Chapter 277: Shocking Developpements
The next morning, when Arabella woke up in Silas’ arms, his words from the previous night still rang loud in her head. They never quieted down since they’d been uttered.
Her? Carrying a business? What a farce!
Her entire life has been someone else’s business plan. To think that things could have turned that differently in such a short period of time was almost scary... Terrifying even.
Her father would have certainly eaten the nails off his fingers should he have been informed.
"Morning," his voice deep but soft, he welcomed her back to the land of the awake.
"And to you as well," her voice on the other hand, was still meek as her vocal cords slowly recovered their function.
"How did you sleep?" he asked, looking down at her.
"Splendidly well," she smiled, her eyes up on him.
Arabella never changed to the nightgown she’d brought with her. It lay there untouched at their feet as though awaiting to serve its purpose.
The young woman had no memory of her moving from the lounge chair back to the bed and so assumed Silas had carried her there.
"I’d been about to offer to sit with you at breakfast but then remembered you have things to discuss with Ada,"
Her eyes widened before she pushed herself into a sitting position, "Oh dear! I’d completely forgotten about that,"
"Take your time," he chuckled, "She won’t run away,"
He tried to no avail. Silas watched with a grin as she leaped in a haste, frantically went back and forth several times, confused on whether to use the bathroom in his room or in hers.
"I will... I will find you later,"
Those were her last words, before she skedaddled through the curtains. Silas didn’t even try to stop her again.
Only her heels clacked against the marble flooring as she ran through the hallways. Practically slamming the door open, the young woman huffed and puffed for a breath. Much like her heart, her eyes threatened to leap out of their sockets.
Ada sat by the already dressed table, only... Something about her was different. In fact, almost everything about her was.
She no longer wore a maid’s uniform, but a gorgeous, floor length gown. It was of an olive green shade that perfectly matched and emphasized her skin tone.
As for her hair. Well, it was still put up, but not in the usual, simple bun. Golden ornaments were intertwined with the carefully crafted hairstyle that brought the shape of her face to light.
"Oh, my world..." was all that Arabella managed, "You look just...," the words clung to her throat while tears made pearls in her eyes.
"The Lady has agreed to give me a chance," red in the face, Ada couldn’t look at Arabella while smiling.
"That is wonderful!"
"She’s even given me a pay raise and my own room for now!" Ada rushed to take Arabella’s hands, "And it’s all thanks to you!" she snivled, "I never thought I would...," strain choked her vocal cords.
"Don’t say that!" Arabella shook her head, "You’ve earned it all on your own," she then pressed her behind on the nearest chair and asked with stars in her eyes, "Do tell! How did it go? Did you sing before her?"
"I did. Yes," Still simpering, Ada copied Arabella’s action and sat down, "I sang something simple, and she said I could join rehearsals starting from tomorrow night,"
Arabella inhaled deeply then exhaled loudly, "This is so much better than I hoped for," a more serious look dawned on her, "What happens now? Were you instructed to do something or spend your days in a certain way?"
"No. I can still spend my days with you. The Lady even hoped you could help me a bit with my posture and speech,"
"Yes, of course! What about breakfast? Did you have yours?"
"I have," her eyebrows jumped up her forehead then simmered down, "In my new room which is right next to yours!"
"Oh! That is so amazing!"
The rest of the day was spent on coaching and advice; how to stand tall like a lady, how to speak like one, how to move like one.
And when action was over, the words came next.
The young women sat doing embroidery in one of the lounge rooms of the manor, speaking of the changes that have yet to come, of the past the two of them thought they’d never outrun but still did.
"Now that the dust has settled," Ada started after a short pause, "When will you be inviting that wolf boy again?"
"I meant to do so before the spring equinox. Why?" Arabella looked curiously at her friend.
"Nothing!" Ada chirped, "I merely thought I’d meet him properly if that is alright," she chuckled, "It has been a while since I haven’t dealt with any children,"
"I am sure Remus would love that! I-"
Arabella’s smile died a bit as did the words in her throat upon becoming aware of the rising commotion in the hallways.
People running and rushing in one specific direction as their whispers followed along.
"What in the name of the Lord is happening?"
Right as the women crossed the threshold of the lounge room door, Silas met them.
"I thought I’d come find you first," he said coldly.
"What is the issue?" Arabella’s features twisted with worry.
"The maid that went down to check on Katherine in the dungeons returned frantic. It seems Katherine hasn’t fallen into slumber like she is supposed to,"
Both women took a sharp breath and cupped their mouths in shock.
"Ada," Silas turned to her, "Return to your room and as for you," he then looked at Arabella, "I know there is no use in trying to convince you so, you will be coming with me to see her,"
Without another word or protest, Arabella trailed behind Silas and weaved through the crowd that had formed around the underground levels’ door.
"Return to your doings right this second," Silas ordered calmly, "I don’t want anyone to follow us downstairs,"