Disclaimer: I do not own KWMS and P&P...
Chapter 14
"Mr. Mason, to Château de Chamomiles, if you please," said Aiko, Misaki's aunt.
"Right away, madam"
"Château de Chamomiles?," asked Misaki.
"That's what they call the villa of the Usui's. Most notable of a garden of chamomiles there," Misaki's uncle said.
'So that's why...' Misaki thought.
As they travel, they saw an old woman carrying a heavy load. They offered their help by letting her ride their carriage.
"Greetings, madam, may we be of assistance? Shall we ride you home?" Misaki's uncle asked.
The old woman replied, "Why, how can I refuse such kindness? I live nearby, just on that corner."
Mr. Mason, the coachman, said, "I do believe that's the Château de Chamomiles!"
"Why, it is, sir. That is where I live."
"My, my, we shall not just stay here and chat. Please join us, ma'am, we are planning to go there too. Mr. Mason, please help her with her load," Misaki's aunt said.
As everything was in place, the woman rode the carriage, and they continued to ride towards Usui's villa. Misaki was curious of what relation the woman had with the head of the Usui family, but instead, she found answers as her own aunt kept on asking the old woman.
"Are you a relative of the current head?" asked Aiko.
"Well, I'm afraid not. I am only the housekeeper. Please call me Mrs. Wilkins, if you please. I also took care of my master when he was very young."
"I'm afraid that we have not introduced ourselves. My name is Aiko Richardson, and this is my husband, Thomas, and my niece, Ms. Misaki Ayuzawa. By the way, can I ask you why you were alone in this lonely road carrying those baggages? Should you ask some servants to help you?"
"Aiko, that's enough! You may tire Mrs. Wilkins," said Mr. Richardson with concern.
"Please do not worry, sir, but I thank you for the concern. Mrs. Richardson, I was busy preparing the house for my master's important guests, and I came from the town to buy some things that I needed," Mrs. Wilkins said.
"Oh, I'm sorry, we may be disturbing your servants if we visit there," Aiko said.
"No, ma'am, please, do come. I offer you to tour the house when we get there."
"Why, thank you! Tom, aren't you pleased?"
"Well, if that's what you want my dear," Thomas replied with a gentle smile.
"Is your master home?" asked Misaki.
"Unfortunately, he isn't. Master Takumi is in London, arranging some business there."
That gave Misaki relief.
The carriage came into a corner where it was blocked by an iron gate. The servant inside opened it and they continued forward. The group was very silent, marvelled by what they have seen, with the exception of Mrs. Wilkins, who was talking about its grounds. The sides of the path they were passing were aligned with large oak trees; it was almost two miles before they saw the house itself which was sitting beside a hill crowned with a forest; the place looked like a valley, they all thought. In the middle of this valley was a stream which was flowing gentle in the grounds, a stone bridge which connects the banks, and before the house, a huge fountain designed with floating water lilies. They made a stop in front of the mansion; the servants brought away the baggage Mrs. Wilkins brought, and she invited them for a tour.
Everythings was but of grandeur inside the house, though for Misaki's opinion that it is not as grand as Lady Everglott's, but for her, Usui's was more welcoming. They explored the guest rooms, the recreation areas, the dining hall, the ballroom in the first floor and they were now in the gallery on the second floor. The room was full of portraits and the group was filled with awe in almost anything in that room, all of them but Misaki, who only looked at the portrait of the only Usui she knew. She was staring for a very long time that she almost failed to notice Mrs. Wilkins' presence by her side.
"And here is the portrait of my current master, Mr. Takumi Usui," she said.
"And very handsome, he is," Mrs. Richardson said.
"Oh yes, many ladies are 'recommending' themselves to him, though, as the one who took care of him, I didn't think one of them deserves him," Mrs. Wilkins said "Master Takumi always tells me that he does not enjoy much of the parties he attends, for many women flirt around him always and sometimes does him inconveniences."
"A rich and a handsome bachelor, who would not like that?" teased Mrs. Richardson, "But then again, I felt sorry for the man in view of his situation."
"Yes, even some say that he is exceedingly proud, but in my eyes, and even the eyes of the servants here, he is a very great master, as great as his predecessor," Mrs. Wilkins said.
"Yes, I heard that talk from a friend. Oh, Ms. Satsuki told me that you are acquainted with Mr. Usui, Misa, so, is this image of his likeness?"
"Yes, it does," Misaki replied.
Mrs. Wilkins' interest with Misaki grew, for when they met she had already admired her for her gift of silence and even of beauty, though she does not normally judge people of their appearances. She wanted to ask her about her master's mannerisms, and how she sees Takumi, whether as a rich noble or gentleman or just a pretty boy. But she left her alone, for she felt something will occur later.
They exited the galley and went to another room. Meanwhile, Misaki wandered the halls and found herself in the parlor where a pianoforte is situated. It has been years since Misaki touched a piece, and wanting to find out if her skills where still there, she sat down and played the instrument. The touring group however, did not notice that Misaki was not accompanying them anymore.
