Episode 4
1151 Words
“Patricia!”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Is Her Ladyship awake? It’s almost time for lunch, and the whole family is coming. Make sure she’s ready within the hour.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Patricia ran up the stairs and into Hyacinth’s room.
“Wake up, sleepyhead,” she shouted as she drew the curtains open.
Hyacinth groaned and buried her face deeper into the duvet. Egyptian cotton. So soft, so heavenly. Why would anyone wake early from such comfort? Unlike the rough, scratchy fabric she used back at her family’s mansion.
“Argh—Patricia, the sun! Close the curtains!”
“Just one ball and you’re sleeping like a log. What happens if you go to two?”
“That would be dreadful. I used to crave going to balls with my husband, but clearly, they’re not my thing. Boring and tiring.”
Yawning, Hyacinth dragged herself out of bed.
“My God, you look a mess. In-laws are coming in less than an hour. Chop chop,” Patricia said, already fluffing the pillows and smoothing out the covers.
Hyacinth stood in front of the mirror and sniffed under her arms.
“Do I need a bath? I smell just fine,” she said through another yawn.
“Unless you’re the Duchess of Dirtiness. Now go—or do you need help?” Patricia teased.
“Ew, no. Just pick me a dress. Something simple, please.”
She walked into the adjoining bath chamber but peeked her head back out.
“And please, no corsets.”
Hyacinth dreaded eating with family. Her memories of such meals were anything but warm. This would be her first time stepping into the dining room, two days into her marriage. She hadn’t even been shown around the house yet.
The room was built entirely from dark wood. The only brightness came from a grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling’s center. Mahogany, maybe? The floor gleamed with the same finish. It felt less like a dining room and more like a mourning hall.
“Good morning.”
“Oh, Hyacinth, come, sit.”
Edger stood and pulled out a chair for her.
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
She sat between her husband and her mother-in-law. Across the table sat a man she hadn’t met before. He resembled Edger—same build, same coloring—but with softer features. Very handsome.
“Well, this is a proper time to introduce ourselves. This is my younger—and only—brother, Harold,” Edger said, grinning.
The affection between the brothers was obvious.
“Harold, my wife, Hyacinth,” he added, gesturing to her.
“Nice to meet you, Your Grace,” Harold said, smiling sheepishly.
He seemed a little shy.
“No, call me Hyacinth,” she replied warmly.
“And sitting next to you is my mother. I’m sure you’ve met—Lady Guinevere,” Edger said, his voice suddenly colder.
Lady Guinevere turned to him with narrowed eyes. Tension simmered between them.
“Well then, now that you have a wife, I can rest easy.”
Lady Guinevere placed a hand gently on Hyacinth’s shoulder.
“I’m sure you two will make beautiful grandbabies. I’m ready to be a full-time nanny,” she said with a sparkle in her eyes.
“Unlike my brother, I’m married—with two beautiful but very naughty daughters. I’m sure they’d love a baby brother. Right, Edger?” Harold turned to him with a grin.
Edger leaned his elbow on the table and rested his chin on his palm, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
“Let’s eat before the food gets cold. I don’t have all day,” he snapped, his eyes flashing a warning at his brother.
After dinner, Lady Guinevere and Harold offered to show Hyacinth around the house. Her husband, clearly, never would.
“Thank you for offering to show me around the house.”
“You’re welcome,” Lady Guinevere replied, smiling as she smoothed a hand over Hyacinth’s hair.
They headed up the stairs to the second floor.
“This hallway was the most used when we all lived here together,” she said, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
There were four rooms along a long corridor. The doors faced one another. Blue wallpaper covered the walls, and a chandelier dangled from the center. The same rich wood from the dining room appeared again on the doors and flooring.
“The house’s interior was designed by my late husband. Hence the masculine touch. My children’s rooms were the only places I got to decorate,” she added, a soft laugh escaping her lips.
“And this was Edger’s room.”
She opened the door. To Hyacinth’s surprise, the room held a shelf full of toys.
“Edger doesn’t look like someone who’s ever had fun,” Hyacinth thought.
Lady Guinevere walked to a shelf opposite the bed, picked up a toy, and called to Hyacinth.
“Come, look.”
Hyacinth stepped closer.
“This was his favorite. His grandmother gave it to him.”
It was a ragged-looking doll—perhaps a dog or some other animal. Hard to tell.
Hyacinth giggled.
“It’s ugly, isn’t it? I never understood why he loved it so much, but he adored his grandmother. My mother was a wonderful woman, so I don’t blame him,” she said, laughing.
“Can I have the toy?” Hyacinth asked.
Lady Guinevere handed it over without hesitation.
The room was painted a shade of green—her mother’s favorite. A bed stood with its headboard against the window, two large shelves faced it, filled mostly with books and toys. A wardrobe sat opposite the entrance door, and a mirror hung nearby. Two additional doors were on the right side. One likely led to the bathroom. But the other?
“What room is this?” Hyacinth asked.
Lady Guinevere’s face fell as she approached the door.
“Let’s leave this room now,” she said quietly.
Back in the hallway, Hyacinth’s curiosity deepened.
“Is something the matter?” she asked gently.
“That was his little study room. Painful memories lie behind that door. He’s kept it locked for years. No one goes in.”
She took Hyacinth’s hand.
“Please help bring my son’s happiness back. He used to be so joyful. I failed him as a mother. That’s why I arranged this marriage—I hoped you could bring him light again.” Her eyes were heavy with sadness.
“But enough of the sad talk. Let me show you the rest of the estate. Though I doubt we’ll finish today. There’s lots to see.”
“I wonder what painful memories Edger hides. There seems to be a secret in this family,” Hyacinth thought.
Lady Guinevere continued the tour, introducing Hyacinth to the staff as they went.
- Writer
