This is the second chapter woohoo. I actually already posted 1-7 chapters but i redid this one because i kept getting reviews saying my grammar was terrible so here you are. Still not perfect because i rewrote it at 1am but other than that it's better. Its the same info just worded differently. Please R&R i will love you if you do!! -pink-sneakers85
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Chapter 2: A letter opener meets a corset
'Claira darling its raining' Martha said from behind the door. She opened it cautiously and looked around. Claira sat on her bed eyes half-open. She sat up with a struggle and smiled.
'Yes I will stay in tonight.'
'I know how you hate the rain dearest. So I made you this.' She held out a small cupcake.
'Oh Martha I do love you. You are like a mother to me.' She threw her arms around the plump old woman.
'Yes missus, and you and daughter to me. Now I'm going back downstairs. Please call me if you need anything.' Martha said stroking Clara's long curls. 'You are a lovely one missus, very lovely indeed' Martha walked out tears in her eyes, tears that only a true mother has. She looked at the small cake in her hands and a tear fell to the ground. 'I wish you all the best. But I can't marry Henry Wellington. I just can't.' She said in a low voice. Setting the cupcake down she ran to her armoire and pulled out more dresses stuffing them in the suitcase from before. She took out a note she had written long ago and lay it on the bed near the cupcake. 'Am I really going to go through with this?' She thought to herself as she walked towards the window. She put moriah into the small suitcase and closed it tight. Last there was a coat. She grabbed it from the closet and waited on the windowsill, where she again remembered her first brief encounters with Will.
'Why dont you ever come out' Will asked. He was now 16 and Clara had turned 15 over a week ago.
'I dont know'
'My brother wants to meet you. He says he is very excited.' Will said staring at her through the sheets of rain.
'Does he know really know how I am Will? I don't want him to be disappointed.' She looked down at her lap.
'He will not me disappointed. I don't see why your worried about what he thinks. Won't you at least tell me when your coming.'
'As soon as my 16th birthday passes a week after. That is when I will come to visit' She waited for him to say something, but he didn't. He stood tall watching her with growing fascination.
'We are friend's now, right moriah?'
'Why do you call me moriah?'
'Because you like it better'
'Yes then we are friends.'
He didn't say anything after that just made an excuse to run away. She realized that she was falling in love with stories she heard of Will's secret life and the mystery that was him. That included his family, mythical creatures, castles, and the garden that surrounded his house. The way he spoke was so kind so sincere almost magical.
It was now the week after her 16th birthday and the first rain since. She was completely nervous and jittery as the rain pounded. It was then there was a tapping at her window. She looked down to see a hand full of rocks scattered about the ground. The rope she had smuggled from the stables was let down. She dropped her bag into the bushes. She waited anxiously in the rain. Suddenly and hand was on her wrist and she was being pulled she felt her legs go faster and faster as they neared corners and trees. They were in a forest racing through leaves, bushes and rain. It stung as it hit her face. Her only shield was her suitcase. Then they stopped. She looked around and saw a boy's form walking ahead of her. He gestured for her to follow. She did so and they walked for at least a mile until she was breathless but kept walking. Finally they came to a door; it was large and wooden. It seemed to lead into a garden of some kind. She winced at the thought of more walking. He pulled out a large silver key from his pocked and opened the door with a sound of click. As the door opened a strange bright light came shining out. Clara shielded her eyes from this. Will walked in ahead of her. She followed her eyes still covered until she heard the door shut.
She took a few shallow breaths before she spoke even then it was just a low 'oh my' and she continued studying the rolling hills and green pastures. There were farms off in the distance and a city a good ways to the right. Gardens as far as the eye could see, shrubbery shaped into animals and people. There was a large forest behind the most breathtaking thing of all, a castle. It stood tall over everything on a hill. Its white stone walls were gripping and seemed to glitter in the sunshine. 'The sunshine' claira thought. It was just raining. 'Will, where is the rain' she asked looking around. 'Its behind the door' he said pointing back. Clara looked back and smiled. 'I feel as if this is a dream' she said eyes widening with enthusiasm. 'Here I wish to show you this' he said pulling her towards the castle.
She assumed they were going to take a rest but the didnt stop there, farther into the woods until she heard running water. 'I want you to see the mermaid lagoon, of course they won't come out to let you see them. I've never even seen them but maybe they have left something' he said pulling back bushes. Claira walked ahead of him and looked around at the waterfall that fell into a crystal clear pool of water. The rocks glittered with magic that the mermaids had left behind. They had enough to not notice a few bits of magic missing from there shimmering tails.
