THE GHOST OF WARBOROUGH HALL
"There was an immediately perceptible vitality about her, as if the nerves of her body were continually smouldering."
– F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1896 - 1940
ARC TWO - COURTSHIP
CHAPTER ELEVEN:
Miss Hofferson did not send for me again until two nights later, and, for the first time ever, we conducted our session in her bedroom. I stepped inside and found it extremely large and plain, with just the barest of furnishings. Here was a simple bedside table, right next to a simple four-poster bed with no curtains. A writing desk was set against the window, and her wardrobes were against one side of the wall.
The bedroom was so unlike the lavishness of the other rooms in the house that I would not have believed it to have been a part of the house.
I greeted her as I closed the door behind me. She was propped up to a sitting position upon her bed, and she appeared to me to have withered since the last time I saw her. It was then that it truly struck me why time was so very important to Miss Hofferson.
Perhaps she noticed the concern in my eyes, for she went straight to her story before I even had the chance to pull up a chair.
I could never pity a woman with an iron soul such as hers. She was everything I aspired to be - everything I wanted to be. No, I did not feel sorry for her. I did, however, feel an overwhelming sadness.
Miss Hofferson was not only very ill. She was dying.
"It was already past midnight, yet the ball did not appear to be winding down one bit, and Astrid was immensely exhausted, though she hid it rather well behind a well-practiced smile and honeyed, sparkling words. Dancing failed to lift her spirits. Heather could not stir the jealous competition within her. Not even hearing Missus Woodville's witty responses to Mr Byrnes' nonsense could inspire the happiness in Astrid.
"Perhaps it was because the Ghost had not been in Warborough Hall for a very, very long time. Astrid missed her, and she just hoped that she was enjoying herself - wherever she may be - more than Astrid was.
"Oh, what she would give to be outside, flying with her Nadder and doing the sorts of tricks that would have made these ladies and gentlemen faint. Astrid smiled at the memory of the wind and the sunshine on her face as her Nadder did spins in the air.
"She could sneak out… if only for a minute or two. After all, her slippers were starting to wear thin from all the dancing. Perhaps she could use that as an excuse…
"She gracefully finished her final round of talking with a group of guests just as the next dance was announced. She was about to sneak away when, to her dismay, Snotlout Jorgenson greeted her in a voice that sounded just a little too loud.
"Though you are shrouded in mystery, he announced stoutly. Our last dance enchanted me so much that I am convinced you are the most perfect lady in all of England.
"Astrid nearly rolled her eyes at his poor attempt at poetry. You must have mistaken me for another lady. She feigned a laugh. I fear I am the least perfect woman you have ever prevailed upon to have danced with.
"You are most wrong, and I am definitely right. He insisted, the thinly-veiled mockery in Astrid's previous statement completely lost to him. She suppressed a sigh.
"Congratulations Mr Jorgenson, you have just proven that I am not the most perfect lady in all of England after all.
"Snotlout opened his mouth, but then realised that she was right. His cheeks reddened with embarrassment. Then allow me to prove you wrong – may I have the next dance, my beautiful lady of the night?
"I would be most honoured, Mr Jorgenson, she began, knowing the rules, knowing that it would be most rude of her to turn him down. But then she noticed with a slight grimace that his hair had gone sweaty from too much drink and dance. She decided to decline him with as much grace as she could muster. However my feet are a little tired, and my slippers have worn thin -
"You can stand upon my shoes then.
"Oh, she would love to step on his toes all right. Mr Jorgenson, she feigned laughter once more. The next dance is a jig, not a waltz - I'm afraid romance is working against you tonight.
"No it's not! I'm the best man in this room, how can romance work against me?
"Then I fear that the other men in this room, who I have not yet danced with, will find me a most discourteous lady if I gave you the honour of dancing with me a second time. She knew she was already being incredibly uncivil by the mere act of turning down his invitation, but she did not care, and thankfully all this was also lost to him.
