Perfect Harmony

Chapter 3

Prisca's POV

“I genuinely wish I could escort you until you safely reach Howland Prisca,” Arsen murmured to me while he was helping me to get down the carriage.

After sixteen hours of travel, we reached Mondaze, where I have to be parted from Arson. The entire ride wasn’t that exhausting, because I was riding a splendid carriage that belongs to the Marquess Wesley family. I try to catch a glimpse of Mondaze city.

Mondaze is indeed a transit place. Merchants are arranging their coaches to transport goods, and some of them are trying to sell valuables to men in the market. Some women are arguing with merchants regarding payments for their handmade products, while labourers are carrying heavy stocks here and there. Few little children are waiting for their parents to finish business. On the other side of the street, some people were standing under trees, expecting stagecoaches.

“I can’t ask you more, Arsen, and I won’t. You were kind enough to accompany me this far. I am grateful to you, friend,” I returned him a thankful nod.

“You are making me paralysed with your politeness, Prisca,” said Arsen lowering his voice. I rolled my eyes. We both shared a chuckle.

Dry wind embraced us, having no mercy. “I meant it, fool,” I stated while watching around. I could see some people are directing their hopeful glances. They are looking at the grand carriage. They might be already determined to earn some money by selling goods to us.

“Pleasure is mine, Prisca. Rowena and I are concerned about your well-being. I am not contented to leave you here knowing your unpleasant history with the Lennox people,” Arsen responded, leaning on the carriage.

“Do you think I am still ten years old, Arsen? I can look after myself. Martha accompanies me. Now, my dear friend, focus your attention on the royal court meeting, which you can’t miss at any cost,” I tried to change the subject. It worked. Arsen let out a noise from his nose.

“Er… I would rather accompany you than show face at that prodigious meeting,” He complained.

“May I know, is there any particular reason?” I curved my lips sarcastic manner.

“Peculiar! Diplomatic matters are always special Prisca, but people can be repetitive” He sighed as it suffocate him. Before I say something, the Wesley family’s coachman interrupted us.

“My lord, the stagecoach that is heading to Howland has shown up.” He bowed his head. Arsen nodded.

“Coach has arrived, Prisca. I can still pay for a private coach gladly. Perhaps, do you mind reconsidering?” Arsen gave me a suggestive glance. As a reply, I shook my head first, indicating a disagreement.

“Thank you, but I am comfortable taking a stagecoach, Arsen,” I replied, placing my hand on a small suitcase. Martha came forward and took it from me.

“Stubborn as always! I will escort you to the coach, then. Oswin, do you mind helping Martha to take Lady Prisca’s belongings and her belongings,” Arsen offered me his arm while asking his coachman to bring my suitcase to the stagecoach. I accept his offer, thinking not to embarrass him in public.

“When are you returning to Viscount Sheridan’s?” Arsen asked when we were walking to the coach.

“I am afraid I cannot give a specific day. Hopefully, I wish to come to Viscount Sheridan’s within a week. I need to spend some time with Rhosyn.” I shrugged my shoulders a little.

“I perfectly understand. I don’t want to witness Rowena make another commotion like yesterday.” He laughed, certainly remembering Rowena’s commotion yesterday. I also smile, remembering what happened.

When she heard about the letter and my decision to visit Howland, she worried about me more than mama. She wanted to accompany me immediately. Then she remembered she has to accompany Viscountess Sheridan to a tea party happening in next day. She panicked afterwards. She knew well that she can’t neglect the already accepted invitation, which causes disrespect towards the hostess.

Do you think she stopped after realizing she cannot accompany me? Unfortunately, she pressured Lucian and Arsen afterwards to accompany me. Lucian couldn’t get away from the gold mine investment programme, and Arsen had to go to London for a royal court meeting as a responsibility of a marquess. Arsen promised to accompany me until Mondaze. That put off Rowena’s mind at ease for somewhat. She complained and showed us her grumpy face the whole evening, saying no one is listening to her.

……………………………………………………..

Sun was setting when we reach Howland. I decided to walk to Howland church first. My plan was to meet Mr McNeil without a delay, discuss the situation and lastly go to the Lennox’s with him. Papa already mentioned and kindly requested Mr McNeil to arrange somewhere safe for my resting in the Howland. I was wondering whether Mr McNeil could arrange a place where I and Martha can stay during my visit to Howland.

Howland has changed little during the last twelve years. I remember how I used to wander around the village; sometimes I was by myself and sometimes Kenneth was with me. Rhosyn came with us occasionally. My only happy memories in Howland; Those precious memories did not fade at all.

