Serena looked different with a corset on. She definitely looked much more like a woman, despite her being only eleven years old. Her waist appeared much slimmer. "You have grown a bit, have you not?" she said and got closer to him to compare heights.
Daniel did actually notice that Serena seemed to be smaller than he remembered, but he hadn't noticed that he had grown before she mentioned it. Maybe everyone around him were growing as well, that's why he didn't notice.
This summer Serena didn't have time for meeting as much as usual. She blamed her governess Miss Farrell for following her around wherever she went, but Daniel had seen the arrangements and the many visitors around her parents' mansion. Things were apparently also changing for Serena's family, and she was much busy keeping up with it.
But Daniel was so busy himself due to working on Henry's clubhouse that he almost didn't notice Serena's absence. It was very strange. Things seemed to be disappearing or broken every time he came back to continue the building. It must have been the animals in the woods.
Besides, Daniel also had to take care of the studio. John went out a lot these days, and no one knew where to. At least he was in a better mood, so Daniel and Hazel didn't complain. In fact, John went out so much that he even had Daniel run the business alone. "You're becoming a man now," he had said, "It's time you learn to keep the store by yourself."
Daniel had just bitterly thought of it as an excuse for John to not take care of the shop himself. But as always he simply agreed with his father, for objections were never a good idea.
So a sunny day in early July, he found himself in the studio cleaning, dusting off some of the sculptures and organizing the blueprints and sketches his father had drawn. He was not allowed to build anything himself without his father's supervision.
It was rare for John to have a customer, for no one ever really went to the village when they wanted to buy anything. The business had been running much better back when they had the store in the Canterbury centre, not too long from the Buttermarket. But once in a while a local would show up and buy one of the many fine furnitures and sculptures Daniel and John had on display.
Daniel was admittedly bored. After having cleaned and organized everything, there actually wasn't anything to do. There was a long wait between customers. He always made sure to bring a couple of his books, so that he had something to pass the time with.
Sometime later on in the noon, a customer came by. There had been three potential customers already, but only one of them had bought a small jar, so Daniel didn't have high expectations when he heard the bell in the studio's shop ring.
He looked up from his book without much interest, only to almost fall out of his chair in shock. "Sere- Miss da Silva! I mean, can I help you, miss?"
Serena giggled, "You don't have to call me that, Daniel, neither my parents, sisters nor Miss Farrell are with me."
Daniel stood up from his chair. "Why are you here? You're not supposed to come to the village!"
Serena shrugged and held up a small pouch in her hand with a smile. "Perhaps I came to buy something?"
The older boy stared at the money pouch, biting his lip. If Serena came as a customer, he could not deny her service. Sneaky gal. "Well," he said, trying not to grin too widely, "If you came to buy something, then I shall not rush you out of the store."
Serena looked around the shop. She then sent Daniel a mischievous smile. "You have so many wonderful things," she said, slowly walking further into the store, "I might have a hard time deciding what I want, so I will probably have to stay a while to figure it out." She picked up a small but pretty sculpture of a couple of cuddling turtle doves. "And I will need a good professional view to help me make a final decision."
Daniel felt that the look she sent him was saying something much less innocent than her words. She didn't wear her hair up today. She usually didn't, but it was looking really nice and voluminous just now. It had gotten long. Sometimes it was very straight and elegant, other times it was big and wavy and cute. Daniel found he really liked the way Serena looked.
"Well…" he said with a playful smile, "I guess I'll just have to give you the best service that I can."
She looked at him with a big smile. A moment later the two of them embraced each other tightly, holding on to one another as if letting go would mean that they would lose each other forever. It was first then that Daniel actually realised how much he had grown. Serena only reached to his nose now. She seemed to fit perfectly in his embrace.
Serena stuck around the whole day. She helped cleaning out, but she was forced to hide behind the desk every time a customer showed up. Of course she got very annoyed with Daniel, but even she could tell that one of the locals would be shocked to find a nice looking girl with an exquisite dress in a dusty old shop.
"So you say that you cannot get rid of your governess?" Daniel said while counting up the money in the cash register.
