Chapter fifty-three: Paulita’s visit
Several thoughts swirled through my head as I made my way to the reception room. Each one gravitated around a specific theme; what the hell was she thinking? I stopped before the door, hesitant to step inside. Being around her was nothing but trouble and whatever she wanted wasn't going to be worth listening to.
I have no choice in the matter. I took a deep breath, reaching for the knob. If I don't meet her, who knows what repercussions would unfold.
I opened the door and stepped inside, regretting it immediately. Paulita sat on a off-white sofa, fiddling nervously with her hands. Beside her Page sat, fawning over the woman like she was a woodland creature.
"I apologize for the wait." I said, tone devoid of emotion, and crossed the room.
"We have been here for nearly an hour." Page snapped as I sat across from them.
"Page!" Paulita turned red, grabbing his hand. "Please don't be so hostile!" She turned to me, eyes wide. "Don't mind him! He's just a bit upset that we've been waiting. I'm sure you didn't mean to make us wait for so long."
Translation: I'm upset I had to wait, but Page needs to see me in a good light.
"I was indisposed." I rested my hands on the arms of the chair, looking between the two of them. "Is there a particular reason for your visit? I don't remember receiving notice of your arrival."
"Must you be so rude?" Page bit out, stiffening. "We came here in good faith."
"Page, please." Paulita squeezed his hand, let go and bowed her head. "I'm sorry. I know it's proper to send a letter in advance, but I was in the neighborhood and I wanted to apologize to you in person."
In the neighborhood? Apologize? No one is "in the neighborhood" of Blaine's manor. While it was in town, all the shops were several blocks away. Even the commoner shops were two blocks to the east. What is she playing at?
"Don't bow to her." Page sighed, touching her shoulder. "What she did to you is inexcusable."
"It was my fault." Paulita turned her head toward him, tears forming in her eyes. "If I hadn't upset her again, she wouldn't-"
"Wait a moment." I cut her off, holding up a hand. "Are you apologizing or blaming me for something?"
"What?" Paulita gasped, looking back over. "I...I would never blame you for something, Lady Kyla. I swear!"
"Then why do you keep insisting every time something happens that you upset me?" I raised a brow, tapping my finger on the arm of the chair – a habit I picked up but for the life of me I couldn't remember when or where.
"Mind your tone, Lady Kyla." Page jumped to his feet, hand resting on his sword. "She came here out of the goodness of her heart and you're-"
"I'm what?" I cocked my head, crossing my arms. "You do realize you're in Blaine manor, correct? Not only are you insulting me, which by the way is an insult to Lord Justin, you're threatening me with a weapon."
"What?" Page blinked a few times, face going white. "I never..." he trailed off, glancing down at his side. "It's a habit." He held up his hands and sat back down. "I'm a knight of the kingdom. I always have my sword. I apologize."
As he spoke, from the corner of my eye, I saw Paulita watching him with an icy expression. Her face was composed, but her eyes looked as though they could freeze someone several times over.
Why is she acting like that? She hadn't reacted when he touched the weapon, but at his apology her entire demeanor changed. How strange.
"Tell me what you're apologizing for." I spoke at last, motioning toward Paulita.
She glanced over at me, shifting her expression in seconds. The frail crying woman was back, tears dripping from her eyes.
"T-the tea party that I rudely interrupted." She almost whispered. "If I hadn't shown up you wouldn't have needed to give up your seat and you wouldn't have... You wouldn't have been so angry at me, to hit me."
"What?" Page whipped his head over, face darkening. "She hit you?"
"N-no!" Paulita covered her mouth, eyes widening. "Not on purpose!"
"Lady Kyla, how dare you strike another Lady." For the second time, Page jumped up glowering down at me. "Have you no human decency?"
"I think this conversation is over," I stood, brushing down my skirt. "I'll send the butler in to lead you out."
"This conversation is not over." Page snapped, voice rising. "You may be the daughter of a Duke, but you can't assault people as you see fit!"
"Page, please don't upset her!" Paulita stood, clinging to his arm. "She has every right to be upset with me!"
"Paulita, no." Page, uncurled her hands from his forearm, patting. "She can't get away with this any longer. This is the second time she's gone after you."
"But, Page, if you would just calm down some, you'll see that-"
"Let me set one thing straight for both of you." I crossed my arms, temper spiking. "If I had assaulted anyone, you would know for sure that I had done it on purpose. Paulita, your fake tears may work on fools, but it will not work on me. I don't know what your problem is with me or why you're coming after me specifically, but I'm not your scapegoat or punching bag."
"I-I never-" Paulita stammered, stumbling back. "I-I..." she trailed off, grabbing her head. "I'm so sorry, please forgive me."
Fat, crocodile tears started to gush down her face. Page swore, reaching for her and cradling her body against his chest.
"We're leaving." He tossed a dirty look at me as he guided her toward the door. "Stay far away from her in the future. This is the only warning I will give you."
"That's funny." I laughed bitterly. "Considering she's the one who won't leave me alone."
"How dare you-"
"P-Page, can we just leave?" Paulita sniffled, burrowing her face against his shirt. "I-I don't want to upset her anymore."
"I'm sorry, Lady Paulita." Page murmured, opening the door. "I shouldn't have let you come here."
He shot me one final threatening look and stepped out into the hall, slamming the door behind him.
"Idiots." I let out a breath of air, and sat back down. "What is wrong with him? What is wrong with both of them?"
Nothing about them coming here made any sense at all. Was she trying to get sympathy from him?
"Why are you like this, Paulita?" I murmured, pinching my nose.
A headache was beginning to form as the anger slowly subsided. Her actions and words were twisted, far more than they ever had been in the novel. While she was foolish and childish in the beginning, she had never been malicious.
I shook my head and stood, walking from the room.
I needed to go for a walk – needed something – that wasn't tied to the manor or the main characters.
Instead of going back to my room, I turned toward the direction of Justin's office.
Maybe he won't object to me heading into town. I shook my head again, letting out another breath of air.
Why is my life always under someone else's command?