The Portrait and The Letter
Chapter 10
The sound of trickling water enveloped her like a calming blanket. Bella settled back and took in the scent of rose and jasmine as her eyes wandered over the greenery of the small inner courtyard. It had blossomed since her last visit. She shifted her gaze up to the gallery, noticing some SCR agents peering down at her, causing her to give them an awkward smile and a wave. One of them, the one with a red patch on his arm, the one called Fox, nodded faintly back. She took another sip of the rhubarb tea, savoring once more the fragrance of summer. Progressing into June, Bella was looking forward to the summer months to come, albeit let down she would once again be stuck in Safeira.
Standing next to her, was the Captain of the SCR. The moment the blindfold had been removed from her eyes, Bella had almost jumped into his arms to hug him and exclaim the overpowering relief of seeing him safe and sound. She had promptly stopped her impulse, however. It wasn't just improper, it was weird.
Then again, she supposed their strange relationship was weird.
A warm summer breeze found its way into the courtyard as the chirping of birds intensified under the glaring sun. Bella considered the black layers of his clothing.
"It must be at least 25 degrees," she said, sipping on the hot beverage. "I'd be melting."
"The fabric breathes."
Bella arched an eyebrow, she hadn't expected an answer from the ever-stoic captain. But then again, something in their relationship had definitely shifted since the Ascham estate. It was as if his attempts at distancing himself from her were cast away. A warm smile spread on her face.
"Considering what we've been through… I still think it's weird I don't know what to call you," she mused as she crossed her arms. "I'm still partial for 'Bob'." She grew delighted when she noticed that he winced at the name. "But I guess you don't like that as much. Your other teammates seem to have codenames, so that means you must as well," she continued blabbering. "I heard Bear, Fox, and Wolf at Ascham's, so I'm guessing you're Lion." She pointed at the pin. He didn't answer her, causing Bella to shrug with a sigh, deciding there was no use in pursuing that subject.
"And you know, considering what I put us through at Ascham's, I'd suspect you'd be raging mad at me…then again maybe I'm in for it with the Director. I realize I shouldn't have insisted, and I am sorry for—"
He shook his head, promptly cutting her off. "You didn't know." His voice was the same low and subdued tone, but he talked quietly, as if not wishing for his teammates in the gallery to hear them.
Bella frowned. "You almost got caught."
He shrugged.
"Oh, don't be modest," came a familiar voice behind Bella. She promptly turned around and thinned her lips as she spotted the Director. "Anyone else would have gotten caught." He was irritated. "But in his prime, he would never have gotten noticed."
"It wasn't his fault," Bella defended.
"He knew better than to indulge your spontaneous needs. He should have gotten you out quicker than he did. You are lucky we found what we were looking for or I would have terminated you entirely from this mission."
Bella eyed him for a moment before giving a gentle snort. "I highly doubt that."
"Beg your pardon?" the Director asked as he narrowed his eyes.
Bella stood up and placed the blue porcelain gently on the white saucer. "You presented this position very clearly to me when you first recruited me… maybe a little too well. We both know by now that I am indeed your last option… otherwise something as prestigious as the SCR would never have gone to seek help from a mere lecturer like myself. You can't afford to remove me from this."
Carlisle's lips twitched, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of being right. His eyes remained narrowed.
Bella felt as if she were a child about to be scolded and maybe she would have remained quiet had it just been her and the Director. However, strangely, the captain's presence gave her a boost of courage she didn't know she needed.
"You made it clear last time that I was not to be involved because of the discretion I caused."
The Director sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Ms. Dwyer, up until this point, we have taken the utmost care in keeping you as secret as possible. The Ascham estate almost saw your identity in danger of being revealed."
Bella gave him an awkward smile, he wouldn't tell her who else was involved in wishing to find either the painting or perhaps the letter, only that they were people willing to kidnap and remove anyone that could help the SCR. She wasn't as significant and as well-known as Dr. Everett—what the Director insinuated was that Bella could well disappear should she be discovered. That was why her irritation toward the situation lessened somewhat. However, glancing at the SCR members and at the captain, a large part of her wanted to believe that they would indeed do everything to protect her—the SCR had quite the reputation, after all. She needed to have faith in their abilities, just as they had had in hers.
"I still want to find the letter," she said truthfully, admitting to wishing to continue forming a part of the team while still aware of the consequences.
The two places detailing Wilson's lodgings in Ascham's ledgers had led the SCR down two different paths. The first was a small theater on the west side of Safeira. It had been a communal house in the 18th century but it had been forced to close and become run-down until it was bought by a businessman and turned into a small theater in the middle of the 19th century. This was where Lionel Wilson had first stayed upon his arrival in Safeira. Little information about the communal house remained. Still, in the wee hours of the morning, the SCR agents had snuck inside, scouring through the small theater. Carlisle had made it very clear to Bella that the Ascham Estate was the first and final mission she was ever to take part in. While Bella thought she might be an asset on the mission, Carlisle understood that it had been careless to involve a civilian from the start, both for her own and his agents' safety.