'This is lovely, and strangely cooling' Claira said looking around and taking in a deep breath of the refreshing air.
'I do so love mermaids. I wish they were real.' She stared into the clear blue water.
'Oh but they are.'
'surely your not serious.'
'Real as you and me. My brother has seen them' He leaned back on a tree. She walked over towards him sitting down close.
'Your brother? Why do they let him see?' She asked looking into his bright eyes. He looked away feeling her so close was new to him he was used to screaming through the rain up to her as she stared down from her window.
'Its because they think he's handsome. They wish he would go and live with them but he can't leave our mother.' he said shuttering at the word.
'Oh I see'
Claira watched the water. There was silence between them, the kind that can only bring about awkwardness. She laid her head back on the tree and let out a sigh.
'You'
Will stopped abruptly and turned away again ashamed of the sound of his voice.
'What?' She asked quickly as not to lose the feeling in the moment. 'You smell sweet' he mumbled embarrassed again, feeling as if his words were not under his own control but that of another someone cruel wanting to punish him terribly. 'Thank you' Claira felt her cheeks burning. Quietly looking down at her lap. Just then there was a clap of thunder and Will glanced up towards the sky. 'Here' he said standing up quickly and offering his hand to her. She took it and followed him towards the castle suitcase still grasped tight in her fingers.
* * * * *
They ran all the way home it was as if the rain was scaring William because the louder the thunder the faster he ran. It almost seemed, as his feet never touched the ground as he ran over rocks, grass and dirt. He held on to Claira's hand with numbing cold fingers. Claira was thinking the whole time as she followed close behind what made him do this? A boy who spent most of his days in the rain was now running from it like a child from the dark. As they neared the castle a raindrop fell in front of his feet he panicked and ran faster almost pulling Claira over.
She felt her arm grown tired. She felt as if her feet had a mind of there own or at least were attached to Will's by strings. The castle gates were open Will ran in letting go of Claira's hand. 'Lock em up tight boys' he yelled patting them on the back and running more still. Claira was still running and still finding it hard to breathe as her corset was cutting into her sides. They ran up stairs and into a room where there were books hundreds of them. He closed the window with a tight lock and lit the lamps around the room. 'Are we to stay here the entire time?' she asked sleepily. 'No' he said glancing up at her. He then noticed her pale complexion and the way she was holding her stomach. 'Is something the matter?' He walked closer. Her head moved back in forth as if it were too heavy to hold up and soon she felt herself falling over. She dropped her bag and fell to the ground in a mangled heap on the floor.
William ran over and fell to his knees. 'Moriah, Moriah wake up. Claira wake up.' he said still keeping his distance from her face. He was so confused. He couldn't even think of what her real name was. He couldn't touch her.'
After waiting a little while longer in a burst of emotion William scooped the lifeless body in his arms and lay her on a near by couch. She breathed shallow breaths in out in out in out. Right then a young man walked in the door. Tall in stature. His blue eyes seemed all knowing as he walked in and set a book on a table. He then noticed the motionless girl lying on the sofa.
'Who is this?' He came up to her. His eyes seemed to glisten when he saw her face.
'Its a friend, she is barely breathing' William said running his fingers through his brown wavy hair.
'Move out of the way'
He pushed William aside. The man lay his head near the girls throat listening carefully to any irregularities.
'There is something obstructing her breathing, something not allowing her lungs to fill with air. She is only getting a little'
He looked around for the tie on her dress. He leaned her up and undid the small buttons up her back. He saw the strings of the corset. 'Hand me that' he said pointing to a golden letter opener on the nearby desk. 'Are you mad?' William asked handing it to him quickly. 'No I'm brilliant' he replied slashing the strings down her back. The corset became loose and she inhaled a deep breath coughing. The man let her loose and lay her back on he arm of the sofa. She opened her eyes and looked around the large room. 'Where?' she started noticing Will's face. He looked so worried that she stopped to ask another question. She felt the loose strings tickle at her back.
'What in...' She sat back abruptly. She stared at the stranger holding the letter opener.
'What are you doing?' She asked cautiously.
