there was something wrong with my humor.

" I'll leave, I still have to make room for where the laundry could be hanged, the rain has refused to stop," Mrs. Hawthorne said.

"It's been days," I murmured, glancing toward the window at the relentless downpour. "Worry less about cleaning up that place, it will stop."

"The rain?"

"Yes."

Mrs. Hawthorne looked at me in disbelief at my confidence.

"It's raining heavily sir, even if it stops briefly it will pick up again, there is no chance for a clear sky in the next two hours." She sighed, "I will hold out hope, it's not the first time you've predicted it."

Mrs. Hawthorne turned to leave.

"Mrs. Hawthorne, where is Lara? Haven't seen her today." I asked casually.

"She is in the conservatory; do you need her for anything? Should I call her?"

"Yes... No. No. Never mind." I waved off the thought, "I will probably see her around the house."

"Alright sir."

Mrs. Hawthorne left closing the study door behind her.

I walked over slowly to the window.

"I wonder who offended her."