"Let them get jealous, he whined, all pretence gone. Do you not want to dance all night with the richest, most handsome man in this room?
"You are not a man yet, Mr Jorgenson, Astrid muttered. Thankfully he did not hear her.
"My, my! Miss Woodville suddenly appeared by Snotlout's elbow, all glitter and smiles. I must say that I am enjoying this night far too much!
"She does not want to dance with me! Snotlout pointed an accusing finger at Astrid, and Astrid's temper flared.
"Take care of what you say next, Mr Jorgenson, she said dangerously. They may very well be your last.
"I've tried every trick in the book. What must I do to win your heart?
"A woman's love cannot be won. It must earned. And if you think that I am the sort of woman who can be tricked into giving her love away so easily then you are sorely mistaken.
"She saw Heather Woodville's eyes widen behind him in admiration, before she grinned conspiratorially. I love this next dance, she suddenly exclaimed. I would dearly love to join in. I wonder if there is a man in this room willing to dance with me until my slippers break.
"I can be that man! Snotlout eagerly volunteered, all animosity washed away by the prospect of dancing with a beautiful lady, his row with Astrid momentarily forgotten in his haste to mend his wounded pride. He turned to lead her to the middle of the room, and Heather turned her head to Astrid and gave her a wink. Astrid discreetly mouthed a thank you to her.
"Wow, aren't you rude, a man laughed behind her.
"Astrid whirled around in surprise and accidentally slapped the man in question in the face. He instantly yelped in pain, and a few of the guests turned a curious eye towards them.
"Oh I beg your pardon! Astrid gasped, her hands flying up to cover her mouth as her eyes widened. Are – are you alright? I do apologise, I did not mean to hit -
"Astrid did not finish her sentence, for she froze in shock at the sight of him.
"Yeah, he hissed. You always never mean to hit me, right?
"He looked back at her as he rubbed his face, bright green eyes flashing in indignation, and she suddenly had an overwhelming urge to punch him in the face. She clenched her fists and turned away.
"Hiccup, what are you doing here? She growled instead. The last thing she needed was to keep one eye on the blacksmith's apprentice who decided to crash a private party, and another on the Beaumont boy who had started to make his way towards her. She pretended to not see his approach and began to weave around the room.
"Hiccup sighed and murmured a monologue behind her. Well good evening to you to, Hiccup, how has your night been? Oh, it's been nice so far, Astrid, lovely night out. Great night, perfect night for flying -
"Shut up, Hiccup! Just… shut up!
"You lot were making too much noise, Hiccup complained good-naturedly. Do you even know what time it is?
"Nearly one, Astrid snapped as she made her way to the refreshments room. She turned to Hiccup and smiled apologetically. I'm sorry. I've been counting down the time until my esteemed guests here have exhausted themselves to oblivion. The sooner these dances finish, the sooner I can be myself once more.
"Yes, because the other Astrid is so much more pleasant than this one.
"Astrid blanched at his words, and she poured herself some tea to hide her discomfort. She had to remind herself that he did not know anything about the well-kept secret of Warborough Hall. She heard the dancers take up the jig next door, and she willed herself to calm down. You haven't answered my question, she whispered, changing the subject as she brought the cup up to her lips.
"Hiccup looked at the assortment of cakes, cold tongues, and sandwiches upon the table. What question was that again? He asked calmly, and she had to fight the urge to hit him again. Instead, she set her cup down on the saucer with a clink.
"Why are you here? I mean - What are you doing here? Are you trying to get kicked out of this house?
"Oh, Hiccup chuckled. I don't know. The party sounded fun from outside, so I decided to join in.
"You idiot! Astrid hissed. This is a private party! If Gobber finds you…
"He won't, he waved her off and took a large slice of cake. And if he does, I'm sure he'll be far too drunk to care. He licked the sugar from his fingers as he watched the other guests milling around, looking at him curiously.