'My name is Jonathan. And I am releasing your corset.' He said bluntly waving the letter opener in the air as he dropped it on the desk. She felt chills run up her spine. Noticing her eyes growing wider with each word Will stepped up and pushed the man aside. 'He is my brother, you fainted and he was reviving you. It was completely harmless' he said trying his best to comfort her. Claira waited for an explanation from Jonathan. 'Yes completely harmless, it is nice to meet you Miss..' he paused for an answer.
'Miss Claira' she answered feeling her cheeks redden. 'Hello Miss Claira I hope to see more of you but I feel it is my duty to make sure the rest of the house is locked up' He said walking away smiling. Claira watched as his eyes moved along her face. His bright blue eyes and that dirty blond hair that hung loosely near his ears. He was dressed almost as casual as Will but the way he carried himself was very different. He recognized his power, the quality he had that made people long to know more.
'So that is the infamous Jonathan' she said grinning to herself, biting her lip slightly. Will had seen this look before, this intrigue this fascination and this caused him to pause.
'He is the brother you are always speaking about' she asked looking over at him. There was a long silence. 'Is it?' she repeated louder. He snapped out of his thoughts and looked back at her. 'Yes' he said quietly coming and sitting next to her. She took in a deep breath remembering running, running from the rain.
'Why did we rush here, and lock the gates?' She asked looking over at him with big eyes. He stared into them contently. 'I'm not at liberty to say but if anytime you are outside and it's about to rain get to the castle' He reached over and took her trembling hand. 'Why?' she asked licking her lips. Her mind was swimming with possibilities after all, what is so scary about rain? 'again I'm not allowed to say but its a matter of most importance that you follow this, your life depends on it' he answered. Clara nodded her head fervently watching the pools of blue that were his eyes soften with every word.
'You are in love' she declared. This caught him off guard he dropped her hand and scooted back all in one swift motion.
'and who is it that I am in love with?' he asked dreading the answer.
'I dont know. I just can see it in your face. You have happiness that only love struck man can have.'
'I am not in love, it's not possible.'
'not possible' she was cut off by another voice calling from an upstairs room. 'Here I'll leave you to change. I'll come to get you for dinner' He said coaxing his way out the room. He shut the double doors behind him. She stood up revealing a bare back and locked the door. She pulled out one of her many dresses and put it on quickly the room was cold and bare leaving her feeling naked even after she was fully clothed. She walked around the large room running her fingers over the many books reading names in Latin, Spanish, German, French, and many other languages she had never seen before. She pulled one out that seemed to stand out from the rest it stood tall among the other books and was brown leather with a long black ribbon tied around the binding. She opened leafing through the pages, till one caught her eye.
A picture of rain falling on the ground. People trying to run away. She was startled when a hand grabbed her shoulder.
'What are you doing here Miss' an elderly gentleman asked. He was dressed as a butler. 'Oh I am a friend of Will's' she said feeling as if she were explaining herself to a teacher. 'Yes I suppose he left you here alone, that boy never did quite grow up, did he?' the man said shaking his head disapprovingly. 'May I ask who you are?' she asked a little taken back by his words. 'I am William's grandfather, George Watsworth' he said proudly standing erect. His rigid posture and old sagging face left Claira feeling small. 'Oh well I'll be leaving you alone now.' She turned trying her best to dodge the old man.
'What is that in your hands?'
'I don't know'
'Where did you get that?' he asked sharply.
'From the shelf' she said shrinking even more.
'Give it to Me!' He snatched the book from her fingers. She let her hands fall to the side as she watched him slam the book shut. 'learn to mind your business and keep your mouth shut' he warned her walking towards the door. She felt anger rise inside her as she watched the gruff old man leaving. 'I did nothing wrong' she mumbled to herself walking over to the red velvet sofa and sitting down.
The day went by slowly. Claira spent almost all day in that room lounging on the sofa. She stood up and walked around the room before noticing another young woman enter through the door. She looked at Claira and smiled. 'Hello im Rebecca Burlington' she said holding out an elegant hand. Claira stood up quickly smile gracing over her full lips. 'Very nice to meet you Rebecca I'm Claira Abbingdale' she said proudly. It was so much fun to act as if her society were worth speaking of. She took her seat and offered Miss Burlington the opposing chair.
'How did you come to this side of the door?' Rebecca asked smiling and leaning back in her chair. 'I came with Will' she said casually trying not to sound like the child she felt like.
'Oh William! I would think so. He so often makes friends in the rain' She was trying her best to make Claira feel insignificant, and it was working like a charm.