The interior of the theater had been renovated they discovered to their dismay and furthermore, much of its historical value had been completely wiped out. Upon receiving this information, Bella thought it bizarre that the owners would have been permitted such renovations without the city bearing down on them. The city of Safeira had always been keen on preserving its history. The SCR agents had only found stacked old furniture and boxes of poorly organized files, stemming as far back as the war. But there was nothing of note that could be taken back to Bella for examination.
The second, and to Bella, the more plausible location was not in Safeira. Bella and the Director had agreed that Wilson had to have been a man of humble beginnings if he had first dwelled in a communal house upon his arrival in the capital. Thus, his ascension to Mayor of Hayes must surely have been the fruit of countless blackmailing. While the Director still believed Wilson had hidden the letter in Safeira, Bella had a growing theory that he had brought it with him to Hayes—despite the many assertions from the Director that Hayes had been searched through several times, during the last few centuries.
Carlisle looked at the young woman before him—she had helped him puzzle together the little information she could about Wilson from what she had found in the Ascham ledgers. Her theory would see them out of Safeira and into territory where her presence would be more obvious. Still, she did not back down from the chance to go. He knew that they needed her, now more than ever when their newest bloodhound had caught a fresh scent. Indeed, such a fresh scent had not been seen since the Battle for Hayes in 1795.
The Director neared her slowly, placing a photo before her. Bella glanced down, identifying a stunning building she knew all too well. She could recognize Adelton Hall anywhere Bella had always wanted to see the castle if she'd ever get the chance to go to Hayes. Parts of it had tours, to showcase the renowned Singer's Hall where, every summer, the Newton family hosted the famed Midsummer Masque.
"You agree, then?" she asked with caution, unable as always to read the Director's neutral expression. "That Adelton Hall could be a good place to start?"
"I do…and hope that you will be on standby should your presence be required."
Bella raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"I'm coming," she said.
His expression grew grimmer as his lips pursed together.
"Bringing you along on the Ascham mission was a misjudgment on my behalf, Ms. Dwyer. Such carelessness on my behalf will not happen again."
"Surely the SCR must have looked through Adelton Hall before," Bella said. "Not bringing me along would only waste your time—"
"Nonetheless, I will not risk one of my agents again."
The remark came off as rather offensive to Bella.
"It wasn't my intention to risk anyone's safety, much less one of your agents." She glanced back at the captain who stood stoically at attention. She had no idea if he was interested in their little quip or if he wished for nothing more than to get away from there.
"Your knowledge will provide useful to us if we should find something. I will provide you with detailed drawings of the building and you may mark any areas that we should be looking at and what we should be looking out for."
Bella clenched her fists, sitting down in the chair next to her, signaling that she had accepted the finality of his tone. Edward caught sight of her expression and he understood that the main reason for her disappointment was not due to her being unable to join the mission, rather he knew she wanted to visit Hayes. However, he agreed with Carlisle. Their stunt at the Ascham estate had once more directed attention toward them and Bella needed to be kept hidden now more than ever. Edward felt relief that she would remain in Safeira, safe and protected.
Carlisle released a small sigh at her dissatisfied look. He glanced at Edward and then back at her.
"Cullen," he said, offering a friendly smile at her.
Bella stared at him in confusion.
"What?"
"You asked, and as a show of good faith I'm letting you know that the captain's codename is Cullen." Carlisle leaned in conspiringly. "He hates it when you call him Bob," he blinked.
The look Bella sent Edward's way was filled with awe he had never before experienced in her. Her large eyes suddenly grew warm at the sight of him, and he didn't like how that made him feel because somewhere deep down, a similar feeling started emerging within him.
Mia had been very skittish around Bella for the last few days. Usually, that meant that she had something she wanted to keep hidden but couldn't bring herself to do so. It was probably why Mia had eluded Bella and left her to her own devices. Until this evening.
They sat on Bella's balcony, overlooking the park as the fragrant night progressed. She had, for once, invited Mia over, keen on having the company. A charcuterie board had been nearly picked empty and they now sipped on the red wine, a slow jazz tune playing from the portable speaker. Mia took in her solemn friend.
"Oh, I can't do it anymore!" Mia suddenly blurted out as she downed the wine. She had a look in her eyes Bella knew all too well, a look of eagerness and anticipation. Mia was about to reveal something big to Bella.
"What have you been keeping from me?" Bella asked as she frowned. She didn't know if she should be excited or afraid. When Mia was up to something it could always go both ways.
"Let me preface by saying that this has been months in the making and that I wanted it to be a surprise until we got there… I've been going mad not being able to tell you… but I just got the go-ahead, and I can't keep it in any longer!"
"Mia… what did you do?"
Mia's face slip into the largest smile Bella had ever seen.
