Hello everyone!
Despite Spring Jelsa Week already over long time ago, I still owe you the story. Sorry for the 3 months delay ;A; I'll try to finish next chapter sooner. Anyway, hope you'll enjoy this one!
Thank you so much for xxscarletxrosexx for the beta! You'll be an amazing English teacher, really XD and to snowshoe-rabbit for your bluntness, as usual.
DISCLAIMER: RoTG belongs to Dreamworks and Frozen to Disney.
SPRING JELSA WEEK DAY 2: "Holding Hands"
Day 2#
"I think I'll cut their salary in return of their day-off. So it's only fair, right? What do you think?"
She tapped her fingers, thinking hard. A manner that's actually a tad uncharacteristic for her tier.
"I have to say no, Ma'am. Don't you know the fishermen currently concerned with the overpricing of camisoles?" He said in almost a melodic voice, looking around distractedly.
She frowned. His answer weren't helping her in the slightest at all. It added more confusion, if in the least.
"I fail to see the connection, Mr. Overland. Do you care to elaborate? Why do they have to worry over things they barely even wear?"
"It's not… about them," he paused, trying to search the right words as if he's faced between life and death.
"It's about their wives!"
"Morning, milady! Happy Thanksgiving!"
"Good morning and happy Thanksgiving to you too, Jack." She noticed the amount of plastic bags in his hands. "My, that's quite a lot of stuffs you carry. Aren't they heavy? Do you need any help?"
"Nah, they're not as heavy as they look," he lifted them up, assuring her. "The household next door currently short on cooks, so they asked my help to buy something for tonight's dinner. It's a little bit tricky because the lady is on diet."
"That's very kind of you, Jack. What did you get in the end?"
"Well, vegetables are must on a diet. So I bought pumpkin pie, zucchini bread, and carrot cake!"
"I wonder why some people call you the Ice Queen when your smile so bright and warm it could melt an ice."
"W-who did they call the Ice Queen?"
The celebration was still in a week, but it felt like Christmas already; the warm atmosphere of the streets, delightful decorations adorning the doors, and fragrant foods on the displays.
As the sun drawing line between dark and light, the town started coming alive. For once, the freezing weather failed to lull them back to home. The thoughts of holiday, moment where families finally gathered once in a year, parties and celebrations, were enough to light the spirit of the people.
And apparently, a certain paperboy, was no exception.
"You're earlier than usual today, Jack," Elsa greeted him as she walked out the door.
He grinned. "Perhaps I just want to catch you, milady."
Jack looked amicably different that day. He still had his untamed hair and worn out shirt, but for once he didn't have dirt with him. It appeared he finally gave attention for immaculacy. Funny, Elsa thought. Such a little change somehow could give a different impression.
"Well, you did. I'm about to go shopping."
"Ooh. Nice. Shopping," he repeated airily. "Women really like to do that."
Elsa crossed her arms, raising a brow. "Do you have any urgent business with me? Or do you simply have problem with women going for shopping in general? "
"What if I say I just wanted to see your face?"
It rolled from his tongue so easily it almost sounded natural. If Elsa hadn't known him better, she would have reacted differently. But this was Jack. So instead, she maintained her composure. Trying to look unaffected. Trying.
"You saw me yesterday. And you will see me again tomorrow. Basically you see me every day, Jack."
Jack laughed. "Indeed, indeed."
He then shoved his hand into his leather bag, searching for something. Elsa tilted her head a bit, curious. He caught her eyes staring when he looked up again and Elsa had to fake a cough.
"So," she prompted. "Is there something you need from me?"
"Not really," he pulled out his hand and there's a small envelope on it. "Just a different package. You have a very special letter today."
"Oh," Elsa was a bit surprised. Jack might be a paperboy, but he sometimes assisted people with various things. However, delivering letters was something new. Or at least, something Elsa just knew. A special letter even.
"What is it, pray tell?" Pray tell it's not a telegram from my father. Elsa had begun to fidget with her fingers, unconsciously pinching her silky gloves. Telegrams didn't usually bring good news with them.
"It's a love letter."
She blinked.
He purposely paused for a moment, waiting for her reaction. Naturally, she's expected to be blushing. Naturally, a lady would be at a loss of words. And Elsa was indeed at a loss of words, but for entirely different reason.
Love letter! The first thing came to her was relief. At least it's not the worst she'd expected, though still quite surprising. Elsa wondered how he managed to keep a straight face.
"And from your secret admirer, I believe," he added, followed with his signature smirk.
It was getting dubious and Elsa would have none of it, if this was one of his pranks again. She decided to play along, nonetheless.
"My God, that's so lovely," she hovered a hand over her chest. "And you sure you don't know who this secret admirer is?"
"I wonder about that too, Ma'am," he shrugged, flipping the letter back and forth as if searching for its sender. Elsa had to resist the urge to roll her eyes out of their socket because the way he put it just so obvious.
Jack stepped closer.
"But one thing I'm sure about, this letter must be special because it's addressed to someone special too."
