Discovering the Secrets of a Murderer

Chapter 14

Amelia was expecting it.

And she was right.

After hearing a carriage stopped outside, she heard a woman bombarding orders on their servants. She knew immediately who it is. Of course, that woman would not waste any more time for her position to be known. Because that is what she is, that is her nature. She brags, she shows off everything she possesses and she admires the attention.

The clatter from the hall had her abigail standing up to move away from her for propriety. Amelia stopped from her sewing and stared at the open doors, waiting. It didn't take long when Amanda emerged from the door, breathless and with reddened cheeks from the heat outside.

"A fine day, isn't it?"

Amelia stood up. "Yes, Miss."

"How are you? Delighted to see you again," the woman said then moved closer to kiss her cheeks.

She caught a whiff of sweet scent from Amanda before the woman moved away, looking at her whole form.

"My father is not here. He went out of town with Sir Theodore," she said, diverting the woman's attention.

"Oh I am not here for Barkis."

Amelia noted the lack of title. Nonetheless, she lets out a small smile. "May I assume that you came here for me."

"Well, yes, of course. Who else?" Amanda's eyes lowered to her clothes once again then shook her head. "This will not do. Turn for me please." She obliged. She was not even halfway done when Amanda criticized her attire nonstop. "I cannot look at this anymore. It's too modest, too old fashion. You have to wear the newest trends, my dear. You look older than your age if you continue wearing this."

"This is my mother's actually."

"Well, that era has long passed, right? We have to move on to new trends, new fashion. Now, I'll have a quick respite and we shall go shop for new gowns."

"But I have no money with me, Miss, and I cannot go without my father's permission."

Amanda rose her brow before sitting. "He hasn't told you?"

Amelia shook her head. "Is there something I should know?" She gripped her skirt tight as she waited for the news to be said.

"I cannot believe your father hasn't told you yet." Amanda glanced at Jane behind her before continuing. "I am hired to be your companion, Miss Amelia. From now on, you do as I say. I am certain you've been taught since you are a child about manners and such. But this is the real world now. You will be applying all of those you learned. It shall be tough to adjust, I dare say. But all is well as long as you heed to whatever I order. And I say that we shall change those attire of yours first. If you are bothered where we shall get the money, rest assured, dear, that Barkis shall pay whatever it may costs. And as for his permission, I don't see any reason why he should obstruct me from doing my job."

Her quick respite means an hour-long of sitting, eating, and criticizing her overall attire. It would seem that the woman will not stop until she has completely changed her wardrobe.

Jane was tying her bonnet when Amanda shooed the woman away. "Are you certain this abigail of yours know how to attend to a lady's needs? She does not even know how to style your bonnet properly."

"Style my bonnet?"

"Yes, dear. You have to tilt it back a little so as to show your face but also enough to shade it."

"I didn't know it is supposed to be like that."

"Well," Amanda smiled. "Now you know."

Amelia had already been in the town proper when her father took her. There are various shops and establishments of other businesses. There's a park, close to a river where the water came all the way from Mystic Falls.

Their first stop is the ribbons and the shopkeeper immediately blocked Amanda from entering.

Amanda glared at the woman. "What is the meaning of this?"

"Madame Olivares specifically ordered not to let you in, Miss Amanda."

"And why is that?"

"Well, for one your debts have been piled up and second, the patrons requested Madame never to accept you again."

"Why would she even heed to their request?" Amanda burst.

"You've caused a fight, Miss, and they are alarmed of your presence because of your scandals."

"Now, watch your mouth," Amanda hissed.

"I am only telling the truth, Miss. Pardon me." Then shuts the door right on Amanda's face.

Fuming mad, Amanda went to the next shop and was repeatedly rejected. All the while, Amelia watches as Amanda gets humiliated. The shopkeepers would admit Amelia but Amanda would have to wait outside, something the latter would not allow.

The countless rejection and humiliation were not enough to bring Amanda Salvatore down. The next morning, Amelia has just woken up, letting Jane comb her hair when Amanda entered her room without even a knock, bringing very good news she said.

"Your father heard about the shops rejecting us yesterday and he immediately sent missives to them. They claimed they do not know about your identity that's why they act too rashly and now, they ask for compensation. Instead of going to them, they will go here to present us the latest fashion." Amanda had the widest grin.

"I shall prepare for their arrival."

"Do so, dear. We do not want you looking left out. Your gowns look dreadful as it is. Best to fix your hair so they could look at something pleasant." Amanda briefly nodded then walked out.

She watched the departing woman from the mirror. Her eyes darted to Jane's when the door closed. The woman merely smiled.

~*~

Amanda does all the talking and choosing, laughing with the shop owners about her having only one gown that looks presentable which was the one from the ball of her coming out. It's fascinating how the shop owners were all smiles and soft-spoken to Amanda when just yesterday they stopped them from even entering their premises.

By the time they were done, it was already noon. Amanda was already in her room and the woman suggested a respite since they will walk in the park later. 

Amelia did not sleep. She settled on the parlor and continued her sewing. Jane, as usual, was sitting beside her when Haymich appeared at the door together with someone. 

"Mr. Lance Salvatore, Miss."

Lance was all smiles as always and she does not like it.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Lance walked his way towards her and bowed like an absolute gentleman. "I came to apologize for my behavior at the ball. I know it is long overdue and you must have hated me for being so full of myself. But I came here, humbly and hoping, that we could start anew," he said, straight to the point.

Amelia does not believe him. Though she admires his play-acting and cannot wait for his façade to break. As payment for his boldness from before, she did not reply and kept him hanging. Haymich coughed awkwardly when the silence stretched for a long minute.

"Jane," she called.

"Yes, Miss?"

"I am terribly tired."

"A respite will do you good, Miss."

"Indeed."

She stood up and Lance, who is still standing in front of her, moved aside. She caught a glimpse of his smile which immediately vanished when he bowed his head once again.

"I shall come back tomorrow." He walked out of the room, nodding at Haymich when he passed.

Amelia returned to her seat. Jane went back to her side and handed her her work.

"If you are uncomfortable with his company, Miss, I could decline his request of attendance," Haymich said. "Besides, your father has ordered not to accept any gentlemen."

"No, let him be."

"If you are concerned about what your father will think, I am certain he will understand if that man causes you distress."

"I said let him be," she said, darting a look at the old man.

Haymich nodded. "As you wish." 

#DTSOAM