Warning: AU, Pseudo-Historical Romance, Pg-13, Ran/Ken.
Author's Note: Okay, the secret identity of the Countess Misekake is about to be revealed! I hope you enjoy it! And more fun Aya stuff! And I know I keep updating early, but I just can't help it! Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Once I Was Loved
Chapter 5
Ran left immediately after breakfast. Despite his dread he was eager to get the meeting over with. Ken had expressed a curious desire to know more about the Earl's errand, but Ran had put him off. He didn't want to hurt Ken, but he still had the feeling that separation was necessary between his past and present.
His borrowed horse came to the fork in the road. After a brief pause he turned from the village and headed up the hill into the woods. At the crest of the hill the trees thinned and he reined in his horse to take in the view of the valley below. In its' center sat a great house as large and magnificent as his own.
Its' large stone walls shown white in the sun, as though it glowed from within. Unlike his own manor this one was a simple, but solid rectangle. Large, many paned windows looked out onto neatly trimmed lawns and formal gardens. Flower beds edged in boxwood hedges formed geometric shapes and patterns. On every corner a tall shrub was clipped into a pointed cone over a ball. The lawn extended out on all sides of the house, occasionally broken up by trees or tall clipped shrubs, until finally meeting with an ivy covered stone wall which completely surrounded the small estate. An iron gate in front and another in back the only ways in or out.
Ran stared down at the manor in the valley below him and felt his gut twist in distaste, and guilt. Too well he remembered the last time he'd been within its' walls. The words the Countess had spoken came fresh to his mind. At the time they'd burned his ears and seared themselves onto his soul. She'd hurt him. Deeply. And it still hurt. Even though, with more than a year's time between him and the events, he'd grown in understanding about them. It still hurt. Finally having enough of the sight he roughly turned his horse and reentered the woods.
The ride to the village was much quicker on horse back than it had been in the coach. The Earl reached it unimpeded and reined his horse in before the windows of a little inn located on the main road across from the churchyard. Dismounting he took in its shabby appearance and the sad look of its deteriorating sign proclaiming it "The Robin's Nest". Scowling, he entered.
The interior was not much better than the exterior. The walls and ceiling of the front dining room/tavern were wood paneled and were dark with soot from the large fire place. They were badly in need of washing. The chairs were worn, many of their seats broken or torn, and the tables appeared stained and sticky. A maid met him and directed him upstairs to the Countess Misekake's rooms.
His quiet knock was answered immediately by a servant he recognized, and judging by the young woman's reaction she knew him as well. Curtsying low she ushered him into the tiny sitting room.
"My Lord, welcome. It's good ta see ya," the young maid said quietly. "My lady is still in her room, but if ya could wait a moment I know she'll be out directly."
"Of course, Nancy," he replied. "How have you been?"
She cast her blue eyes at the floor and turned away from him. Ran noted her unwashed blond hair and how worn her linen dress looked.
"As well as maybe expected, my Lord," she answered. "Please, make ya-self ta home. I'll fetch the Countess."
With that she hastily disappeared through the door on the other side of the room, and Ran was left alone. He moved cautiously into the room, glancing around. There were small items he recognized. The satin throw over the back of the settee, a lace doily on the small round table before the greasy window, and a snuff box left out on the doily, but the furnishings were not familiar. He supposed they belonged to the inn. The settee and the embroidered chair across from it were old and well worn. The carpet was moth eaten, and the curtains in shambles.
Ran scowled in disgust and sat gingerly on the chair lest it should break. The view out the window on his right was of the building next door and the ally below. He thought it could be the most dull and uninteresting view he'd ever seen. Turning from it he saw that the other end of the room was occupied with a built in cupboard upon which rested the Countess's exquisite tea service. The shiny white china decorated with tiny blue violets and delicate green leaves gave him a warm feeling and he smiled a bit in memory. The door had blocked his view of this most welcome sight when he had entered. Before he could drift off into pleasant memories the other door opened, and the Countess herself emerged.
She was dressed reservedly, but elegantly, in a gown of soft gray. She had lost some weight and her girth was now comfortably contained within her corset, presenting a well rounded figure rather than the bursting seams he was accustomed to. Her face was no longer red, but pale, and her age was clearly visible as she wore no paint. And her gray eyes shown with hope under the white curls of her wig.
Ran stood and bowed low to her and she curtsied before moving forward cautiously. Almost as if she was afraid he would disappear if she rushed him. Considering, he had to admit to himself that he just might. The Countess came around the settee and motioned for him to sit again.
"Please, Ran, do be seated," she said, her voice as high and breathy as he remembered.
He bowed again slightly and perched again on the chair as she rested herself upon the settee. For a few minutes they simply sat observing each other until both blushed and looked away. Ran glancing out the window.
"Thank you for coming," she said at last, looking at him once more. "Thank you for giving me this chance to beg your forgiveness. Over the past year I have been haunted by my behavior in those last days. I can scarcely believe what I said and did. It was horrible of me. Unforgivable, I know, but I have to tell you how sorry I truly am. And I have to ask, Ran, do you think you could ever forgive me?"
Ran felt his jaw tighten as he continued to stare unseeing at the building next door. "It is not as easy as that."
"I know. I think...I am afraid that I am feeling my own mortality," she said and giggled nervously. "I have come to the time in life when one realizes their regrets, and they pray upon one's mind. No regret is greater for me than my behavior toward you."
He turned from the window, but couldn't meet her eyes and so he studied the carpet.
"So...Reginald has inherited then?" he asked studying a faded woven rose with a hole in one petal.
"Yes," she answered. "He has the house, the land, and the money. He has been gracious enough to give me a small allowance. Enough to keep me in these rooms, which are not as bad as they appear."
Ran snorted and finally met her eyes with his own.
"This is a hovel. Unworthy of one of your stature," he declared softly.
"But when one is broke and friendless there is little that can be done. Besides, I feel I deserve this. A most fitting punishment," she said and Ran looked away again.
