Echoes of Time

Chapter 4

The morning sun bathed the Bennett estate gardens in golden light, casting long, glowy shadows over the cobblestone paths. The soft chirping of the hummingbirds blended with the rustling of leaves, creating a perfect symphony of nature’s beauty. A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of lavender, weaving through the garden and setting a soft ambience. The morning was magical, and Elara stood in the midst of it all, strolling through the surreal moment. She could feel her worries float away with nature.

Grateful for the quiet moment, she tried to gather her thoughts on the recent happenings in her life, all the while basking in nature’s glow. Her life in the past couple of days had been quite dramatic –enough to last a lifetime. She shook her head as though to shake off her thoughts as she continued her walk through the garden, revelling at the sprawling estate gardens.

It’s like stepping into a Jane Austen novel, she thought. Roses of every hue clustered in neat rows, while a central fountain bubbled cheerfully, its angelic statue catching the sunlight. For the first time since her arrival in this world, a sense of calm washed over her as she closed her eyes, smiling and swaying with the cool breeze.

Her moment of peace was, however, interrupted by the brisk approach of footsteps in her direction. Her eyes flew wide open with her heart skipping a beat. She turned to see a young woman –no younger than herself, in a pastel blue gown, walking towards her with bubbly steps, her golden curls bouncing with each step she took. The woman’s bright smile matched the playful yet mischievous glint in her eyes. It suddenly dawned on Elara that this unexpected guest might be very close to her. However, she had no recollection as to who she was.

Elara’s eyes darted across the garden in hopes that she would recall who her guest was, all the while planning her escape if things went haywire. She couldn’t afford another person to catch her slip up. Her thoughts are suddenly interrupted at the voice of their family butler, Mark announcing the young lady’s presence.

“Lady Charlotte Winfield, my lady.” Mark said, bowing slightly before slowly retreating.

“Oh, Mark darling,” Charlotte smiled, her voice dripped with tease. “I thought we agreed not to introduce me every time? I’m practically a member of this family, aren’t I?”

The old man whom Elara had swore hadn’t seen his smile, shook his head with a small smile playing on his lips. Elara blinked, trying to mask her surprise. Lady Charlotte? Member of the family? Her suspicion was confirmed. This Lady Charlotte was definitely a friend of Elara. Before she could fully process, the young lady bounded toward her with the energy of a coiled spring released.

“There you are!” Charlotte exclaimed, her voice warm and enthusiastic. “I was beginning to think you’d hidden yourself away forever that I had to come save you.” She paused, tilting her head with a dramatic air. “Though I must say, the gardens suit you. A picture of serene contemplation–like a heroine in some melodramatic novel.”

Elara chuckled nervously, unsure how to respond. “Well, good morning, Lady Charlotte.”

“Lady Charlotte?” Charlotte gasped in mock horror, pressing her gloved hand to her chest. “What’s this formality? What happened to Lottie? Surely, we’ve not grown so distant that you’d address me as such!”

“Oh, um, of course not, Lottie,” Elara amended quickly, holding back a laugh. She had to give it to the young lady. She was quite dramatic with the energy of the sun. Her bubbly attitude was contagious, unnerving and comforting –it did help ease down her tension.

“That’s better.” Lottie looped her arm through Elara’s, steering her toward the path leading deeper into the gardens. “Now, tell me –what’s been keeping my best friend so preoccupied? You’ve been quieter than a mouse in church since the ball.”

Best friend? Elara smiled at the word suddenly remembering her own best friend from the future, Sarah. Lottie and Sarah sure did give off the same vibes. They were both lively and witty with an inextinguishable energy. She couldn’t help but wonder how Sarah was faring.

The tsking sound of Lottie pulled Elara backed to reality. “See, you’re zoning out into outer space.” Charlotte said with a small frown, concern etched all over her face. “Are you okay?”

Elara let out a sigh, searching for a response that wouldn’t reveal her bewildering reality. “I’ve just had... a lot on my mind.”

“Clearly,” Charlotte said, her tone playful but probing. “You’ve been walking around with this faraway look, as though plotting an escape to the colonies!”

Elara laughed despite herself. “I assure you, no such plans.”

“Good. The colonies wouldn’t suit you anyway –too much dust and far too little style,” Charlotte declared, wrinkling her nose theatrically.

As they strolled, Charlotte’s chatter filled the air with a comforting buzz. She fitted from topics to topics, sharing amusing stories about the ball, their recent adventure, and the latest gossip about the society and its most eligible bachelors. Elara nodded along, the lively rhythm of Lottie’s voice providing her with necessary escape from her inner thoughts.

“Speaking of eligible bachelors,” Charlotte began, her tone taking on a conspiratorial edge, “have you heard the latest about the Duke of Ashborne.”

Elara’s breath hitched a bit. “What about him?” She replied, trying to feign nonchalance.

Lottie leaned in, her voice dropping to a mock whisper. “Rumours have it that he’s rather taken with a certain someone.”

Elara’s cheeks warmed. “And who might that be?” She asked.

Lottie grinned, clearly enjoying herself. “Oh, I wouldn’t know. But let’s say she’s closer to you than you might think.” She answered, skipping her way toward the fountain.

Elara’s heart raced, remembering her last encounter with the Duke. Was Charlotte teasing her, or was there an epitome of truth in her words?

“Oh, I did also hear that Eloise Pembroke might be his betrothed. The Duke of Ashborne is engaged.”

