Bab 8: Hasty morning
Seventeen years later...
An older woman sat in a wooden chair, reading a newspaper that her servant had bought. Her hair was tied up, and wrinkles marred the sides of her downturned eyes. She turned to the next page when she heard the loud footsteps above. But the woman's eyes didn't shift away from the newspaper.
The servant, who was in the kitchen preparing tea, raised his head and stared at the ceiling. The hurried footsteps continued, which was hard to not listen to until something crashed, and the servant's eyes widened.
Even Lady Aubrey, who had been quietly reading her newspaper, closed her eyes and a sigh escaped from her lips, "I wonder what she broke this time. I can only imagine why the families have not hired her."
"She isn't that bad, milady," the servant quietly laughed before his madame gave him a stare, and he cleared his throat.
"I thought with my experience, she would turn into a fine governess. After all she was quick to pick up her learnings and excellent in most of the things. But I didn't know she would excel in being clumsy and break—"
Loud and hurried footsteps didn't stop as they quickly descended the stairs, and a young woman came into view. She almost slipped when she placed her foot on the last stair but quickly caught her balance.
"That was close," murmured the young woman. Stepping on the ground, she bowed in greeting, "Good morning, Aunt Aubrey!"
Lady Aubrey placed her hand on her chest, feeling her heart jump out of her chest. She said, "What have I told you, Eve? Slow and careful steps. The world isn't running away anywhere and where are you going this early in the morning?" The woman asked, noticing the dress that Eve wore.
Eve raised her hand that held a letter, and there was a broad smile on her lips, "I have a calling from one of the families I had applied to be a governess. The letter had somehow been buried in the desk and I saw it only an hour ago."
"That is wonderful news, Lady Eve!" the servant sounded excited.
"Indeed it is. But also shocking that you got a call after what you did to the last family. I can only imagine that they haven't heard about it yet," Lady Aubrey looked at Eve with stern eyes.
Eve looked up at the elderly woman and sheepishly smiled. She replied, "It wasn't m—"
"You poured hot tea on the woman's hand!" Lady Aubrey reminded her. "For heaven's sake, who even does that?"
"It was purely unintentional. In my defense, the woman had her hand stretched too wide and had brought it near me when I picked up the kettle," replied Eve, where even she couldn't believe something like that had happened.
Eve had leaned forward, smoothening her peach dress to remove any possible wrinkles. Now twenty-four years old, she wanted a job to support the woman who had raised her as her niece.
After Lady Aubrey's husband, Mr. Rikard Dawson, had passed away from consumption, the woman tried to live as thriftily as possible with the little money that her husband had left behind. Being a former governess, she had tried to pass all the knowledge she had to Genevieve. Tried because Eve had a hard time walking between the lines.
"Is this Lady Eve's seventh time attending the interview?" the servant inquired.
"Eighth, Eugene," Lady Aubrey murmured and asked Eve, "Can you make sure to not break anything this time?"
Eve nodded solemnly, "Of course! I will be very careful not to break anything or... pour tea on anyone," and Eugene nodded as if the young lady would not do something out of character.
"You will get the job this time, Lady Eve!" He cheered for her and asked, "Let me serve the tea and I will take you to the mansion."
"Thank you, Eugene, but I will be fine. I should hurry now. I will see you later," Eve quickly walked to where Lady Aubrey sat, kissing the woman's cheek.
"Good luck, dear," wished Lady Aubrey, and Eve quickly hurried towards the main door. On her way, she picked up the long, pointed, purple umbrella and dashed out of the door.
"Lady Eve seems to be confident today. Hopefully she doesn't miss the local carriage," murmured Eugene after looking at the watch on the wall.
Lady Aubrey held a severe look on her face, and she asked, "Did you check all the families that Eve applied for the job of being a governess?"
Eugene nodded, "I did. Most of the families were from middle class families, and they are all humans."
"That's a relief. But we can never be sure," replied the elderly woman.
