The Guardian

Chapter 7

Relena awoke that morning to the sound of Mrs. Jackson's soft voice telling her that breakfast would be served soon. As Mrs. Jackson helped her dress up, a sense of freshness and renewal resided within her, everything that had passed the day before went much to her liking. However, one detail from that day lingered in her mind that did not settle well, an unanswered question that was yet to be solved: What was Heero doing wondering around these past few nights? On the way to breakfast, she bumped into Heero, who had just woke himself. He gave her his arm and they descended the stairs down to the dining hall. Relena figured this time would be a good time as any to drop a subtle hint.

"You fancy walks at night Heero?"

Heero looked sharply out of the corner of his eye at her while maintaining his cool composure, he didn't want to give her the impression that something was going on. "Is it too much to ask for someone to want some time to himself?"

"You're a terrible liar Heero. You already spend enough time to yourself, any more alone time would brand you a hermit," Relena quipped with a smile.

Heero cocked an eyebrow and replied. "Really Relena, you don't know me well enough to come to the conclusion that I am lying. Besides, why does it matter if I go outside at night or not?"

Relena frowned. "I am not going to push the matter any further. I am just concerned about you as you are a dear friend to me, but I understand if you will not tell me."

Heero's eyes softened a bit and felt a slight pang in heart. He wanted to tell her but he knew he couldn't, things just weren't that simple. His job was important to him and for fear that his loved ones may get hurt because of it, he omitted any evidence pertaining to his work and duties. Heero especially wanted to keep this secret from Relena because knowing her, she would worry about him constantly and he wouldn't want to burden her with that. Relena had such a kind heart and he felt the power of it should be focused on everyone but him, granted that he did hold special feelings for her, he just couldn't figure out what they were just yet. Were they feelings of love or friendship? That didn't matter at the moment, he was glad she was back in his life, one of the more joyous parts of his past that he would hope to keep.

Relena grew anxious to the upcoming visit at the Maxwell estate, it would give her a time to talk to her new acquaintances Mrs. Hilde Maxwell and the Bartons and also chide her old friend of their mischievous childhood. In all of this however, she still wondered why Heero was asked to accompany her. According to Heero, he has never met Mr. Maxwell before. Was there something deeper going on that she does not know about? A whole regiment of questions sought refuge in Relena's mind and she was determined to find some answers, if not now, then soon.

The day passed pleasantly as Relena eagerly anticipated her evening. This time, though, she hopes Heero will actually be present throughout the evening and not disappear in his usual manner. The time had come to visit the Maxwell's and Relena and Heero entered the carriage and headed off down the country road. Heero remained quiet as Relena gazed out at the rolling leas of the grand countryside. It was late in the afternoon for the sun had already started its descent in the sky. Heero glanced over at the young female beside him. He hated lying to her but in a way, he had no choice. Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Barton weren't left with many options either. It was very difficult for them to lead the lives that they did and manage to go unnoticed. Heero didn't really have anyone to deceive, that is, until now. Relena was not naive, she was a very intelligent young woman and she wasn't easily fooled. Heero was going to have to work even harder to keep his secrets hidden.

"You're awfully wordy Relena."

"This road looks so familiar Heero, like I've been down it before."

Heero smiled slightly as he knew something she didn't, or at least did not remember. Relena and her parents had moved out of the area when she was only child and had relocated to the city where Relena lived up to the moment of her parent's death. The house in the country that she once resided in later became the residence of his dear friend Duo Maxwell, who had shared the house at the same time as she did. It was going to be interesting to see the look on her face when they arrive, or just to see if she actually remembers the place. They were getting near and it would only be a matter of minutes before they came upon the road that led to the estate.

"Oh my," Relena uttered in disbelief. "This is my old home, Dorilan Manor."

"Correction, it is now Maxwell Estate."

Relena was left speechless as the carriage pulled around to the front door. When the coachmen opened the door of the carriage, Heero got out but Relena was still left in a state of shock. "Come Relena, our hosts are waiting," Heero said giving his hand to help her out. Relena looped her arm in Heero's and the two followed the butler to the door.

"Good evening Mr. Yuy, Miss Dorilan," the butler greeted before allowing the two inside.

Heero nodded and Relena smiled. "Mr. Maxwell is waiting for you in the parlor."

Relena just stood there for a moment, studying everything closely as the memories slowly came back to her. She just couldn't believe it. "This way please."

The two followed the elderly gentleman to a pair of pocket doors to their left. Duo was sitting down reading a book by the fire as Hilde sat in the settee beside him doing needlework when the butler entered the room. "Mr. Yuy and Miss Dorilan here to see you Mr. Maxwell."

Duo got up from his seat with a smile on his face. "Good evening Mr. Yuy, Miss Dorilan. How was your trip?"

"Very nice, thank you. Good evening Mrs. Maxwell," Relena replied.

"Evening Miss Dorilan."

"Please call me Relena."

Mrs. Maxwell smiled. "And you may call me Hilde."

"Thank you."

A few moments later, the Bartons arrived and Catherine took her presence over to where the ladies were and Trowa found his way over to Duo and Heero. The three women took their conversation over to the settee were Hilde had been seated before their arrival. The gentlemen eyed each other briefly before speaking. "Glad to make your acquaintance Mr. Yuy. How is life over at Yuy Manor?"

