Silent Energies

Chapter Twelve - And Just Like That...

The rest of that morning passed in a chaotic blur of paperwork.

Clara remembered the moment that Beatrix had read her Aunt's Will and her utter shock that her Great Aunt's entire Portfolio had been left to her. She literally became a millionaire in a matter of seconds as Beatrix read through the list of properties, stocks, companies, and various other investments.

Special mention was made of the enormous dollhouse that Clara had always played with as a little girl and a specific carved wooden statue of a dancing peasant girl.

Clara was quite taken by the little statue, and the story that went with it fascinated her. Evidently, the statue was over 400 years old and had been passed down as each previous owner readied their affairs when their time came. There were a few rules about the statue, which apparently passed along with it. The rules said that she needed to spend time with the statue regularly, as well as ensuring that all arrangements had to be made well in advance for passing it along when her time came. Clara was confused and intrigued by the story.

Once the paperwork was finished, Beatrix took Clara on a tour around the mansion and introduced her to the staff. They took a trip around the grounds in golf carts, and when they came back to the main house, Beatrix led her into the glass conservatory at the back of the building.

As they neared the centre of the room, Clara saw an ornate wooden stand with a statue in a glass dome sitting on top of it. Beatrix stood aside and let Clara come closer to inspect her new possession.

The dancer was indeed a dancing peasant girl. She wore a simple dress with handmade shoes, and her curly hair was worn loose. Her arms flung wide, and her skirt kicked out as if she really were in the reckless abandon of a dance to music that only she could hear. Clara realised she hadn't heard a thing Beatrice was saying and shook her head slightly to bring her back to the present.

"Sorry, I must have been miles away...” Beatrix smiled and assured her it was fine.

"Not to worry, you've had quite the day so far. It's completely understandable that you're a little overwhelmed by it all.” Clara thanked her as she continued.

"I was simply saying that my part in this is done for now, so you are free to either explore your new property or head home. The car will be available to take you whenever you are ready to head off. Here are your copies of the documents we signed today...” She handed Clara a leather folio containing the papers. “My details are stamped on the inside of the folder, you are welcome to contact me with any and all questions; and the accountant will be in contact with you in the next few days to organise your access account. Otherwise, please enjoy your new properties."

Clara thanked her again, and Beatrix left her alone in the cozy afternoon sun that warmed the Conservatory.

Clara looked around at her new property and sighed, blowing the air out of her cheeks in relief. The day was a good one, but it was definitely mentally and emotionally draining. She decided to head home for the day and come back in a few days once she had begun to wrap her head around the day's events.

Almost as if he knew her thoughts, the driver - who had been introduced to her as Weston - appeared at the door that led out of the Conservatory and back into the main building. His greying salt and pepper hair peeked out from below his cap, and his square jawline was clean-shaven above his black tailored suit and pristine white shirt. Clara smiled at him,

"Ah! Just the man I was looking for," he bowed slightly.

"Of course, Miss. What can I help you with?" Clara felt oddly relaxed, even though his presence was unusual in her previous life. She tried to guess how old he might be, the salt and pepper hair suggested mid-forties, but his voice sounded much younger. His face seemed younger as well. He sighed, almost as if he could hear her thoughts and said. "I'm 35, Miss. I began going grey in my late teens and, somewhere in my mid-twenties, I got fed up with dying my hair and simply stopped." Clara blushed furiously,

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to be rude...” Weston flashed her a grin.

"It's fine, I'm just teasing you." Clara sighed with relief and giggled nervously. Weston's posture relaxed, and Clara felt herself do the same. "Now, what can I do for you, Miss?"

"Oh, please... Call me Clara... It makes me feel strange to be called 'Miss’," Weston nodded graciously.

"Done... Clara." She couldn't help but laugh as he wiggled his eyebrows at her.

“Thank you.” Clara met his eyes pointedly and couldn't help but smile as his bright blue eyes sparkled cheekily.

"Anyway, what can I do for you, Clara?" he asked.

“Actually, I would like to head home for today. I'll head back in a few days to have a proper look around once my brain calms down from the surprises today had.” Weston nodded.

"Of course, anything you need. Are you ready to head out now...?” Clara nodded, then paused, suddenly remembering th instructions for the statue.

"Wait... Hang on a minute..." She jogged back to the glass dome and carried it back to Weston, who smiled and held his arm out to her.

“Ready now?” Clara linked her arm through his waiting one, and her face lit up.

“Yes please.” Weston bowed his head and smiled.

“As you wish, Mi--" Clara looked at him with a sharply raised eyebrow, and he corrected himself. “—Clara...” Clara smiled, and he led her to the car.

X X X X X

The ride home passed in a blur for Clara, who fell asleep shortly after they left the Hudson Valley. She was woken by the car pulling up outside her building.

Weston opened her door and held out his hand to help her up onto the curb. Clara took it, smiling, and was soon standing next to the handsome man on the sidewalk. He reached into his coat pocket and held out a business card.

"This is my direct number. You can call me at any time, day or night, with anything you need.” He pressed the card into her hand and met her eyes. "Anything you need. I am your assistant wherever you need me, not just when you're at Middlebridge Estate."

Clara nodded her thanks before flinging her arms around his neck and hugging him tightly. She pulled back and kissed his cheek. He blushed furiously before giving her a quick squeeze in return. She giggled again and waved Weston off, promising to call him in the next day or so and update him on when she would return to the estate. He seemed to be satisfied with this and headed back to the driver's seat.

Waving him off, Clara watched the car pull away down the leafy, tree-lined street and smiled as she let herself into the building and up to her apartment.