"You know the gown I've been helping design for the Midsummer Masque, right?"
"Of course," Bella nodded.
"I didn't want to tell you the motif of the design yet because the theme for the Masque hasn't been made public—"
"Do you honestly think I'd ever tell anyone about that?"
"I'm under contract, but that's not what's important here!" Mia blurted out; the smile still fixed on her face. "I managed to pull some strings and… you have gotten the honor to present it at the Masque!"
Bella was stunned, her amused albeit slightly alarmed expression shifted to sheer horror.
"You what?" she squeaked in a broken voice.
"Hush and listen darling before you jump to any hasty conclusions. You are perfect for this dress and—"
Bella shook her head. "You know who hosts the Masque."
Mia wouldn't be deterred. "We could go together, beforehand…see this as an excuse to finally visit Hayes, Bella. You need to get out of Safeira, and you've always been talking about Cadherra, Hayes, and Adelton Hall. I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to whisk you away."
Bella's heart swelled at her friend's compassion, to the point where she almost grew touched. "How could I ever show up on Newton's doorstep after everything that's happened? I don't belong to that world."
Mia took Bella's hands in her own. "Then show them that you are better than them. I don't know if Mike will be there, but show them what they missed out on."
Before Bella could say anything else, Mia jumped into a hug as she always did. "Please, please say yes!"
Despite herself, Bella's eyes lit up. She was about to embark upon a journey she had always wished to go on—to discover the province from which the source of her studies hailed. Cadherra, ever alluring with the mysterious Raven's Grove encircling it, Adelton Hall perched high upon its cliff overlooking the picturesque town of Hayes would indeed transport her into a fairy tale land. Maybe Mia had caught her on a particularly good day, or maybe Bella was just too drunk.
"I can never repay you for this," Bella said as she hugged her friend back. She ended the hug. "Is this why you didn't want to talk about the dress?"
"God, yes! I would have spilled everything in a matter of seconds!"
"This is going to be fab, darling!" Mia exclaimed as she readjusted the wide straw hat and pushed the large Gucci sunglasses further up her nose. As always, her stylish friend was the very essence of capital chic. Bella had thrown on a comfortable pair of white linen trousers coupled with a navy-blue T-shirt. They were waiting for the train that would take them to the station just outside of Hayes.
It had to be a huge coincidence, Bella thought, that Mia wanted to bring her on a surprise trip to Hayes and to the Masque. But there was no way in hell Mia was part of the SCR, she had been horrible at keeping secrets ever since Bella knew her. She would have opened her mouth immediately. But Bella understood that Mia must have been planning the trip for a while because the bookings for the room had already been made by her company. Mia had wrinkled her nose at the venue they would stay at while Bella's eyes had glittered as she read the name of the inn they would live in for the next week. Since the semester was over, Bella had managed to secure a week off with encouragement from Miranda, Eric, and Jennie. Her thesis could wait.
The high-speed train came into the Safeira central station and Bella got her luggage, almost bursting at the seams at the possibility of leaving Safeira. They were nearing the middle of June and she would have the great fortune of spending Midsummer in Hayes and taking part in the village festivities. And it would be an amazing time for her to snoop around. She wondered if the SCR knew about this—of course they had to. Yet she hadn't been contacted by the Director or encouraged to remain in Safeira. Thus, Bella didn't think it was demanded of her to inform him of her plans for the coming week, not that he needed to know.
"This is going to be amazing," Bella agreed.
"Oh, Bella, I can't believe this luck! Haven't you wanted to visit Hayes ever since you moved down to Safeira? I can't believe you've never gone!"
Bella and Mia got onto the train with their bags and stowed them in the bag rack right by the entrance. They ventured further into the cart. Bella was surprised to find it relatively empty and supposed that the high season for leaving for the country had already passed. Most people were, by the middle of June, already at their destinations for the summer, Hayes being such a destination although Zafra and the isle of Cantabria were currently the most frequented areas of summer. As they found their seats, Bella sighed in relief at the aircon blasting through the modern wagons. The day was hot and humid, the sea breeze doing little in cooling Safeira. The temperature was in the high 20s, which in a city like Safeira with its high humidity made it feel like a melting pot. It would be nice to escape to the dry heat of the mountains and inland, even if the temperature there was a few degrees higher.
"I can't believe it either," Bella agreed with the dumb smile never quite leaving her face. She glanced out the window as the train set into motion, her heart skipping a beat. With the high-speed train, Hayes was just two hours from the capital, a journey that would otherwise take anywhere from five to six hours by car because of the state of the roads.
The various houses drifted by them in a blur, soon interchanged by green and golden fields, not yet ripe for the summer harvest. The sky was rid of any clouds, just a stark unforgiving blue that opened up before them. It was as if the country welcomed them into her bosom and Bella's heart lightened in her chest at the anticipation for Cadherra had always been a dream of hers to visit.