"A little more lively now that Miss Relena has joined our company," Heero remarked in the direction where Relena was seated. Her arrival had indeed made things a little more interesting in Heero's life.

"That comes to no surprise," Duo remarked with a smile. "Relena has always had sharp wit."

Heero nodded in agreement, Duo definitely knew her well.

"Glad you could make it was well Mr. Barton. I take it your trip was pleasant as well?" Duo said acknowledging his other guest.

"Very much so. How is your lovely wife?"

"In very good health, thank you." The three men spoke idly up to the point of dinner. The three had to keep their conversation going as if they were newly acquainted and without any connotations of their other duties.

"It is so good to see you both once again," Relena commented. "I trust you are doing well Hilde, Mrs. Barton."

"Please call me Catherine, Miss Dorilan."

"I am very pleased to have you both in my company. It gets rather lonesome with very few females to converse with. My husband is a wonderful man indeed but some things can not be heard by his ear," Hilde remarked and the three shared a laugh before retreating to the dining room.

At dinner, Relena lay eager to bombard her friend with questions and when the first opportunity presented itself, she took it. Duo had already anticipated this and was delighted to hear all that she wanted to ask him.

"Relena, you have a million questions to ask, I can read you like a book," Duo commented to bring the conversation to a start after taking his seat at the dining room table along with his guests.

"How? Why? When?" was what came out of Relena's mouth. Heero just grinned as he sat beside her.

"Well for starters, after you moved out several years back, it wasn't too much longer when new owners moved in with their own entourage of servants. My mother and I were left with no work so we were forced to move to the city where I tried to get a job in the shipping yards at the port doing whatever I could get my hands on. All of the money I earned at the time went to supporting my mother and myself. She managed to find a job as a waitress at a pub not too far from where I worked which eased a bit of the money strain."

"Well, what did you do to get from there to here?" Relena prodded even more. She wanted to find out every last detail of how he managed to acquire her house.

"You certainly are anxious Relena," Duo remarked before continuing. "The job that changed my life was the job I had doing errands for a wealthy merchant who made all of his money in trading. The gentleman became fond of me for the good work I did and took me in to help with the business as if I were his own son. I must have worked there for at least ten years before he passed away. Before he died, he taught me everything I would need to know in the trading market. Since he had no sons to leave his business to, he left it to me in his will, along with his substantial fortune made from it."

Duo calmly took a sip of his wine before continuing. "I still carry on the business as a matter of fact, and it still runs as smoothly as ever," he commented proudly.

"As my friend failed to mention, I am his partner in business," Trowa added politely.

"I was coming to that Trowa. Mr. Barton here is in charge of the finances at our mercantile business. He has remarkable business sense and I sought it fit to hire him."

"My father has done business with Mr. Maxwell several times before," Heero informed Relena.

"But I thought you didn't know Mr. Maxwell?"

"I have not met his acquaintance up until this point. I have only heard his name mentioned since I handle a lot of the finances for my father," Heero replied coolly. He had every possible answer to every possible question she could ask. Duo looked in his friend's direction, pleased at how well Heero had everything planned.

"I see. Duo, please continue," Relena implored.

"I was hoping you would ask that Relena. Well, as for the house, when I heard that it was going to be dismantled, I put a bid in to purchase it. Apparently, the previous owners had some misfortune and could no longer afford such a place."

"From my understanding, the owner of the place had a mistress who squandered him out of his money. Unfortunately, before the owner could inform the police of who this woman was, he was found dead, murdered apparently," Hilde divulged into the topic more. The three men all gave each other questioning looks.

"My dear, I'm appalled that you believe such rubbish. Where did you acquire such information?" Duo spoke calmly.

"I can't recall where actually. It is rather disturbing being truth or not," Hilde replied.

"Dear, don't worry your poor head over it. It is probably a fabrication used to stir the town's people up a bit," Duo reassured everyone in a relaxed manner. Heero and Trowa were both amazed at how well he was able to handle the situation.

"To get back to the subject at hand, I am rather pleased that you purchased this estate, it would have been a shame to tear it down," Relena said as she eyed her surroundings. She had been doing so the moment they arrived.

"It is such a lovely place Relena, I was very eager to take residency in this glorious estate," Hilde spoke from her seat across from her. "My family did not have a substantial inheritance and I did not have the opportunity to have such luxuries as I do now."

"Sadly, I don't remember much of it as for I was only a child at the time. But your previous comment brings to mind another question. How did you encounter your husband?"

"Well Relena, it was a matter of chance really. One day, I accompanied my father, also a merchant, down to the port where he was to do business with a man named Mr. Duo Maxwell. My father did a lot of business with him and they became well acquainted with each other. After many social engagements with each other, Duo asked for my hand in marriage. I could not refuse such an offer."

Duo smiled. "I was glad she did not refuse."

The group shared a laugh. "Well that answers most of my questions for now. Hilde, may I have a look around your home after dinner?"

"I would love to show you around. Catherine, would you care to join us?"

"I would be delighted to."

The conversation at the dining room table died down as the group enjoyed a splendid meal in the company of agreeable people.