"Richard would disagree," he stated as his eyes locked on the tea service.
"Would he? I'm not so sure after the way I treated you," she said, noting where his eyes had fallen. The Countess smiled softly and rang a tiny bell she'd pulled from the crevice in the settee cushions.
The maid appeared instantly from within the other room.
"Nancy, my dear," the Countess addressed her. "Please fetch us some tea."
"Yes, my Lady," the young woman curtsied and exited the room through the door Ran had used to enter.
"You are hardly friendless, Eriko," Ran said, facing the Countess once again. "Nancy has stayed by your side, and my mother is worried about you."
"Dear Elinor," sighed the Countess wistfully. "She extended an invitation to me when I was...when Reginald set me up here."
"Why didn't you accept? She and Aya would've been happy to have you."
"How could I? My conscience won't let me alone here, but in your own house? Enjoying your hospitality? No, I couldn't accept it," she said, her eyes sad. "I am an old woman. I acted out of greed and a selfish desperation, and now I pay the price. I rather think Richard would approve."
Ran looked to the floor again and they lapsed into an uncomfortable silence that only ended when Nancy returned. She carried an old kettle, and they watched as she poured its contents into the China tea pot. She handed out cups and saucers, and poured out the first round before curtsying and leaving the room again having left the teapot on the round table within easy reach of the Countess.
"As you can see I did not leave empty handed," she said after taking a long swallow of the hot liquid.
"I'm glad. I wouldn't like to think of this service being enjoyed by Reginald," Ran stated quietly, sipping his tea. "Not after the amount of time Richard and I spent picking it out."
"No, he'd probably destroy it," the Countess muttered. "Lord knows what he's done to the house. I can't believe I could raise two sons so different from one another, but then Richard and Reginald were unalike from birth."
"And how is Kate?" Ran asked trying to change the subject.
"She is in Town, thank God, and doing quite well the last I heard. She has fallen in love and I expect soon will be wed. Although, I have not met the young man I know I can trust her good sense, and I am sure he is worthy of her."
Ran nodded into his teacup, staring into the light brown liquid and breathing in the steam.
"So, her dowry is safe then?" he asked.
"And her school expenses paid for, yes. My husband, bless his soul, provided for the education and future of each of his children individually and left Kate's dowry in her own name, unattached to the family fortune and the estate. Safe and at her disposal. But not enough, unfortunately, to help her dear mother."
The Countess returned to her tea, and they lapsed back into silence, sipping their tea and glancing around the room. Out front Ran's horse neighed loudly and pawed at the ground.
Yohji met Omi in the music room shortly after Ran left. Although they had appeared as cheery as ever the day before and at breakfast that morning they were actually concerned about Ran. As soon as they came face to face their masks dropped and worry was evident in their eyes.
"He lied to Ken," Omi stated.
"Yes, he did," Yohji agreed. "But why? Why wouldn't he tell Ken about Asataiyo?"
"It was Richard's estate," Omi said flopping onto one of the settees.
"So? You can't tell me they've never discussed Ran's relationship with Richard," the Prince said, starting to pace. "Ken is far too curious not to have asked. And what did my cousin think was going to happen when we toured the estate yesterday?"
"I think he was hoping to avoid it by not coming here. We were to meet Lady Fujimiya and Aya in Town in January, but since we did come here...well, as far as I know, any questions Ken's asked Ran's answered. He's never told me not to tell Ken anything. Until yesterday, that is," Omi sighed.
"Where do you suppose he's gone?" Yohji asked, stopping his pacing.
"He wouldn't tell me anything more than he told Ken, but I'm sure he's gone to see the Countess."
"Do you think he would?" Yohji asked, coming around the settee to face Omi.
"Yes. I found this in his waistcoat," the young servant said, pulling a folded piece of paper from his own coat pocket.
The Prince seized it and scanned its contents. When he was done he refolded it, nodding.
"Good. Perhaps this will finally be resolved," Yohji stated firmly, handing back the letter.
"Do you think so?" Omi asked without much hope.
The Prince nodded again.
"Ran's been carrying this burden. With any luck the Countess will force the issue so all maybe resolved. Fear not, Omichi, the great Prince Kudou is always right!" Yohji declared, ruffling the young servant's hair.
Omi sighed testily and pushed his hand away.
"I hope you're right. I don't want Ken to be hurt," he said still frowning.
"Neither do I. And Ran needs this to finally be over with. Resolution is an important thing in these matters."
Omi noted the sad, wistful expression in the Prince's eyes. He nodded and rose. Briefly grasping the taller man's arm in comfort before moving away.
"Will you be speaking to Lady Fujimiya?" he asked over his shoulder as he neared the door.
"Yes, I shall. I have something else I'd like to know," the Prince said, regaining some of his good cheer as he followed the younger man from the room.
Ken sat at the desk in his room carefully writing to Caroline. He had described the route to Ran's estate, as well as the house and the surrounding countryside. Elinor had kindly provided paper, ink, and quill for him as he had forgotten his own, and he was in the process of describing her when a delicate, but insistent, knock at the door interrupted him.
"Come in," he called, wondering whether Ran were back already. He turned in his chair to face the door.
Aya entered and curtsied formally to him. She stopped just inside the room and waited for him to react. When he'd recovered from his shock over her being in his room he shot to his feet and bowed.
"I was wondering, your Grace, whether you would be free a little later this morning? After you're finished with your letter perhaps?" she asked from her position just inside his door.
He shifted nervously from one foot to the other as he frantically tried to come up with a response. Why did women always make him so nervous?
"I-I-I..."
"Perhaps if you took a breath, your Grace," Aya suggested helpfully.
Ken took a deep breath.
"I intend to take a walk around the grounds afterward," he managed at last.
"Oh," Aya said, then stood for a moment as if waiting for more before continuing, "I see. Well, I'll leave you to finish your letter then."
She curtsied and Ken bowed, then she left, closing the door softly behind her.