'Yes well I'm only here for a short while. He asked me to come for a visit.' Claira explained feeling her heart sink.
'Did he inform you that we are to be married?' Rebecca smiled.
'Really, When? For some reason Claira's cheeks were burning and there was a feeling inside she couldn't explain.
'As soon as he would like. It's really up to him. Just as long as it's before his 21 birthday. Ever since I was born our parents had planned for us to marry.'
'Do you want to marry him?'
'Why not?' She answered laughing. The door swung open. Will walked in and looked around nervously.
'time for dinner'
'Oh William darling! I was just informing your friend Claira here about our prolonged engagement. She wishes to know when the special day is.' Rebecca stood up and walked towards him. He scratched the back of his head. 'I dont know.' He was staring at her with cold eyes. He looked over at Claira who's cheeks were red with embarrassment. 'Congratulations, I wish you two the very best.' Claira choked out and counterfeit smile on her trembling lips.
She stood and walked with them out the door and into the dining room. The atmosphere was much warmer there. They all sat one by one down a long table backs straight faces forward. Rebecca sat down next to Jonathan who seemed to leer at her. They sat in silence chewing on bits of lettuce.
'Your from Aunthenic? How is it over there, terribly cold I would think?' He asked waiting for an answer. Claira still staring at Will looked back at Jonathan.
'Yes, very cold at the moment. Though in summer we have lovely weather.' She answered smiling at him politely.
'So.. did you have a chance to meet our soon to be family member Rebecca?' he asked pointing to the young woman near William. Claira gave a cold glance towards the wench.
'Yes' she answered short.
'I hope she treated you with respect that she gives to all of us.' He said laughing.
'Yes of course, she was a perfect angel' Claira said sarcastically knowing no one would say anything about her new found tone.
'I was just telling her about how William and I are to be married.' She said squeezing Will's arm playfully. Claira rolled her eyes and thought to herself must she bring this up every minute.
'Oh, how smart of you Rebecca.'
'Thank-you Jonathan. I do so value your opinion.'
'Yes well I know you do. But not nearly as much as I value yours.'
Jonathan laughed at his sly remark. Rebecca rolled her eyes and began cutting her cucumber into smaller pieces. Claira watched Will before returning her glare down at her salad. Will watched Claira wanting to explain it all. But Jonathan on the other hand had his own agenda. He watched Claira out of the corner of his eye his lips curving into a sly smile.
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Chapter 2: A letter opener meets a corset
'Claira darling its raining' Martha said from behind the door. She opened it cautiously and looked around. Claira sat on her bed eyes half-open. She sat up with a struggle and smiled.
'Yes I will stay in tonight.'
'I know how you hate the rain dearest. So I made you this.' She held out a small cupcake.
'Oh Martha I do love you. You are like a mother to me.' She threw her arms around the plump old woman.
'Yes missus, and you and daughter to me. Now I'm going back downstairs. Please call me if you need anything.' Martha said stroking Clara's long curls. 'You are a lovely one missus, very lovely indeed' Martha walked out tears in her eyes, tears that only a true mother has. She looked at the small cake in her hands and a tear fell to the ground. 'I wish you all the best. But I can't marry Henry Wellington. I just can't.' She said in a low voice. Setting the cupcake down she ran to her armoire and pulled out more dresses stuffing them in the suitcase from before. She took out a note she had written long ago and lay it on the bed near the cupcake. 'Am I really going to go through with this?' She thought to herself as she walked towards the window. She put moriah into the small suitcase and closed it tight. Last there was a coat. She grabbed it from the closet and waited on the windowsill, where she again remembered her first brief encounters with Will.
'Why dont you ever come out' Will asked. He was now 16 and Clara had turned 15 over a week ago.
'I dont know'
'My brother wants to meet you. He says he is very excited.' Will said staring at her through the sheets of rain.
'Does he know really know how I am Will? I don't want him to be disappointed.' She looked down at her lap.
'He will not me disappointed. I don't see why your worried about what he thinks. Won't you at least tell me when your coming.'
'As soon as my 16th birthday passes a week after. That is when I will come to visit' She waited for him to say something, but he didn't. He stood tall watching her with growing fascination.
'We are friend's now, right moriah?'
'Why do you call me moriah?'
'Because you like it better'
'Yes then we are friends.'
He didn't say anything after that just made an excuse to run away. She realized that she was falling in love with stories she heard of Will's secret life and the mystery that was him. That included his family, mythical creatures, castles, and the garden that surrounded his house. The way he spoke was so kind so sincere almost magical.