"Yes! It is so annoying!" Serena scoffed, resting her head on her palm, "I don't even know why she's still here! I mean, I am going to school anyway, so why keep her? She is not teaching me anything, she just keeps an eye on me and tells me that I am not allowed to do anything!"
Daniel wondered how Serena even managed to get rid of her governess at all. The girl must've had a lot of dirty tricks up her sleeve. "That is strange. Why don't you talk to your parents about it?"
Serena sighed. "Because I do know why they keep her," she said, "It is because they want someone to keep an eye on me. It is as if they don't trust me, yet they always tell me that I am so mature for my age." She rolled her eyes, adding, "And then also because she and my mother like to chat and gossip!"
She fell silent. Daniel thought of what she said while he finished up and put the money back in the drawer. Then he looked at Serena, "Is your family going through a lot of changes?"
She frowned, looking down at her fingers stroking the surface of the desk she sat by. "I guess…" she mumbled, "I don't know… I think so. My mother is observing me a lot these days. And Regina has come of age, so she also gets a lot of attention; even more so than me."
Serena looked up at Daniel with wide eyes, as if she just remembered something. "That reminds me – I will not be staying in Canterbury for as long as usual this year!"
Daniel felt upset. "Why not?" he said with disappointment.
She got a bitter expression on her face. "Because there apparently is to be some social event back in London that Regina and Jem have to attend! But I cannot even join them, for even though I have reached 'womanhood', I am still not old enough!"
"Calm down, princess," Daniel said and patted her shoulder, "Soon it'll be your turn, too!"
Serena sighed. "Yes, someday," she said dreamily, "Someday I will be able to dance with a tall and beautiful man, whom I will marry afterwards."
Daniel shook his head with a smile. Serena was such a girl sometimes. It was quite amusing. Daniel himself had not even considered if he wanted to get married yet, but marriage to a perfect husband was Serena's dream. "So when are you going home?"
She looked at him apologetically. "The day after your birthday," she said, "So that is when we will have to say goodbye."
He took her hand. "Not goodbye," he said, "Until next summer."
It really was too bad that neither Daniel nor Serena had much time to see each other. They only managed to meet up a few times through the summer, and July passed by too quickly. Before Daniel even had a chance to look around, it was his birthday. He woke up feeling both sad and excited. He didn't know if he was ready to say goodbye just yet, but at least they were spending the day together doing the best thing, Daniel could think of – and it had even been Serena's idea.
Daniel and Serena walked across the fields, heading for the outskirts of Canterbury. Serena had brought an even larger basket than usual, with not only cake but also sandwiches and beverages; they were going to have a picnic. She also carried a beautiful bouquet of flowers from her mother's garden that she herself had plucked.
Serena struggled with walking through the tall grass. "It is impossible to move a leg without tripping here!" she groaned.
"You complain too much, princess," Daniel laughed.
"Why do you suddenly insist on calling me that?" She nudged his shoulder. The blush on her face suggested that she was very fond of the nickname, though.
He merely said, "Because you are one."
Serena didn't object to that statement. She turned to look at her feet again to make sure she didn't trip over herself. "I hope we will be there soon."
Daniel pointed with a smile, "We are."
The hill was not too high nor steep, but it seemed to tower over them as they got closer. Daniel assisted Serena in ascending it, and soon they reached the top with the big, beautiful ash tree. A lone headstone resided underneath it.
The two adolescents fell silent to pay their respects. The wind was a bit colder up here, but the sun was shining so brightly that they didn't notice. After a while of silence, Serena bowed down in front of the stone and placed the flowers.
Daniel looked at her. The wind tangled in her hair, playfully toying with it. He knew that he had been right to bring her here. His mother was approving.
He walked forward and put an arm around Serena. She turned towards him and they embraced each other. Not because they had to say goodbye or were going to miss each other, just because they wanted to.
All of Serena's food had been very delicious. Daniel was going to miss it. He doubted that Serena made any of it herself, but it was still a lot better than his own cooking.
The sun hung low now. He knew it meant that Serena would have to go soon. But he didn't want her to, so he didn't mention it even though it was the only thing he could think of.