Though Lady Aubrey and Eugene were humans, they had knowledge about the dangerous creatures who lived amongst them. But that wasn't the main problem. The problem was that even though they knew about these creatures, they couldn't identify who was a human and who was the creature because of these creatures' perfect disguise.
"It has been more than a decade since we came across one of them. Almost as if they don't exist," said Eugene, adding a spoonful of tea leaves into the vessel of boiling water.
"Don't be fooled, Eugene. It is all pretense, cloaked in the wool of innocence," stated Lady Aubrey, her eyebrows drawing close. "And no matter how cautious you are, it is sometimes not enough."
Lady Aubrey, who already knew the truth about Eve, had tried her best to protect the girl since she had taken her in. It wasn't safe for a mermaid with the creatures who had camouflaged themselves in the society. The last time someone had caught a mermaid, the mermaid had been put in a glass tank. The next day, word reached her ears that the water in the tank had turned red as someone had eaten the poor mermaid.
On the street, Eve's feet were quick as she headed in the direction of where the local carriages would leave in less than two minutes. The mansion where she was headed was located in the next town, and if she went by walk, it would only make her delay in reaching the place.
Though the weather was bright and sunny this morning, with no hint of possible rain in sight, Eve still carried the umbrella with her. Something she did for some years now. The umbrella swayed back and forth with every step that she took, and so did her golden blonde hair that had been tied with a peach coloured ribbon. Since she had turned twenty, she had stopped letting her hair down in public. With her appearance that hadn't changed, it was hard to get a job, as the seeking families looked at her as if she was too young to be a governess.
On her way, a man greeted her with a slight nod, "Good morning, Ms. Barlow. Fine morning, isn't it? And you look as radiant as always."
"Good morning, Mr. Humphrey," Eve returned the greetings with a bow, "It must be the blessings from the sun," her words were polite.
Mr. Humphrey was the manager in one of the timber mills, and like many other people, he was beguiled by Genevieve Barlow's beauty. He had been subtly trying to get closer to her, crossing paths and trying to talk to her. But the young woman seemed not to get his subtle point across, and he asked,
"You seem to be in a hurry. Would you like me to drop you to the place where you are going?"
"Thank you for your offer, Mr. Humphrey, but I wouldn't want to bother you. I should reach on time using the local carriage," replied Eve.
"Are you sure about it?" Enquired the man, "My carriage is waiting right there, and you may find yourself to be more comfortable in traveling in it than the local carriage. It was only three days ago that I added two more horses to the carriage and the seatings are softer than a bed. A woman like yourself should be treated with comfort an—"
"I don't know if it would be right to take your carriage. I would feel terrible to think you would have to walk to your workplace," Eve's words were serious, and an empty chuckle escaped from Mr. Humphrey as he had planned to accompany her. What word of his even gave way that he was giving his carriage to her without him in it?
Wanting to be in her good books, he didn't correct her and smiled, "You do not have to worry about me. Treat what is mine as yours."
With men, who were often polite to her, over the years, Eve had ended up ignoring their subtle advances.
"You are very generous," she noticed the coachman of the local carriage shouting that the carriage would be departing soon. Her eyes shifted to look at Mr. Humphrey when he asked her,
"If I may ask, where are you going?" inquired the man, his eyes wandering to look at her neckline and then the shape of her bosom before looking at her wide hips. She would birth many children, and he internally nodded to himself.
At the question, Eve replied, "I have an interview for the job of governess," her voice holding a hint of excitement which the man didn't take note of as if he was busy admiring her womanly curves.
Mr. Humphrey slightly threw his head backwards and laughed in amusement. He shook his head, "Are you still looking for one? I think you will be far more suited to being a wealthy and known man's wife. Let the man take care of you and do the job, as it is his duty."
Eve's eyes subtly narrowed, but the polite smile didn't leave her face. With a coy smile, she asked, "I don't think I have been fortunate enough to meet a well known man, Mr. Humphrey."