The two hours went by incredibly fast, or that was at least how Mia saw it. Bella had never known a high-speed train to be so slow, the minutes ticking by tediously as she counted the few stations until they finally rolled into Hayes station, located on the outskirts of the small village.
Despite its fame, Hayes had retained its small-town charm throughout the years. The train station was still located in the same building since the line started in 1873. It was a picturesque building on the outskirts of Raven's Grove, northwest of the town. The house was built in brick and although its facilities had been refurbished, much of the façade remained the same. Even the old clock still worked, centuries later. The west end of the façade was draped in manicured ivy leaf climbing up the red brick, lining the windows. The station was empty, and relatively few got off at Hayes as the train would continue to its final destination, Zafra. Bella and Mia dragged their luggage from the platform and to the front of the station. There were a few cabs and small stops for the local buses. There were also some stops further ahead for the long-haul busses going to Coldwick or other towns lining the coast. Ironically, a long-haul bus was headed for Zafra too.
Bella had no say in what transportation they would take. Mia, who immensely preferred comfort to frugality, hailed the first cab she could, and they soon found themselves in the back of a sleek white car, taking them into town.
Bella's eyes widened, the cabby and Mia prattling on as she herself took in the outskirts of Hayes. Beyond the rolling green hills, she saw the town, its colorful houses stretching out over the immense meadow like the tentacles of an octopus. And, up yonder, she spotted the white castle of Cadherra, Adelton Hall, pristine and shining like a beacon. Lining the road were several small farms and country houses, they passed a small industrial area before slowly entering the newer part of town—as all towns must have. However, the architects and city planners in Hayes had taken care in mimicking the building of earlier houses, retaining the town's countryside charm. Upon entering the town center, crossing a medieval bridge over the small river that separated the old and new parts of town, the streets became narrower, and more cobblestone was apparent. The streets twisted and winded in no particular order, their configuration in a snail-like construction, budding out from the center like a circle. The cabby was used to the bustling of the old quarters, which always had some tourists visiting, and now was no different. The center of Hayes was indeed brimming with life and both pedestrians and cyclists had to fight for the streets together with whatever cars dared venture into the small squares and marketplaces.
"Up ahead ye'll find I cannot drive ye much further," the cabby said in a charming Cadherrian accent. He tipped back the gray Italian beret, scratching gray locks as he smiled under the thick mustache. His eyes crinkled at the edges as they met them in the rear mirror and a hint of apology could be sensed in them.
"How long is the walk?" asked Mia with dread.
"Oh, 'bout five or so minutes, miss, but I reckon' it'll be longer with them heels yer wearin'," he chuckled. Bella couldn't help but chuckle with him as he stopped the car. He turned around, readjusting the gray beret as his beady eyes settled into a goofy smile, his mouth hidden behind the large gray Zapata mustache. Bella fished out a wad of cash, unaccustomed to holding money in her hand since she was so used to paying by card. However, she knew that was not usually the case out in the provinces. The cabby gently took the money from her, slowly counting the bills and handing her the corresponding change. Bella decided to leave a few crowns in tips as she knew he had taken them further than expected.
As the cab left, Mia stared after him with a frown. "I'm sure he could have gotten us closer."
"Mia, we're practically in the center already."
Mia stared down at her salmon-colored pumps as if reminding herself they were worth the pain of having to brave through a few cobblestone streets.
"I can't believe they didn't get us a nicer hotel that was more accessible."
"That takes away from the charm," Bella rolled her eyes. "Come on, you're always on about immersing yourself!" Bella slung her bag over her shoulder and started dragging her small black suitcase after her, Mia promptly following behind with great difficulty—probably due to the large monochrome suitcases she had decided to take with her. They had been left by a small alley, the narrow street of quaint wooden and stone houses in different colors with balconies and back gardens overburdened with blooming flowers looking like a picture card. They squeezed onto a larger street leading into the main square of Hayes.
Bella looked around the area as if already familiar with it and, in a sense, she was. She had seen it many times in pictures, looked at varying maps and pictures and paintings. Her feet took her to a larger building lining the square, nestled between boutiques and quaint cafés that would be overrun with tourists in the summer. It was robust in comparison to the other buildings, as if it had not yet quite entered the 21st century, and she wondered if it ever would. The only word she could have for it was charming although Bella suspected Mia would find it anything but. It rose in two levels, the second level jutting out slightly from the first. It was built in darkened oak, the places in between whitewashed. The upper balcony was decorated with flowers hanging over the balustrade like colorful waves and there were three windows with the middle open to let some fresh afternoon air in. Small pots lined the roof of the balcony, also spilling over with flowers. Right above the building entrance, was the same sign that had been in place for more than 290 years. On it, in a bold medieval font that had been freshly repainted in white and outlined with black, read The Laughing Goose.
Bella couldn't help as, in the myriad of tourists lining the square, she felt singled out as she stared at the half-timbered house.