"I hope that my new class will be much better," she said. Her eyes studied the beautiful tombstone. It held such great detail that only a master could produce. Daniel's father had stayed up all night, carving it himself the same day that Evelyn died before he went to bury her. It was safe to say that both blood, sweat and tears had gone into it.
"I hope so, too," Daniel said, "If they don't treat you well, I'll make them regret it."
Serena turned to look at Daniel, laughing. "And how do you suppose you are going to do that? You are not exactly the most intimidating character I know."
Daniel pouted unintentionally. Hearing Serena say that she didn't have faith in his strength hurt his pride a great deal. "I am strong!" he said in his defence.
She merely dismissed him, "Of course you are, Daniel."
He felt his heart drop. How was he going to prove to her that he was a man? He hadn't expected her to be doubtful of his abilities – but suddenly he thought of something. "It's true," he said, "I beat up one of my classmates more than a year ago. The bully of the class."
Serena's eyes widened and she looked at Daniel again. He was much more content with that expression on her face. "Really? Why?"
"He was harassing Hazel," Daniel said nonchalantly, refraining from telling her that Henry was in fact also harassing him.
"That's horrible!"
"Yes, very," Daniel nodded, feeling slightly better.
Serena nodded with an impressed look on her face. "I guess you really are strong."
"Of course I am!" he said, sending her an annoyed glare.
Serena didn't respond to it, but merely leaned her head on Daniel's shoulder. "I have to go soon."
Those were the inevitable words that Daniel had wanted to avoid. He swallowed, "Yes."
"Promise me that you will think of me every day."
Daniel looked at her at that comment. He already was, but he was not about to tell her that. "I will."
For a short while they sat quietly, but then Serena stood up and dusted the dirt of her skirt. "Now, help me clean up!" Daniel reluctantly complied.
The two of them spent a good amount of time putting everything back in the basket – much more time than they actually needed. But they would see each other again, and with that reassurance Daniel managed to let go of Serena.
The school started again. To most boys it was a drag, but not Henry. In school, he was the one in charge. Everyone feared him. He hated the vacations, hated staying at home. He glared at the back of Daniel's head. His hair looked nice, not dirty like Henry's. Nothing about Daniel was dirty or filthy. The boy washed himself so often it could barely be healthy.
"For the crimes of adultery, incest and treason, Anne Boleyn was locked up in the royal quarters of the Tower, where she was to await her execution," Mr. Harrison said, "A convict never really stood a chance during trials. Even if she were innocent, the judges would most certainly have had her sentenced anyway."
Daniel reached his hand in the air. Henry narrowed his eyes.
Mr. Harrison lit up, just like he always did when his favourite student had something to add. "Yes, Mr. Wilkinson?"
"Since there was little evidence of Anne Boleyn having committed such crimes, it could be argued that the real reason for her execution was her inability to give birth to a son," Daniel said, "King Henry VIII's patience ran up after several miscarriages, and he needed a male heir for the throne. Besides, it seemed that the king had already lost interest with Anne and started seeing Jane Seymour, so most likely the accusations were just an excuse for King Henry to be rid of her."
Mr. Harrison nodded with an impressed and satisfied look on his face. "Very good, Wilkinson," he said, "You have a keen eye."
Daniel always excelled in history. It was as if he just couldn't keep his disgustingly clean hands from shooting up into the air whenever Mr. Harrison asked a question, and even when he didn't.
Henry hated it. He hated how Daniel shined and he didn't. Why was Daniel so good at everything? Why did he impress everyone? Why was he so clean, why was his hair so nice? Why was he so kind? He didn't have to be. No one was kind to him.
Henry fisted his hands. Daniel shouldn't have it that easy. He wouldn't allow it. It was not fair.
The haunt was looking splendid. Daniel was almost completely done. Soon he would be out of Henry's so-called debt.
If he got to finish it, that was.
The whole pack was making a lot of noise. The boys were not the sharpest tools in the shed. They did anything Henry told them to, following him because he was the strongest. They were as submissive as animals. They didn't see the whole picture, only what was right in front of them. They had brought hammers, bats and axes. Henry didn't care where they had gotten the dangerous tools, all that was important was that they had done as he said.