We reached the church after twenty minutes of walking. Howland church is tiny. It looks the same as I remember; the church with white painted bricks and the small house next to the church. I knocked on the door and waited for a response. A few minutes passed and when I didn’t get a positive response, I walked toward Mr McNeil’s house and follow the same strategy. Still, I didn’t get a positive response.

“Miss Prisca, I assume there is no one inside,” Martha murmured.

“I think so, Martha. What we should do?” I replied, shifting my gaze again to the church.

“We can wait some time. Vicar or his family member will come.” Martha suggested. I nodded in agreement.

“Are you cold Miss?” she gave me a concerned glance. Martha has been always like this. Even though she works in Viscount’s place, she used to care for me and Rowena like her own children.

“A little, but don’t worry Martha.” I smiled warmly at her, removing my bonnet.

I lift my chin and look up to see the sky above me. The last hint of orange-yellow colour in the sky was wickedly glorious.

We waited for another fifteen minutes in front of the church and decided to go to Lennox’s place. The last thing I wanted to do in my life.

After ten minutes we reached the Lennox household. I slow down for a little time, looking at the lifeless setting in front of my eyes. Indeed, the Lennox household has changed a lot. The garden was abandoned. It has been overgrown with wild plants and weeds. The house looks like they didn’t give proper attention to it recently; the paint was faded and crumbling sadly.

“Miss” Someone interrupted my site seeing. An old man is looking at me curiously. Is he working here? “Miss, perhaps, are you lost?” He asked when he understands I noticed him.

“Excuse us. Our Miss is here to visit someone,” Martha stepped forward a bit and replied to the old man. The old man turned his head toward Martha and tip his dusty old hat.

“Forgive me for my rudeness, miss. I did not know you are a guest of my lord’s” he trembled for some reason. Why is he shaking with fear? He has done nothing wrong. Did I scare him accidentally? Next moment I felt I am familiar with this reaction. I have seen this reaction before; a long time ago. He is thinking he behaved rudely toward the Lennox family’s guest, which will anger the Baroness. Results will be unpleasant to even think about.

What were you expecting, Prisca? These devilish people will not change. They are still the same as before. I felt pity for the old man who has to endure many sufferings. I clasped his wrinkled weak hands only for a few seconds. He startled and went pale.

“Mister, you were not rude. You can rest assured.” I gave him a warm smile. He smiles at me weakly.

“Let me escort you to the front door, Miss. You are indeed a kind-hearted young lady. Indeed, beautiful inside and out,” he warmly stated, trying to get our suitcase from Martha and me.

“Miss Prisca, that’s absolutely unladylike. Please be cautious when you interact with other people.” Martha whispered to me when we were following the old man.

“Martha, he is an old man. He was trembling because of the fear,” I whispered back.

“Still miss, you are a young lady. I know you are kind-hearted, yet you shouldn’t carelessly touch anyone. Including servants like us,”

“Martha, I never consider you as a mere servant. Rowena and I adore you a lot,” I groaned in a low voice.

“Miss,” Martha start wiping her eyes and blowing her nose suddenly.

Oh, no… don’t start crying!

“What is happening here, Bernard?” I heard a male voice behind me. The old man straightens his weak body while trembling slightly.

A shadow covers me for a minute. The owner of the shadow comes in front of me after taking his time. I couldn’t see his face properly because of the darkness, but I recognized he was a young man in his twenties.

“Forgive me, my Lord. This young miss is here to visit someone… a guest…” the old man started trembling again just seeing the young man. Perhaps… is this Matthias! The old servant addresses him, lord…

“Please forgive me, miss. Our servants are recently forgetting their duties. Are we acquaintances?” He asked, looking at me intensely. Matthias…! He became quite tall. The younger version of baron Lennox is in front of me.

“Are we? I don’t think we are acquaintances, lord Lennox.” I replied to him, trying to hide my genuine emotions.

“Alright! May I have the pleasure of being your acquaintance, miss…? And who are you hoping to meet in my household?” He bent towards me, showing his sudden, but dangerous, enthusiasm. What is his intention now? Is he trying to…! Shameless!

“I am here to visit Rhosyn Lennox,” I replied in a dry tone. At the same time, I took a step back. He didn’t say a single word for some time. I heard the old servant make a low pitch surprising voice.

“My sister! Don’t you know… your name… miss? Is she your friend perhaps,” He placed his hand on his throat.

I decided to introduce myself. I couldn’t stand his presence and questions anymore.