Misaki played a piece by Mozart, followed by Beethoven. She was so engrossed with the pianoforte that she did not notice another presence in the room, until the person spoke.
"It's a surprise that you play so well, Miss Ayuzawa."
Misaki looked up and saw the master of the house.
"Wha... how...since when were you here?" Misaki exclaimed, and she felt her cheeks were burning. She almost fell from the chair had she controlled herself.
"Why, my room is just next to here and I was reading a book then I heard someone playing the pianoforte. I was here since you played Mozart's piece..." Usui said, but he couldn't continue, for Misaki stood and ran away from the room.
Misaki was running away due to her embarrassment. In her mind, she could not face him, and what added to her embarrassment is that he saw her play as if the pianoforte is her own. She went down to the first floor and almost reached for the door, but Usui had grabbed her hand to prevent her from doing so.
Misaki was catching her breath as Usui asked, "Why would you run away from me? Is there something wrong?"
Misaki couldn't answer him, but as she was about to say something, she thanked the stars that she was interrupted by her aunt, the group having finished the tour.
"Misa! We were looking for you every... where..." she stopped, for she saw Takumi.
"Aiko, is Misaki..." and Thomas also stopped as he saw him.
Mrs. Wilkins was surprised that her master was home very early. "Master Takumi, I thought you were due home three days from now?"
Usui let go of Misaki's hand, smiled and said, "Well, yes. My business in London was finished quickly, and I decided to go home. I heard that you were in town and I arrived here before you."
"Well, in any case, welcome back, master."
"Thank you, Mrs. Wilkins. Miss Ayuzawa, are these people your friends?" Usui asked.
Misaki then, introduced her uncle and aunt to Takumi, both of the parties had the pleasure of meeting.
But then again, Misaki was surprised that she did not expect that kind of Usui. Rather than a cold, almost expressionless man, what she saw is a kind gentleman.
-0-
"Well, it is time to leave. Mr. Usui, it is such an honor to meet you, Mr. Richardson said while shaking hands with him.
"The pleasure is mine, sir. I do hope you'll visit here again," Usui replied.
"We will, and farewell!" he said as he rode on the carriage and left with the women.
As they saw Usui going back inside the house, Mrs. Richardson said, "He's such a gentleman, Misaki! And very handsome too... he's an ideal man for young people like you."
"Misaki, why did you leave the group? And why is Mr. Usui holding your hand?" Mr. Richardson asked.
"Oh yes! That's right, is there something going on between you, my dear?"
Misaki cannot answer but "No... there's nothing special..."
Her aunt said, "But then again, you are of the same age as of him I presume, and he's unmarried, so as you, and both of you..."
"Aiko, please stop it. You're embarrassing Misaki..."
Misaki was looking away so as to hide her blushing face. They already left Château de Chamomiles and were going to Merrington Square.
-0-
The moment they arrive there in the inn, as they unload their trunk infront of the building, there came an unexpected dilemma; the inn received a telegram addressed to Mr. Richardson whose presence is needed elsewhere. Her aunt and uncle had to go immediately, but Misaki has to stay there for her errand.
"Uncle Tom, I promise I can take care of myself here in the inn," Misaki insisted.
"Nonsense, Misaki, you shall not stay here alone; there's a lot of dangers here, darling," her uncle replied with utmost concern.
"I understand that you need to stay here, but I agree with your uncle. You should not stay here alone, Misa," her aunt replied.
"But I can..."
"Oh, we meet again, Mr. and Mrs. Richardson, Miss Ayuzawa."
They turned towards the direction of the voice and saw Usui again.
"Is there something wrong, Mr. Richardson?"
"Well, my niece insists of staying here for she had errands, and Mrs. Richardson and I need to go somewhere, and I do not agree Misaki to stay in the inn alone," Thomas Richardson said.
"Then, if that is the case, I offer my home so that Miss Ayuzawa may have a place to stay and as well as her safety," Usui said.
"No! I mean, please do not trouble yourself, Mr. Usui... I can live in the inn by myself," Misaki insisted.
"Misaki, we really need to go. My decision is that you stay at Mr. Usui's, if that's alright with him," Mrs. Richardson said.
"I agree with Mrs. Richardson, Miss Ayuzawa. Please honor their wishes," Usui said, and Misaki thought him to be sly.
"There you go my dear. We left your things beside you, and please behave properly," Mr. Richardson said, and turning to Usui, "Mr. Usui I entrust my niece to you." Then, they rode the carriage and went off, leaving Misaki and Usui in the sidewalk.
"Well, shall we go, Miss Ayuzawa?" Usui smirked.
"I thought you were too sly," Misaki said.
"Shall we go to my coach, Miss Ayuzawa? We will talk there further..." and lifting Misaki's belongings, he went to his coach and Misaki was forced to follow him.
-0-
Misaki and Usui were sitting in front of each other inside the coach. They had not spoken yet for they desperately tried to open a conversation, which Misaki finally did.