Mr. Humphrey's smile immediately fell, and he tried to smile, "I doubt that you haven't noticed the right one yet. Men who are wealthy, have status in the society and are confident. Someone who can take good care of you" Saying this, he tugged on the sides of his coat and stood even straighter than before.
"Are you talking about yourself?" Eve directly asked him, and Mr. Humphrey's mood brightened that she was finally paying him attention. After several months, he finally got her to look at him as a suitor for her. But then she said, "Of course, you're not. You are a modest and humble man. I don't think you would ever boast about such things. Because those kinds of men don't appeal to any respectable woman."
The man was left tongue-tied. Because if he agreed, he would be losing his opportunity of making her see him differently. But if he didn't, it meant he was openly accepting that he was a man who was boastful and had no appeal.
Eve offered him a smile, and bowing her head, she said, "I should hurry now. Have a good day, Mr. Humphrey." She left the man with no chance to woo her this morning, just like many other days.
Mr. Humphrey's servant came to stand next to him with flowers in his hands while both the men watched Genevieve Barlow getting inside the local carriage.
"Sir, what should I do with the flowers?" the servant asked politely, as his master had earlier ordered him to buy the flowers for the lady, who now left in the carriage.
"Throw them," Mr. Humphrey's polite smile turned into irritation. "Eve deserves fresh flowers and not the flowers of yesterday."
"Sire, if I may speak... There are many women in the town who have been trying to gain your attention. Why go for a woman who doesn't notice your feelings?" Asked the servant, only to end up getting a stare from his master.
"It is always the fruit that grows at the highest branch that tastes better than the rest. Ms. Barlow is a fine woman. Her beauty is unmatched in this or the other four towns from here. Her grace and elegance is something women thrive for. There is an innocence in her eyes that makes me want to..." Mr. Humphrey didn't continue his words but turned away from the place where the local carriage had been standing. "If not today, one day I will make sure she's mine."
Bab 9: Am I cheap?
"SKELLINGTON TOWN!"
The coachman shouted, pulling the reins of the two horses.
"STOP FOR SKELLINGTON TOWN!" he repeated so that the passengers, who were supposed to get down, heard him.
The carriage door opened, and Eve stepped down from it. She brought the letter in front of her to read the address of the family's mansion and started to walk.
"So beautiful," Eve murmured to herself when on her way, her eyes fell on a faded fountain of dragon statues. Clean water sprayed through the dragon's mouths.
Some people of Skellington spared a glance at Eve before looking away. While some looked at the young woman with a curious look, wondering what a commoner like herself was doing in a town to which she obviously didn't belong. It wasn't because of her clothes or the way she appeared, but because of the dowdy purple umbrella in her hand.
On reaching the average-sized mansion, surrounded by a decent looking fence, she walked past the gates and made her way towards the already opened door. The mansion's butler appeared at the door.
Eve offered him a slight bow and introduced, "I am Genevieve Barlow. I am here to see Mrs. Walsh for the interview for the governess job that she had fixed today."
The butler nodded, stepping aside, and he offered, "Let me take your—umbrella," he said when his eyes fell on her hand. She hadn't been interviewed yet, but she could already see the butler judging her.
"Careful with it," Eve smiled, handing the umbrella.
"Madame Jennifer is busy at the moment, speaking to one of the women who has applied for the same job. Please follow me and wait until you are called," informed the butler, leading her towards the hallway, where chairs had been placed near the wall.
Apart from Eve, three more women were sitting in the hallways who had arrived earlier than her. They were all above thirty-five or forty in age. Sitting poised, with their backs straight and their expressions serious. Not to mention, they even wore glasses on their face to fit the part.
Eve took a deep breath, assuring herself that she would get the job this time. Her education was perfect, and she was passionate about the job. An hour passed, and two more women were interviewed. Patiently, she sat there, waiting for her turn.
