Chapter 64 - - 64 : Glance
Once the snow had started to fall, it fell down heavily. Already, the roads were thickened of white frost, making it difficult for the carriage to move faster than it could. Leyla couldn't help but look out the window, worry clear on her face.
"You don't have to worry too much, my dear." a kind gentle voice interrupted her. Leyla looked in front of her to see Madam Norma Catharina von Herhardt smiling for her, eyes wrinkled kindly as she regarded the young teacher sitting across from her.
"Oh, no, it's not, um," Leyla began to stutter, but Norma graciously cut her off with a soft laugh.
"I know this might be a little uncomfortable for you, but please, there's no need to be so nervous." she comforted the young miss, "I don't wish for you to be so tense in this ride. Especially since I extended the invite myself."
Leyla found she could not begrudge the esteemed woman. She radiated so much warmth, she couldn't help but feel a little bit at ease with her around. Norma sighed as she finally spared the outside a little glance.
"Just the first day of snow, and already the roads have grown thick with snow. I expect this winter to be colder, don't you think so as well, Matthias?" Norma asked her grandson, turning to look at him for a response.
Leyla, too, followed her gaze to spare the Duke some attention. They spared each other just a glance, but already she could feel her heart beating loudly against her chest.
"I think so as well, grandmother." he agreed readily. It was clear for Leyla that Norma was a tactful conversationalist. She took charge with the small talk, asking her about her school life, and even praising the latest charity event. Which of course led her to a conversation Leyla was hoping to avoid.
Her class' play.
"You seemed so flustered up there, but I want you to know you did marvellously." Norma said, eyes glinting in amusement as she recalled how much she enjoyed the play. Leyla felt her cheeks flush at the praise. Somehow, it sounded a lot more comforting than the other praises she received earlier.
"I thank you so much, madam!" she thanked profusely. Her cheeks felt hotter, the tip of her ears turned red at the praise, giving her pale skin a vibrant colour akin to a ripened fruit.