Under the Layers

5: Deadly Dance(V)

Shiloh got up the next morning as the sun gradually made it's way out of the clouds. The sun rays made its way through the curtains and on her face.

The servants arranged a warm bath for her and she settled in the water for sometime. The maids washed her hair and burned incense. The earthy smell that evolved form the burning sticks went up her nostrils.

Once it was time for her to leave, they tightened her corset and brought out a black dress for her to wear along with a hat that covered part of her head.

They did her makeup and tied part of her hair that had been straightened into a bun and let the rest fall down to her back.

"I suggest you take an umbrella, there's going to be a storm during the funeral," a female voice informed her.

Shiloh whipped her head to see, her stepmother, Jade. Her brown hair was tied in a french pleat and she wore a red dress with long sleeves and short length gloves.

"Okay, I will," she adjusted her gloves.

"And please," Jade clasped her hands together, "act like you care."

Shiloh let out a half smile, "I always act like I care."

"Just a reminder."

She took a few deep breaths and stood face to face with Jade, "Mother, it's okay. I know what to do."

"I know, I'm just worried."

"Worried? You never worry. "

"You're my daughter, aren't you?" Jade smoothened her hair. "It's normal for me to worry. "

"I will be fine, mother," she kissed her on the forehead, "just pray for me."

☬

Drops of rain fell as the funeral was being held. Both men and women were wailing as the new Lord Swanson gave his speech of his father's greatness and contributions to the estate with his two younger sisters standing behind him, heads down.

Both women and men were grieving at the loss whether they knew him or not.

Shiloh's face had a somber expression but deep down, she couldn't even care less about him because she knew of all the activities he did behind his loved one's back.

But she genuinely felt sorry for his son and daughters because they didn't know who Swanson actually was.

In other words, they were mourning the death of a criminal.

She recited the Lord's prayer along with the priest and they buried him six feet under the ground close to his tombstone.

Take me out of here please, she thought, keeping her eyes on the bleak clouds as they wept with the others.

After the funeral, she analyzed the tombstone up close as if something abnormal crept on it and she read out loud, "Jacques Clayton Swanson. 1841 to 1898."

"In solitude, I see," a nasal voice spoke to her.

Oh no, she thought and was tempted to groan.

Shiloh turned around slowly to face him. To her, she was worse than Swanson. He seemed to be in his mid forties and strands of brown hair were remaining in his gelled gray hair.

"Adam," she greeted, smiling weakly, "yes, I am in solitude. Jacques was such a good friend to me, it's a shame he had to die that way."

His smile weakened, "Yes. I feel sorry too."

His eyes trailed down from head to toe, examining her features. She made sure she did not show any skin before she came and luckily, he couldn't find anything.

"Is anything wrong," she tilted her head, hoping he would stop.

"No, everything is fine."

Shiloh checked the time, "Oh will you look at the time. I'm so sorry, Adam I have to go. I have practice."

She found a taxicab and went off back home.

☬

Shiloh watched as women were talking amongst themselves. She clearly had no interest in these things but Jade told her it was best if she interacted with women of her age. But all they talked about was their husbands, the latest designs and their home life.

"You haven't attended some our meetings in the past few months, why?" all eyes were on her.

"Oh," she tucked her hair behind her ear and chuckled, "I traveled outside the state for business purposes." Arresting child traffickers.

"I see," the woman droned, eyes narrow.

"Shiloh, why have you not married yet?" another woman asked her.

She widened her eyes, "Oh me? I didn't want to focus on marriage just yet."

"You better get married soon. By the time you turn thirty, it'll be too late for you."

Which is three years away, she sipped her tea and let the heat and the slapping taste sting her tongue.

"Have you heard? Isabelle Montgomery's getting married soon," another woman brought up the topic.

"Is that so, Violet?" Shiloh questioned, passing the scone to the woman beside her.

"Yes. I received an invitation to the engagement ceremony," she smiled, "you didn't get an invitation, Shiloh?"

"I haven't gotten one yet," she told them truthfully, "but I'm sure I will get one, no doubt."

The women snickered amongst themselves as if she wasn't even there. She was used to this gesture.

From the moment she first came, there was an uneasy atmosphere. They couldn't send her out because it would get to her mother who they feared so they decided to make her feel unwelcome. Although some were friendly, their attempt to comfort her was not enough.

"I'm not really interested in these events though," Shiloh gently picked a scone, "but I am happy for Isabelle. She deserves someone to love."

They kept their mouths closed and widened their eyes at her.

Ha! That should shut them up, she smiled and sipped her tea.

☬

Shiloh crashed into her bed the moment she came back home.

I hope I never go back there, she thought. Unfortunately, I have to go there tomorrow.

She got up and went through her notes from the case she was working on.

"Luckily, I took the notes home before Lout got to them," she said to herself.

These notes saw what Swanson was up to. It was clear he had little knowledge of the people he was helping, all he knew was that he gives them the weapons and he got his money.

The question was: who were they?

A knock interrupted her thoughts.

"Come in," she said.

Jade came into the room, holding a white and silver card.

"Shiloh, I've been invited to Isabelle Montgomery's engagement ball." she handed her daughter the card.

Shiloh scrutinized the invitation, "Really? Have a nice night then."

Jade gaped, "Are you serious? You're coming."

"What? Joe usually goes with you."

"No, he has to see someone."

"But mother, there's work-"

"Enough with work!" Jade exclaimed, "That's always your excuse! You need to leave your comfort zone."

"Mother-"

She calmed down and rested a hand on her shoulder, "I know that you hate these events but please? I really want to see you out there."

Hm? I do need to get to Montgomery's office, she considered, "Alright, I'll go."

"Splendid!" she hugged her, "the ball is tonight, I call the maids to get you ready."

Tonight?

"And your sister is coming back home so you should be on your best behavior."

What?

Speaking of which, I want to give you guys an insight of Elcroxian customs. Some will be writing in the story and some will be notes written on the bottom. Here's one right now:

* When a woman of age is to be married, an engagement ceremony must be held, hosted by the bride's family.