I smiled at the apothecary behind the counter as I closed the door. He was an older man who always looked stern, but those who came in here often knew he was kind.
"Mr. Wilson," I said as I approached the counter, pulling my gloves off my hands as I did.
"Lady Mazur," Mr. Wilson said with a cant of his head, "I can only guess you are here to settle the bill?"
I set my gloves on the counter and nodded, taking a list out of the clutch and handing it to him. "These too, please."
Mr. Wilson nodded and looked at the list before walking away to collect my items. I sighed and breathed in the smell of the shop. It always smelled clean and fresh, despite some of the items Mr. Wilson sold here.
"Is there a particular scent you would like?"
"Do you have anything with lavender?" I called out. Mr. Wilson made a noise but it wasn't exactly comprehendible. I waited for him to come back and toyed with the loose hair near my face. I wasn't exactly breaking any rules, but I was unaccompanied. I had a short window to get what I needed and to get back to the house.
"I think this is something you will like," Mr. Wilson said as he came back, holding a small vial in his hands. He unscrewed the top of it and held the top out towards me. "May I?"
I extended my wrist to him and he pressed the top against it gently. "You don't need much, just a dab on your wrist or your neck. Less is more," he explained. I lifted my wrist and took a short breath through my nose, smelling the oil on my skin.
It was pretty and light, but distinctly lavender with a hint of something else.
"Is it just lavender?"
"There is a little bit of lilac, orange peel, and sage. A new concoction," Mr. Wilson said.
"It's lovely. I'll take it, and the one I ordered for Lady Dragomir," I said as I took out the coins needed to pay. I was settling the bill for Ms. Ashford as well. Not that she knew that, but I was. I had made an arrangement with Mr. Wilson that if he gave the medicine to Mrs. Ashford at a lower price, I would pay the difference.
Mr. Wilson put all of my things into a cloth bag and took the money from me, counting out before putting it in the drawer.
"Have a pleasant evening, Mr. Wilson," I smiled as I put my gloves back on. Mr. Wilson smiled at me and nodded.
"You as well, Lady Mazur."
I took the bag and left, carefully closing the door behind me. I glanced up and down the street before stepping out into the street, staying close to the shadows. It was late and I didn't want to be caught out alone.
I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up and a chill run down my back. I was no longer alone. I took a hesitant glance behind me and found a man not far off.
I quickened my pace and clutched my bag to my chest, calculating in my head how far I was from the house.
"You shouldn't be out wandering at night, Rose. It's not safe for a lady like yourself."
I recognized the voice and glanced behind me again. There was a glow from a cigar or cigarette as the man brought it to his lips. I didn't say anything and kept walking, my eyes flitting around in the dark. I felt a little panicked knowing someone was following me.
I felt a sigh of relief when I saw the Dragomir house in sight, almost running to get to the door. I climbed the steps and slipped inside, catching another glimpse of the man. He stood at the bottom of the steps and watched as I closed the door. I spied through the small window and watched him turn and walk back the way we came, tossing the used paper to the ground.
I turned my back against the door and let out a breath, clutching my things against my stomach.
"Is everything alright?"
I looked at Pipa standing at the bottom of the stairs and gave her a small nod. "Yes."
"Are you sure? You look a little pale," she said crossing the foyer.
I nodded again and pulled my gloves off. "I'm fine. I should be getting dressed for bed."
I walked past Pipa and climbed the stairs quickly, dumping my bag on the bed and racing to get dressed for bed. I got dressed quickly and started pulling the pins from my hair, setting them on the dressing table.
"Where did you wander off to?"
I froze for a moment before turning, picking up the silk robe on the chair and draping it around me.
"Pardon?"
"You went out alone at night. Where did you go?" Andre asked from where he leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest. I took a glance at him and frowned. He was still dressed for the day, but his cufflinks were taken out and the top button of his shirt was loose. He was most likely in his study when I came home.
"The apothecary," I said as I tied the belt of the robe around my waist.
"It couldn't have waited until tomorrow?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"That's my business," I said seriously.