Ken sunk back into his chair and sighed. He felt a tiny stab of guilt, but shook it off and returned to his letter. He was too nervous to be around Aya without Ran. Belatedly he wondered again when the Earl would get back from his errand.
In the hall Aya frowned. In her head she reviewed the exchange between herself and the Duke. He had been polite, but nervous. Much more so than he'd been at any of the meals they'd shared. She would have to precede slowly. Very slowly. Still, she was slightly vexed at his failure to issue her an invitation for his walk around the grounds. Taking a deep breath she smacked her fan into the palm of her left hand. Undaunted, she squared her shoulders and marched off down the hall, fully prepared to try again.
Yohji sought his stepmother's cousin in her garden, where she was directing the removal of an old, dead apple tree and the installation of its replacement.
"My dear Lady, I have no wish to interrupt, but may I have a moment of your time?" he enquired as he came up beside her.
"My dear Prince Yohji, any interruption you bring is nothing but welcome. I fear I am merely making my gardener nervous with my directions. He knows well enough what wants to be done," Lady Fujimiya said, smiling and turning from the project to face the Prince. "Why don't we stroll through the beds and enjoy the last of the roses? One more frost and they'll be done."
He bowed and they turned again to walk through a low cut boxwood hedge and stroll down the dirt path that led between the long rows of roses. They were all still in bloom and he doubted another frost would stop them. However, he knew they were to be cut back and covered with straw in another day or so for the winter. Best to enjoy them while they could.
"You have come to ask me where I have sent my son off to, have you not?" Elinor asked, smirking sideways at him.
He smiled in return.
"No, indeed, Madame. I know he is gone to see the Countess Misekake," Yohji replied.
He paused along the path for dramatic effect, and bent to inhale the fragrance of a particularly large and impressive red rose. It was sweet and heady.
"No, what I want to know," he continued, rising and facing her once more, "is why I am here."
Lady Fujimiya, who had paused when the Prince had to wait for him, smiled broadly and turned away to continue their stroll.
"You always were a clever boy," she smiled.
"Why else mail Ran's letter to me? You knew where he was," Yohji stated. "But why not write to me directly? Surely you didn't fear I wouldn't respond?"
"No, I felt sure you would. Especially with the added intrigue of a misdirected letter. Do you deny that you love a mystery? But in truth, the letter was about to be mailed when I recalled that Ran and Ken were no longer in Town. I simply chose to let it be sent. So, I rather created my own serendipity," she said, directing their stroll down another row outfitted with brilliant red-pink roses.
"A happy accident?" the Prince asked.
"Yes," she answered. "You see, I expect things could get quite serious before too long, and that Ran will have great need of you. Ken is powerful, to be sure, but inexperienced."
"What is it, Elinor?" Yohji asked, suddenly quite serious. He stopped on the path and turned to face her directly.
"I cannot say. It is not my place. But Ran may have news upon his return," she said, facing him.
Yohji snorted.
"If you are waiting for him then don't hold your breath," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "As of this morning he hadn't told any of us where he was going or what his business was."
"Really? How curious. I wondered why the Duke was at liberty to write to his stepsister. I had suggested that Ran take Ken with him," she said in astonishment. After a moment she shook her head. "Never mind, Yohji. We must give him time. Something very painful to Ran happened between him and Eriko. They need to work that out between them."
The Prince had to agree. He nodded and together they resumed walking once again. At the end of the row was the tall walnut hedge which ended the garden and they began to pass around it to stroll along its back. However, coming around one end they noted Aya at the other. Her posture indicated that she was intently watching something or someone while concealing herself in the hedge. Exchanging glances they were both seized with sudden intrigue and backed up to a safe distance in which to watch what would transpire.
When he had finished his letter to Caroline, Ken had indeed gone out of the house in order to tour the grounds. He had hoped Ran would be back by then so the Earl could show him around, and possibly they could get some time alone together. Ken got the feeling that Ran wouldn't be able to spend much time with him, and was sure that was one of the reasons for his reticence about the trip. Sighing, he began showing himself the gardens.
They were lovely. At the back of the manor, off the stone terrace that stretched between the two wings, were long lawns that led down to the garden. The entire thing reached across the back of the house. Meeting the edge of the orchard on one side and a row of tall, sculpted boxwood hedges on the other. And it was full of roses. The paths within the rose garden meandered in informal patterns around a central fountain and benches. There were dozens of varieties of roses within and all were still in bloom despite the chilly weather.
Ken was very glad they'd come to visit when they had. If they'd come any later they would've missed the splendor of the garden. The roses were magnificent in their variety of colors, sizes, and scents. The Duke wandered among them in a daze as they put his small rows of flowers to shame. Why hadn't Ran told him about all this? Or was this meant to be another surprise? If so, he wished Ran would hurry home so they could enjoy it together.
He strolled along, admiring the blossoms, the paths, and the fountain. Gradually working his way toward the large hedge which ended the garden. He wasn't sure what it was, but it had been allowed to run wild, unlike the other hedges. When he drew nearer Aya suddenly emerged directly in his path. It was almost as though she'd been part of the hedge itself. Her russet-brown cloak blending well with the overgrowth.
"Oh! Ah...Aya...uh...," he stuttered in surprise, beginning to back away.
"Please, your Grace," she said, raising a hand to halt his retreat. "I'm afraid we began on mistaken terms. Please allow me to say that all I desire is to be your friend. I flirted with you simply because that is the accepted mode of expression between men and women, is it not?"
"Uh..."
"I'm sorry if you mistook me. I feel that I have offended you and I would like to apologize and make amends," she stated quickly, before he could resume his flight. "I am Ran's sister after all, and I do feel it would be in everyone's best interest if we could be friends. Don't you?"
Her words gave him pause and he stopped to consider them. She was right, he had to admit, about it being best if they could be friendly. In coming here hadn't that been his greatest hope? To be on good terms with Ran's family? To hopefully win their approval as Ran had won Mrs. Hudson, Molly, Old Shoop, and Rosie's? Wasn't Ran worth it?