“I am Prisca Fallon, lord Lennox. I am here because Rhosyn sent me a letter saying she desperately wishes to see me,” I was expecting to see him condemn me at once, but he was quiet. His surprising gaze goes from my head to my toes several times. Then he makes an impolite whistle sound. A smug smile comes to his face.

“Oh my goodness, Priscilla! I can’t believe my eyes. Why don’t you come inside? We can continue this discussion in the parlour,” He showed the way to the Baron's house like he is a gentleman. What is he planning now! Whatsoever, I need to see Rhosyn. I am wasting my time with this person.

Though I felt extremely uncomfortable, I followed him, keeping my distance.

Matthias led the way to the parlour and gave some instructions to an old female servant who seems like being the only servant in this house now. Then he sat on a chair while asking me to sit down. I sit down quietly. The parlour room gave me an ominous feeling. It certainly looks like they didn’t receive any visitors recently. There is only one candle for the entire parlour room.

“I will wait outside the room, miss,” Martha mumbled to me before I say something. She slowly stepped outside the room.

“You indeed changed, Priscilla.. quite positively. I must say, I have never thought living with commoners will transform Lennox household’s hideous girl to a… er.. lovely maiden,” Matthias laughed loudly, looking at me while rubbing his arm.

“Forgive me, Lord Lennox. I have no time for an entertainment play. Will you be kind enough to lead me to Rhosyn?” I asked impatiently, clenching my fists.

“Why are you unsympathetically giving me a cold shoulder, sister Priscilla?” I understood he was deliberately trying to provoke me now. His cunning way of torturing people will never change.

“Matthias, what is this commotion? Why did you ask for my presence here?” I heard a demanding female voice coming from the entrance of the parlour room.

The voice I wanted to avoid for the rest of my life. The person I don’t wish to see even if I have to die. Baroness Lennox! She came to the parlour and took a seat in front of me. I didn’t bother to show my respect to her. Her irritated eyes land on me.

“May I know who is this rude young lady?” She questioned Matthias, shifting her gaze from me.

“Mother.. oh.. my dear mother! Don’t you recognize her? This is Priscilla Lennox, your banished daughter,” Matthias raised his voice, making a noise showing that he was disappointed. His ridiculous expression made me uncomfortable.

“Lord Lennox, my name is Prisca Fallon. Don’t you find it is rather irresponsible to put your family name carelessly on a stranger?” I directly let those words out, not moving my gaze from him. He chuckled uncannily.

“Indeed Priscilla Fallon. I concur with you. Family legacy belongs to bloodline members who are worth it. What are you doing here? Give me the pleasure of reminding you that you are not allowed to take a single step into this house.” the Baroness’s voice interrupted.

I look into her eyes directly. I could see hatred in her eyes, but not to the extent I remember. Clearly, something has happened to her.

“I beg your forgiveness, lady Lennox. I am more than willing not to look at this estate…” I stated, before I finish the sentence, the baroness lifts her hand, indicating she wants to speak.

“I have to admit, you look rather pleasant compared to the past, but that doesn’t mean I am going to welcome you here. Perhaps that disgusting beggar man and woman sent you here asking for fortune?” Her insulting words lit up a fire inside me. I clenched my fists.

“I am sorry to disappoint you, Baroness Lennox. Mama and Papa are not desperate to ask for a fortune from a fallen aristocrat family. We are living a life with dignity, which we earned through our hard work. I am only here because Rhosyn sent me a letter saying she wishes to see my presence gravely.”

Baroness’s eyes widen in shock. My words probably offended her. A tiresome expression came to her face.

Matthias stood up from his seat in rage, but the baroness gestured him to sit. He shot me a death glare. I ignored him like he used to ignore me in my childhood days.

“Rhosyn is no more” Matthias broke the silence. I looked at him, thinking he was fooling me.

“Is he telling the truth?” I asked Baroness. My voice was shaking as well as my body. I blink my eyes so hard. The baroness neglected my question with a ‘hump’.,

I understood Matthias was telling the truth.

I felt a sharp pain in my heart suddenly. I haven’t seen Rhosyn for twelve years, but she was the kindest one in this house. She was kind enough to care about a neglected ten years old girl as well as five years old boy. She used to send brief letters to me until six years ago. Then she suddenly stopped sending me letters. What has happened to her during the last six years?

I badly wanted to cry for her, cry for me, but I restrain myself. When she wanted me, I wasn’t there for her. Prisca, you failed to care about the people who cared for you...

First Kenneth, now Rhosyn…

Suddenly, I got gooseflesh because of a piercing shriek.