Disclaimer: Love's Melody Lost is a copy of a story with the same title by Radclyffe and only some minor things and the character names have been changed along with minor characteristics to fit MSLN characters. This is an adaptation of the book and I do not own the plot or the characters of Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha.
Love's Melody Lost
Chapter Four
Her attention was immediately drawn to a magnificent grand piano that stood before double French doors. The doors were open to an enormous flagstone patio. It was the same terrace overlooking the long slope to the sea cliffs which Nanoha had first seen from her bedroom windows. Opposite the piano was another fireplace with a comfortable appearing sitting area. Fate's breakfast tray lay on a small table before several large leather chairs. Fate sat at a large walnut desk, stacks of papers and envelopes piled before her. Sunlight streamed into the room, highlighting the angular planes of her face.
"What a lovely room," Nanoha exclaimed.
Fate raised her head, a slight smile softening her features.
"Isn't it? Soon, the roses at the edge of the terrace will nearly obscure the view."
Nanoha glanced at her in surprise before remembering that Fate hadn't always been blind.
"How sad," she thought, never to see the roses bloom again.
Perhaps it was the appreciation she heard in Fate's voice, or the sight of the rose bed Fate alluded to nearly obliterated by wild growth, that prompted her to speak impulsively.
"You know," she began hesitantly, "the grounds are badly in need of attention. All the gardens are overgrown- many of the paths are nearly obliterated. They are literally choking to death. The house is suffering from weathering and could use repair, too."
Fate's face was remote.
"I hadn't realized. We haven't had a gardener here in years,"
She added absently, unwillingly remembering Testarossa Manor in another life. She forced her thoughts back to the present.
"Perhaps you could look into it. Make any arrangements you think necessary."
Nanoha adopted her employers' formal tone, afraid that she had given offense.
"I will, thank you. I'll keep you informed, of course."
Fate waved her hand dismissively, her mind clearly elsewhere.
"I thought we might go through some of this correspondence. It's been neglected for months."
Nanoha took a seat beside the desk, availing herself of the opportunity to study her employer. Close to her now in the light of day, she could see the fine lines around her eyes, and the abundant gray streaking her blond hair. The scar on her forehead scarcely detracted from the symmetrical arch of her full brows, the high cheekbones or the strong chin. Her lips were soft and full, in striking contrast to the stark planes of her face. Her eyes were dark red and clear, and although Nanoha knew them to be sightless, the gaze which fell upon her was penetrating nevertheless.
"Why don't we begin with these," Fate said,
Indicating a stack of unopened envelopes by her left hand.
"If you could read them to me, I'll tell you which ones need a reply. There's a tape recorder there for you to make notes."
For the next hour they sorted mail into piles, some to be discarded, some to be forwarded to Fate's attorney, and some that needed Fate's personal attention. Nanoha was surprised at the scope of Fate's financial involvements, and a little overwhelmed.
"You know, some of this is quite beyond me," she said at length. "You need more than someone who can barely balance her own checkbook."
Fate stretched her long legs out and shrugged, apparently unconcerned.
"Never mind. You'll learn."
She stood and walked to the open doors. She leaned into the breeze, her hands in the pockets of her trousers. Nanoha observed her with interest, trying to imagine how one experienced a world one couldn't see.
"It's nearly one o'clock, isn't it?"
Nanoha glanced at her watch. "A few minutes before."
Fate nodded, crossing to the long buffet on the opposite side of the room. She reached into a small refrigerator enclosed within and withdrew a bottle.
"Would you like some champagne? It seems a reward for our efforts would be appropriate."
Nanoha smiled. "I'd love some."
Nanoha watched intently as Fate confidently set two crystal glasses on a silver tray, opened the bottle, and placed it carefully in an ice bucket. Turning to Nanoha, she held out the engraved silver tray.
"If you could take this, we can sit on the terrace. If you don't mind the slight chill to the air," Fate added, raising a questioning eyebrow.
Reaching for the tray Nanoha smiled.
"I'd rather be outside no matter what the temperature."
