Chapter 5: Hint of Love
3 days after the Masquerade
Meryl walked out onto the porch and saw Wolfwood talking to Millie. She narrowed her eyes at him slapped him across the face.
" Enough with hitting the holy man," Wolfwood said
" What kind of holy man are you after all you're the one pulling the strings," Meryl said
Wolfwood stood up and straighten his suit then looked at Meryl with a sighed.
" Who told you to interfere with my love life?" Meryl asked
" I had no choice, it was for your protection," Wolfwood said, " As the Pastor here, I am on my guard to protect young ladies as yourselves from men like womanizers like him."
" What book are you reading from?" Meryl asked, " Last thing I checked we were given free will."
" Yes, but when it comes to him he's taken free will to far," Wolfwood said
Meryl got ready to slap him and Wolfwood caught her hand.
" No, more hitting, I told you," Wolfwood said, " You have a nasty slap."
Meryl sighed and walked off inside the house. Wolfwood sighed as he took his seat beside Millie.
" She's still pretty angry, I guess I should be lucky she didn't throw a vase at my head," Wolfwood said
" I herd that!" Meryl shouted
Wolfwood got up and scratched his head. Then took his leave and Millie sighed.
" Things are only getting worse around here," Millie thought, " Maybe I need to help."
Millie walked into the house and found Meryl sitting in the sitting room. She was moping again and very depressed about three days ago. The masquerade didn't seem to bring the best of memories and it was up to her to help cheer Meryl up. Millie sat down and she smiled.
" Don't worry Meryl things will be fine," Millie said, " So, don't be sad you need to get up and get out. I bet he's already up and moving on, not moping around."
" Your right Millie, he's probably already forgotten about me," Meryl said, " I'm going to move on with my life and start over. He's not made for me, and I'm not made for him. Let's forget all about this."
" That's the spirit," Millie said
Meryl stood up and brushed out her dress. She needed to move on and that's what she was going to do….for about three seconds it worked and then tears fell. She cried and Millie hugged her dear friend.
" It'll be alright," Millie said
Vash opened his eyes and sneezed several times before actually sitting up.
" I'm feeling ill," Vash whispered
He got up and walked downstairs feeling the fresh air circulating around the house as the music of song birds played a melody. It was peaceful hearing the song birds….and in the back ground Knives' constant complaints. Vash sighed and Legato handed him warm tea instead of his usual coffee.
" Your not looking well sir," Legato stated the obvious
" Thank you Legato," Vash said
" Your very welcome sir," Legato said as he walked off
Vash stared out and then sneezed again, he felt that this cold was due to the amount of stress that was placed upon him in the past 6 days. Among these stresses was taking care of Knives and finding him the suitable doctor he needed. Vash rubbed his eyes and sipped his tea.
" Why do I keep thinking about her?" he thought, " She's probably forgotten about me."
Vash got up and walked down the hall and knocked on Knives' isolated room. He then entered and looked at him as he paced back and forth.
" Why did you put me here?" Knives growled
"Cause you're sick," Vash replied
" Sick my ass, you went insane after that butler was shot," Knives said
Vash sighed and looked around the room and then called two maids in.
" Give him a bath and lock this door behind me," Vash said, " Dominique asked about you and I told her you were ill."
" Why you bastard!" Knives shouted, " Trying to mess up my life because you can't keep yours straight!"
" You have it mixed up Knives, you're the one who messed with my life," Vash said, " Pain and anguish you know the weak hearted bastard."
" You are weak, I presume you stepped into reality and found your mysterious woman was only a simple whore then a real lady," Knives said
" You should talk," Vash said
He turned around and started to walk out the door.
" When are you going to let me out of this hell's hole?" Knives questioned as the maids led him to where the bath was
" When you have been cured of your obsession Knives," Vash replied
He walked out and the door, then locked it up tight. He walked to the back and Mother was helping Rai-Dai prepare lunch. Hot chicken soup with fresh cut vegetables, perfect for a cold.
" I'm going out," Vash said
" No your not master Vash, your ill and you should be in bed and leaving the work to us," Mother said
" I'm perfectly fine," Vash said
He sneezed and coughed and Mother shook her head. She shoed him out of the kitchen and made him sit.
" You need to not stress yourself master Vash," Mother said, " You need fresh vegetables and some chicken soup."