Ken forced himself to relax and face her.
"You're right," he stated, still not fully trusting her intentions, but willing to try.
"Let us begin again," she said, taking a tiny step toward him and extending her hand. "If we may?"
Ken glanced around nervously before stepping forward. He still felt cautious, as though he were a mouse stepping within reach of a cat. Slowly he extended his hand, and she took it.
"I am Miss Aya Fujimiya," she said and curtsied.
"Duke Hidaka, Ken," he said bowing.
"A pleasure, your Grace," Aya smiled and released his hand. She snapped her fan open and preceded to use it.
"Oh, you don't need to...," he started.
"I think, perhaps, it would be best to keep our relationship formal. Until we are more comfortable with one another, your Grace," Aya said, walking carefully forward until she was beside him. Then she indicated with her fan that they precede back the way he'd come.
"A-alright," he said, turning to do as she suggested.
"In that case, you are to call me Miss Fujimiya," she instructed, sounding very much like Omi. "Had I an elder sister, she would be Miss Fujimiya and I would be Miss Aya. Do you understand?"
"Yeah. We covered all that."
Aya cast him a sideways glance not unlike her brother's.
"I mean, yes, Miss Fujimiya," he amended and began to smile. Maybe Ran's sister wasn't as scary as she'd at first appeared. This might actually be fun. As he tucked his hands behind his head he failed to notice her smirking behind her fan.
Behind the hedge the Prince and Lady Fujimiya exchanged glances.
"Well, I'll never underestimate my daughter again," Elinor stated, leaning out to peer at the slowly walking young people.
"She's definitely related to Ran," Yohji smirked.
"What are you two doing?"
At the sound of the voice behind them both Yohji and Elinor jumped and spun around. It was Omi and he was looking at them suspiciously. Without waiting for them to reply he peeked around the hedge himself.
"Oh," he said and turned to face them again, "I see. Well, at least she's got him to stop fleeing in terror. Maybe he'll learn something yet. But it would be easier if Ran would simply tell Aya about their relationship."
"I'd never realized my cousin's propensity for keeping secrets," the Prince muttered in annoyance.
"Nor had I," Elinor agreed. "I shall have to speak to him about it."
"If you don't, dear Lady, I will," said Yohji, his eyes glittering with intent.
"Thank you for coming to visit me today, Ran. I know it wasn't easy for you," the Countess Misekake said, rising to curtsy to her departing guest. "I would be very pleased to welcome you again, if you would care to visit."
"Perhaps. If time allows. I have brought company with me," he said, bowing to her from the doorway.
She smiled pleasantly and nodded, but her eyes were sad. Ran felt the guilt begin to creep upon him once again. His eyes slid to the tea service and he sighed inwardly.
"Is there anyone I could speak to on your behalf? Richard's attorneys or the late Count, your husband's, perhaps?" he asked, meeting her eyes.
"I'm afraid there is no one, but thank you for offering. That in itself means the world to me, Ran. Thank you," the Countess said, genuinely smiling.
Ran bowed again and turned to the open door.
"Good bye," he said over his shoulder.
"Good bye. Be happy, Ran," she said.
Nodding, he slipped out the door and was gone.
Author's Note: Everyone got it that Countess Misekake is Richard's mother, right? Sorry if you didn't. Thanks for reading and please review!
Toradoshi: Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you're enjoying this. I know what you mean. I don't always know what to say in reviews either. I'm glad you're loving all the characters so far (Aya may yet grow on you), and one "good" bad guy coming up. I hope he's bad enough. I've never written one before. Well, okay, Sneller was bad, but he wasn't THIS bad. Thanks for reading!
Akimoto Kin: Well, now you know that he did lie to Ken! And that the hill definitely has something to do with Richard. Be patient and all shall be revealed! Dancing lessons coming up...sort of. Thanks for reading!
LoneCayt: I agree with everything you said! And I don't think that Darcy has that problem (afraid of being weak or hurt). Have you ever read Jane Austen? Try reading her if you haven't. The language is incredible! I tried really hard to make Aya the epitome of what it is to be sixteen at a time when that meant you were an adult. Determined, proud, slightly spoiled, a little vain, and ready to face the world and all it has to offer. I think she gets a little better with each chapter. Thanks for reading!
Bine: Yay! I'm glad you like it! And I'm glad you like Aya. Yeah, I departed from the sweet, cute, little doll (note above review response) because I wanted her to be more than that. I remembered Ran's description of her from the first manga and I tried to build on that. (I believe he said she was "a very serious and stubborn girl") Yay, Ran and Ken cuteness! Thanks for reading!
Fiery-icicles: Sorry for the lack of fluff in this chapter. I needed to further the plot, but more fluff on the way! salutes They are cute aren't they? That's why I like to read about and write about them! Thanks for reading!
Rapunzel: Okay, so I reread this chapter and fixed the "its'" I could find and the sentence fragments! "Why?" you ask. Because! I was reading the story I'm working on now and it had sentence fragments!!! Waaaaaaahhh! sniff Let me know if you find any others, K? Thanks for reading!
Allis: If I updated every second day the pressure would be on to get other stories done! Too much pressure!!! . Aya isn't evil! She's sixteen! Hee-hee-hee! So, you're questions are answered. Have they led to more questions? They were supposed to. (Aya isn't evil, but I am!) Thanks for reading!
Tearlesereph: I think there's always conflict when two or more people are living together. Especially if one of them is in the process of growing and changing. A little teasing can be a healthy thing. I wouldn't mind a Ken plushie, but I don't think my husband would like it! Thanks for reading!
Marsupial: You're back! Yay! Welcome back! I'm glad you like Aya. She is a little like Lydia, but not as completely and utterly self-centered. Lydia was a truly spoiled person, and Wickham deserved her. Yay! I'm glad you're still enjoying it, but please take my 18th Century with a giant grain of salt. I have adapted it to serve my own purposes. Thanks for reading!