They all thought that it was a great idea. None of them had bothered to ask why Daniel was building this in the first place, so Henry hadn't had to reveal the boy's secret yet. Not that he would keep quiet if anyone were to ask, anyway.
That was another thing fuelling Henry's hatred. The girl. What was she doing with Daniel? Why was she not Henry's secret friend? She was way too good for Daniel.
The anger made Henry roar as he smashed the cudgel into the small house. The other boys merely laughed and cheered as they continued to demolish Daniel's hard work.
Henry breathed heavily. The clubhouse was completely destroyed. Justice had been served.
The book slammed down into the table right in front of Daniel. "Here, use this."
Daniel looked up at his father with a frown. "But why? What do you need it for?"
John didn't look at Daniel. "Don't ask so many questions, just do as you're told." The boy didn't have the chance to question further. His father turned around and walked out the front door. It slammed shut with a bang. As usual, Daniel had no idea where the man was going.
He looked down at the book again. His fingers lingered over the surface for a bit, caressing the dusty front cover. This book had not been used for more than ten years. He had not expected his father to still have it.
Daniel opened the book and flicked through the pages. There were patterns for everything, from small handkerchiefs and gloves to big formal dresses. This was Evelyn's old tailoring book. She had always trusted it to contain any information she needed to sew whatever her customers asked her to.
John had asked Daniel to make him a suit. A really nice one, the kind of suit that gentlemen wear. It would take a lot of work. Daniel had no idea what he wanted to use it for. He wasn't even that good at tailoring, he didn't manage to learn much before Evelyn died.
But Daniel trusted his father. Whatever he needed it for, it must have been important – so he would do as he wished.
Daniel filled the inhaler with the steaming hot water. The house was quiet. John wasn't home.
Hazel looked at the ceramic inhaler. She was tired of it. It was impractical and took such a long time to prepare. It didn't help her illness one bit. Everything was changing. She didn't like it. It was as if something bad was waiting right around the corner. Daniel couldn't see it, he was too caught up in Serena and bonding with Father.
That was the thing. Daniel was so caught up in everything around him. Hazel felt more forgotten than ever. She was not in that world that Daniel was so excited about. She was not part of the outside world.
"Here, Hazel," Daniel said and moved to place the mouthpiece for Hazel.
She stared at the inhaler as it neared her mouth, but she kept it shut. Daniel frowned. "What's wrong, Hazel? You need to breathe in the steam!"
"Why?" she exclaimed, losing her patience, "To cure my illness? It's not helping!"
Daniel looked shocked. He lowered the inhaler.
Hazel's eyes welled with tears. "I'm not stupid, Danny," she said, "I know I am going to die."
"Now, that's not true," Daniel said, but he didn't look her in the eyes. She saw how he fisted his hands as she spoke those words.
"Then, why won't you look at me?" she whispered, her shoulders shaking.
Daniel immediately looked up at Hazel, but that only confirmed her suspicions even more. She felt an unbearable agony by the realisation that what she feared most was actually true. She was no longer able to keep from crying. "Daniel..."
He put the inhaler down on the bed stand, grabbing her shoulders. "Hazel, look at me!" he said determined. She did, but her eyes were so glazed her vision became blurred. "You are not going to die! I won't allow that!"
"But that is not for you to decide!" Hazel said, her voice high, "God decides who lives! And I am not strong enough!"
"Hazel, listen," he said, placing both his hands on each side of her face and resting his forehead on hers, "The Lord decides, but He is also merciful. I have been praying every night since you were born, and He has not taken you away from me. He has given you His strength, and you need to utilise it. Fight for me, Hazel."
Hazel didn't answer. She just kept crying, letting all of her inner fears and complexes and heartache out. She grasped onto Daniel's shirt, and he put his arms around her with the sort of supportive reassurance that only an older brother could give. "Hush," he said and rocked her, "I will not let you die, Hazel. I promise."
His whole body became numb when he saw it. He dropped the pieces of wood he was carrying. A ball of ice formed in his stomach. How could this have happened? After all of his hard work...