"It was only then that Astrid looked at his attire in its entirety. It was true that his mop of auburn hair still sat upon his head in the same way, the ends of his hair sticking out everywhere. The freckles and the sharp, green eyes were still there. The familiarity that this boy truly was Hiccup comforted Astrid somewhat. It was, however, the clothes he was wearing that felt absolutely foreign to her, and looked absolutely strange on him. He was wearing a ball-suit made from the very best cloth and of the latest style cut, and it was a suit fit for a well-born gentleman. Where did he get these clothes from?
"Hiccup noticed her ogling him, and he lightly blushed under her scrutiny. Oh, you must remind me to thank your father for lending me this outfit. Don't ask me why he keeps my size of clothing around, though, he said when he saw that Astrid was about to speak. I don't know and I thought it impertinent to ask. I'm just grateful that he invited me to the party – though in secret. He suddenly turned serious. You must not tell anyone that I am here under your father's invitation or he will flog me.
"You… he… I… Astrid found it hard to string words together. What was her father playing at? Was he pushing Astrid and the blacksmith's boy together? No, what a preposterous idea! It was more likely that Lord Hofferson invited the boy to keep Astrid's temper in check.
"Yes. That… that must be the reason why her father invited him, though she did not believe this reasoning herself.
"Astrid set her cup and saucer down on the table. She suddenly did not know where to go, or what to do, or what to say. One of her closest friends was standing right there, right next to her, and she did not know what to say to him. His easiness suddenly made her feel incredibly awkward in her own party. He looked far too comfortable in this setting… as if… as if he's been…
"How can you be so comfortable here? She blurted out. He looked more at ease than her, and this was her party, and her house! Have you been to a private ball before? She demanded.
"Oh, plenty of times. He turned to her, setting his plate down on the table. My mother often brought me, when she was alive.
"But she was only a servant! Astrid exclaimed. She would not have been allowed to bring you to a private ball!
"The last dance finished with great applause, and the murmur of the crowd moving to the refreshments room urged Astrid to move back to the music room. However, to her dismay, the music master announced that they would be playing an English country waltz – upon her request, for it was her favourite dance – in just a few moments. Several eyes landed on her.
"English country waltz, hmm? Hiccup murmured by her elbow, and she was surprised that he had followed her into the music room. This dance is a little out-of-style, don't you think? Out-of-style by, I don't know, maybe half a century or so? I doubt many of the younger people here would know the steps.
"Well, that's the point. Besides, it happens to be my favourite, Hiccup, so just be quiet! And… and stop following me!
"She heard him sigh. I never said she was a servant, you know. He murmured quietly.
"Astrid graciously smiled at everyone and nobody in particular, before she realised that he had said something to her. What did you say? Curiously, she noticed that some of the older guests were smiling at him. Even the servants were gaping at him, and she immediately wanted to tell him to run away before he could get into any trouble.
"I said: I never said my mother was a servant.
"You did too! Now Hiccup, you need to -
"Trust me, I didn't.
"Astrid sighed. Hiccup… please, not now. If you still haven't noticed, you need to run away, and I am at this moment far too busy to argue with you.
"What are you busy with? All you're doing is smiling and nodding at people.
"I'm busy thinking of who I shall give this dance to without insulting any of the families here. She began weaving around the couches, looking for her father, thinking that perhaps she could ask him to dance with her instead.
"Where was he when she needed him?
"You haven't decided who to give your favourite dance to yet? He asked incredulously.
"No. I mean yes! I shall dance with my father.
"He snorted, and then he discreetly touched her arm to get her attention again. Why don't you dance with me, Hiccup suggested simply, and it was Astrid's turn to snort an incredulous laugh.
"Hiccup, that will definitely count for insulting my guests.
"Why?
"Astrid nearly screamed up to the heavens in irritation. She turned and hissed at him. For goodness sake Hiccup! Can you imagine what they will say when they find out I danced with a blacksmith's apprentice tonight?