Author's Note: Okay, the secret identity of the Countess Misekake is about to be revealed! I hope you enjoy it! And more fun Aya stuff! And I know I keep updating early, but I just can't help it! Please enjoy!
Disclaimer: Weiss belongs to Takehito Koyasu and Project Weiss.
Once I Was Loved
Chapter 5
Ran left immediately after breakfast. Despite his dread he was eager to get the meeting over with. Ken had expressed a curious desire to know more about the Earl's errand, but Ran had put him off. He didn't want to hurt Ken, but he still had the feeling that separation was necessary between his past and present.
His borrowed horse came to the fork in the road. After a brief pause he turned from the village and headed up the hill into the woods. At the crest of the hill the trees thinned and he reined in his horse to take in the view of the valley below. In its' center sat a great house as large and magnificent as his own.
Its' large stone walls shown white in the sun, as though it glowed from within. Unlike his own manor this one was a simple, but solid rectangle. Large, many paned windows looked out onto neatly trimmed lawns and formal gardens. Flower beds edged in boxwood hedges formed geometric shapes and patterns. On every corner a tall shrub was clipped into a pointed cone over a ball. The lawn extended out on all sides of the house, occasionally broken up by trees or tall clipped shrubs, until finally meeting with an ivy covered stone wall which completely surrounded the small estate. An iron gate in front and another in back the only ways in or out.
Ran stared down at the manor in the valley below him and felt his gut twist in distaste, and guilt. Too well he remembered the last time he'd been within its' walls. The words the Countess had spoken came fresh to his mind. At the time they'd burned his ears and seared themselves onto his soul. She'd hurt him. Deeply. And it still hurt. Even though, with more than a year's time between him and the events, he'd grown in understanding about them. It still hurt. Finally having enough of the sight he roughly turned his horse and reentered the woods.
The ride to the village was much quicker on horse back than it had been in the coach. The Earl reached it unimpeded and reined his horse in before the windows of a little inn located on the main road across from the churchyard. Dismounting he took in its shabby appearance and the sad look of its deteriorating sign proclaiming it "The Robin's Nest". Scowling, he entered.
The interior was not much better than the exterior. The walls and ceiling of the front dining room/tavern were wood paneled and were dark with soot from the large fire place. They were badly in need of washing. The chairs were worn, many of their seats broken or torn, and the tables appeared stained and sticky. A maid met him and directed him upstairs to the Countess Misekake's rooms.
His quiet knock was answered immediately by a servant he recognized, and judging by the young woman's reaction she knew him as well. Curtsying low she ushered him into the tiny sitting room.
"My Lord, welcome. It's good ta see ya," the young maid said quietly. "My lady is still in her room, but if ya could wait a moment I know she'll be out directly."
"Of course, Nancy," he replied. "How have you been?"
She cast her blue eyes at the floor and turned away from him. Ran noted her unwashed blond hair and how worn her linen dress looked.
"As well as maybe expected, my Lord," she answered. "Please, make ya-self ta home. I'll fetch the Countess."
With that she hastily disappeared through the door on the other side of the room, and Ran was left alone. He moved cautiously into the room, glancing around. There were small items he recognized. The satin throw over the back of the settee, a lace doily on the small round table before the greasy window, and a snuff box left out on the doily, but the furnishings were not familiar. He supposed they belonged to the inn. The settee and the embroidered chair across from it were old and well worn. The carpet was moth eaten, and the curtains in shambles.
Ran scowled in disgust and sat gingerly on the chair lest it should break. The view out the window on his right was of the building next door and the ally below. He thought it could be the most dull and uninteresting view he'd ever seen. Turning from it he saw that the other end of the room was occupied with a built in cupboard upon which rested the Countess's exquisite tea service. The shiny white china decorated with tiny blue violets and delicate green leaves gave him a warm feeling and he smiled a bit in memory. The door had blocked his view of this most welcome sight when he had entered. Before he could drift off into pleasant memories the other door opened, and the Countess herself emerged.
She was dressed reservedly, but elegantly, in a gown of soft gray. She had lost some weight and her girth was now comfortably contained within her corset, presenting a well rounded figure rather than the bursting seams he was accustomed to. Her face was no longer red, but pale, and her age was clearly visible as she wore no paint. And her gray eyes shown with hope under the white curls of her wig.
Ran stood and bowed low to her and she curtsied before moving forward cautiously. Almost as if she was afraid he would disappear if she rushed him. Considering, he had to admit to himself that he just might. The Countess came around the settee and motioned for him to sit again.
"Please, Ran, do be seated," she said, her voice as high and breathy as he remembered.
He bowed again slightly and perched again on the chair as she rested herself upon the settee. For a few minutes they simply sat observing each other until both blushed and looked away. Ran glancing out the window.
"Thank you for coming," she said at last, looking at him once more. "Thank you for giving me this chance to beg your forgiveness. Over the past year I have been haunted by my behavior in those last days. I can scarcely believe what I said and did. It was horrible of me. Unforgivable, I know, but I have to tell you how sorry I truly am. And I have to ask, Ran, do you think you could ever forgive me?"
Ran felt his jaw tighten as he continued to stare unseeing at the building next door. "It is not as easy as that."
"I know. I think...I am afraid that I am feeling my own mortality," she said and giggled nervously. "I have come to the time in life when one realizes their regrets, and they pray upon one's mind. No regret is greater for me than my behavior toward you."
He turned from the window, but couldn't meet her eyes and so he studied the carpet.
"So...Reginald has inherited then?" he asked studying a faded woven rose with a hole in one petal.
"Yes," she answered. "He has the house, the land, and the money. He has been gracious enough to give me a small allowance. Enough to keep me in these rooms, which are not as bad as they appear."
Ran snorted and finally met her eyes with his own.
"This is a hovel. Unworthy of one of your stature," he declared softly.
"But when one is broke and friendless there is little that can be done. Besides, I feel I deserve this. A most fitting punishment," she said and Ran looked away again.
"Richard would disagree," he stated as his eyes locked on the tea service.