Andre raised his brows at me. "While you're under my roof and care, where you go is my business."
I licked my lips and crossed my arms loosely over my chest. "I had an order I forgot to pick up. I had already paid for half of it."
"And to pay for the Ashford girl."
I pursed my lips and shrugged. "It's my money. I can do what I please with it.
Andre shook his head and stood up, crossing the floor towards me. "I know that you are friends with Ashford, but you cannot continue to provide them charity. It's not acceptable, and it's misleading."
"If Milly doesn't get that medicine, she dies."
"That is not your problem, Rosemarie. It's time that you start acting like the lady that you are."
I fixed him with my gaze and gritted my teeth. I knew that there was logic and reason in his statements, but I didn't want to fight with him tonight. What I did wasn't his business when it came to my money.
"Good night, Andre," I said bluntly. Andre looked at me for a moment before nodding and leaving, heading towards the stairs. I waited a few moments before leaving my room, heading down the stairs and beelined for the kitchen.
I walked to the table in the middle of the kitchen and lifted the cover off the plate, finding a few fresh cookies on the plate. I grabbed a few and a glass of water before heading back up to my room. I had eaten dinner but was feeling a little hungry now. The cookies would tie me over until morning.
I padded back to the stairs while nibbling on a cookie. Laughter and bolstering was coming from one of the sitting rooms. Andre must be hosting guests. I made my way quickly towards the stairs, not wanting to be spotted out in my nightgown. I started climbing the stairs when someone spoke behind me.
"Oh, I apologize."
I turned and found Dimitri a few feet from the stairs, his back turned to me.
"It's alright. I wasn't aware Andre was entertaining," I said.
Dimitri nodded and I smiled to see that his hair was tied back again. I had only seen it down once or twice but I think I preferred it down. Having it tied back made him look older in a way, and more put together. I stepped down the stairs and came to a stop behind him.
"Andre asked me to go get another bottle of whiskey. But I don't quite recall where the cellar is," Dimitri explained and I nodded even though he couldn't see me. I glanced towards the sitting room and found the door shut. Andre must have been trying to keep the noise contained for Lissa and me.
I brushed my fingers against his back and he turned, keeping his eyes directly on mine.
"I can show you where the cellar is," I said softly, letting my fingers drift down his arm to his hand. Dimitri smiled at me and brushed his fingers with mine before letting me take his. I lead him towards the kitchen and turned before reaching it, heading down the stairs into the cellar.
Once we were inside I set my cookies and water down on a ledge and walked into the cellar. I knew the whiskey was at the back. I always hated the cellar. It was cold and dark and dank, never welcoming and always made me uncomfortable.
"It's down here," I said heading towards the back, finding the candle we kept down here and a striking stick. I lit the candle and carried it with me. I could hear Dimitri walk behind me, the sound of his shoes scuffing against the stone. My stone felt too cool against my feet and I curled them when I came to the shelf I wanted. I reached up and sighed when the bottle was just out of my reach.
I was about to turn and ask Dimitri when hands gripped my waist gently and lifted me. I gasped and one hand flew to one on my waist. Dimitri held me steady and I grabbed two bottles off the shelf and he set me back down. I blushed and turned to him, giving him a meek smile.
"You could have warned me," I breathed.
"Where would the fun in that be?" he said with a smirk, brushing a strand of hair from my face. I smiled at him wider and cleared my throat.
"Thank you."
"My pleasure," Dimitri replied softly. I closed my eyes as his fingers grazed my cheek, enjoying the closeness.
"Roza?"
"Hmm?"
"May I kiss you?" he asked, twisting locks of my hair around his fingers.
I smiled and opened my eyes. "You don't need to ask," I whispered.
"I do," he said, cupping my cheek in his hand. I tipped my head up towards him and accepted his kiss, tasting the whiskey on his lips. I stretched up on my toes and deepened it, awkwardly setting the whiskey bottles on a shelf below my elbow and wrapped my arms around his neck.
I wanted to kiss him longer but I knew that Andre could come looking for him. I let my hands wander over his cheeks before pulling back from him.