"The boy smiled cheekily as he whispered: Be a rebel for once, why don't you? Astrid was just about to shove him away when he gracefully bent his body to give her a courteous bow, his right hand lifting up to her as he murmured: Miss Hofferson, may I have the pleasure of this dance?
"She stood stock still and stared at him. This was not Hiccup. A few of the guests turned and whispered to each other, no doubt wondering who this mysterious newcomer was. Astrid looked around and saw the shy Anderson boy, the detestable Byrnes boy, and the persistent Jorgenson boy all walking towards her. She looked back at Hiccup's extended hand and, in an act of desperation, wordlessly slipped her fingers in his.
"For the first time since the party started she felt exhilaration overcome every fibre of her being.
"He smiled as he straightened up and led her to the middle of the room, at the head of the line of couples that was quickly forming. The back of Astrid's neck prickled as she felt the dozens of eyes upon her. After a while, she saw Snotlout glare at Hiccup from his place several couples down the line, a pretty Beaumont girl standing in front of him.
"Astrid felt a little faint as she looked back at Hiccup, whose eyes seemed to be smiling despite his neutral face. She wanted – needed - to be angry with him, wanted to punch the living daylights out of him for forcing her into this very unfortunate situation that would no doubt set tongues on fire tomorrow morning.
"The music started, and the ladies and gentlemen bowed to each other as the dance finally went underway. Astrid and Hiccup stepped forward as one, brought their hands together as one, started to dance as one, and Astrid realised that he knew this dance well, knew each and every step to take, when to let other couples circle them, when to turn and where to lead her, when to wait. This was something no blacksmith's apprentice could have learnt once and retained forever: this was something that was learnt and done over and over again. He has done this before, Astrid realised in disbelief. He has…
"It's okay to speak while dancing, you know, Hiccup said after a minute too long of enduring Astrid's wide-eyed gaze.
"Astrid blushed lightly, suddenly and implausibly shy in front of this mutton-head. Forgive me, she murmured. But I am afraid to put into words what is currently on my mind, Mr… er, forgive me, Mr…
"Goodness… she did not even know his last name!
"Hiccup by now had given up trying to hide the smile that had been tugging at his lips ever since the dance started. You don't have to be so formal with me, you know. It's still me. I'm still me.
"Astrid narrowed her eyes. Are you really?
"Astrid, I'm sure I'm definitely still me.
"Then tell me: What is your name?
"He raised an eyebrow as he guided her through the dance. You'd think you'd know my name by now after all the time we've spent together-
"No, I meant your real name! She stressed.
"He stared at her for a moment. I'm Hiccup. Still Hiccup underneath this expensive outfit.
"And your last name?
"He sighed. Astrid –
"Hiccup, please. Your last name.
"He averted his eyes. Why is my last name suddenly so important to you?
"Astrid puffed out her cheeks. Because I thought I was your friend! She felt the hand that was innocently holding her hand up curl possessively.
"You are my friend! He whispered back fiercely before he sucked in a breath to calm his nerves, waiting for the couple next to them to finish their steps. Astrid… he whispered.
"She waited for him to continue speaking, and when he did not she prompted him with a gentle: Hiccup?
"Okay, okay! He finally relented. But first... Do you – do you remember your promise? That I will always have your friendship? That you will always remember me kindly?
"Of course I do.
"Do I still have your word?
"Of course, Astrid repeated, though Hiccup noted the cautious edge that had crept in her voice, and this caused him to stammer, all confidence gone.
"Oh boy, you're not going to like this.
"I figured as much, Astrid scowled.
"He stared at her. You really don't remember the first time we met, do you?
"Of course I do! By the woods, when I thought you led me there to kidnap me."
"No. Before that, Astrid. As children…
"Astrid glowered at him, thinking he had completely lost his mind, but then she remembered the familiarity she felt when she first spied on him from behind the foyer curtains. Back then she felt that she had met him before – she even told the Ghost as much – but she could not put a finger to where she's met him before it. But – and her eyes widened as realisation dawned on her - she had met him before. She had, a long time ago. When they were mere children, bickering and fighting and…
"The pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place
"It all suddenly made sense. Her father's actions should have been a giveaway, from the moment he bent and asked a blacksmith's apprentice if he truly did not want to stay in one of the lavish rooms in the house, all the way down to the secret smiles that her father gave every time she and Hiccup were together.