The house was ruined. He had almost been done. This could not have been the work of the forest animals. Someone had sabotaged him.
Daniel had fallen to his knees in hopelessness when he returned to continue his work on the clubhouse. He quickly gave up on trying to rebuild it. It was too damaged. He needed to start completely over, and it just wasn't worth it. He hoped that Henry might forget about it, since it had almost been a year since he asked him to do it. Perhaps he didn't need it now, anyway. Maybe he wouldn't care any more.
But Daniel was not that fortunate.
"Hey, Wilkinson!"
Daniel turned around in the school yard. Henry approached him quickly. For a minute he wondered if he could make a run for it, but before he could even consider his chances of succeeding, Henry grabbed his arm. "How is my haunt coming along?" he said with that idiotic smile of his. His breath stank.
Daniel felt his heart sink down to his stomach. "I-I really don't know what happened, Henry, but it's completely wrecked! I swear, I was almost done, I'm so sorry..."
Henry merely laughed. That was when he realisation hit him like a splash of cold water. Daniel's eyes widened in disbelief. "It was you..." he whispered.
"I guess you will just have to start over, right, Danny-boy?" Henry said, patting Daniel's shoulder, "Lest I should accidentally tell someone about your little secret?"
Daniel didn't answer. He merely stared at Henry, hands fisted, blood boiling.
Daniel found he really enjoyed needlework. It reminded him of when his mother was alive, how she had taught him how to handle the sewing and told him fairy tales.
Of course, Daniel's highest priority following work, school and the studio lay in getting Henry's clubhouse done. Hazel hadn't had a serious seizure for a very long time, so he trusted that she could take care of herself while he was busy.
After having removed all of the ruined parts of the house – which was basically all that he had built so far – he started reconstructing the foundation. It didn't take him as long this time; he had definitely gotten more handy with the craft. Midway through November he had finished it. Now he just had to start over with building up the walls and roof; the part that took the longest time. It certainly didn't help that he had so many other chores on his hands.
Honestly, Daniel was quite exhausted. With school, work, the studio, caring for Hazel, the clubhouse and the suit for his father, there wasn't much time to rest. It seemed like he always had something to attend to. He just wanted a break. At least the suit was done now.
November rain was pouring outside. The weather in England was so erratic. Just a week ago the sun had been shining, but it changed in the blink of an eye and it had been raining cats and dogs ever since. He eyed the pieces of fabric that was now turned into a shirt, blazer and a pair of trousers. He had never thought he would actually manage to finish it so soon. Maybe it was in his genes.
Daniel had gotten money from John to buy the fabric. It was really expensive, but John wanted it to be the finest. He didn't know why his father suddenly was fine with using a lot of money, but he was not one to interfere with his business.
He had been in such awe when he had measured him. John was a true man. He was over six feet in height, he had very broad shoulders and broad chest as well, and both his arms and legs were big and muscular. Compared to John's large biceps, Daniel's arms were nothing but sticks. He wanted to be as masculine as his father. He wanted muscular arms and legs. Why was he so skinny?
Daniel pursed his lips by the thought as he adjusted the shirt's collar a bit. "Father!" he yelled. He didn't have the energy to go up the stairs to fetch him.
"Just a minute!"
John's voice roared like a lion. Daniel fell silent. He definitely would never be able to shout like that, even if he wanted to. And that was actually something, he was completely fine with.
It didn't take a single minute before John came down, rather ten. He looked very different. He had trimmed both his hair and beard, and he had definitely been washing himself up. Daniel looked at his father with wide eyes. "Eh... Your suit is done."
"Perfect," John said and took the clothes. He immediately went upstairs again.
About 20 minutes later, the rain finally stopped. It was about time. It had been like this for a week.
Daniel utilised the short moment he had alone to rest. He sat on a chair by the window and looked out. He could see his neighbour Mr. Philips' farm animals. A brown Thoroughbred yearling was running around in the pen, enjoying the damp air.
John came down the stairs again. Daniel looked up at him, only to find himself gaping. His father looked like a real gentleman. He was wearing the cravat Daniel had made him for his birthday along with the rest of the suit and a pair of nice new shoes. He had never seen his father this dressed up. John stood still in front of Daniel. "So, what do you think?"