"We should get this whiskey back upstairs," I breathed, leaning in and pecking his lips again. Dimitri kissed the tip of my nose and caught my hand, bringing it up and kissing my palm. He smiled against my palm and breathed in. I could feel the short stubble starting to grow on his cheek against my palm and it was rough and scratchy, but ticklish at the same time.
"You smell lovely, Roza," Dimitri whispered against my palm. I shivered at the sensation of his lips on my skin.
"Thank you."
Dimitri took in another slow breath and let my hand go, squeezing it softly before it let his. I picked up the candle and Dimitri picked up the bottles, letting me walk first towards the stairs. I set the candle back in its place and picked up my evening snack, leading the way back up to the foyer.
"Roza?"
I turned towards Dimitri. "Yes?"
Dimitri smiled at me. "Thank you," he said lifting the bottles, "And sleep well."
I nodded. "Thank you. Good night, your Grace," I said with a smirk.
Dimitri raised a brow at me with an exasperated look. I giggled and shook my head, climbing up the stairs.
"Good night, Dimitri," I said as I got to the top, turning to look at him again. Dimitri winked at me and headed towards the sitting room. I smirked to myself and walked towards my room, biting my lip as I went.
"You're very quiet today," Dimitri stated as we walked. I blinked up at him and gave him a weak smile. Summer tea parties were becoming a popular event, and there was a party almost every day. It was good for some, but I was starting to get tired.
Mostly tired of having to dress so proper all the time. If I could get away with wearing trousers and my hair down and loose, I would in a heartbeat. I could do that at my family's manor, but here, it was skirts and petticoats.
"Was it last night? Did I overstep?"
I shook my head. "No, of course not. To be honest, I feel a little homesick. I miss my parents," I explained while kicking a stone out of my way. "I didn't think I'd miss them as much as I do. But I haven't been apart from my parents in a long time. I know it sounds childish."
"It doesn't sound childish," Dimitri returned, "When I was away at University, I wrote to my mother weekly. I missed her terribly. It isn't childish, it's a normal emotion."
"You did?" I asked, looking up at him.
"I did," he said earnestly, "Your parents will be home soon."
I nodded and sighed. "I enjoyed last night, just so you know."
Dimitri chuckled and nodded his head. "I did too. And everyone enjoyed the whiskey," he said, looking like the cat that caught the canary.
"Tell me something about yourself. I feel as though I don't know much about you," I said, changing the topic to suitable subjects for public ears.
"What do you want to know?" Dimitri asked.
I thought about it for a moment, even making a grand gesture by putting my finger on my chin. It made him laugh.
"What is your favourite treat?"
Dimitri smirked. "Now that is not an answer I can say."
"Why not?"
Dimitri stopped and turned towards me, angling himself so he was standing almost in front of me. I looked up at him and raised my brows, not sure what treat it could be.
"It's not so much the treat, but the taste," he said in a low voice, his eyes darkening as he spoke. I furrowed my brows at him before scoffing and smacking him lightly with my fan.
"Dimitri!" I hissed, partly out of embarrassment and bashfulness.
Dimitri smirked and turned to walk again. "My favourite baked treat has to be baked apples. My mother makes them with spices."
I blushed furiously as we walked, trying to calm the fluttering in my chest. I couldn't believe that he would say something so bold in public. Actually, I could believe it, but I was still a little surprised.
"Your turn," Dimitri said as we passed by a group of ladies and their mothers. A few of them glanced and giggled at Dimitri before their antics tapered off seeing me in step with him. I had gotten used to the looks of disdain at my presence with him.
"I do have something, to be honest about," I said.
"Oh?"
"I don't actually like roses," I said shyly, "I prefer gladiolus and lilies."
"Really?"
I nodded. "I've never really liked them. Well, aside from the one you gave me. It was beautiful."
Dimitri's lips quirked to the side. "I'm thankful I did not send you more roses."
