Chapitre 7
I opened the curtains of my bedroom, letting as much light in as possible. My heart danced as I recalled the previous night's events; his freezing kiss, his promise of love to me. Grabbing my gossamer dressing gown, I skipped my way down the stairs, a wide smile on my face. In the dining room, everyone was already seated.
"Well, well Estelle. You look happy this morning." Father said as I took a seat next to him.
"I just feel a lot better; I think my cold has cleared up." I took a piece of toast, finding my appetite had returned. I looked over at Lottie, who was looking at me in a funny way; as though she was about to be sick.
"Lottie? What's wrong?" Step-Mother asked. Lottie wiped her mouth and got up; tying the sash of her dressing gown tighter around her large belly.
"I'm fine, just feeling a little under the weather." Step Mother embraced her tightly and started to comb her hair.
"Oh, poor love. You must have caught Estelle's nasty cold." I frowned and sipped my cup of herbal tea, which Mina poured for me. She gave me a secret wink, I understood what she meant. Feeling the familiar piece of paper on my lap I continued eating.
"I might go lie down for a little bit." Lottie said, she left the table.
Lottie's View-
I flopped down on my bed, staring at the ceiling. Memories from the previous night came back to me, the way the Count looked at me.
'But why didn't he say anything?' I shut my eyes and thought. 'Surely this isn't all bad, what I should care that the Count is interested in my stupid step-sister. Sure she's nice, can play a little on the violin and is rather pretty.' Then something flashed before my eyes, me standing by the altar in a bride maids dress. Estelle walking up the isle in a dress covered in diamonds, white and blue rose petals floating everywhere. The handsome Count standing there, slipping a 50 million franc ring on her finger, Estelle turning and smirking at me cruelly.
'Eat your heart out step-sister.' I shot my eyes open and took a deep breath. My heart racing, my stomach churned.
'The Countess of Monte Cristo.' I thought, gulping. I got up and stepped into the hallway, taking shaky steps to Estelle's room. Turning the handle I closed her door silently behind me. All around her room were vases of blue roses, the Counts roses. I sat down at her vanity, narrowing my eyes at several bottles of expensive perfume. Opening one of the drawers I took out some pieces of paper that were inside. I opened the oldest looking one of them, it was written beautifully in black ink.
Dear Mademoiselle Estelle Cutter,
Though our time was cut short at the party last week, I wish to see you again. I invite you to come riding with me this weekend, I would like it if you brought your violin with you as I would love to hear you play. I only wish to see you again and to be blessed by your presence, never in all my life have I ever met someone as unique and as lovely as you. I hope that you'll be able to accompany me; you may bring your own horse if you desire.
Till then… The Count of Monte Cristo
I put the letter down and looked at the rest of them; there were at least forty of them. I opened another one, it was from him again; and another, and another. I looked at them all with shaking hands.
'How long has this gone on for? A month? A year? How long have they been doing this?!' I heard footsteps along the hallway, Estelle's voice. Stuffing the letters back in the drawer I looked around the room in fear. 'If Estelle catches me in here, I'm dead.' I turned and hid myself in her wooden cupboard, pressing myself against her beautiful dresses. I heard the door being shut and the servant girl talking to Estelle.
"Do you want me to hang up your dressing gown Miss?" I froze.
"No it's fine Mina, sit down." Sighing in relief I pressed my eyes to the crack in the door.
"So what happened last night? Did you tell him how you felt?" I saw Estelle sit down on the bed, Mina sitting next to her.
"Yes, he said he feels the same. He kissed me Mina." Mina squealed in delight.
"That's wonderful, what was it like-" She covered her mouth. "-if it's not to bold to say." Estelle blushed.
"H-He was so cold; his skin was like ice." She said, and then fell silent.
"What does the letter say?" I heard the ruffling of paper. Estelle cleared her throat, giggling like a little girl.
Dearest Estelle,
I thank you for inviting me over last night; it was I night I won't easily forget. The aria that you wrote me-
'She wrote him an aria??!' I thought.
-is amazing. I hope the next time that we see each other; you may be able to play the whole piece for me. I will not forget the way your eyes glittered like emeralds in the night and your skin like the velvet that shows off a perfect jewel. I hope that we can see each other again soon my love.
With all my heart… The Count of Monte Cristo.
"He's so romantic. I love him so much Mina." She ran a hand through her hair; she got up and put the letter in the drawer of her vanity along with the others. "I'm going to the library to read for awhile." Mina and Estelle left the room. I carefully stepped out of her cupboard. Checking the coast was clear I ran to my room, collapsing on one of the chairs by the balcony. I clasped a hand over my mouth.
'It isn't long now before she becomes the Countess of Monte Cristo. A grand title and more money then she can handle-'
"Sweetheart?" I looked up, mummy stepped into the room. Stroking one of her beautiful dogs.
"Hello darling, how are you feeling?" I looked up at her. "Awww, poor dear; you look a bit off colour." I gulped and took a deep breath.
"Mummy?"
"Yes darling?" She said; a wide smile on her beautiful face.
"There's something I have to tell you."