She followed Fate across the flagstone terrace to a round wrought-iron table near the ornate open stone balustrade. The sea breeze blew up from the ocean, ruffling Fate's hair. Fate faced the water, a slight frown on her face.
"Are you quite sure you're not cold?"
"I'm wearing a sweater," Nanoha replied softly,
Moved by Fate's thoughtfulness. Fate herself was more exposed in her thin silk shirt.
"Can I get you something warmer?"
Fate took a seat next to the glass-topped table and shook her head.
"It doesn't seem to bother me."
Fate slid her hand across the table to the tray, deftly found the glasses, and expertly poured their champagne.
"Thank you," Nanoha said,
Accepting the glass. Fate nodded slightly in response, and together they turned toward the sea. Silently they basked in the spring sun, not quite warm yet, but full of promise. Nanoha found herself surprisingly content in the presence of her austere employer. Despite her reserve, Fate displayed moments of warmth and quick humor that were quite engaging.
"Fate," Nanoha began at last, "I'd like to see what I can do with the gardens. There is so much beauty here, and it needs care. I'd enjoy doing it myself."
Fate's expression was guarded.
"Gil Graham told me that you are a landscaper. Tell me about it."
Nanoha sketched her history for Fate, passing quickly over her marriage to describe the last year of her life. She explained her classes and found herself revealing her hopes of some day having her own business.
"You mean to be more than a gardener, then," Fate commented seriously.
Nanoha laughed. "I love the physical work, but I also want to be involved in the actual design."
"You'll need help with Testarossa Manor. There was a time when we employed two gardeners here full-time."
Nanoha nodded. "And you'll need to hire someone again. But I can handle the formal gardens myself."
"But if I understood you correctly, you have your own work to do!" Fate protested. "My work alone, never mind Lindy's needs, will keep you busy enough! It would seem that undertaking to save Testarossa Manor too would be quite a task." Although her tone was lightly mocking, her face was quite serious.
Nanoha was strangely touched that Fate gave any thought to Nanoha's work, let alone considered it important. What a surprise this woman was!
"I don't need to go to school this summer in fact; I can really use the break. And, besides, working here at Testarossa Manor will give me a chance to practice some of my ideas. There's so much that needs to be done. I promise, if I can't handle it, I'll be the first to say so!"
Fate spoke softly, her voice dreamlike.
"You can't imagine how lovely Testarossa Manor was in the spring. There were blossoms everywhere, new life seeking the sun. I would walk for hours through the gardens, just looking at the colors. The interplay of the different hues in the sunlight was like a symphony for the eyes. I couldn't wait to get here out of the city, away from the crowds. After a long tour we - "
She stopped abruptly, a quicksilver flash of pain passing across her face. The hand that held the fine crystal flute tightened. Nanoha feared for a moment Fate would break it in her hand.
Nanoha tried to imagine what it would be like to know she would never see another spring. Saddened, she felt an uncommon tenderness for this woman who had lost so much. Impulsively, she said,
"You'll know when the roses bloom you'll be able to smell the blossoms in the air."
"Yes."
Fate saw no reason to explain that she rarely walked about during the day. At night, in the dark, it didn't matter that she couldn't see. She would not have to imagine what she was missing in the sunlight. Impatiently she shook her head. She thought she was long past such regrets.
"Do what you like. If you find that you need help, hire someone. I've arranged a household account at the bank in your name."
"Oh, no! You hardly know me!"
"I know what I need to know."
Fate rose abruptly, suddenly anxious to be done with this conversation. She did not want to remember - any of it.
"I'd like to see you tomorrow at one o'clock. We can continue with the papers then."
Nanoha stared after her as Fate disappeared into the house. She wondered how Fate would spend her time until next they met. Each time she saw her, she was left with more questions and greater curiosity about her secretive host.
A/N: I'm gonna start writing the next chapter for my story "The Forgotten Sky" tomorrow, I think I'll be able to post it after a few days so wait just a little longer guys... Feel free to leave some comments or suggestions. Thank you... :)