Vash sighed and Mother patted his head and sat down.
" It's been three days master Vash and you haven't spoken one word about the masquerade," Mother said, " We were wishing to hear about it."
" It's a waste to talk about it," Vash replied, " I only tried to grasp what I could not hold on to."
" What kind of talk is that?" Mother asked
" There is to be no talk about the masquerade anymore, I have made my decision to forget about her," Vash stated
Mother looked at Vash and he leaned his head into his hand as he waited to be served. It was then that the sounds of the peace had just yielded to the rolling thunder in the distances. Vash looked up and sighed then Mother opened the windows wider.
" It looks like another big storm master Vash," Mother said, " It just might bring some good rain in."
" Let it rain," Vash whispered
Mother nodded and walked to the back and Legato walked out with the hot soup. He sat it down and then stood to the side, Vash stirred it and then sipped it. He finished and walked to the study where he stared at the endless books that his father kept. He picked a book from on shelf and pulled it, there a piece of paper fell. Vash picked it up and looked at it. He looked at the hand writing on it seeing it was much like his own. He opened the folded paper and sat down. He read each line as though each line held a secret code on it. It talked to Vash as though he understood it. As he came to the end of the paper he bit his lower lips. As he read the final line," I have to see her one last time. Only one last time even if it's only a second." Vash stood up and looked at the book that he had pulled seeing it was his father's journal. Vash picked it up and began to read page by page, but it wasn't what he expect from his father. It was a journal about his first meeting with his mother. The woman that truly loved her family, a dedicated wife that with drew from her social affairs to raise her two sons and help establish a loving relationship with her husband. Vash read on and each line described how much his father loved her and his words about Knives and himself continuingly stuck out. His father wasn't a drunk, nor a bastard as Knives claimed he was. He was exactly like himself, his father wanted only the best for his boys. Vash felt his heart beat against his chest, and his breath became unsteady.
" Why?" Vash muttered, " I don't understand."
Vash felt his eyes become heavy and his head becoming light. He stumbled towards the door and reached for the servant bell. He gabbed it as he fell to the hard floor and fainted. Two maids had heard the bell and came to the study and saw Vash lying on the ground.
" Master Vash," one said
one knelt down and one ran down the hall to get Mother.
" Mother, something's wrong with master Vash!" she exclaimed
" What!" Mother said
" We found him on the floor," the maid said
Mother wiped her hands on her apron and looked at Legato.
" Come Legato, Zazie go get the doctor," Mother said
Mother followed the maid and Legato followed behind her. Mother saw the other maid trying to wake him up, but couldn't.
" Move aside," Mother said, " Let me see."
She knelt down and felt his forehead and sighed.
" He's got a fever get him upstairs Legato and you two get a cool cloth," Mother ordered
Legato lifted the unconscious Vash and brought him upstairs to his room. There the maids prepared the bed for Vash. Mother removed his boots and jacket and dressed Vash in his night clothing. She then placed a spare blanket over him before putting his top cover over him. The two maids came up and one placed a wet cloth over his head.
" All we can do is wait," Mother said
They walked out and shut the door and Mother sighed.
" He's going to be fine right Mother?" the maids asked
" Yes, of course," Mother said
2 hours later the doctor came and took care of Vash. He watched his condition and one maid dabbed his face as he sweated the fever away.
" His body seems to be recovering," the doctor said, " Perhaps it's passing."
" But he fainted," the second maid said
" Well, I would too if I wore what he wore all day," the doctor said, " He's for one not doing himself any favors, by running around taking care of this plantation. He needs help, do you know anyone that can help."
" For how long?" Mother asked
" A week maybe," the doctor said, " I don't want him doing a lick of work until he's fully recovered."
Mother sighed and shook her head and the doctor looked at her.
" What is it?" the doctor said
" You don't know him to well," Mother said, " He works until he feels that everything is alright. Master Vash takes more time out of his everyday life to see to it that everyone is happy."
" Well, then tie him down to this bed and make sure he doesn't leave it," the doctor said, " Give him this once every night it should keep the fever down."
Mother took the glass bottle of medicine and looked at it. She sighed and then looked at the others. The doctor walked out and Mother shut the door.