"Would he? I'm not so sure after the way I treated you," she said, noting where his eyes had fallen. The Countess smiled softly and rang a tiny bell she'd pulled from the crevice in the settee cushions.
The maid appeared instantly from within the other room.
"Nancy, my dear," the Countess addressed her. "Please fetch us some tea."
"Yes, my Lady," the young woman curtsied and exited the room through the door Ran had used to enter.
"You are hardly friendless, Eriko," Ran said, facing the Countess once again. "Nancy has stayed by your side, and my mother is worried about you."
"Dear Elinor," sighed the Countess wistfully. "She extended an invitation to me when I was...when Reginald set me up here."
"Why didn't you accept? She and Aya would've been happy to have you."
"How could I? My conscience won't let me alone here, but in your own house? Enjoying your hospitality? No, I couldn't accept it," she said, her eyes sad. "I am an old woman. I acted out of greed and a selfish desperation, and now I pay the price. I rather think Richard would approve."
Ran looked to the floor again and they lapsed into an uncomfortable silence that only ended when Nancy returned. She carried an old kettle, and they watched as she poured its contents into the China tea pot. She handed out cups and saucers, and poured out the first round before curtsying and leaving the room again having left the teapot on the round table within easy reach of the Countess.
"As you can see I did not leave empty handed," she said after taking a long swallow of the hot liquid.
"I'm glad. I wouldn't like to think of this service being enjoyed by Reginald," Ran stated quietly, sipping his tea. "Not after the amount of time Richard and I spent picking it out."
"No, he'd probably destroy it," the Countess muttered. "Lord knows what he's done to the house. I can't believe I could raise two sons so different from one another, but then Richard and Reginald were unalike from birth."
"And how is Kate?" Ran asked trying to change the subject.
"She is in Town, thank God, and doing quite well the last I heard. She has fallen in love and I expect soon will be wed. Although, I have not met the young man I know I can trust her good sense, and I am sure he is worthy of her."
Ran nodded into his teacup, staring into the light brown liquid and breathing in the steam.
"So, her dowry is safe then?" he asked.
"And her school expenses paid for, yes. My husband, bless his soul, provided for the education and future of each of his children individually and left Kate's dowry in her own name, unattached to the family fortune and the estate. Safe and at her disposal. But not enough, unfortunately, to help her dear mother."
The Countess returned to her tea, and they lapsed back into silence, sipping their tea and glancing around the room. Out front Ran's horse neighed loudly and pawed at the ground.
Yohji met Omi in the music room shortly after Ran left. Although they had appeared as cheery as ever the day before and at breakfast that morning they were actually concerned about Ran. As soon as they came face to face their masks dropped and worry was evident in their eyes.
"He lied to Ken," Omi stated.
"Yes, he did," Yohji agreed. "But why? Why wouldn't he tell Ken about Asataiyo?"
"It was Richard's estate," Omi said flopping onto one of the settees.
"So? You can't tell me they've never discussed Ran's relationship with Richard," the Prince said, starting to pace. "Ken is far too curious not to have asked. And what did my cousin think was going to happen when we toured the estate yesterday?"
"I think he was hoping to avoid it by not coming here. We were to meet Lady Fujimiya and Aya in Town in January, but since we did come here...well, as far as I know, any questions Ken's asked Ran's answered. He's never told me not to tell Ken anything. Until yesterday, that is," Omi sighed.
"Where do you suppose he's gone?" Yohji asked, stopping his pacing.
"He wouldn't tell me anything more than he told Ken, but I'm sure he's gone to see the Countess."
"Do you think he would?" Yohji asked, coming around the settee to face Omi.
"Yes. I found this in his waistcoat," the young servant said, pulling a folded piece of paper from his own coat pocket.
The Prince seized it and scanned its contents. When he was done he refolded it, nodding.
"Good. Perhaps this will finally be resolved," Yohji stated firmly, handing back the letter.
"Do you think so?" Omi asked without much hope.
The Prince nodded again.
"Ran's been carrying this burden. With any luck the Countess will force the issue so all maybe resolved. Fear not, Omichi, the great Prince Kudou is always right!" Yohji declared, ruffling the young servant's hair.
Omi sighed testily and pushed his hand away.
"I hope you're right. I don't want Ken to be hurt," he said still frowning.
"Neither do I. And Ran needs this to finally be over with. Resolution is an important thing in these matters."
Omi noted the sad, wistful expression in the Prince's eyes. He nodded and rose. Briefly grasping the taller man's arm in comfort before moving away.
"Will you be speaking to Lady Fujimiya?" he asked over his shoulder as he neared the door.
"Yes, I shall. I have something else I'd like to know," the Prince said, regaining some of his good cheer as he followed the younger man from the room.
Ken sat at the desk in his room carefully writing to Caroline. He had described the route to Ran's estate, as well as the house and the surrounding countryside. Elinor had kindly provided paper, ink, and quill for him as he had forgotten his own, and he was in the process of describing her when a delicate, but insistent, knock at the door interrupted him.
"Come in," he called, wondering whether Ran were back already. He turned in his chair to face the door.
Aya entered and curtsied formally to him. She stopped just inside the room and waited for him to react. When he'd recovered from his shock over her being in his room he shot to his feet and bowed.
"I was wondering, your Grace, whether you would be free a little later this morning? After you're finished with your letter perhaps?" she asked from her position just inside his door.
He shifted nervously from one foot to the other as he frantically tried to come up with a response. Why did women always make him so nervous?
"I-I-I..."
"Perhaps if you took a breath, your Grace," Aya suggested helpfully.
Ken took a deep breath.
"I intend to take a walk around the grounds afterward," he managed at last.
"Oh," Aya said, then stood for a moment as if waiting for more before continuing, "I see. Well, I'll leave you to finish your letter then."
She curtsied and Ken bowed, then she left, closing the door softly behind her.