Sitting not too far away from the entrance of the mansion, Eve heard the butler greet someone,
"Welcome back, Mr. Walsh. Would you like me to tell the maids to prepare refreshments for you?"
Footsteps approached towards where Eve and another woman continued to wait. A man, probably in his mid-fifties, appeared, with the butler following behind him. Eve and the other woman stood up, their heads slightly bowed.
Mr. Walsh responded, "Yes. Send it over to my study room. Where is Jennifier?"
"Madame Jennifer is talking to one of the potential governesses, Sire. Would you like me to inform the lady about your return?" asked the butler, and the man waved his hand dismissively. Mr. Walsh and the butler walked past the two women without sparing a word.
Eve took her seat back on the chair, taking a look at the expensive decor of the mansion. Every mansion and manor in this town was incomparable, and it felt like a whole different world. Not because of the size of the buildings, or the clean roads or expensive-looking clothes. But there was a certain air around the town that made a person who didn't belong here wary.
After a while, soon the butler appeared again after the woman who had earlier gone to meet Mrs. Walsh arrived in the hallways, only to leave.
"Mrs. Woods. Madame Jennifer will now meet you," the butler informed and led the woman in the direction from where he had come.
And once they left, Eve was the only one sitting there. Five minutes later, the butler arrived again and said,
"Ms. Barlow."
Eve was surprised that Mrs. Walsh would interview her and the other woman together. She quietly followed the butler while her eyes took in her surroundings. They walked through the corridors before the butler paused in front of a door and pushed the door open for her to step in.
When Eve stepped inside the room, the door quietly shut behind her. Instead of Mrs. Walsh, she found Mr. Walsh sitting behind the desk.
She offered him a small bow, to which he nodded.
"My wife has her hands full, and it would be better if I finish the process on behalf of her than burden her. I hope you don't mind. Take a seat, Ms. Barlow," said Mr. Walsh, bringing his hand forward and pointing it towards one of the empty chairs in front of him.
"No, I don't, Mr. Walsh," replied Eve. She walked towards the chair and took a seat while smoothing her skirt.
Mr. Walsh went through her file, flipping through the pages, and after a while, he said, "It states here that you don't have any prior experience, and the only recommendation letters you have is from the town we don't frequent to." He placed it back on the desk as if unhappy with her file and looked at her. "What makes you think you are more suitable for this job than the others who have already been interviewed. Women who were former governesses, with much better experience and knowledge."
Eve was used to this look, enough that it didn't deter her. She spoke politely,
"It is true that they have experience working as a governess. And giving your child under the care of an inexperienced governess, to be taught and guided is daunting. But I can give you my word that even though I lack a few things compared to those governess, I make up for it. Being closer to the age of the children than the others, I believe I am more in tune and understand them better."
Mr. Walsh, who heard what Eve had said, joined his hands, placing it on the surface of the desk.
"Ms. Barlow, you should know that understanding children's minds isn't enough. One needs to know how to handle them, and as I have already said, your… recommendation is from Meadow town."
"If you take a look at my educational qualifications, you will notice that I have passed through with excellent grades," replied Eve, noticing how the man looked as if he was ready to ask her to leave any minute. She said, "If you and your wife are willing, I wouldn't mind working for free for a month. And if you both approve of my work, maybe you can decide then."
There was a hopeful look in Eve's eyes.
Mr. Walsh wore a small frown as if gauging Eve's words, and for a few seconds, he stared at the surface of the table in thought. He said,
"We expect a governess who definitely has a high education and is aware of what she is doing. I cannot promise, but I shall speak to my wife about it."
Eve's blue eyes lit up in joy, and a smile spread on her lips, "Thank you so much, Mr. Walsh! I won't let you and your wife down!" she spoke in slight excitement. She couldn't believe that she had finally got a chance. And this time, she didn't even break any vase or pour tea on someone's hand! God must be blessing her finally!