It was now the week after her 16th birthday and the first rain since. She was completely nervous and jittery as the rain pounded. It was then there was a tapping at her window. She looked down to see a hand full of rocks scattered about the ground. The rope she had smuggled from the stables was let down. She dropped her bag into the bushes. She waited anxiously in the rain. Suddenly and hand was on her wrist and she was being pulled she felt her legs go faster and faster as they neared corners and trees. They were in a forest racing through leaves, bushes and rain. It stung as it hit her face. Her only shield was her suitcase. Then they stopped. She looked around and saw a boy's form walking ahead of her. He gestured for her to follow. She did so and they walked for at least a mile until she was breathless but kept walking. Finally they came to a door; it was large and wooden. It seemed to lead into a garden of some kind. She winced at the thought of more walking. He pulled out a large silver key from his pocked and opened the door with a sound of click. As the door opened a strange bright light came shining out. Clara shielded her eyes from this. Will walked in ahead of her. She followed her eyes still covered until she heard the door shut.
She took a few shallow breaths before she spoke even then it was just a low 'oh my' and she continued studying the rolling hills and green pastures. There were farms off in the distance and a city a good ways to the right. Gardens as far as the eye could see, shrubbery shaped into animals and people. There was a large forest behind the most breathtaking thing of all, a castle. It stood tall over everything on a hill. Its white stone walls were gripping and seemed to glitter in the sunshine. 'The sunshine' claira thought. It was just raining. 'Will, where is the rain' she asked looking around. 'Its behind the door' he said pointing back. Clara looked back and smiled. 'I feel as if this is a dream' she said eyes widening with enthusiasm. 'Here I wish to show you this' he said pulling her towards the castle.
She assumed they were going to take a rest but the didnt stop there, farther into the woods until she heard running water. 'I want you to see the mermaid lagoon, of course they won't come out to let you see them. I've never even seen them but maybe they have left something' he said pulling back bushes. Claira walked ahead of him and looked around at the waterfall that fell into a crystal clear pool of water. The rocks glittered with magic that the mermaids had left behind. They had enough to not notice a few bits of magic missing from there shimmering tails.
'This is lovely, and strangely cooling' Claira said looking around and taking in a deep breath of the refreshing air.
'I do so love mermaids. I wish they were real.' She stared into the clear blue water.
'Oh but they are.'
'surely your not serious.'
'Real as you and me. My brother has seen them' He leaned back on a tree. She walked over towards him sitting down close.
'Your brother? Why do they let him see?' She asked looking into his bright eyes. He looked away feeling her so close was new to him he was used to screaming through the rain up to her as she stared down from her window.
'Its because they think he's handsome. They wish he would go and live with them but he can't leave our mother.' he said shuttering at the word.
'Oh I see'
Claira watched the water. There was silence between them, the kind that can only bring about awkwardness. She laid her head back on the tree and let out a sigh.
'You'
Will stopped abruptly and turned away again ashamed of the sound of his voice.
'What?' She asked quickly as not to lose the feeling in the moment. 'You smell sweet' he mumbled embarrassed again, feeling as if his words were not under his own control but that of another someone cruel wanting to punish him terribly. 'Thank you' Claira felt her cheeks burning. Quietly looking down at her lap. Just then there was a clap of thunder and Will glanced up towards the sky. 'Here' he said standing up quickly and offering his hand to her. She took it and followed him towards the castle suitcase still grasped tight in her fingers.
* * * * *
They ran all the way home it was as if the rain was scaring William because the louder the thunder the faster he ran. It almost seemed, as his feet never touched the ground as he ran over rocks, grass and dirt. He held on to Claira's hand with numbing cold fingers. Claira was thinking the whole time as she followed close behind what made him do this? A boy who spent most of his days in the rain was now running from it like a child from the dark. As they neared the castle a raindrop fell in front of his feet he panicked and ran faster almost pulling Claira over.
She felt her arm grown tired. She felt as if her feet had a mind of there own or at least were attached to Will's by strings. The castle gates were open Will ran in letting go of Claira's hand. 'Lock em up tight boys' he yelled patting them on the back and running more still. Claira was still running and still finding it hard to breathe as her corset was cutting into her sides. They ran up stairs and into a room where there were books hundreds of them. He closed the window with a tight lock and lit the lamps around the room. 'Are we to stay here the entire time?' she asked sleepily. 'No' he said glancing up at her. He then noticed her pale complexion and the way she was holding her stomach. 'Is something the matter?' He walked closer. Her head moved back in forth as if it were too heavy to hold up and soon she felt herself falling over. She dropped her bag and fell to the ground in a mangled heap on the floor.