I snorted a laugh behind my hand. "I am too. Then I wouldn't need to throw them away. You would not believe how many men have sent me roses, even while I am not entered society. It's astonishing. And a little overwhelming. It makes me head from the smell," I explained.
"Yes," Dimitri said, "Ivan mentioned he had sent you flowers," Dimitri gritted out. I looked up at him and smiled sympathetically. It seemed as though Lord Zeklos, Ivan, enjoyed taunting Dimitri. Even while I had made it clear I had no intention or interest in Ivan, he liked to poke the bear.
It became concerning when Andre had brought it up, asking if anything was happening between us. I had practically choked on my breakfast while shaking my head.
"Don't be jealous. I don't keep any of them. Although, if someone did I would," I said leadingly, looking up at him under my lashes.
"Duly noted, moya lyubovʹ," Dimitri said softly, letting his finger brush my arm as we walked closer to allow others to pass. I looked up at him with raised brows. He had said things before in Russian but I had never been able to understand it, aside from my name.
"What does that mean?"
"It's a term of endearment," he said softly, leading me towards the hedge maze that was the showcase of the party. You had to make your way through the maze to get to the refreshments. It seemed a little cruel with how hot and humid it was, but it gave me more time to converse with Dimitri privately. Privacy I had wanted so I could tell him that the harmless feelings I had developed were turning into something more. Something that equally excited me and terrified me.
"Dimitri?"
Dimitri stopped to give me his full attention. I could feel my heart fluttering in my chest and excitement filled me. I laughed nervously and began to speak but we were interrupted. I felt that every time I tried to tell him lately, we were interrupted.
"Belikov!"
I groaned to myself. Of course, it was Andre. He was the biggest intruder lately.
"Dragomir," Dimitri returned kindly, but I could see he was irritated by being interrupted.
"You never gave me an answer for this evening. A simple game of cards and cigars? I promise I won't send you to get lost in the house again."
I raised my brows at Andre and canted my head. He had been entertaining gentlemen frequently. Almost nightly the last few weeks. Some of them were bachelors I had seen Lissa converse with in the past, but I couldn't bring myself to ask him why.
Dimitri glanced at me out of the corner of his eye and then at Andre. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it."
"Great. I need your opinion on the character of Lord Drozd."
Dimitri nodded curtly and said that he would help. Andre nodded as well with an impressed smile before noticing me. I smiled at him but it wasn't a true smile. I wasn't sure what he was up to, but I knew it wasn't anything good. Andre smiled at me and made an excuse to go and speak with another gentleman lingering nearby. I watched him walk away and let Dimitri lead me further through the hedge garden before turning on him once we were alone again.
"What exactly is Andre saying when he meets with all of these suitors?"
Dimitri cleared his throat. "That is hardly appropriate conversation, Rose."
I blew a breath out of my nose. "I think that we are hardly in a position to tell each other what is and is not appropriate conversation. If I'm not mistaken, we took liberties we each other in the cellar last night when I should have been in bed."
Dimitri took my arm and pulled me towards the hedges and bent his head down.
"Roza. This is not the time or place for this conversation."
"I think that it is. If Andre is trying to force Lissa's hand, then she should know. What if it were me, would you not want to warn me?"
Dimitri raised a brow at me and smirked. "That is not the same circumstance, but yes, I would tell you. I just cannot tell you here. All I can say here is that Andre is trying to press a suitor to propose. I will explain more later," Dimitri said carefully leading me back onto the path.
I glanced up at him and changed the topic to better. "How is your sister doing with her choices? She seems to be catching many eyes."
Dimitri made a disgruntled noise that made me laugh. "Viktoria has made many impressions. I am biased on the subject. I do not wish to see my sister married off at such a young age. But it is my mother's and Viktoria's wishes."
"Is it so strange for Viktoria to be in society? I mean, if my parents were home, I would have entered officially."
Dimitri nodded and clasped his hands behind his back. "That is true. And we would not be in his predicament."
"What predicament?"
Dimitri smirked to himself. "Roza, if I say the words out loud, I will not be able to help myself."
