Rewriting Memory

Chapter 8

The Collingwoods could fill a room easily. Lysandra was the only remaining member of her family, and besides her, only the three servants lived in the Ferry estate. But the Collingwoods occupied the remaining space in the room - even their servants and guards had a seat somewhere. If it was not at the table, then it was at the side of the room or at the door. Lysandra felt crowded. She had grown used to the emptiness in her father's house - it made up for his absence better than any of these people did.

Ismene guided people to the table while Vasu offered them food. Lysandra hesitated at the edge of the room, and Remiel beckoned her over, smirking. Lysandra resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she crossed the room.

"My dear Lady Lysandra," he said, putting his arm around her shoulder as she sat down. "I am honored that you have brought us here."

Brought us here, Lysandra thought. You were the ones who arranged the visit. You, or Ismene. And I don't think Ismene has the power to do so. I had no part in this matter. Dragon.

She simply nodded and tried to force a smile.

Another Collingwood sat down on her other side. Lysandra glanced over and saw Ryder crouching in the chair next to her.

"Lissy," he said, punching her on the shoulder. "Is Remiel behaving himself?"

"What a question," she said, keeping her fake smile plastered on her face. "I suppose he is at the moment."

"What did you say, Ryder?" Remiel demanded.

"Please, if you're going to fight, don't do it with me between you," Lysandra said.

"Oh, never. I wouldn't dare harm such an elegant woman." Remiel smirked. Lysandra pretended she hadn't heard him.

Lady Collingwood stood up. Lysandra's eyes narrowed when she noticed that the woman had taken the seat her father had used to occupy. Apparently, Lady Collingwood had no idea what kind of offense she'd committed.

"It is wonderful that Lady Ferry has invited us in this afternoon," Lady Collingwood said, with that kind of formal, superficial smile she always managed to keep on her face. "Of course, we always enjoy the company at the Ferry estate, but we have another matter we would like to discuss . . ."

Wait for it, Lysandra thought.

"I would like to discuss Remiel and Lysandra's upcoming engagement," she said. "Alexander left me a letter about it, and he said that the official engagement would take place at the end of the year, with the wedding happening in the spring."

"What a wait," Ismene said.

"What a wait indeed." Lady Collingwood laughed, not looking fazed at all. "I'm sure that's what Simon agreed to, Lysandra?"

"I don't know what went on between your family and my father," Lysandra said carefully.

"Indeed." Lady Collingwood sighed. "In that case, it is settled. Remiel and Lysandra, we will bring you two together again at the end of the year, and you will be engaged."

"Wonderful," Lysandra muttered. She hoped Remiel couldn't hear her.

"Now," Lady Collingwood said. "We must tend to this delicious feast that the Ferry servants have prepared for us." She tapped her knife against her glass.

Lysandra sat in near silence for the majority of the meal, dodging Remiel's advances, Lady Collingwood's questions, Ryder's taunts, and Ismene's glares. They might as well have been throwing knives at her the entire time. She just wanted to get away, to escape to her room or to the garden or to wherever Zephyr or Nereus could be with her. She wondered if Zephyr had finally left that note on her windowsill, unaware of the suffocating presence of the Collingwoods at the Ferry estate.

After they had finished eating and were long into new conversations, Lady Collingwood stood up again. "Lysandra," she said, "Might I ask - "

Lysandra blurted out, "I'm sorry - I'll be right back."

She stood up and started for the door. Behind her, Lady Collingwood's flustered voice said, "Well, I suppose I will ask when she comes back. A woman must do what she must do!" and laughed, though to Lysandra's ears it sounded forced. She ducked out of the room, leaving the strains of conversation behind.

She didn't go to the restroom. Instead she dashed out the back door and into the garden, taking refuge under one of the larger trees near the edge of the lot. There, she faced away from the house and pulled her knees up to her chest.

She just needed a minute. The Collingwoods and their constant talking made her head feel heavy. If she could just rest her eyes for a few minutes, she thought, maybe she'd be able to return without causing too much of a stir.