Ken sunk back into his chair and sighed. He felt a tiny stab of guilt, but shook it off and returned to his letter. He was too nervous to be around Aya without Ran. Belatedly he wondered again when the Earl would get back from his errand.
In the hall Aya frowned. In her head she reviewed the exchange between herself and the Duke. He had been polite, but nervous. Much more so than he'd been at any of the meals they'd shared. She would have to precede slowly. Very slowly. Still, she was slightly vexed at his failure to issue her an invitation for his walk around the grounds. Taking a deep breath she smacked her fan into the palm of her left hand. Undaunted, she squared her shoulders and marched off down the hall, fully prepared to try again.
Yohji sought his stepmother's cousin in her garden, where she was directing the removal of an old, dead apple tree and the installation of its replacement.
"My dear Lady, I have no wish to interrupt, but may I have a moment of your time?" he enquired as he came up beside her.
"My dear Prince Yohji, any interruption you bring is nothing but welcome. I fear I am merely making my gardener nervous with my directions. He knows well enough what wants to be done," Lady Fujimiya said, smiling and turning from the project to face the Prince. "Why don't we stroll through the beds and enjoy the last of the roses? One more frost and they'll be done."
He bowed and they turned again to walk through a low cut boxwood hedge and stroll down the dirt path that led between the long rows of roses. They were all still in bloom and he doubted another frost would stop them. However, he knew they were to be cut back and covered with straw in another day or so for the winter. Best to enjoy them while they could.
"You have come to ask me where I have sent my son off to, have you not?" Elinor asked, smirking sideways at him.
He smiled in return.
"No, indeed, Madame. I know he is gone to see the Countess Misekake," Yohji replied.
He paused along the path for dramatic effect, and bent to inhale the fragrance of a particularly large and impressive red rose. It was sweet and heady.
"No, what I want to know," he continued, rising and facing her once more, "is why I am here."
Lady Fujimiya, who had paused when the Prince had to wait for him, smiled broadly and turned away to continue their stroll.
"You always were a clever boy," she smiled.
"Why else mail Ran's letter to me? You knew where he was," Yohji stated. "But why not write to me directly? Surely you didn't fear I wouldn't respond?"
"No, I felt sure you would. Especially with the added intrigue of a misdirected letter. Do you deny that you love a mystery? But in truth, the letter was about to be mailed when I recalled that Ran and Ken were no longer in Town. I simply chose to let it be sent. So, I rather created my own serendipity," she said, directing their stroll down another row outfitted with brilliant red-pink roses.
"A happy accident?" the Prince asked.
"Yes," she answered. "You see, I expect things could get quite serious before too long, and that Ran will have great need of you. Ken is powerful, to be sure, but inexperienced."
"What is it, Elinor?" Yohji asked, suddenly quite serious. He stopped on the path and turned to face her directly.
"I cannot say. It is not my place. But Ran may have news upon his return," she said, facing him.
Yohji snorted.
"If you are waiting for him then don't hold your breath," he said, crossing his arms over his chest. "As of this morning he hadn't told any of us where he was going or what his business was."
"Really? How curious. I wondered why the Duke was at liberty to write to his stepsister. I had suggested that Ran take Ken with him," she said in astonishment. After a moment she shook her head. "Never mind, Yohji. We must give him time. Something very painful to Ran happened between him and Eriko. They need to work that out between them."
The Prince had to agree. He nodded and together they resumed walking once again. At the end of the row was the tall walnut hedge which ended the garden and they began to pass around it to stroll along its back. However, coming around one end they noted Aya at the other. Her posture indicated that she was intently watching something or someone while concealing herself in the hedge. Exchanging glances they were both seized with sudden intrigue and backed up to a safe distance in which to watch what would transpire.
When he had finished his letter to Caroline, Ken had indeed gone out of the house in order to tour the grounds. He had hoped Ran would be back by then so the Earl could show him around, and possibly they could get some time alone together. Ken got the feeling that Ran wouldn't be able to spend much time with him, and was sure that was one of the reasons for his reticence about the trip. Sighing, he began showing himself the gardens.
They were lovely. At the back of the manor, off the stone terrace that stretched between the two wings, were long lawns that led down to the garden. The entire thing reached across the back of the house. Meeting the edge of the orchard on one side and a row of tall, sculpted boxwood hedges on the other. And it was full of roses. The paths within the rose garden meandered in informal patterns around a central fountain and benches. There were dozens of varieties of roses within and all were still in bloom despite the chilly weather.
Ken was very glad they'd come to visit when they had. If they'd come any later they would've missed the splendor of the garden. The roses were magnificent in their variety of colors, sizes, and scents. The Duke wandered among them in a daze as they put his small rows of flowers to shame. Why hadn't Ran told him about all this? Or was this meant to be another surprise? If so, he wished Ran would hurry home so they could enjoy it together.
He strolled along, admiring the blossoms, the paths, and the fountain. Gradually working his way toward the large hedge which ended the garden. He wasn't sure what it was, but it had been allowed to run wild, unlike the other hedges. When he drew nearer Aya suddenly emerged directly in his path. It was almost as though she'd been part of the hedge itself. Her russet-brown cloak blending well with the overgrowth.
"Oh! Ah...Aya...uh...," he stuttered in surprise, beginning to back away.
"Please, your Grace," she said, raising a hand to halt his retreat. "I'm afraid we began on mistaken terms. Please allow me to say that all I desire is to be your friend. I flirted with you simply because that is the accepted mode of expression between men and women, is it not?"
"Uh..."
"I'm sorry if you mistook me. I feel that I have offended you and I would like to apologize and make amends," she stated quickly, before he could resume his flight. "I am Ran's sister after all, and I do feel it would be in everyone's best interest if we could be friends. Don't you?"
Her words gave him pause and he stopped to consider them. She was right, he had to admit, about it being best if they could be friendly. In coming here hadn't that been his greatest hope? To be on good terms with Ran's family? To hopefully win their approval as Ran had won Mrs. Hudson, Molly, Old Shoop, and Rosie's? Wasn't Ran worth it?