Daniel stared for a little while before nodding eagerly, "You look exquisite! Very handsome!"
His father gave him a nod. He then moved over to the coat stand. "Father, where are you going in this weather?" Daniel said confused, "It could start raining again any minute!"
"You don't need to worry about the suit," John said and fished up an item from behind the coats, "I'm bringing an umbrella."
Daniel tilted his head and frowned. He still wanted to know where the man was going in that outfit.
John put on his coat and walked over to the front door, but before leaving he stopped with his hand on the door handle. He turned to look at Daniel and gave him an acknowledgeable nod. "Thanks, son."
Then he went out the door. Daniel sat back, feeling like his father had finally given him something he had always missed.
Hazel was growing up so fast. To Daniel, it seemed like only a couple of years ago he had taught her how to walk. All of a sudden he found himself celebrating her eighth birthday.
As usual, John was nowhere to be seen. Even though Daniel wanted him to be more attentive of Hazel, he was kind of glad that their father didn't change too drastically. He would start to worry if that was the case. Daniel went out early that day to buy some groceries. He was going to make Hazel a birthday cake this year, for she deserved one. He knew how hard the illness was on her, especially in these times.
He had been completely sure that John would be out visiting Evelyn's grave. John always went to see her tombstone on Hazel's birthday. It wasn't anything Daniel had seen with his own eyes or been told, he just knew. The look, John had in his eyes whenever he came home on this particular day, said enough.
On his way home from the town centre, he decided to pay his mother a visit, too. He had the feeling that John wouldn't mind. Maybe it would be another chance for him and his father to bond. But when Daniel arrived by the hill, John was nowhere in sight. There were no fresh footprints in the snow. John had not been there.
It confused Daniel greatly. If John had not gone to visit Evelyn's grave, then where was he? He wasn't in the studio, either. Daniel felt a bit disappointed that his father hadn't even been there visiting Evelyn earlier. He appreciated that John honoured his mother's memory, though he neglected Hazel in the process.
After having stayed by his mother's grave for a bit and talked to her, Daniel returned home. He couldn't stay for too long, for Hazel was waiting for him. They spent the day together reading fairy tales and eating cake, and Daniel even let Hazel in on some of the things he and Serena had done together.
It was a perfectly ordinary and nice day spent with Hazel. But one thing still remained a mystery; where did John go?
Christmas was usually very quiet. John always disappeared to the studio, Evelyn's grave or into his own room on this particular day, so Daniel usually spent the evening cooking a humble dinner, singing Christmas hymns and praying with Hazel. It was all about getting the most out of what they had, even if they couldn't afford giving each other presents. But this Christmas would turn out to be very different.
Daniel was washing Hazel in the small iron tub as John came down wearing nothing on his torso and with a towel hurled over his shoulder. Apparently he was also on his way to take a shower. "You two should put on something nice," he said, "We're invited to dinner tonight."
Daniel stared at him in disbelief. John was about to leave when he stood up and said, "We can't. Hazel cannot go out, she's too ill."
John looked at Daniel. For a moment, nothing but Hazel's movements in the water could be heard. Then the man walked over to his son and slapped him so hard it brought tears to his eyes. It took him by surprise. "Don't you dare question me," John said with an eerily low voice, "Just do as I say, understood?"
Daniel felt shocked. His cheek was burning. He knew he had been stupid to think that his father had changed. He might not drink any more, but he still had a bad temper. He bit his lip and nodded, stubbornly trying to keep the tears from falling.
John gazed at Daniel for a short while, then went out the front door to go the shower cabin.
Hazel held her breath until her father was out the door. Daniel stood completely still, his shoulders shaking. "Danny…" she peeped. He immediately turned around and sat down on his knees by the bathtub again. He continued scrubbing Hazel with the brush, his teeth clenched.
Neither Daniel nor Hazel had any actual formal or nice looking clothes, but at least John understood that it wasn't their fault. He made Daniel straighten his shirt and lend him one of his ties, though. Daniel packed a bag filled with laudanum and Hazel's inhaler. He didn't want to risk anything. Hazel was wrapped in several layers of clothing before she was allowed to step out into the snow covered landscape.