"She suddenly found it hard to breathe.
"How could she have been so blind?
"Mr Haddock, Astrid whispered.
"Before Hiccup could respond, the music ended, and the dancers curtseyed to each other once more. Astrid and Hiccup tore their eyes from one another and turned in the direction of the musicians to applaud them.
"When Astrid looked back at him, she found him smiling mischievously. A parting gift, Miss Hofferson, he murmured before he promptly kissed the air above her hand and stepped away. She heard a few of the older guests greet him, but he excused himself as he walked swiftly out of the room, suddenly very afraid of what her reaction would be.
"But he need not have feared, for he left Astrid absolutely speechless, motionless, and with a raging blush.
"Who were you dancing with, Miss Hofferson? Miss Beaumont breathed behind Astrid.
"I believe that would be Lord Haddock's son, Mrs Anderson suddenly appeared beside her.
"I did not know the Haddocks were invited, was the Beaumont girl's haughty response.
"My dear Miss Hofferson, Mrs Byrnes murmured next to her. Why did you not tell us that Lord Haddock was here? You must introduce us to him and his son – at once!
"I didn't know… Astrid said faintly. I never knew... but I should have known… all the signs were there…
"They probably intended to surprise you, Mrs Anderson said sympathetically, completely mistaking the meaning behind Astrid's astonishment. Lord Haddock and your father are such good friends after all…
"I do not think Lord Haddock is here, Astrid interrupted.
"Just the son then? Heather Woodville murmured.
"Astrid nodded wordlessly. Yes, just Hiccup, all this time.
"I believe his name is Harailt, Mrs Byrnes chattered.
"You must introduce us to him at once, Miss Beaumont piped up.
"A wonderful idea! Mrs Byrnes looked around. Where has my daughter Georgiana gone off to?
"Astrid felt suffocated by the sudden crowd of women around her, all vying for her attention, all vying to be introduced to that mutton-head who dared to ask for her trust and friendship when he was not who he claimed to be.
"Hiccup.
"Or rather, Mr Haddock… all this time… and…
"She excused herself from the crowd, making a beeline in the direction where he had disappeared to.
"Oh yes. She was determined to punch him when she catches him."
My mouth was hanging open.
"Hiccup was the Haddock boy?" I finally exclaimed.
Miss Hofferson smiled.
"I… I cannot believe it," I swept a hand through my hair. "Why was he keeping it a secret?"
"No questions, Miss Thorston." Miss Hofferson frowned. "You have already cheated enough."
I quickly flipped through my notes, looking over the clues that Miss Hofferson left like breadcrumbs. And it was there. All there, yet I was too dense to have followed it.
I perused my notebook, muttering to myself. Hiccup the boy with his distinctive green eyes peeking from behind his mud-smeared face. Miss Hofferson's father's discomfort at allowing the son of his most cherished friend to sleep at the servant's quarters – even though he was just a blacksmith's apprentice. Astrid's initial reaction at seeing Hiccup. Hiccup's initial reaction at being alone with Astrid…
The sly old fox! If I had missed these things, what else in the story have I completely overlooked?
I had not realised that Miss Hofferson had not spoken for a while until the fire cracked in the hearth, made louder than it truly was due to the echoes it made in the sparse bedroom. I looked up at Miss Hofferson and found her eyes closed and her eyebrows drawn together. She was shallowly breathing through chapped lips.
A small surge of panic swept through me.
"Miss Hofferson?" I whispered tentatively, but she held out a thin hand to hush me.
"A moment, please," she muttered. After a while, she opened her eyes. "I'm afraid we will have to cut our session a little shorter tonight."