Victoria sat with her mother in the palace of Safeira, as usual drinking their Sunday afternoon tea. However, the dynamics of their relationship had changed. What before had been relaxed and comfortable was now tense, and anxious. Victoria knew why Leonore had done what she did, she had seen it coming years ago and prepared, but nothing could prepare her for the throne and the burden it would bestow on her. She and the life of her family would never be the same—that was what the look in Leonore's eyes conveyed.
Victoria's mind had mainly been resting on the revelation her mother had made to her a week earlier, still processing the great secret of the Fells. She had not spoken of it to her mother since, other things had been occupying them, mainly the new duties bestowed upon Victoria. There were also whispers in the Conventus that the conservatives, led by Ascham, would try to issue a vote against the implementation of Article 13. Other whispers also coursed through the Conventus, as well as through other halls of power in Angloa, that Victoria would issue Article 21 and set it into law once she ascended the throne. The Conservatives would of course do everything in their power to fight against it, and several other factions in the Conventus were now beginning to falter in their alliances. Mr. Hector Barker, the previous Prime Minister, had given a public statement regarding the surge of the events, condemning the misled queen in issuing the dreaded Article 13, which had in turn riled more conservatives. Angloa was slowly becoming a divided nation politically. In the countryside, the more traditional and conservative men and women were not certain about Victoria inheriting the throne, while in the larger cities, the more liberal masses were celebrating. Victoria had always been outspoken for progress and supporting reformations which Angloa was in dire need of. Together with de la Cereda, both women could indeed make a true change to the country.
But, that was not Leonore and Victoria's chief concern as they gathered on this bright Sunday afternoon. Leonore had, through some unknown means to Victoria, gotten wind of a most alarming piece of information.
"Samuel would never go to these lengths," Leonore assured her daughter. "He might be foolish, but even this—"
"Mama," Victoria said, her voice conveying the deep regret which stemmed from the nature of their now broken family. "He is hurt… I would not put it past him."
Leonore's lips pursed together in a refusal to accept the nature of their discussion.
"Revealing such information would be treason, Victoria."
"Marjorie informed me that he interviewed this morning and both you and I were mentioned… we'll make the evening news, of that I am certain."
"My decision to enact Article 13 was not sudden, he had ample time to consider his behavior and how it was affecting this family."
Victoria shook her head. "I am not defending his actions, but let me play devil's advocate for just a moment. I have had the luxury of growing up without the pressure of the crown… like you. There was never any expectation on me, nor my family, adhered to the throne like there was for Sam."
"That is no excuse for acting like he has these past few years."
Victoria shook her head. "We both know father was always the one…" she trailed off, unable to finish the sentence, the memory not as fresh but still painful.
Leonore looked away. "I tried to be everything I could for him… even with my Henry gone." She frowned despite herself, recalling the memory of her late husband. "Never was there anyone so kind and good-natured." Leonore let out a shaky sigh. She locked eyes with her daughter, Victoria sensing the underlying vulnerability in her mother, which she had refused to show to anyone else. "Nigel has tried to be there for Sam—"
"God bless Nigel, mama, he has certainly stepped up for us… but he is Nigel, not father and he would never presume to overstep the boundaries the Athars and the Fells have set up through centuries of tradition. He would never speak against Sam, not as crown prince, certainly not as king."
Leonore's shoulders sank, the queen's defeat was evident in her posture for the first time that evening. "I have spoken with de la Cereda, she has looped in Athar as well… we will try to catch the nature of this interview and prepare as best we can before it is broadcasted."
"De la Cereda will not be in any position to help us should this be confirmed to the public… she would lose her political career and we would lose her support in the Conventus."
Esmeralda Berg's family had run the Laughing Goose for generations, at least since the start of the middle of the 18th century. Her father before her had modernized the old tavern, restoring the place in the 80s and had upsized it to fit fourteen bedrooms. They had expanded the old 19th-century kitchens and brought in a formidable cook. Together with an eye for detail and profit, Esmeralda had made the Laughing Goose flourish well since the start of the 2000s when she took over after her father.
Upon entering the building, one was greeted immediately by a large bar counter to the left and a cozy open space. A broad staircase hugging the left wall behind the counter led to the upper level where the lodgings were. The interior reminded Bella of a mountain cabin, it certainly held all the charms of it. On the right corner, the old fireplace still stood, wide enough to fit a roasting suckling, and even now in summer, some candles had been lit in lieu of a crackling fire. Several neatly placed chairs and tables closest to the fireplace spoke of a small dining area. Bella's large eyes took in the cozy splendor of the Laughing Goose.
It was filled to the brim with both locals and tourists alike. A small corkboard housed several pamphlets of local excursions and events taking place. Bella regarded one pamphlet, speaking of a small Midsummer's gathering taking place a few days from now on the outskirts of Raven's Grove. Another advertised a visit to Adelton Hall with a guided tour and finishing with a nice luncheon in the great castle's kitchens. Bella plucked down the Adelton Hall pamphlet, revising it.
