“How can you be so cavalier about things? The matter still hangs in the balance. You act as though nothing bad can befall this family.”
Edmund’s casual demeanor shifted for a moment. Darkness shadowed his eyes, and there was a biting edge to his words.
“How could you, of all people, say that, Charlotte?”
Charlotte bowed her head.
“Sorry, Edmund. The stress of the situation is getting to me.”
Edmund’s features softened just as easily as they had hardened. Charlotte found herself looking at him with a little resentment, wishing that she could brush the pain away so easily.
“Then you should relax; otherwise, you risk making an error. There is no need to be wound so tightly.”
Charlotte was about to bite back, to tell him that there was a very pressing need, but she bit her tongue. There was no need to go over the same ground again. Besides, if she spoke about it too much, then Edmund might suspect that there was some substance behind her misgivings.
“Of course, brother, you are right. I’m sure that once I am properly settled, my mind shall be as well.”
“Good, rest well, and we shall get together later. I’m looking forward to exploring this estate. I’m sure there are many secrets hidden away in its nooks and crannies.” He rubbed his hands together with glee and stepped away.
One by one, they entered their rooms. Charlotte’s luggage had been placed just inside her room. There was a wide window through which sunlight poured in. As she glanced around, she found herself missing her chambers at home.
That room was filled with notes strewn everywhere, and samples of plants on windows and shelves, and books she used for research, haphazardly placed around the room. By contrast, this place was immaculate.
Indeed, the entire estate was the same. From what she observed, nothing was out of place, and there was barely a mote of dust hanging in the air.
She gazed out of the window. As Nathaniel suggested, she had a better view of the forest. She looked beyond the high walls, longing for freedom. She pressed her hand against the window, aching to be among the plants that did not judge her.
For the time being, however, she had to plot her course through a treacherous land.
She soon tired of being by herself, for her thoughts were in disarray. She caught the attention of a passing maid and inquired about the location of her cousin. The maid obliged her, leading her to Mary’s room.
Mary was sitting by the window, the sunlight framing her face. She wore a pensive expression. Untroubled, Clara was on the floor beside her, playing with a doll. It was a relief to be away from the formal atmosphere.
“Isn’t Christine pretty?” Clara asked, holding up the doll.
“Why yes, she is.”
“She’s going to get married soon.”
“Oh, really, to whom?”
“She doesn’t know yet. But she’s going to be happy. And she’s going to live in a big house, and she’s not going to cry anymore.”
“That’s enough, Clara. Why don’t you go over there?” Mary wore a sheepish look as she gestured to the other side of the room. Clara toddled away happily.
“How are you, dear cousin?” Charlotte asked. She joined Mary on the window seat. The warmth from outside tickled her skin. Mary smiled and bowed her head.
“I am well…” she said.
“Do I detect hesitancy in your voice?”
“There is no secret I can keep from you,” Mary replied. Charlotte’s stomach twisted at the words, but she kept her expression neutral.
“Pray tell, what troubles you? It’s not Alfred, is it?”
Charlotte and Mary kept their voices low to prevent Clara from overhearing.
“Oh no, of course not.”