John didn't utter a word as to where they were going on the whole walk. The sun had set a long time ago and it was almost dinnertime. At first Daniel thought that they might were heading for the town centre, but he soon found out that he was wrong when John turned down a smaller road leading to a whole other place. A place Daniel recognised.
He held his breath. This road lead to Serena's family's mansion. His heart started beating faster. Had Henry told John? Were they going to confront her family? He tried to calm himself with the fact that Serena was supposed to be in London right now, but he couldn't help but feel that he was on his way to his own execution.
Hazel noticed her brother's anxiety. She squeezed his hand. Daniel looked down at her with a confused look. "Don't be scared, Danny," she said, "I won't let the dark harm you."
Then he understood. The sky was dark.
Daniel didn't feel the traumas of his past nag at him. He wasn't afraid of the night. That didn't mean that he liked it, though – but the night was not complete, closed-up darkness. The night had the moon and the stars and safe warm homes with light in their windows. He wasn't trapped. That was why he managed to walk home when he finished work late and why he could stay and watch the sunset with Serena, even if he felt uncomfortable.
Daniel smiled at Hazel. "I know," he said.
John luckily didn't continue down the road that led to Serena's mansion. Daniel felt like he finally could breathe again. Instead they went the opposite direction of her house, to an area with a lot of other sizeable houses. This was obviously a neighbourhood for somewhat wealthy people. But John kept walking past it, still moving closer to the town gates. Maybe they were going to the Canterbury centre after all.
Daniel was wrong once again. A large mansion – though not as huge as Serena's family's – appeared before the town gates even came into sight. A fence surrounded it and in the middle of the carriage driveway was a humble fountain. A private stable belonged to the house. Who lived here?
The iron gate was open. The house was lit up everywhere. Daniel wondered if there was to be a big Christmas party, and why they were even invited. Something was really off about all of this. John knocked on the door. It didn't take long before an older gentleman opened. He bowed and said, "Ah, the fine John Wilkinson and his children, I presume. If you would please follow me to the dining room, sir."
Daniel and Hazel looked at each other with wide eyes. It really was no mistake. They were guests here.
The butler that opened the door for them took their coats and lead the way through the fine hall. Daniel felt very out of place as he looked around. Expensive paintings adorned the walls. The furniture looked fancy and posh. Was this some kind of trap?
The house was not too big, though. It didn't take forever before they reached the dining hall. Also this room was a place that Daniel and Hazel didn't feel like they belonged in. Hazel fidgeted with her white dress that usually was a nightgown. "Danny, I don't feel like I am dressed up enough for this," she whispered with a blush on her face.
Daniel loosened his tie a bit. "You're not the only one."
"If you would please take a seat, the mistress will be with you shortly," the polite butler said and left the room again.
The table was laid nicely with porcelain plates and crystal glasses and so many pieces of cutlery that Daniel didn't know which to use. It was only laid for four people though, so he guessed there would be no Christmas party. John sat down in one of the chairs and gestured to the others, "Come, sit down."
Hazel looked up at Daniel and he just nodded. They both sat down beside their father. "Now, I expect you two to behave your very best," John said, "No sloppiness, no interrupting, only speak when spoken to, and for God's sake, swallow your food before you open your mouth. Make me feel proud, not ashamed."
Daniel and Hazel nodded. They didn't think that they could manage to make him proud, but at least they could do their best not to be a complete disappointment to him.
The room was silent. Tension hung in the air as they waited for the mistress, whoever she was. It felt really uncomfortable. Daniel noticed how Hazel was shaking. She was nervous; he could almost hear her delicate heart drum frantically against her chest like a scared little bird.
Suddenly noise could be heard from down the hall. John, Daniel and Hazel all looked up as the doors opened. Several servants walked in carrying trays filled with delicious food. Turkey, sweet potatoes, red cabbage. A real Christmas dinner.
