Eleanor spent the rest of the day working with Nadia, learning the ins and outs of the household and getting familiar with the new rotation system. She didn't see any of the family members again, as Mr. Darkwood had left for work, Mrs. Darkwood had retreated to her room, and Amber was out with friends.
As the day drew to a close, Eleanor and Nadia finished up their tasks and headed to the staff quarters to get ready for dinner. Eleanor was looking forward to a quiet evening, maybe reading a book or watching a movie.
As they changed out of their uniforms, Nadia chattered on about her favorite TV shows and what she was planning to do over the weekend. Eleanor listened politely, smiling and nodding along.
When they headed down to the kitchen for dinner, Eleanor was surprised to see a spread of delicious-looking food laid out on the table. She realized that the staff had their meals in a separate dining area, away from the main house.
As they sat down to eat, Eleanor asked Nadia about the family's schedule for the rest of the day. "Do you think I'll see the family members again tonight?" she asked.
Nadia shook her head. "I don't think so. Mr. Darkwood usually works late, and Mrs. Darkwood likes to relax in her room. Amber might come back later, but she's probably out having fun with her friends."
Eleanor nodded, taking a bite of her food. She was starting to get a sense of the family's routines and habits, and she was curious to see what the rest of her time at the Darkwood household would be like.
As Eleanor ate her dinner, she couldn't help but think about Lucian. She wondered when he would be back, what he would be doing, and if she would see him again. She tried to shake off the thoughts, focusing on her food and conversation with Nadia.
But Nadia noticed Eleanor's distant expression and asked, "Hey, what's on your mind? You seem a bit preoccupied."
Eleanor hesitated, not wanting to reveal her thoughts. "Oh, nothing much. Just wondering when Mr. Darkwood might be back, I suppose."
Nadia shrugged. "I don't know, to be honest. He usually works late, but sometimes he comes home early. You'll just have to wait and see."
Eleanor nodded, trying to seem nonchalant. But she couldn't help but feel a spark of curiosity about Lucian's schedule and habits. She pushed the thoughts aside, telling herself she was just being nosy.
As they finished dinner and cleared the table, Eleanor's mind kept drifting back to Lucian. She wondered what he was like when he wasn't being formal and authoritative, what his interests were, and what made him tick.
Nadia noticed Eleanor's distraction and teased her good-naturedly. "Earth to Eleanor! You okay? You're a million miles away."
Eleanor laughed, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit tired, I think."
Nadia grinned. "Well, let's get some rest then. We've got another busy day ahead of us tomorrow."
As Eleanor finished her day's work, she retreated to her room to freshen up. She stood in front of the mirror, drying her hair with a towel. Her gaze drifted out the window, where she could see the lush greenery of the garden. Suddenly, she felt an overwhelming urge to step outside and breathe in the fresh air.
She wrapped a shawl around her shoulders, covering herself from the chill of the evening. As she stepped out into the hallway, she noticed the eerie quiet that seemed to envelop the mansion. The soft carpet muffled her footsteps, but she quickened her pace nonetheless, her heart beating slightly faster.
Before she knew it, she burst through the doors and out into the garden, feeling a rush of cool air on her skin. The scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass filled her lungs, and she felt a sense of freedom and release.
As Eleanor walked through the garden, the fading light of day cast a warm orange glow over the lush greenery. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers - roses, lavender, and jasmine - and the soft chirping of crickets provided a soothing background hum.
The garden was meticulously maintained, with neatly trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers arranged in intricate patterns. A winding stone path led her through the garden, past a tranquil pond where a fountain bubbled and splashed, creating a sense of serenity.
Eleanor breathed deeply, feeling the tension of the day melt away as she walked. She ran her fingers over the soft petals of a nearby rose, admiring the vibrant colors and delicate scents. The garden was a haven, a peaceful escape from the complexities of the Darkwood household.
As she continued her stroll, she noticed the garden's layout, with different sections and hidden nooks. A trellis covered in climbing vines created a sense of seclusion, while a nearby arbor seemed to be a popular spot for birds to perch and sing.
The garden's beauty and tranquility captivated Eleanor, and she felt a sense of wonder and ease there.
Walking around, she heard someone say behind her, "Enjoying the garden?" Whirling around, she found Lucian standing just behind her. His eyes seemed to bore into hers, and for a moment, Eleanor felt like she'd been caught doing something she shouldn't be doing.
"Ah," she said, trying to compose herself, "yes, it's lovely." She wrapped her shawl tighter around her shoulders, feeling a sudden chill run down her spine.
Lucian's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he looked around the garden. "It's one of my favorite places in the house," he said, his voice low and smooth. "There's something about being here that clears my head."
Eleanor nodded, feeling a sense of understanding. "I know what you mean," she said. "I've always found gardens to be peaceful."
Lucian's eyes returned to hers, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Then, without saying another word, Lucian turned and began walking along the path, expecting Eleanor to follow.