I raised my brows at him but knew that he had merit in his words. Sometimes it was best to leave topics be, especially when we both knew why he choose not to continue. I suspected that his words would be similar to words I had wanted to say.
The wind was refreshing in the sunny heat, ruffling my hair across my face. I brushed it back and shook my hair away, trying to get it free of my face. I had a love-hate relationship with my hair. I loved my long dark tresses, but they were constantly in my way. It was the only upside of being expected to wear my hair up during events. At least it was out of my face.
"You wore your hair down today," Dimitri noted as we circled back to the main tea party. I hummed to myself.
"Yes. Though I am regretting it. It is particularly windy today. I should have worn it up," I said off-handedly, tucking my hand behind my ears. I flicked my eyes around the party and spotted Lissa looking slightly forlorn where she sat, Miss. Ozera not far off from her.
"How well do you know Miss. Ozera?"
"Rose."
"Please?"
Dimitri pulled a chair out for me and I sat, kindly smiling at him. Dimitri sat across the table and poured tea into my cup.
"What is it exactly that you want to know?"
I chewed on my lip and twisted the linen serviette in my hands. "What is her character? I've noticed that Lissa has had her in her company many times in the past weeks. I've heard gossip."
"Much of that is farse. You should know that gossip is simply that," Dimitri said.
"Even if it was brought to me by one that we both know and trust?"
"I do not believe that this can continue," Lissa said exclaimed, slamming the door to my room shut. I gasped away and felt irritated at Lissa for disrupting my dream. It was quite scandalous and inappropriate, but I was enjoying it. I had begun to enjoy the feel of Dimitri's lips and had imagined what they would feel like on skin that had not been seen or touched before.
My imagination was running away with me.
"Pardon?" I asked through a yawn.
Lissa stomped across the room and flung herself down on the bed beside me. I shuffled over to give her more room. Lissa rolled around and rested her head on my pillow, huffing and muttering to herself as she did.
"Andre!"
"What about him?"
"He has all but promised me to Aaron Drozd! How could he? I will not accept a proposal from him! I refuse."
I blinked and sighed. My dream was fleeting from my memory and I turned my head to look at her. I had had a bad feeling about this. Lissa's nature and Andre's would clash because they were the same. They both were headstrong and determined. This was not going to go in either favour.
"I know that you like Christian," I began but was interrupted.
"I'm in love with him," Lissa said sternly. "I have never felt a connection to someone the way I feel with him. I will not marry anyone else. I'd rather die."
I rolled onto my side and tucked my hand under my head. "Don't you think that it is time to make your relations with Christin known to Andre? I think that if you pushed hard enough and proved how much the two of you care for each other, he might see reason. You've been courting privately all summer."
Lissa shook her head to herself and ran her hand over her face. "I don't think so."
"At least try?" I pleaded, "I know that if you went behind Andre's back and accepted a proposal from Christian, he'd be furious and you'd hate that he was so angry with you."
I could hear Lissa gritting her teeth and she pursed her lips. "Fine."
I leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Thank you! Now, please let me go back to sleep!"
Lissa rolled her eyes and pulled herself off the bed, picking up my pillow in the process and dropping it on my face.
"No. It's time to get up. Andre accepted an invite on our behalf and I'm dreading it. It's pouring outside. Get up and eat. Empty stomach Rose is not a friendly Rose," she said as she floated from my room. I huffed under the pillow and pulled it off my head.
I tossed the pillow to the floor before dragging myself from bed. I pulled the curtain back from the window with a grimace. Lissa was right. It was raining like it was God's will and only plan. I groaned and made my way to my dressing room. As I passed my bed I caught a scent and stopped. It was particular and faint, but I knew it.
There on my bedside table laid a simple long steamed lily. I smiled to myself and picked up the steam, twirling the stem between my fingers and smelled it. I noticed a note tucked against my blanket where my pillow was.
I glanced behind me to make sure I was alone and unfolded the paper.
Wear it down.
I felt my grin grow on my cheeks and I brought the paper with me as I walked into my dressing room, carefully tucking my treasured note into the draw with my delicates.