"Where do we sign in?" Mia's irritated voice sounded behind Bella. Bella immediately recognized the tone in that voice. Mia needed to get off her pumps, a nice bath, and some alcohol, preferably with a fruity undertone.
Bella ventured to the large countertop, the end near the entrance looking to house a large book, probably containing the names to check-in. It seemed the Laughing Goose had yet to digitalize some of its processes. There was a small man behind the bar, serving up two heaping pints of foaming beer to a pair of locals. He had noticed Bella and Mia but ignored them, pushing the thinning hair away from his face as he worked fervently to serve the growing number of guests. They were still a few hours away from dinner, yet the bar was alive, in the corners, small speakers played pleasant lounge music.
Bella tried in vain to catch the bartender's attention as Mia tapped her heel behind in irritation. Suddenly, the door opened behind them, daylight spilling into the establishment, breaking with the cozy dull light of the interior and blinding Bella to a degree. In walked a woman. She dressed in equestrian style—fashionable yet casual. Cream-colored pants with seams down the front coupled with sand-colored boots hugging her calves. She had on a white shirt and a black vest on top. Her rosy cheeks made Bella wonder if the woman had not just been out riding. Her dark red hair was in a messy bun resting at the nape of her neck, stray strands coming out of it as if she had just been out in the wind. Crow's feet on the edge of her eyes suggested this woman smiled a lot, as did the faint wrinkles around her mouth. Bella determined she had the most gentle countenance she had ever had the pleasure of setting her eyes on.
"Bart, we have guests!" she said in a warm voice, the hint of a Cadherran accent revealing her to be a local. Bella guessed this to be the owner of the establishment. "Oh, never mind," Esmeralda snickered as her bartender ignored her and continued serving the bar guests. The taller woman turned to Bella with a hand on her hip, eyeing her up and down before turning her attention to Mia, scrutinizing her even more closely with a friendly disposition.
"Safeira?" Esmeralda asked as she rose an eyebrow at Mia.
"That obvious?" Mia retorted.
"You're not from Hayes, that's for certain," Esmeralda mused as she turned to Bella. "But from the looks of you, I'd say you were a northerner."
"Oh, she's good," Mia breathed behind Bella who herself had arched her eyebrows.
"Now, don't mind me, girls," Esmeralda said as she got behind the counter and opened the great book, the top dumping down loudly on the countertop, "just amusing myself, that's all." She looked at them once more. "Name?"
Bella shook her head, forgetting herself. "Yes, of course, erhm Dwyer… Bell—Isabella Dwyer and Mia Coticelli."
Esmeralda's eyes crinkled as she smiled. "Dwyer and Coticelli…" She looked down at the large ledger. "Ah, yes! You're the ones with the all-exclusive, ain't you? Well, you're gettin' the nice upper double suite with the views and whatnot." She promptly shut the ledger with a growing smile. "All-paid expense, lucky you."
"To be in Hayes, I couldn't agree more!" Bella blurted out as she found the woman's charming smile quite rubbed off on her. "I mean, this town is wonderful, and don't get me started on its charms and the views here are just—"
"First time in Cadherra?" Esmeralda leaned forward to ask, the smile growing wider.
Bella was about to answer when Mia's irritated voice interrupted them. "I really need to change my clothes and take a nice bath.
Esmeralda looked from Mia to Bella. "There is a nice tub waitin' upstairs for you."
Bella couldn't be certain if she was referring to her or to Mia or to both. Something about how the other woman regarded her, a silent notion that she held some secretive information over her, almost made Bella think Esmeralda Berg was aware of her true reason for being there, but that could not be.
They ascended the stairs and entered the suite. Bella took in the quaint room, never having seen something so cozy. They entered a minuscule foyer where to the left was the vast bathroom. In front of them was a vast room, a large king-sized bed splayed out at one end, with a dark wooden headboard. The walls were whitewashed and the floor in dark mahogany from the looks of it. A luxurious rug in beige with speckles of faded gold flowers wove the interior together. There was a dresser in dark wood with a massive mirror to the side. Mia squealed when she saw it. There was a partitioner, leading into another room decorated exactly the same. There was also a desk in black right by the balcony—the massive front terrace Bella had seen upon their arrival at the Goose. Outside she could see the bustling square come alive, the flowers dancing gently in the summer breeze, the sun slowly descending on the sky. In the distance, she spotted Adelton Hall, bathed in the golden sheen of the afternoon.
Bella set down her suitcase in the adjoining room and walked out onto its balcony, taking in the splendor of Hayes. She was here, and she couldn't believe it. Her eyes took in every single detail, eager to explore what the quaint town had to offer. She couldn't wait for it to be morning so that she could get on with exploring.