And Elsa was reminded once again about what she noted just several minutes ago: that he was different today.
Jack was always a tease. Always a banter. Sometimes he's even almost suggestive. But it had always balanced on the invisible borderline, which, a moment ago, he'd just crossed past it.
Suddenly, there's no more playful tone in his voice. No more smart comments, no more smug grins. Only a softened gaze, an unreadable expression, and a gentle breeze blowing the dry atmosphere.
Someone special like you.
Those words somehow echoing in her ears, triggering weird sensation in her stomach.
Silence dropped between them and Elsa realized she has to say something. But as she searched for the right words, Jack's slowly approaching her, closing the gap between them and Elsa could feel her legs gradually going numb, locking her in place. Her heart had begun to beat a little bit faster as he stared, a pair of honey coloured spheres piercing deep into her. He leaned in and his face was so close she could count the freckles and sunburn and every strands on his brows. She closed her eyes at the proximity, she didn't know why but she just did. Wait, had she just bitten her own lips too?
She could feel his breath tingling her skin.
"You know, I notice it also smells like rose," he suddenly brought the letter up between them and Elsa jolted.
"Re… really?" she responded posthaste, albeit stuttered. Her hand fumbled and tugged a strand behind her ear nervously, in attempt to hide her racing heart. It's as if she was just pulled back to earth she hadn't recalled ever leaving.
Slowly, Elsa could feel both her legs again, steady and firm footing on the ground. But as much as she felt grateful, a part of her somehow felt disappointed for a reason she couldn't figure out.
"Milady," a hoarse voice suddenly interjected.
She turned around to see her coachman standing next to the carriage, eyes tired and nose reddened. Then it dawned to her how much time she had just wasted. She didn't actually intend to make him wait.
"I'm afraid we have to go now, or we wouldn't have much time left to prepare later," the man addressed anxiously, fiddling with his hat.
Elsa quickly apologized. "Yes, right, I'm sorry, Emmet."
When she turned to face Jack again, he already returned to his usual self, eyes beaming and hair tinted with the sunlight.
"Well. You hear him, ma'am. Dun wanna be late for whatever plans you have today," he cooed, handing her the letter once more.
She was hesitant for a moment, but then she gave in. "I'm really sorry Jack. We shall continue our talk again tomorrow."
The tip of their fingers brushed as the letter passed on and they lingered there longer than necessary. Elsa could feel the roughness of his skin through the thin layer of her gloves. They stared at each other again, but this time, no more doubt, no more hesitancy. The corner of Elsa's lips slowly curved into a smile.
"Please send my gratitude to the sender."
Jack flashed a grin.
Elsa climbed into the carriage and Jack stayed there, until the coach slowly vanished from sight.
The Westergard's castle was as big as the Winters, or so Elsa noted upon arriving in the front gate. Wrought-iron fence surrounded the well-tended lawn, freshly painted exterior, fashionable building, people would admit the Henderson has quite the taste. And on this particular night, the castle was really lively and bustling, though busier than its usual or not Elsa couldn't tell. It was her first time visiting the household, though not her first time attending an anniversary party.
A good number of carriages pulled in at the front, disgorging some of the very highest and most progressive politicians, aristocrats, and artists. Elsa had met some of them in previous occasions (though not actually talking, her father did most of the jobs), meanwhile others from newspaper. And the rest, she assumed they're all as much people of high value and integrity too.
As the butler kept her evening cloak, she took a deep breath and entered the manor. For this very occasion, the tailor had picked a beautiful evening gown with a low square neckline, despite however Elsa opposed the idea. It's not the cold that she minds, but the unnecessary attention that came after. Her hair was gathered in a low coiffure, dressed with fresh lilacs and roses. Her overall dress was actually simple, but her porcelain skin and platinum hair were doing good job in gathering the attention. As soon as she had stepped inside the hall, she could feel a number of eyes on her.
"Miss Winters, I assume?" a soft, gentle voice greeted her. Elsa turned around to find a man, probably in his late twenty's or early thirty's. Because despite he looked so much younger, such demeanour couldn't possibly be possessed by a young man. He had an azure blue eyes and his seamless waistcoat matched perfectly in colour with his sandy hair.
"Yes, that would be me. Good evening… Mr?"
"William Henderson, pleasure to meet you, Miss Winters," he bowed.
"Oh!" she exclaimed. She had expected to meet the host, but not this sooner. Not when she just stepped right into the mansion. She'd been told once about the Henderson family, but she still hadn't been able to memorize all the sons. If Elsa wasn't mistaken, then he's the fifth, no, fourth in the line.
"The pleasure is mine, Lord William," Elsa curtseyed. "I apologize on behalf of my father, please do excuse him for his lack attendance to this party. I hope the Earl is doing well, my father sends his regards."
He smiled.
"Father is doing well. Both father and I were really excited to meet Lord Winters, but we understand given the circumstances."
"Thank you for the understanding."