" I suppose that his life has been pretty tough since his brother's sickness," the doctor said
" It's more than that now doctor, he's been torn away from the woman he loves so dearly," a maid said
" Hush," Mother said
The doctor rubbed his chin and said, " Perhaps, that would be one thing to make him better. After all love is the best cure."
" I'm afraid it isn't that easily, master Vash wants to forget about her, but there is another young woman. Ms. Lina is another woman he cares about perhaps we can send for her," Mother said
" Do that and she could help around," the doctor said
The doctor left and Zazie was sent to send word to Lina about Vash suddenly falling ill. She came as soon as she could with a few things to stay at the plantation. Legato took her stuff and Mother led her upstairs to where Vash was, there she opened the door. Lina walked in and walked to Vash's side and sat down by his bedside.
" Vash," she whispered
Vash opened his eyes and moaned a little then turned to meet Lina's eyes. Startled at first Vash jumped and then felt himself being pulled down. He looked seeing roping holding him down.
" What the hell!" he shouted
" Shh, your servants did this for your own good," Lina responded
" For my own good, what do they think I'm going to do, leap out of the window and run around like a mad man!" Vash exclaimed
Lina put her finger over Vash's lips and he looked over at her slightly simmering down. She smiled and gently stroked his head with her hand.
" They're looking out for you," Lina said, " Just relax."
Her sweet soft voice gently relaxed him and he just stared at her.
" Thank you," Vash whispered
" I'm only here to make you happy Mr. Vash," Lina said, " Now don't worry about a thing. I'll make sure your brother is ok and the servants are taken care of. All you have to do is rest."
" I have so much to do," Vash said
" Let me do it, I'm capable of doing this," Lina said
Vash closed his eyes as Lina hummed a soft melody and he drifted to sleep. Once he was asleep she walked downstairs and dinner was prepared for her. She smiled and sat down to eat. She worried though over Vash's condition and tried not too.
During the nights Lina found herself going to Vash's room to watch him. She replaced the cloths and wiped the sweat from his face as the fever broke. During the days Lina would read toVash and feed him his meals. Vash found Lina's company relaxing and he felt relieved from his duties. When Vash seemed well enough to get out of bed she would walk with him around the plantation grounds. Seeing the winter months coming, there was snow on the ground. Vash took the dogs out some so they could sniff out the stray animals that roamed around. He often did some hunting and Lina worried less of his condition.
After a week past Vash had fully recovered and Lina had become more than just a care taker. She made him feel at ease with himself, away from everyday life. He liked this feeling and he knew he could live with it.
" I'll be off," Lina said, " I'm glad your well Mr. Vash. I'll come back to check on you. I promise."
Vash smiled and walked her to the carriage and then grabbed her hand. She stopped and looked at him, her heart pounded against her chest. Her eyes met his own and it was like a moment where everything stopped. It was just Vash and herself standing together breathing together. Vash leaned over and kissed her on the lips and then grabbed her hands.
" Ms. Lina, stay," Vash said, " I don't know what it is, but your presence here makes me feel at eased. I don't want you to leave my side."
" Mr. Vash," she whispered
" Lina," he said
He placed his hand on her face and she pressed his hand to her face. She saw it in his eyes, the feelings that she desired to see appear. Vash swallowed and kissed her once more on her lips.
" I want you to be my wife," Vash whispered
" Your wife?" Lina replied
" Yes," Vash said, " There has been no one that can make me feel this way, but you."
Lina nodded and said, " Of course I'll marry you."
She kissed him and her wrapped his arms around her. The servants watched from the kitchen and sighed.
" Well, I guess we have two weddings, mad man's wedding and master Vash's," Mother said
" But what about that woman, the one he truly loves," the maid said, " He's got to realize that he still loves her."
" But, she didn't take care of him while he was sick," Mother said
" I still think that woman would be the best, I've never seen him so happy in his life," Zazie commented
" You two there's work to do and lunch to prepare," Mother said
Zazie sighed and walked outside and the maid came out to help Zazie.
" Zazie, do you know who she is?" the maid asked
" I believe I do, I heard Mr. Vash mention her name. Her name's Meryl, I believe her last name is Strife," Zazie replied
" Good then go send for her and tell her that master Vash still cares about her and don't leave that house until she's with you," the maid said
" Alright," Zazie said
Zazie took Knives' gray horse and took off headed down the dusty path and watched as the scenery changed from farm land to endless forest. It was miles before Zazie would reach the Strifes' plantation, it was nearly lunch and he knew she would be there. Zazie continued trying to pick up speed so he could hurry.
