Chapter 6
When Isabelle was back in her room, she sat on her bed and took a deep breath.
"He is scarred," she said to herself, "that is why he wears the mask."
She had wondered why he had worn the mask, but never pressed the issue, since he showed her such kindness. She thought about what his face looked like, and thought it wasn't that bad, you just had to take it in a moment. She felt bad seeing it in such an awkward way, and hoped he hadn't realized she did, in fact, see his face. Isabella lay down on her bed and fell asleep, thinking about what she had seen that evening.
Down at breakfast the next morning, Erik and Isabelle were even more quiet than usual. Erik was trying to think of a way to delicately mention last night, and what exactly she saw.
"I'm sorry about last night," Erik started.
"It wasn't your fault, you still thought it was your dream, I completely understand," Isabelle said, truthfully. Wondering if that's why Erik seemed so nervous.
"Do you like to read?" Erik asked suddenly, thinking the trip to the city could give him a better chance to get out what he meant to ask her.
"Yes, I do, but I haven't found any books that have interested me in the library," Isabelle replied. Perfect, Erik thought, they could go to the village's bookstore and buy some books and other things they might need.
"Would you like to accompany me to the village, and we can go to the bookstore?" Erik asked.
"Oh, I would love to!" Isabelle replied enthusiastically.
On the way to the village, the carriage ride was long and unbearable. Erik was unsure how to bring up the mask discussion, and decided to just get it over with as quickly as possible.
"Isabelle, what you might have seen last night--"
"Erik it is not a problem, I understand, and it does not bother me, in fact, if you wish you really do not need to wear it in my presence," Isabelle interrupted, knowing this was why he was so nervous. Erik's shocked expression made her smile. "I apologize if I was too abrupt, but I really see no need for the mask," she continued.
"Your offer is very kind, Isabelle, but the servants might object," he said coolly.
"The servants serve you, if you wish to be in your own skin, then they have no right to object," Isabelle replied simply, "and besides, it must be very uncomfortable."
"I'll think about it," Erik said lamely.
They had arrived at the bookshop and Erik helped Isabelle out of the carriage, and they made their way into the quaint shop. Erik needed to get some quills, paper, and envelopes while Isabelle looked at the books. He also needed to make a trip to the post office and pick up any mail they might have received. Erik felt like Isabelle might finally be able to break her shell, and start being more conversational. The thought didn't bother him as much as he thought it might in the beginning.
After Isabelle and Erik finished their shopping in the bookstore, they went to the post office. Erik told Isabelle to stay in the carriage. As Erik walked in, he noticed there were no townspeople inside. He went to the counter and found a cheerful looking man behind it.
"What can I help you with, monsieur?" He asked happily.
"I need the mail for the James residence, if there is any please," He answered.
"Of course, let me go check in the back room.
Isabelle had been sitting in the carriage when she heard a very familiar voice. Startled she peeked around and saw her uncle. Frightened she hastily got out of the carriage and rushed into the post office. Inside she saw Erik standing near the counter waiting for the mail.
"Erik!" She said breathlessly and clutched his sleeve; "my uncle is outside right now! We have to go, please!" She added frantically. Erik nodded and at that very moment the postman came out and handed him the mail, Erik quickly paid him and grabbed Isabelle by the arm and hurried out.
Once they were safely in the carriage and heading home, Isabelle let out the breath she had been holding. Erik noticed how stiff her posture was while they were slowly making their way through the town, then noticed when they reached the countryside, she let out a deep breath and her body relaxed.
"Are you all right, Isabelle?" Erik asked quietly.
"Now I am, I was so scared he'd find me, Erik," she told him.
"I promise as long as you're with me you will be unharmed and safe from your uncle," he told her, hoping she'd understand he'd never let harm touch her.
"Thank you, Erik," she said quietly, a small smile played her lips at what he said to her. Not because of what he said, but because of how he said it, and she knew from then on she was indeed, safe.