The small town was full of rumors about the new master of the estate on the outskirts of the town. Many claimed that he was old and gray, a disfigured veteran. Others that they are a transvestite or other undesirable. But the truth was no one saw the new lord of the manor.
But the truth is, I am but a corpse in appearance. I cannot bear to think of what they would say if they did see me. Ah, how I loathe simple humanity. This loathing stems and rises from deep within my ancient soul. They do not know how lucky they really are.
They have come once again to the front door of my house. How many times must I remind the groundskeeper to keep the gates shut? I shall have a talk with M. Claren. Or rather have Papillon talk with him, as he is rather afraid of my presence. Heh. I thought humanity was past those silly superstitions. I guess not.
"Papillon," I call out.
"Yes, milady?" She replies hastily.
"I see that people are at the door again," I remark icily, drawing out my words to emphasize what I am saying. "Would you please tell them to leave?"
"Yes, my Lady."
Where did that come from? I certainly was not taught to be so cold! I look out my window, and see the people, the gawkers, the reporters, at the door. They all want one thing: to see me. Why? Would they really want to still if they saw me? Or would they scream in horror as my mother and father did when I was born, and my soul remembers?
I start to cry. This is not who I am supposed to be! Grandpapa told me so! He always told me to ignore the populace, as they tend to be ignorant of what they consider outsiders. In fact, if you feel you must hide, then hide behind a mask, not solitude. I can hear Papillon answering the door. This is not what I want, I think to myself. Time to get this over with.
"Madame Tolet," I cry out from the top of the stairs.
"Yes, my Lady?" She is surprised at my change in attitude.
"I have changed my mind," I say as I step into the light of the landing atop the grand staircase. I have a mask on. A powerful one it is, but very, very old. I do not know how it came to be in my family, but it is an heirloom, nonetheless. The mask itself is black, trimmed with gold leaf. It covers all but my lower lips and chin, the only part of my face to look somewhat normal, albeit still very bony.
"You shall let them in. I shall see one at a time in the library," I finish and then head to the library, one of my favorite rooms in the house. The other, of course, being the music room—my soul yearns for music. Let the fun begin….