William ran over and fell to his knees. 'Moriah, Moriah wake up. Claira wake up.' he said still keeping his distance from her face. He was so confused. He couldn't even think of what her real name was. He couldn't touch her.'
After waiting a little while longer in a burst of emotion William scooped the lifeless body in his arms and lay her on a near by couch. She breathed shallow breaths in out in out in out. Right then a young man walked in the door. Tall in stature. His blue eyes seemed all knowing as he walked in and set a book on a table. He then noticed the motionless girl lying on the sofa.
'Who is this?' He came up to her. His eyes seemed to glisten when he saw her face.
'Its a friend, she is barely breathing' William said running his fingers through his brown wavy hair.
'Move out of the way'
He pushed William aside. The man lay his head near the girls throat listening carefully to any irregularities.
'There is something obstructing her breathing, something not allowing her lungs to fill with air. She is only getting a little'
He looked around for the tie on her dress. He leaned her up and undid the small buttons up her back. He saw the strings of the corset. 'Hand me that' he said pointing to a golden letter opener on the nearby desk. 'Are you mad?' William asked handing it to him quickly. 'No I'm brilliant' he replied slashing the strings down her back. The corset became loose and she inhaled a deep breath coughing. The man let her loose and lay her back on he arm of the sofa. She opened her eyes and looked around the large room. 'Where?' she started noticing Will's face. He looked so worried that she stopped to ask another question. She felt the loose strings tickle at her back.
'What in...' She sat back abruptly. She stared at the stranger holding the letter opener.
'What are you doing?' She asked cautiously.
'My name is Jonathan. And I am releasing your corset.' He said bluntly waving the letter opener in the air as he dropped it on the desk. She felt chills run up her spine. Noticing her eyes growing wider with each word Will stepped up and pushed the man aside. 'He is my brother, you fainted and he was reviving you. It was completely harmless' he said trying his best to comfort her. Claira waited for an explanation from Jonathan. 'Yes completely harmless, it is nice to meet you Miss..' he paused for an answer.
'Miss Claira' she answered feeling her cheeks redden. 'Hello Miss Claira I hope to see more of you but I feel it is my duty to make sure the rest of the house is locked up' He said walking away smiling. Claira watched as his eyes moved along her face. His bright blue eyes and that dirty blond hair that hung loosely near his ears. He was dressed almost as casual as Will but the way he carried himself was very different. He recognized his power, the quality he had that made people long to know more.
'So that is the infamous Jonathan' she said grinning to herself, biting her lip slightly. Will had seen this look before, this intrigue this fascination and this caused him to pause.
'He is the brother you are always speaking about' she asked looking over at him. There was a long silence. 'Is it?' she repeated louder. He snapped out of his thoughts and looked back at her. 'Yes' he said quietly coming and sitting next to her. She took in a deep breath remembering running, running from the rain.
'Why did we rush here, and lock the gates?' She asked looking over at him with big eyes. He stared into them contently. 'I'm not at liberty to say but if anytime you are outside and it's about to rain get to the castle' He reached over and took her trembling hand. 'Why?' she asked licking her lips. Her mind was swimming with possibilities after all, what is so scary about rain? 'again I'm not allowed to say but its a matter of most importance that you follow this, your life depends on it' he answered. Clara nodded her head fervently watching the pools of blue that were his eyes soften with every word.
'You are in love' she declared. This caught him off guard he dropped her hand and scooted back all in one swift motion.
'and who is it that I am in love with?' he asked dreading the answer.
'I dont know. I just can see it in your face. You have happiness that only love struck man can have.'
'I am not in love, it's not possible.'
'not possible' she was cut off by another voice calling from an upstairs room. 'Here I'll leave you to change. I'll come to get you for dinner' He said coaxing his way out the room. He shut the double doors behind him. She stood up revealing a bare back and locked the door. She pulled out one of her many dresses and put it on quickly the room was cold and bare leaving her feeling naked even after she was fully clothed. She walked around the large room running her fingers over the many books reading names in Latin, Spanish, German, French, and many other languages she had never seen before. She pulled one out that seemed to stand out from the rest it stood tall among the other books and was brown leather with a long black ribbon tied around the binding. She opened leafing through the pages, till one caught her eye.