Meryl and Millie ate on the porch while they enjoyed the winter weather that came their way. They wore their warmest cloaks and muffs for their hands when they finished lunch. As they chattered away about moving on to a better future, Zazie road up and stumbled off his horse.
" Ms. Strife," he called running
Meryl stood up and opened the screen door and met Zazie half way. She looked at the young stable boys clothing and saw he wore fine clothing for a stable hand.
" Ms. Strife I beg of you come with me," Zazie said, " I'm Mr. Knives and Mr. Vash's stable hand, but I was given a message to recite for you. Mr. Vash is getting married."
" Good, he's finally moved on," Meryl said
" But he loves you, he's only marrying her cause he thinks he can get over you," Zazie stated, " He's madly in love with you, he became ill after the masquerade, perhaps thinking it would be you who nursed him to health. I beg you please."
" That's kind of you to speak in Mr. Vash's terms, but I do not wish to have him become apart of my life," Meryl said
" Madam all do respect isn't you who continued to play the harmless game," Zazie said
" Yes, but it was only a harmless game," Meryl said
" But when he gave you such a false name he was still playing your game madam, and yet you turned him away for keeping you interested," Zazie said
" A game's a game," Meryl replied, " He lied and that is where he should have stopped."
Zazie sighed and said, " I believe your as wrong for leading him on in such a game that would cause you both pain in the end."
" I'm sorry you feel that way," Meryl said, " But he's not important anymore. We've both moved on."
Zazie sighed and walked off and then stopped.
" I don't believe you have," Zazie whispered
Meryl looked at the stable hand as he took off on the gray horse.
" How could you say that?" she thought, " After what I went through."
Millie sipped her tea casually and Meryl stared out, what Zazie had said was true Meryl hadn't moved on and now it was going to show.
" Millie," she said
" He's still care's Meryl you should go after what you believe," Millie said, " Not do what others believe."
Meryl fixed her dress as she sat down and stared out. Meryl grabbed her tea and sipped it.
" I'm going inside," Meryl said, " It's getting colder out here."
" Very well," Millie said
Meryl walked in and looked around, it was quiet, but yet the vivid picture of her masked man played in her mind. His dashing looks were burned into her mind forever. How was she ever to move on now? Meryl walked to the ball room and watched as the pictures remained. She watched from the moment when she met him to, when she told him to leave, tears fell from her face and she fell to her knees. Millie came in and ran over to Meryl and she knelt down to her dear friend.
" Oh, Millie it's true I can't forget about him, his smile, his eyes, oh those eyes. How can I forget about him," Meryl cried
" Then you should go after him," Millie said, " It's the only way you will find peace. Find out if he loves you."
" Not now," Meryl said, " I can't look like this."
Millie smiled and hugged Meryl.
" Of course you can, all you have to do is dry your eyes," Millie said, " Remember what Mr. Wolfwood said, to keep your head up. There's always a bright side."
" Your right Millie, I'm so glad I have you to help me," Meryl said
" Should I have someone send word that your coming?" Millie asked
" No, I want to surprise him," Meryl said
" Good idea," Millie replied with a delightful smile
Meryl got up and wiped her eyes.
" He'd half to be an idiot to turn a pretty girl like me down," Meryl said putting her hands on her hips.
It wasn't until later that Meryl really gained the courage to go. Millie watched Meryl get into the carriage and look her way.
" Good luck Meryl," Millie said, " I know you will do fine."
" Thank you Millie," Meryl said
The carriage took off and Meryl closed her eyes and clasped her hands in her muff. She prayed that he would be willing to accept her apology for acting as though she were a child. Meryl fell asleep on the way to the plantation, but she woke seeing the beautiful plantation lit up with only the finest oil lamps in the south. The carriage pulled up to the front and Meryl was helped down. She looked at the door and then turned to the driver.
" I shall only be a little while remain here," Meryl said
" Yes, madam," the driver said
Meryl knocked on the door and waited for an answer, then the large oak doors opened and Legato stood there. She smiled and Legato walked out.