"Of course!" I immediately said, though I was disappointed that she was stopping at such a crucial part of the story, and especially after she had dismissed me so unceremoniously a couple of nights ago.
"We shall continue tomorrow evening." She rang her bell, then looked at me apologetically. "I am very sorry for these delays, Miss Thorston."
I smiled reassuringly at her. "That's okay, I kind of understand. As long you don't leave always leave me hanging, otherwise I might just punch a hole through a wall." I gathered my things and was about to leave when another thought struck me. If Hiccup was Mr Haddock, and Astrid was unmarried, then…
The Dark Countess.
I turned back to her. "May I ask one more thing, Miss Hofferson?"
She grimaced in pain. "Miss Thorston," she started, but I interrupted her.
"It won't take long, and I don't think it's cheating, but… it's something to do with Mr Haddock – with Hiccup."
She said nothing as she glared at me.
I took a deep, nervous breath. "You see, I've been researching… er, that is... it has been brought to my attention… I mean… anyway the point is, if Hiccup was Mr Haddock, and you're obviously unmarried – and I know for a fact that he married someone else - does that mean… um… did his affections with you – I mean, were you and him ever…"
She smiled shrewdly through the pain. "I'm afraid I was never I love with him, if that was what you were bumbling about. We were merely friends."
"So this was not unrequited love," I murmured. "Not for you anyway… but what about Hiccup?"
She shook her head. "Hiccup fell in love with another woman – madly in love, even, and she in turn loved him. They suited each other perfectly."
"The Dark Countess," I murmured, and I saw her grin grow wider. "Oh my god, you know her identity!"
"Of course I know her identity," she said, just as Lisa and Missus Parsons entered her room.
"Who was she?" I asked feverishly, but Lisa – sweet, gentle, Lisa – gave me a disapproving look as she shooed me away. I tried to look around her arm and called to Astrid.
"Miss Hofferson, please – a name!"
Missus Parsons pushed me away roughly and shook her head. I was about to shove her back just as hard, when I caught Miss Hofferson's pale, strained face.
Oh god…
"Miss Hofferson?" I turned to Lisa. "Is she going to be okay?"
"She will be if you just leave and allow her to rest!" She snapped.
I clenched my fists, but then realised that this was a fight that I could not win. Miss Hofferson was far too ill to continue tonight, and so I agreed to quietly leave. However, just as I crossed the door, Miss Hofferson called weakly from her bed once more.
"Miss Thorston," she croaked. "Before I forget: I had taken the liberty to invite Mr Ingerman over. I would very much like to hear what he thinks about the Haddocks, and anything else he found out upon visiting Chisholm House."
The blood rushed to my ears. "What?" I exclaimed, but Missus Parsons had already closed the door in my face.
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
And so begins Arc Two. This Arc will not be as long as Arc One, but I know it will be a joy to read for many of you :)
And if you've been following this story and haven't reviewed yet, if it's not too much trouble, I would really be grateful if you could take the onset of Arc Two as an opportunity to let me know what you think of the story so far :) I can only make this story better if I know what I'm doing right, or which parts are keeping you interested :)
This ball was based on the party scene from that wonderful BBC movie, Miss Austen Regrets.
Once again, thank you all so much for reading, and for the favs and the follows and the reviews! I am ever so grateful for all your support.
LizzyLory: Thanks! :) Haha from hyper to sleepy. I hope you liked this chapter too!
Ferdoos: You're absolutely right about Hiccup! The Countess, meanwhile, is…
Josy Daky: Yep, Harailt is Hiccup :) Thank you so much for your review, and I am so glad you're enjoying my style of writing! That's truly one of the best compliments I have ever received, so thank you so, so much!
Cat Eyed Blunder: A bit of both, so I'm very glad you noticed! Thanks so much for your review :)
NEXT CHAPTER: In which Hiccup reveals more!
PS: Just a friendly reminder that this is ultimately a Hiccstrid fic, so please don't freak out by what's happened in the latter part of this chapter.