A picture of rain falling on the ground. People trying to run away. She was startled when a hand grabbed her shoulder.
'What are you doing here Miss' an elderly gentleman asked. He was dressed as a butler. 'Oh I am a friend of Will's' she said feeling as if she were explaining herself to a teacher. 'Yes I suppose he left you here alone, that boy never did quite grow up, did he?' the man said shaking his head disapprovingly. 'May I ask who you are?' she asked a little taken back by his words. 'I am William's grandfather, George Watsworth' he said proudly standing erect. His rigid posture and old sagging face left Claira feeling small. 'Oh well I'll be leaving you alone now.' She turned trying her best to dodge the old man.
'What is that in your hands?'
'I don't know'
'Where did you get that?' he asked sharply.
'From the shelf' she said shrinking even more.
'Give it to Me!' He snatched the book from her fingers. She let her hands fall to the side as she watched him slam the book shut. 'learn to mind your business and keep your mouth shut' he warned her walking towards the door. She felt anger rise inside her as she watched the gruff old man leaving. 'I did nothing wrong' she mumbled to herself walking over to the red velvet sofa and sitting down.
The day went by slowly. Claira spent almost all day in that room lounging on the sofa. She stood up and walked around the room before noticing another young woman enter through the door. She looked at Claira and smiled. 'Hello im Rebecca Burlington' she said holding out an elegant hand. Claira stood up quickly smile gracing over her full lips. 'Very nice to meet you Rebecca I'm Claira Abbingdale' she said proudly. It was so much fun to act as if her society were worth speaking of. She took her seat and offered Miss Burlington the opposing chair.
'How did you come to this side of the door?' Rebecca asked smiling and leaning back in her chair. 'I came with Will' she said casually trying not to sound like the child she felt like.
'Oh William! I would think so. He so often makes friends in the rain' She was trying her best to make Claira feel insignificant, and it was working like a charm.
'Yes well I'm only here for a short while. He asked me to come for a visit.' Claira explained feeling her heart sink.
'Did he inform you that we are to be married?' Rebecca smiled.
'Really, When? For some reason Claira's cheeks were burning and there was a feeling inside she couldn't explain.
'As soon as he would like. It's really up to him. Just as long as it's before his 21 birthday. Ever since I was born our parents had planned for us to marry.'
'Do you want to marry him?'
'Why not?' She answered laughing. The door swung open. Will walked in and looked around nervously.
'time for dinner'
'Oh William darling! I was just informing your friend Claira here about our prolonged engagement. She wishes to know when the special day is.' Rebecca stood up and walked towards him. He scratched the back of his head. 'I dont know.' He was staring at her with cold eyes. He looked over at Claira who's cheeks were red with embarrassment. 'Congratulations, I wish you two the very best.' Claira choked out and counterfeit smile on her trembling lips.
She stood and walked with them out the door and into the dining room. The atmosphere was much warmer there. They all sat one by one down a long table backs straight faces forward. Rebecca sat down next to Jonathan who seemed to leer at her. They sat in silence chewing on bits of lettuce.
'Your from Aunthenic? How is it over there, terribly cold I would think?' He asked waiting for an answer. Claira still staring at Will looked back at Jonathan.
'Yes, very cold at the moment. Though in summer we have lovely weather.' She answered smiling at him politely.
'So.. did you have a chance to meet our soon to be family member Rebecca?' he asked pointing to the young woman near William. Claira gave a cold glance towards the wench.
'Yes' she answered short.
'I hope she treated you with respect that she gives to all of us.' He said laughing.
'Yes of course, she was a perfect angel' Claira said sarcastically knowing no one would say anything about her new found tone.
'I was just telling her about how William and I are to be married.' She said squeezing Will's arm playfully. Claira rolled her eyes and thought to herself must she bring this up every minute.
'Oh, how smart of you Rebecca.'
'Thank-you Jonathan. I do so value your opinion.'
'Yes well I know you do. But not nearly as much as I value yours.'
Jonathan laughed at his sly remark. Rebecca rolled her eyes and began cutting her cucumber into smaller pieces. Claira watched Will before returning her glare down at her salad. Will watched Claira wanting to explain it all. But Jonathan on the other hand had his own agenda. He watched Claira out of the corner of his eye his lips curving into a sly smile.