PART 1
The night offered no sleep, only stomach pain and the biting cold that mocked the thin cotton gown, that offered no defense against the night's cold that seeped through the manor walls, I had to throw on a thick wool sweater, which did little good. Maybe I could go to my father's stables and clear out a stall for whiskey.
"How dirty could a stall be? I chuckled to myself, raising a branch I'd find to use as a makeshift rake, father surely must dismiss whoever here that takes care of the stables and his horse I've seen better works." I huffed, "I've seen better works at a pigstery". A touch of amusement in my tone, as I busied myself with the unexpected chore.
Just as I began to hum a little tune, feeling quite pleased with my industriousness, I felt a familiar pair of eyes on me. As I turned around, I gasped, startled, my hands flying to my chest, nearly dropping my branch, for a fleeting second, my heart stopped: a figure stood in the shadows, believing it to be then man in my dreams I eased closer, until a voice, crisps and formal, shattered the illusion : "Lady Anne, your father requests your presence". My startled expression melted into a slight frown.
Why did I keep imagining this man ? I don't know why I couldn't accept he was only a fragment of my imagination, a man whose perfection only existed in my slumber.
"My father seeks my presence"? A brow raised in surprise. "I thought he was out tonight." "And my mother?" The man shifted.
"She is busy having tea with her ladies in waiting." No doubt. I sighed.
"Well, it's quite late. Tell Father to grant me a few minutes to take a shower; I am awfully dirty. In fact, there are some matters to discuss with him regarding these neglected stables and stalls."
The study was a tomb of shadows, just the way my Father liked it, despite the eye problem he constantly complained about. I walked in, the scent of old paper and expensive cologne, hanging in the air.
"Father, you requested my presence." I said, my voice cutting to the dimly lighted room.
He looked up, taking off his glasses. His black hair, streaked with white, looked like a moonlight wave crashing into a dark shore- pure drama. Those brown eyes, sharp and intense, locked onto mine, a stark contrast to my mother's cool dark gaze. He was probably wondering why I looked like I just played under the rain.
I took my usual seat, the one right next to him. I was his jewel, his favorite - not like he had a choice I was his only child, a fact that was impossible to ignore. I loved him just as much. He leaned in and gave me a hug.
"Oh, pumpkin, did you do something new to your hair? It looks beautiful, just like you, "he said, laying it on thick.
I laughed. I knew that game. The flattery always meant a favour was coming. "Okay, father I get it. You finally noticed the 'hair I got a week ago'. " I leaned back, crossing my arms. " What do you need?"
He smiled, that same old shark's smile. I'd love for you to be my escort to the upcoming boardroom meeting. I have some old friends you'll absolutely adore meeting. And a friend of mine who is a new boardroom member.... He's a Caribbean man, a good man.
"Father, we are both very much aware the boardroom is preserved only for the men, "Anne stated, her voice a cool whisper of defiance. Her father chuckled, dismissing her concern with a wave of his hand. "Nonsense, my dear Anne, it is but a single evening, not a battle to the death! Your mother will be far busy with her ladies in waiting tomorrow night."
"Even if I wanted to go- and by the way which I assure you, I absolutely do not- what on earth am I to wear?. Mrs Lillian can't possibly get something ready by tomorrow night. It's far too soon
"Oh, Anne, you and i both know your wardrobe is overflowing with splendid gowns. Immediately the sun breaches the horizon, I shall dispatch you and Mrs. Cara to procure a new dress from the esteemed house of Laura Ashley- something to enhance your natural elegance, my Dear. I want the gentlemen to behold my eldest, my most cherished trophy, shining brighter than any star.
A small smile escaped my lips. "Father, if that is all, this lady shall retire for the evening. "As I turned to leave, his voice called out once more, a tender plea in the twilight. "Sweetie, please, no hat tomorrow. I wish only to see your hair, your eyes, you are a vision of beauty, and I will not have you think less of yourself, my dearest child."
" Yes Father" I whispered, her father's past was a shadow. That followed him. Despite his own father being a Duke, he was a monster. He subjected his own son, to unimaginable maltreatment and sexual violations. The scars were etched deep within his soul. It was a tragedy that his own mother, a victim herself, was paralyzed by fear, unable to voice the horrors, a silence for which her own son, in his enduring pain, partly balmed her till date.