Chapter fifty: The Garden
I woke from a peaceful sleep, the first one I've had since coming to this world. The sensation was welcome, if not strange. I sat up, yawning and glanced over at the rose Cassius had given me. Yesterday, after a continuous debate, I decided to keep it after all.
When I got back to the manor, I had one of the maids find a vase for it. They didn't ask any questions – and with how odd they all were anyway – I didn't expect any.
I tossed my legs over the bed, leaning toward the flower, sniffing it. Cassius's vague explanation of "other things" made me skeptical until I had walked with it through the building. The smell of the overwhelming floral odor that permeated the air and disappeared completely.
"Just what exactly can you do?" I asked, gently touching a fingertip to the rose.
The same pulsation I had felt yesterday hadn't dissipated, instead it seemed more steady. Cassius has weird taste.
I climbed out of bed, walking toward the wardrobe, stopping when I recalled Justin's words about my closet being cleaned. The maids had brought the gown to my room, so I had no idea where it actually was. Eh, whatever.
I pulled open the wardrobe and found a comfortable dress. I slipped out of my nightgown, dressed quickly and left the room.
I had no idea what I wanted to do today. Matilda wouldn't be harassing me, I wasn't going to read the book, and to my knowledge, Justin was busy – if Martin's words held true. He had informed me last night that Justin had "business" and wouldn't be home until the evening.
What was he doing at this point in the novel? I wondered, walking quickly down the stairs. I couldn't recall the specifics, but I remembered one of his deals had fallen through after one of the men realized he was scamming him.
"Not my problem." I mumbled, stepping onto the first floor.
Maids moved about, zoning out until they saw me. A few of them stopped and turned, grinning and wishing me a good morning. I didn't respond and walked as fast as possible toward the door. I half expected someone to stop me from leaving – a residual feeling from the Thornevales. Thankfully, no one did get in my way. I opened the door and took a deep breath of fresh air. How do they even breathe working inside? I shook my head and followed a path that led toward the back of the estate. A few workers – ones that looked normal greeted me politely. I returned their greeting and continued, enjoying the peaceful walk.
After several minutes, the path terminated to a fork and I looked around, confused. Both lead toward different gardens that I couldn't quite see. Which one is the old hags? Should I go back inside?
"Excuse me." A deep man's voice spoke behind me. "Are you lost, my lady?"
"Not exactly." I peeked over my shoulder to see a man dressed in garden attire. He looked to be in his early sixties. "Which garden is Lady Matilda's?"
"The one to the right." He pointed then rubbed his chin. "Best stay out of that one. No one can go there. Not even me – and I'm the estate's head gardener."
"Thank you." I flashed a smile and turned left. It's odd that it's off limits even to him. What was she doing in there that she wanted to hide?
"Enjoy your stroll, my lady!" He called, waving.
After a few minutes the garden came into view. It was modest in size with a small marble fountain in the center. Flowers, not yet in bloom, were spread out in a semi circle around the path. I walked over to the fountain, and rolled my eyes. The center piece was a woman who suspiciously looked like Matilda. Its hands were cupped outward, allowing water to flow freely.
"What kind of woman makes a fountain in her image?" I scoffed. I have half a mind to remove it just to watch her throw a fit.
Instead of giving into pettiness, I turned and walked through the garden aimlessly. Everything looked to be well cared for – without a single blemish. When I reached the far end, the sound of trickling water filled the air.
I stood on my tiptoes, and poked my head over the edge. Sure enough, a small stream snaked several feet away – creating a barrier between the woods and Blaine estate.
What if I went into the woods and kept walking? I sighed, pushing the idea aside. Why do you keep contemplating leaving when you know it's hopeless. I bounced back down on my feet and looked around for a gate.
I searched for what felt like hours before finally finding one. It was older, a bit rusted, and weathered with age. I shrugged and opened it, walking toward the stream. The closer I got to the small body of water, the cooler the air grew.
I should have dressed warmer. I mused, crouching down on its bank, looking at the bubbling water. Rocks of different shades glimmered under the sunlight. I reached my hand out to grasp one – when a sudden sensation of dread slammed into me. I froze, blinking several times, staring at the water.
Why do I feel like if I touch one of them something bad is going to happen? I withdrew my hand, wrapping them around my stomach. That doesn't even make sense. It's just water.
The dread doubled down and the faint smell of rot and blood filled my nose. What the hell? I scrambled back, looking rapidly around. No dead animals lay near – at least none that I could see. I scanned the area again and the sudden déjà senti dissipated seconds later.
"What…the hell?" I muttered, rubbing goosebumps off my arms.
Was this something that was mentioned in the novel? I thought, trying to remember if there was any mention of Kyla ever having been near this particular spot. Nothing came to mind – and even if it did, it wouldn't make much sense. Kyla never went on walks from what the novel alluded to.
"My lady?" A woman's voice called.
I turned to see a maid standing near the exit, smiling and looking confused at the same time.
Great, just what I want to see after feeling weird already.
"What is it?" I asked, suppressing another shiver.
"Lord Justin has summoned you." She grinned. "He wishes to speak with you."
"About what?" I muttered to myself, walking toward her. Actually it's probably because of that damn mess of a party.
"I don't know my lady!" She giggled, stepping out of my way.
"It was rhetorical."
"You're so funny, my lady." She giggled again, following behind me. "So funny!"
As we made our way toward the manor, the maid continued talking about everything and nothing all at once.
I tuned her out, feeling my stomach tighten the closer we got to the building.
I had no idea what Justin was going to do, but my instincts knew it wasn't good.
Gods forbid I ever have one peaceful day.