Elara blinked at her friend, standing in front of the statue at the fountain. She looked effortlessly classy and poise. “Huh? Where do you get your information from? My brother didn’t breathe a word.”

Charlotte turned to face Elara, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Oh, you know, men don’t gossip as much as we do, although you could confirm with him.” She said airily, tossing her curls over her shoulder. “And... the rumour of the engagement is all over town.”

Elara nodded, her brows furrowed as she tried to connect the dots. If the news of the engagement was true, that would explain the reason Eloise Pembroke has been everywhere around the Duke and her hostile reactions towards Elara.

“The Duke is engaged?” Elara mumbled.

Charlotte’s smile faltered, just for a moment, before she shrugged. “It isn’t official yet, but the whispers are loud enough to hear from across the ballroom. They say Lady Eloise is the perfect match –beautiful, well-bred, and obedient enough to suit a man like him.” She said, her face crunched up in mild disgust. “However, if what the rumour says is correct, then the engagement is more political than romantic.”

Elara turned to look at her newfound friend. She had a feeling Charlotte didn’t like Lady Pembroke, but she didn’t want to pry. “And why would you say that?” She asked cautiously.

“Of course, I would!” Charlotte exclaimed, “The Duke of Ashborne is a force to be reckoned with and most families are aiming to have him as their son in law since it would boost their social standing in the high society. You know all these Elara, don’t know?” Charlotte finished with narrowed eyes.

Elara hesitated, her words trailing off as she tried to steady her thoughts. “I know how society works,” she said, her voice quieter. “Marriages in this world are alliances first and love second, if at all. But still...”

“But still,” Charlotte repeated. “It doesn’t mean it’s right. It doesn’t mean he has to go through with it. Everyone is entitled to romance.”

Elara nodded, studying Charlotte carefully, noting the mischievous glint in her eyes. Was Charlotte suggesting there was a way to sabotage the engagement.

“I’m not sure what you mean.” Elara said with a soft laugh.

“Oh, don’t play coy,” Charlotte said, waving her hand dismissively with a knowing smile, playing on her lips. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you.”

Elara tilted her head, bewildered at her comment. “The way he looks at me?”

“Yes,” Charlotte nodded with a little too much excitement. “He may be brooding, guarded and mysterious, but his eyes give him away. When you’re in the room, it’s as if no one else exists. And if you ask me, that’s a far cry from how he looks at Lady Eloise Pembroke.”

Elara looked away, holding back an un-lady like laughter. This was definitely news to her. It didn’t seem that way to her with their recent run-ins. The Duke was out for her blood in her own opinion. She shook head, trying to regain her composure –she had a role to play.

“Even if that were true, it doesn’t change anything. He has obligations, he’s bounded by friendship to my brother –they’re practically inseparable and I...I don’t belong here.” She mumbled.

Charlotte’s expression softened, her teasing demeanor fading. “Tut, tut. Don’t sell yourself short, Elara. Perhaps you belong here more than you think. Perhaps the Duke’s obligations are worth challenging if his heart is elsewhere.”

Elara opened her mouth to respond, but a familiar deep and cheerful voice interrupted them.

“Ladies, Collins,” Elara’s brother called. He stood a few feet away with the man of the hour, Julian Montrose, the Duke of Ashborne whose eyes automatically zeroed on Elara with an intensity that made her breath catch. “If there was anybody that would catch her lie, it would be Julian, and she can’t afford him that opportunity. Am I interrupting?”

Elara looked away from him, focusing her gaze on her brother while also noticing Charlotte sudden laid-back attitude. She became very demure.

“Not at all, my Lord,” Charlotte said, rising gracefully from where she was seated at the fountain. “Just lady talks.”

Lady talks, you say? Colin raised a brow, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Well, I do hope nothing scandalous.”

Charlotte gave him a playful glare, her demure act slipping for a moment. “You wound me, Lord Norwood. A lady’s conversations are her sacred territory, not fodder for jest.”

Elara forced a laugh, her mind racing as she avoided Julian’s piercing gaze. She could feel his eyes on her. She straightened her posture and turned to Colin.

“To what do we owe this visit, dear brother?” She asked lightly, sucking in small breath, surprised at how natural she sounded.

Colin smirked, gesturing toward Julian. “His Grace visited and wished to accompany me on a walk, and I thought to invite you, but then I was told by the maids that you were out in the garden with Lady Winfield. For the first time since the ball.”

“Oh, dearest,” Elara smiled. “How sweet of you to have thought about me, brother.”

“Well then, I shall let you two be and continue on my walk with this gentleman. See you at lunchtime.”

“Sure.” Elara mumbled, giving a slight bow. Julian nodded curtly, his expression unreadable. “Ladies,” he said, his deep voice steady as he turned to follow Colin.

Elara watched the two men walk away, their figures framed by the soft glow of the afternoon sun. Julian’s posture was straight, his steps clipped, giving off an air of arrogance yet his head tilted slightly toward Colin as if engaging in quiet conversation. She couldn’t help but wonder how those two became close friends.

“Interesting, isn’t it?” Charlotte’s voice broke through Elara’s thoughts, her tone light.

“What is?” Elara asked, her eyes trained on the two men who had disappeared around a corner.

“How he lingers even when he’s gone.” She said, her voice dropping a few octaves.

She turned and gave Charlotte a look –the girl was such a drama queen. She let out a sigh, shaking her head at Charlotte who was laughing. “Let’s go.”