When Mr. Walsh got up from his seat, Eve was about to get up too, but he waved his hand for her to continue to sit down. The man said,
"You are expected to come work here from twelve in the noon to six in the evening. Of course, you will have your breaks in between, as there are other tutors who will be coming in to teach. I have a better job for you at that time."
The smile on Eve's lips continued to stay, happy that she would be coming here to work. She would finally be a governess.
But then Mr. Walsh, who had left his seat, had come behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He said,
"Mrs. Walsh is used to attending mid-noon tea parties, and I can use that time with you," his hands squeezed her shoulders.
Eve's body froze, and the smile on her face slipped.
Mr. Walsh didn't end his words there and continued to speak, "A woman from the town of Meadow, I am sure you wouldn't mind making some extra money on the side. After all, at the moment you will be working for us for free and it would be a pity. I don't want you to feel that we are using you," his hands continued to massage her shoulders.
"How much?"
"Huh?" asked Mr. Walsh, letting go of her shoulders and coming to the side.
"How much would you pay me?" asked Eve, her tone serious, staring back at him.
This time it was Mr. Walsh, who was pleased by Eve's words, and he smiled. Eve stood up to face him, and he answered, "How does two silver coins sound every month?"
"Two silver coins?" Eve asked him as if disappointed with the offer he made with her.
Noticing the displeased look on Eve's face, he decided to fix it and started, "Three sil—"
SLAP!
Mr. Walsh held his cheek in shock. His ear rang, and he was left speechless as Eve had slapped him, and she glared at him.
"W-what was that for?" Mr. Walsh glared back at her.
Eve asked him, "Do you think I am that cheap? Or if I am here to satisfy you?" She quickly made her way towards the door, but a maid had arrived at the door, carrying a tray of biscuits.
"How dare you slap me when you were the one who agreed for it!" Mr. Walsh turned aggressive with his ego hurt.
Eve gritted her teeth, and she continued to walk through the corridors while Mr. Walsh started to blame her, making a commotion. She picked up her umbrella on the stand and stepped through the main door.
"You slap me because I refused to give you the job of being a governess," the man had twisted his words, behaving innocently, while portraying her to be in the wrong.
A few people, who were outside the mansion, stopped to watch the little scene. After all, they had a lot of time on their hands.
Even Mrs. Walsh, who had finished interviewing the woman, came to her husband's side and noticed the red imprint of fingers on his right cheek.
"I offered you an invitation as a kind gesture. How ungrateful of you!" said Mrs. Walsh in dismay.
Eve stopped walking, clutching her umbrella tighter in her hand. She turned to look at the woman with pitiful eyes.
Mr. Walsh stepped forward and walked towards Eve. He threatened, "Speak about what happened, and I will make sure that no one will ever hire you or anywhere outside the town. Families here like to believe the people who live here, rather than those who come from the streets."
Eve raised her umbrella, and the man quickly took a few steps backwards. And he then glared at her. But she only opened the umbrella, letting the staff spring of the umbrella to rest on her shoulder.
It wasn't as if she wasn't aware of the rules of this world. And as much as she wanted to beat him with the umbrella, she was outside, and people were watching. She had already slapped him, and with that thought, she turned around and walked out of this place.
Mr. and Mrs. Walsh continued to scold the young woman, and during this time, someone stood at the far side with his servant, watching it. The man's silver hair was darker than the clouds in the sky today.
"Seems like governesses these days are greedy," the servant murmured under his breath while craning his neck.
"Send her an invitation to hire her," instructed the man, and he started to walk in the opposite direction.
"Huh?!" The servant looked back and forth before quickly following his master. "But she slapped Mr. Walsh and is greedy."
"We are all greedy, Alfie. And I think she will be perfect for our family," saying this, one side of the man's lips curled.
Hadiah
-- Hadiah diterima Status Power Mingguan
200+ Peringkat
Power 
63 Power
stone Anda mungkin juga menyukai
Komentar Paragraf