Treasures

Chapter 3

Tohru placed a smile on her face, bowing her head, motioning him to the house."Please come this way." said Tohru, leading him and his companion into the house. She seated him in the livingroom, leaving him in the company of his friend. She silently walked to the mistress's rooms, knocking softly on the door."Madame Arnold, a man is here to see you and the Master." said Tohru, curtsying to the woman, as she dressed.

"I see, who is it?"asked Mrs.Arnold, rising her eyebrows sharply. Tohru kept her head bowed, looking at her mistress's feet."A Mr.Shigure, madame, he's waiting in the livingroom." said Tohru, as she slowly raised her head. Madame Arnold's head rose sharply, her eyes sharping to the formiliar name.

"I see, please tell Mr.Shigure to wait for a few moments, and I will get Mr.Arnold, alright, now go."said Mrs. Arnold, ushering Tohru from the room. Tohru quickly walked down the hall, her shoes clapping loudly against the wood floors. She silently entered the livingroom, curtsying once again to the strange man.

"The mistress has gone to get him." Tohru said carefully, schooling her features to a polite vacant look. Shigure nodded slightly, running his hand through his hair. Tohru looked around the room, her dark eyes wandering over the furniture."Would you and your companion like something to drink?"asked Tohru, casting her eyes to the small counter in a corner. Shigure nodded, a smile crossing her face.

"That would be delightful, thank you young miss."said Shigure, as he watched her cross the room in five quick steps, dodging the coffee table in the middle of the floor. He watched her pour the golden liquid into crystal glasses, careful not to spill a drop of the fluid. She quickly crossed the room, handing the two men glasses of the strange liquid. Shigure nodded his head politely to her, sipping the golden fluid."Tell me young miss, what were you doing at the market place?"asked Shigure, placing his glass on a nearby table. Tohru blushed slightly, coverng her cheek with her delicate hand.

"I was getting some vegetables, and a few other things, sir."said Tohru, her head bent. Shigure nodded at her reply, smiling at her shy attitude. Mr.and Mrs. Arnold stepped into the room, their usually silent shoes clapping the floor.

"Shigure welcome, what brings you here to the Carribean?"asked the duke, shaking the younger man's hand.

Shigure let a small smile play across his lips, as he kissed the duchess's hand, his dark eyes looking at her teasingly and seductively.
"Only the most important business would bring me here."said Shigure, seating himself in a chair. The duchess touched her hand, a slight blush spreading across her cheeks, as she sat next to her husband."There has been a disturbance in the colonies."

The duke and duchess looked at him, their eyes bulging from their sockets. But Tohru listened intently, hanging on his every word."Is it really true, sir?"asked Tohru, overcome by her excitement that she did not notice the duchess's hand fly to her face. Tohru was cast to the ground, holding her red cheek.

"Shut up, you insolent girl, you are nothing but street scum, get out of my sight this minute!" yelled the duchess, pointing toward the door. Tohru struggled to her feet, still clutching her burning cheek.

Shigure looked over at the retreating maid, standing from his seat and walking quickly to her side."Are you alright, young miss?"asked Shigure, taking the sobbing maid in his arms. Tohru nodded her head against his chest, allowing her tears to fall."Mr.Arnold, I would like to ask your maid something."said Shigure, casting a sideway glance at the snobby couple."Would you like to come work for me, you maiden?"asked Shigure, silently waiting for her reply. Tohru slowly nodded her head, wipping her eyes, with her sleeve. Shigure gently took a hankercheif from his pocket, wipping her red, puffy eyes."Go gather your things."