Chapter 5: Burned
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Mr. Montaielli's thunderous voice could be heard from the study room where he and Mr. Malfoy were conversing. The house elf had entered various times to serve them liquor and it had set them both in a very boisterous mood. Georgiana smiled quaintly at Mrs. Montaielli and Claire as the two men laughed. She sipped politely at her tea and proceeded to ask a few questions.
"So, what brings you to England Mrs. Montaielli?"
"Well, you know that the business is expanding and Mr. Montaielli decided that it would be wise to make a partnership with Mr. Malfoy. That way they could both profit equally, and that sort." Mrs. Montaielli responded.
"Of course, it would be only the most intelligent choice. I am so happy to have you here and I hope that the proposition would be taken by Mr. Malfoy, for your sake and mine."
Mrs. Montaielli smiled knowingly and dropped another lump of sugar into her tea. Claire stirred hers around and took a full drink. The tea trickled down the side of her mouth and Georgiana pretended to have heard something and looked away at the stair case. Her mother gave her a condescending glance and she quickly wiped it away.
A door was opened and the two men walked into the parlor shaking hands. Georgiana admired the smile upon her husband's face; it was bright and so happy…
"Thank you once again Draco for such a wonderful idea and agreement. I do hope we shall be seeing each other again soon!" Mr. Montaielli said as he took the hand of his wife.
"As do I, Raphael." Mr. Malfoy replied as he rested his hand on Claire's shoulder.
A very unattractive expression morphed Mrs. Montaielli's features and Georgiana held tightly to her spoon. Mr. Montaielli seemed a bit uncomfortable, but allowed himself to be led out of the house by Mr. Malfoy. Claire remained seated and looked down at her tea.
"Good night," Mr. Malfoy said to the Montaielli's before closing the door and walking back to the women. "I shall be in my study. I hope you find things to your liking Claire."
He spared not even a glance to Georgiana as he exited. She dropped the spoon into her tea cup, Claire jumping at the sound. Tea splashed over the toile cloths and was absorbed into the fabric.
"Mrs. Malfoy?" Claire asked, her soft, meek voice only whisper in the still air.
She looked up and smiled ever so slightly before refolding the napkin in her lap.
"Please, call me Georgiana."
A blush rose to Claire's face at her friendliness and she nodded her head.
"Yes, Mrs.— Georgiana." Claire replied.
It was silent in the parlor as the two women continued to drink tea.
Night approached quickly, and Georgiana made her usual rounds. She stopped by the kitchen to indulge in a few small chocolates before gliding across the entry and up the stairs. She stepped quietly across the hall and saw that the door to their room was closed. She turned around and walked back down the steps. The guest bedroom was open and her nightwear was folded neatly atop the maple dresser.