From behind her, Bella heard the sound of the tap being turned on and the door to the bathroom closing, Mia was already preparing her bath. Bella scratched the back of her head, hesitating before putting on her sneakers.
"I'm going for a walk!" she said hastily as she left the room, Mia never had a chance to stop her. Bella was halfway down the stairs before Mia had registered her friend's words. Esmeralda was still behind the counter as Bella darted past her.
"Off explorin' Ms. Dwyer?" Esmeralda asked, taking in the excited countenance of the younger woman.
"I have wanted to come to Hayes since I could remember, I need to see it for myself… Mia is—"
Esmeralda put up a calming hand. "I understand," she blinked. "Have fun."
Bella closed the door to the Laughing Goose behind her and started walking, and she never wanted to stop. She rounded each corner with wide eyes, her feet taking her past the old garrison that was now a museum. She walked past the small town hall, decorated with flowers for the summer. As it got dark, Bella got lost in the narrow streets as the streetlights turned on, intermingling with the starlight from above, though it never got truly dark, not this far into summer.
Suddenly she stopped, coming to stand in another crowded square, faced with a statue that for her was as familiar as the back of her hand. Bella neared it slowly, walking past cafés and restaurants, past families sitting down outside with a small ice cream in hand, laughing, conversing. She was not the only one to consider the statue, others looked at it as well—and well they should for the statue had been on the square for centuries.
The face staring down at her, masked as it was, looked harsh and severe as it scrutinized her. The copper had faded into a dark green. The fabric of his clothing looked as alive as the pose he struck, laid-back and relaxed, yet commanding a certain aura that inspired awe within her.
"I always felt like he was judging me," a cool and smooth voice said from her left.
Almost jumping in place, Bella turned around, coming face to face with a pair of vibrant emerald eyes. He was holding a wafer cone in his hand, slowly eating the last few remnants of what appeared to have been a rather substantial ice cream. He wore a white piqué and khaki pants, truly looking like a man on vacation. He had a cap drawn low over his eyes, but Bella would recognize those eyes anywhere.
"Mr. Athar?" she blurted out.
He cracked her a charming smile. "So, you found out who I am?"
She frowned at him, what was he doing here? Her eyes darted from him to the statue and back. "I… no…no of course I…I mean my friend Mia, who always knows about everybody in your circles caught sight of you and knew who you were immediately, but I had no idea. If I had—"
"Enjoying Hayes?" he cut her short, the smile wider for some reason. Of course, Bella didn't know that he found her nervous prattle endearing but when her confusion and surprise were replaced with wonderment, her endearment for her grew. Bella Dwyer looked like a kid in a candy shop. "Don't answer that," he blinked. He walked over to a trashcan and discarded the last of the ice cream wafer.
"What have you seen?" he asked her casually as he came to stand next to her again.
"Well, I've gone to the new and old squares, gotten lost in most of old town and now I somehow ended up here… but wait, why are you here?" she asked, looking at him suspiciously. "And how did you know to find me here?"
Edward shrugged and if it had been anyone else, they would have accepted it as an answer. "Very presumptuous of you, Ms. Dwyer, to think I came to Hayes looking for you," he blinked, offering her a devilish grin. Bella couldn't help as her heart skipped a beat, oh how the girls had to fawn over him.
"Have you seen the views from the castle yet?" he asked, not offering her any time to answer.
"No, but I'm supposed to go there on a tour tomorrow with Mia."
"There is nothing like the view you get there during dawn."
Bella arched an eyebrow. "I've seen pictures, I think it would look gorgeous at any time of the day. And imagine the history Adelton must house," she prattled on, her nervousness growing. How did he manage to make her so nervous?
"Are you remaining for the Midsummer ball Newton is throwing in his gardens?" Edward asked. Unbeknownst to Bella, they had started walking. She didn't know what direction they were taking, and neither did he, but they were relaxed in each other's company.
Bella gave out a snorted laughter, promptly pressing a hand to her mouth as she grew flustered at the unladylike snort. "I'm usually not invited to places like that," she mumbled, remembering having asked Mike once if she could come with him but he had promptly shut her down. Somehow, Bella didn't want to reveal to Edward she was going there. She wondered if it was because she now knew who he was and what circles he usually frequented. She was afraid, she supposed, that he would somehow think her presence there unwarranted. The fewer people knowing she was participating the better.
"Then how did you end up at the queen's opening party?"
"Oh, that's easy, Mia got us in."
He looked to be thinking. "Mia must have some great ties in Angloan society, then," he blinked back.
Bella shrugged. "You probably know her family—the Coticellis?"
"Oh, yes, the dressmakers of Angloa," he blinked.
They were walking by the edge of old town, by the old medieval wall now. This section was emptier, reserved for families going home from late dinners or lovers strolling and enjoying the late-night air. Bella regarded him from the corner of her eye, he was so strikingly handsome she couldn't quite put into words how handsome she found him. Mia would just argue that Edward Athar was hot, and that Bella should take her shot. He was, as Mia would put it, the perfect rebound.