Soon, Elsa found herself in his company. William Henderson was what exactly you would call a perfect gentleman. He was polite, intellectual, and enlightening. As a gentleman, he's also avoids every topic that considered improper for a lady, and Elsa found it a bit discouraging.
"Now now, milady. Touching a controversial subject, aren't we?"
"I say it's now the time for a proper and fair wage, some people are giving a lot more arduous efforts and they don't get what they deserve."
"And I say, you don't need to worry so much, milady. It's not good for your health," and he expressed, appeared genuinely concerned. Elsa had just realized she went a bit off-limit. Maybe she shouldn't really push her interests. She was reminded again why she prefered to read books and papers rather than opening an actual discussion; they presented her with more feedback and information.
She hid her disappointment nonetheless.
"Oh," the young lord's eyes suddenly darted to the door, and Elsa followed. A beautiful lady with mahogany hair had just entered the hall, she appeared not much older than Elsa. With an earnest regret and an apologize, the young lord excused himself. Elsa watched as he made his way to the lady, greeted and talked to her. He looked even beaming in her presence than when he had been conversing with Elsa.
Elsa just stared at them, wondering what to do. With William leaving her, she just realized how lonely she was. A moment before she enjoyed it, then suddenly she didn't. When did she become so desperate?
You are a special someone for me.
She quickly dismissed voice in the back of her mind. Right now, she's in a political business, she shouldn't be concerned over trivial matters. Such as love letter shouldn't be the main of her problems, and it should never be. She decided maybe she should just properly meet the Earl himself, rather than letting her head roam into delusional thoughts. She's hesitantly approaching William, wondering if she could ask him a last little favour.
"I wouldn't bother them if I were you."
A sudden, husky voice came from behind her. Elsa turned around, and this time, she remembered. His name crossed her mind, despite she never actually met in person.
"Lord Hans, good evening." She curtseyed, registering his copper red hair and long sideburns. The man stood before her had a prominent nose and a strong jaw-line, and a pair of tawny eyes. He wore a greyish tailcoat, pure white cravat emphasizing his pleasant feature. However, he sighed upon the title, albeit humbly.
"Please, none of that, Miss Winters. I'm barely in the line, so please, just my name is fine," he reasoned. "Hans Christian Henderson, at your service."
He was actually being reasonable. Hans was the youngest, the thirteenth son of the Henderson. People barely remembered until the tenth, and most of them lost it at fourth or fifth. Elsa gave him a sympathetic look.
"That's really modest of you, milord. I shall accept the generosity. In return, please do address me the same. My name is Elsa Winters." Despite addressing him by first name was considered unethical, Elsa wasn't the type to make someone feel uneasy.
"Thank you then, Miss Elsa," he smiled. "My apologies for being so direct before, but I saw you approaching my brother and his newly engaged fiancé, so I thought I should notify you."
"It's simply, Mr Hans," Elsa was actually quite surprised with his concerns over minor matters. It somehow showed how caring he was to his elder brothers. "I was about to ask the Earl's whereabouts so I can meet him in person."
"Ah," Hans gaped. "Father has a sudden meeting with several important people in his office right now," he gave her a remorse look. "But I can help you. I'll inform the maid so father will be notified."
"Oh!" Elsa raised her hand. "Please, no need to trouble yourself, Sir. I understand the circumstances. I shall not bother him with my mere visit."
"Believe me, he'll be more than glad to meet the daughter of Lord Agdar himself," Hans assured. Elsa wasn't really sure how to respond. She was glad with his help, but at same time she couldn't help but feeling guilty for troubling both the Lord and the young Lord.
"Shall we wait in back parlour, then?" Hans prompted, offering his white gloved hand.
Elsa smiled, straightened her posture and took his hand. Gracefully, like a proper lady she should be.
"Yes. Thank you."
But as his hand led her inside the manor, she wondered why a rough, dirty bare hand could feel warmer than this.
"You are earlier than usual, my Lord."
"Alright, none of that," he groaned. He could tell sarcasm when it's meant for him. Not that it was being subtly put after all.
"Well, considering you've been chasing your own tail, I'm a bit surprised you actually make it home this time," the other man continued, not bothering to even hold back a bit. He examined his Lord head to toe, then smiled dryly. "And good thing to see you in complete piece too, my Lord."
"I have no time for your sour opinion, my dearest friend," he replied again, fixing the tie that was just handed to him.
"I shall remember that next time my Lord ask for one then," he retorted, calmly offering a vest and coat to him. "Black, my Lord?"
"I'd take the brown one," he pointed. "The mourning time is over."
Draping the coat over his vest, he checked himself on the mirror once again. Then he smirked.
"I have a party to attend, after all."
In case you're confused, so Henderson is the family name and Westergard is the area name. Hence, can be used for castle or title, such as Westergard Castle or Earl of Westergard. I came up with this after The Atlantean reminded me of Hans' last name ^^ thank you for your input!
Also thank you for all your fav & reviews! Sorry if I can't reply them, this website blocked in my country so it's hard to open it sometimes. However I'm always available on my tumblr, so you can message me there for faster response. Until next chapter! Xxox