Daniel and Hazel almost drooled by the sight of all the delicacies. They had never been served such a marvellous dinner before. Hazel wanted to start filling her plate, but Daniel took her hand before she could reach any of the dishes. She looked up at him with big eyes. He silently shook his head. She drew her hand back and placed it in her lap again.
After the servants had finished placing all the dishes on the table, they disappeared out into the hallway again. Another few minutes past, and finally the mistress showed up.
Daniel's eyes widened. No way. Even though a veil had covered her face the last time he had seen her, he recognised her instantly.
She was tall and this time wearing a long, very expensive violet dress that was buttoned all the way from the collar to the waist. Her hair was a light brown colour with a few greying strands, and it was tied firmly back into a complex bun. All the features on her face were sharp and thin; a pointed, long nose, thin lips and cold, piercing blue eyes enhanced by the lilac earrings she was wearing.
"Welcome," Mrs. Evans said, "I am honoured to have you join me for dinner this Christmas evening."
Hazel was in awe. Her dress was so pretty. Once again she felt ashamed to be wearing a simple nightgown. John stood up from his seat. "I am glad you will have us, Henrietta."
Henrietta? Daniel thought. So his father and Mrs. Evans were even on first name terms? Suddenly he knew where his father had been disappearing off to for so long.
"This is my son and daughter," John continued, gesturing to his children. He nudged Daniel's shoulder and he immediately stood up, Hazel following her brother's example. "Daniel and Hazel, say hello to Mrs. Evans."
Hazel fidgeted with her braid and bowed her head. "Hello, Mrs. Evans. It's really nice to meet you."
Henrietta eyed Hazel with a calculative look. Daniel didn't like her eyes. He didn't like how she looked at Hazel as if she was gauging her. He had not forgotten what he had heard about the woman. He was completely sure that she was as fake as the jewellery she had put on. Eventually her narrow lips extended into a devious smile. "What a wonderful little creature you are," she said, "It is nice to meet you, too."
She turned to look at Daniel. He didn't say anything. He just stared back at her, letting her know that he wasn't falling for her charades.
John grew impatient. This was not about to happen. He wouldn't allow it. Of all the times Daniel could have chosen to be disobedient, this should not be it. "Daniel!" he said, a warning hidden in the deep notes of his voice.
Daniel's eye twitched and he gave in. He didn't want to pretend that he was fine with it, though. He spoke with a dull voice, "It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Evans."
Henrietta narrowed her eyes. Then she moved to a vacant chair, "Let's eat, shall we?"
They all sat down by the table. Daniel glared at Henrietta. He had been forced to greet her, but she didn't even have to acknowledge him. His father was nothing but a big, fat hypocrite.
The Christmas evening was very strained. John and Hazel did their best to force a good mood, but Daniel didn't want to play along. He didn't like the woman.
Daniel had never experienced his father laugh so loudly and talk so much. But it didn't feel real. It was too forced. John clearly wanted to impress Henrietta. He wanted something from her. Probably her money so that he can buy all the alcohol he wants, Daniel thought. He couldn't help the bitterness. He felt so betrayed.
Henrietta even went so far as to give Daniel and Hazel gifts. They were allowed to open it immediately since they wouldn't stay over for the night. Hazel got the pretty dress she had wanted for such a long time. Daniel got a very neat burgundy scarf.
"Thank you, Mrs. Evans," Daniel said and put the scarf back into the gift box, "but I already have a scarf."
John gave him a whipping as punishment for that comment when they got home. It was worth it.
Now Christmas was over and it wouldn't be long till New Year's Eve. Daniel sat down with a piece of paper and wrote a new letter.
Dear Serena,
Now I know why my father changed. He tried to bribe us. He pathetically attempted to patch things up with us so that we would comply to his terrible idea. But he will never change.
He brought us to a lady's house this Christmas Eve. It was horrible. Her name is Henrietta Evans, and I've heard rumours about her in town, grim rumours – that she was in charge of killing her own husband! How does my father expect me to welcome her into our family knowing that?
I have a very bad feeling about this. I worry for the coming year. I will not let that ghastly lady near Hazel. I hope you are doing better than me, Serena.
Yours affectionately,
Daniel J. Wilkinson