However, Bella was somehow slightly uncomfortable in his presence, and she couldn't quite place her finger on it, almost as if his approach to her had an ulterior motive, it seemed too forced, for some reason.
"Why are you here, Mr. Athar?" She stopped, protectively hugging herself. For the first time ever, she missed Cullen, the SCR captain, and wondered where he was. Unbeknownst to her, she was looking around for him, as if he would magically appear from behind the wall and protectively place himself between her and Edward Athar. However, at the same time, she did not get the impression that Edward was a threat to her.
He shrugged, looking confused. "I'm always here a few weeks in summer, after our little chat in the gardens I got the sudden urge to come back to Hayes, take in the fresh mountain air."
"I mean," Bella said, biting her lower lip, "why are you here, walking here with me?"
He tilted his head to his side. "Because I wanted to."
She gave out a sudden laugh. "I'm sorry but… you what? Because you want to? I…I've heard a thing or two about you… Mr. Athar," she said as she grew flushed. "The last thing I want is to end up on the society pages." Bella knew the Director would be furious with her if she were to suddenly be caught up in the public eye.
Something seemed to go through Edward's mind for it flickered dangerously behind his eyes. He looked at her with a strange sort of melancholy, as if wishing to speak his truth, but choosing not to. For an instance, Bella felt sympathy for him, yet not truly knowing why.
"We have only met thrice," he agreed. "Four times now."
"Seems we keep stumbling into each other," Bella mumbled shyly. She twiddled with her fingers.
"I can leave if my presence is making you uncomfortable."
"I just…wanted to know."
He arched an eyebrow at her. "Are you always this suspicious of people?"
Bella shrugged. "Lately I seem to have become so."
He gave her an understanding nod. "It was easy," he admitted, making Bella stare at him in confusion. "Speaking with you, I mean. We had a nice conversation."
"And here I thought I was prattling you to death that night in the gardens and at lunch."
He shook his head. "On the contrary. I didn't know I'd find you here in Hayes, but I am glad I did."
Bella started walking again, Edward matching her pace. They were heading back to the center. They passed a small group of younger women and Edward dragged the navy-blue cap further over his eyes. As the women passed, Bella spotted at least a few of them turning around, whispering amongst themselves and giggling.
"Seems your cover is blown," Bella blinked.
"Not much of a cover to begin with."
"I had no idea your face was so recognizable."
"Neither did I."
"You should probably do something about it," Bella chuckled back.
"What are you suggesting, Ms. Dwyer?" he asked alluringly, leaning in slightly.
"Oh, I don't know, grow a beard?"
She didn't notice how he flinched at the suggestion, but for the wrong reason.
"I could never pull off a beard," he laughed.
They continued their small friendly banter, Bella unaware of the level of flirtation really taking place. But the nervousness dissipated the more she and he joked with each other. She had never expected that someone like Edward Athar would be so easygoing. When they were close to the Goose, Edward stopped.
"I'll let you walk the rest of the way alone."
Bella noted the crowded square, understanding why he didn't wish to leave the narrow alleyway in which they had been walking.
She gave him a stiff nod, the nervousness returning. Was she supposed to say something now? Shake his hand? Give him a hug? What was the level of their strange relationship?
"It was a nice walk, Mr. Athar."
The cap cast a shadow over his upper face, only showing his mouth and defined jaw. Bella's eyes trailed over his lips despite herself, his eyes glinting from the shadows.
"Mr. Athar, it sounds so stiff," he laughed.
"I hear they also call you Junior."
He didn't answer her, instead, he kept her fixed with a gaze she could not place. Something about how he conversed with her and looked at her was as if he had known her longer than she had him. Bella grew flushed under the intense stare.
"Just call me Edward," he said.
She considered his response for a moment, both standing in the narrow alleyway alone, a smile growing on her lips. "Goodnight then, Edward."
She left before he could say anything else, left because she didn't know what else to do. He looked as she entered the Goose. He leaned against the façade of the house, his heart growing tender at the sight of her. A few minutes later, he saw her come out onto the upper terrace adjoint to her suite, looking out over the square before her eyes drifted upward. She leaned dreamily against the rail.
Mia had already gotten into her chicest evening outfit, finding Bella admiring the stars and the illuminated castle in the distance. She looked Bella up and down, a confused frown on her delicate face.
"What's gotten into you? Daydreaming again?"
Bella's smile grew as she remembered a pair of striking green eyes. "Better," she breathed.
A/N: Thank you for your patience in waiting for this chapter :) I hope you enjoyed it. As always, I encourage you to listen to the playlist that accompanies this fic by searching "Fanfic inspiration: The Portrait and The Letter" + "Isabelle Sumner" on youtube :)
Hope you have a wonderful start to the week!
Cheers,
Isabelle