CHARLES.
That was the name I shouted. It came out before I even had the chance to think. As soon as I heard that piercing sound from the woods, a sharp pain ran down my spine. My breathing grew shallow, and a wave of dizziness washed over me. I had told him, I had explicitly told him not to take the woods. So why did he disobey me? Why did he go through there?
My pulse pounded in my ears as panic seized me. And then....
My eyes locked with Mr. Darcy's. His gaze darkened with realization. He knew. He knew now that I was not alone. He took a step forward, but I quickly stepped in his path, pressing my hands against his broad chest. He was strong, immovable. Still, I tried.
"Don't go after it," I whispered urgently, my voice barely holding together.
But Mr. Darcy was not a man who followed orders from anyone other than my mother. And so, without another word, he pushed past me and disappeared into the night.
I was left standing there, trembling.
Charles.
Who is Charles? The question pounded against my skull like a hammer. Where did I get that name from? Why was it the first thing to escape my lips when I heard that scream? I was certain, I was absolutely certain that I did not know anyone by that name.
Then why did my heart ache so much?
The cold night wind bit at my skin as I limped back toward the estate. The pain in my leg was a dull throb now, almost distant compared to the turmoil raging inside me. As I reached the grand entrance, I stopped short.
There she was.
Mother.
She stood in the center of twenty-four maids, her emerald gown shimmering under the golden chandelier light. The moment her sharp eyes found me, she rushed forward, her arms outstretched, face filled with concern.
"My dear child! What happened to you? I searched everywhere for you. I was so worried!" Her voice was soft, laced with just the right amount of emotion.
I clenched my jaw. How could she pretend so much? How could she stand there and act like she was the perfect, caring mother?
For so long, I had thought I was the master of deception. I thought I was the queen of hiding emotions. But compared to her, I was nothing. Her entire life was a carefully crafted performance, a web of lies woven so intricately that it had become indistinguishable from the truth.
I could expose her right now. I could tell her everything I knew. I could shatter her facade in an instant.
But what good would that do me? Revealing what I knew would only make her more cautious. No I needed to see how far she was willing to take this game.
So, I played my part.
"I'm so sorry, Mother," I said weakly. "I just wanted to mourn him in private. I got lost in the woods and... I was attacked. I ran, but I injured my leg in the process. I'm exhausted. And famished."
Mother exhaled sharply, eyes scanning me. "Are you sure, Mel? Why didn't you call for help? Or take one of the maids with you? You had us all worried, my dear. After everything that's happened today, I think it's best if we stay together for the night."
Not tonight.
After everything I heard in the tunnel, after everything I felt in those woods, I could not risk being near her. Not tonight.
I shook my head. "Mother, I would like to be alone. Please. After everything today, I just need a hot bath, some food, and sleep."
Her lips pressed together. Then, finally, she nodded. "Alright, Melody. If you insist. I'll send Nanny Chopper to your chambers. If there's anything you need, you know where to find me."
I forced a smile. "Thank you."
As I turned away, I noticed someone missing.
"Where's Aunt Grace?" I asked.
Mother hesitated for a fraction of a second so quick that if I hadn't been paying attention, I would have missed it.
"She's tending to some matters," she said smoothly.
A lie.
I was too exhausted to press further.
Just as I took another step toward my chambers, Mother's voice stopped me cold.
"Melody…"
I turned slowly. "Yes, Mother?"
She bent down and picked something off the hem of my dress.
A piece of fabric.
A white piece of fabric.
"Where did you find this?" she asked, voice unnervingly calm. "This isn't from your dress."
My heart stopped.
How could I have been so careless? How did I not notice it before? If she examined it closely, she would know. She would know it belonged to someone else. Someone who had been in the woods.
Before I could think of a response.....
"Oh, Mary!" Aunt Grace's voice rang out. "You found her! We've looked everywhere for you, child. Are you alright?"
I exhaled, releasing a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.
Aunt Grace was here.
She had unknowingly saved me.
I glanced at her, relief washing over me. Where had she been? And why now, why just in time?
I didn't have the energy to dwell on it.
"I'm fine," I murmured, then turned and hurried to my chambers before Mother could question me further.
As I reached my room, Mr. Darcy arrived. His face was grim, his expression unreadable. From the look in his eyes, I knew he had found nothing in the woods.
A wave of relief coursed through me.
Now that Mr. Darcy knew I wasn't alone, what would he do? Would he report it to Mother? Would he keep my secret?
Enough. Enough of the 'what ifs.'
I had spent the evening talking about Father. Mourning him. But then—
Then there was him. Mr. No Name.
The man with the kind voice and steady hands. The one who shielded me from the world, even if just for a moment.
A stranger. A mystery.
And yet, he had left a piece of himself wrapped around my leg.
A part of him still clung to me, and the thought of that sent a thrill down my spine.
I closed my eyes and let myself imagine it for just a second, a date. A real date. Walking hand in hand with him, under the moonlight. Would his voice still be as gentle? Would his touch still be so steady?
I shook the thoughts away.
A sharp knock on the door startled me.
"Nanny Chopper?" I called. "Please just leave the food on the bed. I'll be out in a minute."
Silence.
Something was wrong.
I grabbed my robe and stepped out of the bathroom.
Mr. Darcy stood by the door.
I stiffened. "What are you doing here? If Mother finds out"
"I know," he interrupted. "But I have a message for you. And it couldn't wait."
I narrowed my eyes. "What message?"
His face was expressionless. "Dynasty Hall. Tomorrow. Twelve noon."
A strange chill ran through me. "Who is calling for me?"
He hesitated. "You'll find out soon enough."
Then, without another word, he turned and left.
I locked the doors and bolted the windows.
Who could it be? Mr. No Name? No… Mr. Darcy would never disobey Mother for a commoner.
Then who?
The question gnawed at me, keeping sleep far, far away.