" I'm Meryl Strife," Meryl said
" I know who you are Ms. Strife, but I'm afraid Mr. Vash is not available at this time," Legato said
" But I must speak to him, it is important," Meryl said, " Please, if I don't find out how he feels I'll regret it."
" I'm afraid that won't get you through, I have been asked to send away guest from this house," Legato said
Meryl looked at her muff and shook her head. She began to cry fake tears and Legato looked at her. He was suddenly regretting telling a young lady to leave.
" I understand, I'll leave," she said turning away
Meryl started to walk off when Legato gave a sigh.
" Come madam," he said
Meryl smiled and turned around and then with small leap she kiss Legato's cheek.
" Thank you," Meryl said
Legato gave a slight smile and then shut the doors. He walked down the hall and knocked on the study. Vash looked up and then walked to the door, there he opened it to see Legato standing there.
" What is it?" Vash asked
" Ms. Strife sir," Legato replied
" Ms. Strife? Who is that?" Vash asked
" Your mysterious woman sir," Legato replied
Vash sighed and said, " I don't wish to speak to her, send her away with my regards."
Legato nodded and walked off and Legato stood in front of Meryl.
" He asked me to send you on your way," Legato said with a slight hint to run towards the back
" Why?" she cried, " I must see him."
" I'm sorry madam, but it he is my master," Legato said walking in the direction of the study
Meryl smiled and started to cry, begging Legato to let her speak with Vash. Legato insisted that she didn't come that way. Meryl came to the study and opened the door and Vash turned to see who it was.
" Meryl," he said
" Vash," Meryl replied
" How did you get in here?" he asked
" Your butler needs to be trained harder persuade unwanted guest," Meryl said
Vash looked at her and smiled and said, " Legato."
Legato walked into the study and stood there.
" She is quite a strong young woman," Legato said
Vash sighed and stood from where he sat, then set the journal down on his father's desk.
" Please Legato excuse us," Vash said
" Yes, sir," Legato said
He walked out the door and walked down the hall to see Zazie, two maids, Mother, and Rai-Dai standing out the kitchen.
" She's speaking with him now," Legato said
" Alright," Zazie said, " I knew it would work."
Vash poured a glass of whiskey and drank a little then set it down. Meryl walked to him and removed her cloak and gloves she wore underneath her muff. Vash stared at her then turned away.
" I'm afraid you came to late Ms. Meryl," Vash said, " I'm getting married in three weeks and I believe there is no way in changing my mind."
" Married, I don't believe you want to," Meryl said
" I do, and I have chosen the right one," Vash said
He sighed and turned back to Meryl trying to avoid her beauty. He found it to tempting and poured another glass. Meryl walked over and grabbed his glass and took it for herself. Vash looked at her and Meryl placed her hand on his rough face.
" Your not telling the truth," Meryl said, " Vash I came to tell you how I feel. There isn't a moment that I don't think of you. I want a future with you, I want to just be with you by your side. Every night I want to just make you happy. You can't say that this game has pushed us away."
Vash stared at her and leaned to her, she leaned towards him to kiss her. He stopped and turned away. Meryl looked at him and she grabbed his hand.
" No, I can't be with you Meryl, I can't live another day thinking of you," Vash said, " I have pushed you out my life."
" Your lying," Meryl said, " Lying through your teeth."
" The only person who is lying here is you, you come here after one week, Meryl I waited for you. I waited for you to come back to me. My dreams made me ach for your touch and you refused to swallow your pride. How can you say I lied?" Vash remarked
" Then tell me you don't love me," Meryl said
Vash looked at her and said, " This is stupid, get out of my house."
" If it's stupid Mr. Vash, then I know you really do care, I know you crave for me to speak your name. My name is on the tip of your tongue," Meryl said
" I don't love you Meryl, I can never love you," Vash said, " Now leave."
Meryl looked at him and grabbed her cloak and gloves, then Vash opened the door.
" Good bye Ms. Meryl and good luck with your life," Vash said
Meryl nodded and walked off, she ran down the hall with tears in her eyes. The maids and Legato watched her leave.
" Oh no," one maid said
" Stop her Legato she can't give up," a second maid said
Legato walked out and saw the carriage take off, but what was left was another reason to see Meryl. Legato lifted her embroidered handkerchief and this was the first hint of love.