On Misaki's lap there lies a small bag. She drew what is inside of it, which are a coat and a kerchief. She gave it to the man in front of her and said, "I... I would like to thank you for rescuing me that night."
Usui was surprised and asked, "Well, what made you sure that it was me who rescued you from those men?"
Misaki smiled and said, "Well, first, the kerchief contained your initials..."
"I am not the only T.U. here in London," Usui interrupted.
"Yes, I know. It is also because I... well..." she said and blushed a little.
"Hmm?"
"Well... I recognized... the coat's smell... chamomile... very similar to your..." she said and her face turned redder than before.
"Perhaps you smelled my scent while we were dancing back at my aunt's ball? How touching, Miss Ayuzawa" Usui teased, and was very amused at that time.
"And you already confirmed my suspicion just now. You asked me how sure I was that you were the one who rescued me, and you knew immediately that my assailants were men though I have not said it before," Misaki said with pride and her blush faded.
Usui smiled at Misaki and said, "As expected from Detective Misaki."
It was Misaki's turn to be shocked and even before asking, Usui answered her question.
"The night after I confronted you back in the alley, again, I'm sorry that I accuse you of having an affair with Mr. Norris. Well, after that, I was deeply curious of your connection with Mr. Norris, that's why I observed you whenever we meet, but more specifically during the time that you were in my aunt's mansion. Your conversation with him is not really the usual type; you spoke to him in business-manner when you two are alone, and forgive me to say this, but I heard some conversation of yours with him concerning an evidence of some crime. Before I left Elmswood, I was acquainted with a police under a different name, and he frequently tells me that he always sees you in the crowd whenever Mr. Norris is in a crime scene investigating, and there are some things more which I will not tell you, of how I conclude that you are a detective, Miss Ayuzawa."
As Usui said this statement, Misaki was amazed at Usui of that kind of deduction, and in turn, she said, "Well, done, then, Mr. Usui. Then, I'll award you one question about me. The truth is, aside from mr. Norris and the staff back at the restaurant, you are the only person in this world to know that side of me. Well, then, ask away."
"Do you plan to get married in the future?" Usui asked jokingly. He observed that Misaki did not utter a word or two, so he said, "Well, I thought you'll answer my question..."
"But it does not mean that I will answer EVERY question you ask. I may or may not answer them, so please, I'll give you a second chance..." she said.
Usui thought for a while, then asked, "Who is your inspiration of becoming a detective?"
Misaki smiled and said, "Since I was a little girl, I always admire my father. He was a detective."
"Was?"
"He died years ago."
Usui's face saddened, and this alarmed Misaki. "It is not your fault, Mr. Usui, you did not know it."
"Well, he used to take me to the garden back in our home in Elmswood and he would talk to me about the cases he solved, sometimes he discusses it to me and we would solve it together, until, one day..."
"One day...?"
"I'm sorry, I... I'm not yet ready to tell you..."
Usui was a bit disappointed, not that Misaki started to open up with him. Instead, he changed the subject by saying, "Miss Ayuzawa, I have a request for you... would you mind if you just call me Usui?"
"Why is that?"
"Well, so that you'll be comfortable, and I doubt that you'll call me by my name," Usui said slyly.
"What are you saying? Of course I can say your name!" Misaki exclaimed.
"Well, let's see, then," Usui said with a smile.
Misaki exhaled and tried, "Ttttt...tttt...tttaaaaaakkkkkuuuuu..."
"Why, Miss Ayuzawa, you are stuttering. As I thought, you cannot say it," Usui said.
"I will! I promise you!" said a flustered Misaki.
"Well, then, I'll make a deal with you. If you will say my name without stuttering or whatever it is, then I'll give you a reward. Deal?" Usui said.
In the end, Misaki agreed on the condition that Usui will only call her by her surname to be fair.
-0-
Meanwhile, in London, in one of those fancy mansions, a coach arrived. As it made its stop in front of the huge door, the servant quickly opened the door of the coach, and out came a young gentleman with blond hair, in his face full of determination. He went inside and was welcomed by the butler, whome he asked, "Where are my parents?"
"They await you in the study, young master. This way please," the butler said.
"No need. I'll go by myself," the man said.
He made his way to the study and he saw, (sitting with dignity) in the couch, an elderly man and a woman.
"I have returned, father, mother," he said.
"Kuuga, I am glad you have come. Now, we would like to discuss with you of your upcoming marriage with..." Kuuga's father said.
"No, father. I also came to discuss with you about a certain person," Kuuga said.
"And who is this person?"
"A person who comes by the name Miss Sakura Hanazono."
_END_
Okay! Here ends chapter 14! YAY!
By the way, I'm sorry for the super late update... there were a lot of things happened (contest, tests and many other things...)
I do not even know is I can update weekly by now... it's exams week and I have to finish a project... maybe in our Christmas break, I will update...
So that's it. Thanks for those who reviewed my story, who added them to their favourites and story alerts as well as to my other stories... I'm sorry for the errors, confusion, crappiness etc. etc.
I hope a great day for all of you!
Happy reading! :D
-otaku911