Ken forced himself to relax and face her.
"You're right," he stated, still not fully trusting her intentions, but willing to try.
"Let us begin again," she said, taking a tiny step toward him and extending her hand. "If we may?"
Ken glanced around nervously before stepping forward. He still felt cautious, as though he were a mouse stepping within reach of a cat. Slowly he extended his hand, and she took it.
"I am Miss Aya Fujimiya," she said and curtsied.
"Duke Hidaka, Ken," he said bowing.
"A pleasure, your Grace," Aya smiled and released his hand. She snapped her fan open and preceded to use it.
"Oh, you don't need to...," he started.
"I think, perhaps, it would be best to keep our relationship formal. Until we are more comfortable with one another, your Grace," Aya said, walking carefully forward until she was beside him. Then she indicated with her fan that they precede back the way he'd come.
"A-alright," he said, turning to do as she suggested.
"In that case, you are to call me Miss Fujimiya," she instructed, sounding very much like Omi. "Had I an elder sister, she would be Miss Fujimiya and I would be Miss Aya. Do you understand?"
"Yeah. We covered all that."
Aya cast him a sideways glance not unlike her brother's.
"I mean, yes, Miss Fujimiya," he amended and began to smile. Maybe Ran's sister wasn't as scary as she'd at first appeared. This might actually be fun. As he tucked his hands behind his head he failed to notice her smirking behind her fan.
Behind the hedge the Prince and Lady Fujimiya exchanged glances.
"Well, I'll never underestimate my daughter again," Elinor stated, leaning out to peer at the slowly walking young people.
"She's definitely related to Ran," Yohji smirked.
"What are you two doing?"
At the sound of the voice behind them both Yohji and Elinor jumped and spun around. It was Omi and he was looking at them suspiciously. Without waiting for them to reply he peeked around the hedge himself.
"Oh," he said and turned to face them again, "I see. Well, at least she's got him to stop fleeing in terror. Maybe he'll learn something yet. But it would be easier if Ran would simply tell Aya about their relationship."
"I'd never realized my cousin's propensity for keeping secrets," the Prince muttered in annoyance.
"Nor had I," Elinor agreed. "I shall have to speak to him about it."
"If you don't, dear Lady, I will," said Yohji, his eyes glittering with intent.
"Thank you for coming to visit me today, Ran. I know it wasn't easy for you," the Countess Misekake said, rising to curtsy to her departing guest. "I would be very pleased to welcome you again, if you would care to visit."
"Perhaps. If time allows. I have brought company with me," he said, bowing to her from the doorway.
She smiled pleasantly and nodded, but her eyes were sad. Ran felt the guilt begin to creep upon him once again. His eyes slid to the tea service and he sighed inwardly.
"Is there anyone I could speak to on your behalf? Richard's attorneys or the late Count, your husband's, perhaps?" he asked, meeting her eyes.
"I'm afraid there is no one, but thank you for offering. That in itself means the world to me, Ran. Thank you," the Countess said, genuinely smiling.
Ran bowed again and turned to the open door.
"Good bye," he said over his shoulder.
"Good bye. Be happy, Ran," she said.
Nodding, he slipped out the door and was gone.
Author's Note: Everyone got it that Countess Misekake is Richard's mother, right? Sorry if you didn't. Thanks for reading and please review!
Toradoshi: Thanks for reviewing! I'm glad you're enjoying this. I know what you mean. I don't always know what to say in reviews either. I'm glad you're loving all the characters so far (Aya may yet grow on you), and one "good" bad guy coming up. I hope he's bad enough. I've never written one before. Well, okay, Sneller was bad, but he wasn't THIS bad. Thanks for reading!
Akimoto Kin: Well, now you know that he did lie to Ken! And that the hill definitely has something to do with Richard. Be patient and all shall be revealed! Dancing lessons coming up...sort of. Thanks for reading!
LoneCayt: I agree with everything you said! And I don't think that Darcy has that problem (afraid of being weak or hurt). Have you ever read Jane Austen? Try reading her if you haven't. The language is incredible! I tried really hard to make Aya the epitome of what it is to be sixteen at a time when that meant you were an adult. Determined, proud, slightly spoiled, a little vain, and ready to face the world and all it has to offer. I think she gets a little better with each chapter. Thanks for reading!
Bine: Yay! I'm glad you like it! And I'm glad you like Aya. Yeah, I departed from the sweet, cute, little doll (note above review response) because I wanted her to be more than that. I remembered Ran's description of her from the first manga and I tried to build on that. (I believe he said she was "a very serious and stubborn girl") Yay, Ran and Ken cuteness! Thanks for reading!
Fiery-icicles: Sorry for the lack of fluff in this chapter. I needed to further the plot, but more fluff on the way! salutes They are cute aren't they? That's why I like to read about and write about them! Thanks for reading!
Rapunzel: Okay, so I reread this chapter and fixed the "its'" I could find and the sentence fragments! "Why?" you ask. Because! I was reading the story I'm working on now and it had sentence fragments!!! Waaaaaaahhh! sniff Let me know if you find any others, K? Thanks for reading!
Allis: If I updated every second day the pressure would be on to get other stories done! Too much pressure!!! . Aya isn't evil! She's sixteen! Hee-hee-hee! So, you're questions are answered. Have they led to more questions? They were supposed to. (Aya isn't evil, but I am!) Thanks for reading!
Tearlesereph: I think there's always conflict when two or more people are living together. Especially if one of them is in the process of growing and changing. A little teasing can be a healthy thing. I wouldn't mind a Ken plushie, but I don't think my husband would like it! Thanks for reading!
Marsupial: You're back! Yay! Welcome back! I'm glad you like Aya. She is a little like Lydia, but not as completely and utterly self-centered. Lydia was a truly spoiled person, and Wickham deserved her. Yay! I'm glad you're still enjoying it, but please take my 18th Century with a giant grain of salt. I have adapted it to serve my own purposes. Thanks for reading!