A Quiet Conversation (2)

Cade had given her a stern scolding after that incident two days ago, and it was still echoing in her head ceaselessly. It began innocently enough because of her childish curiosity, leading to unintended consequences.

But he, Secretary Cade, had reacted as if she had committed a grave sin. He had not just stopped at scolding her; he even told the head maid, Celia, about it. And, of course, it caused a chain reaction, leading Celia to tell Madam Isabel, Aurel's mother, after which she had been scolded by her mother, as well, for hours. 

'It was so unnecessary.'

Cade should never have told Celia, and Celia should never have told her mother. Aurel bore down the conscience that she worsened her mother's weak constitution by exerting energy to lecture her. 

Now, adding to the fact that she had already been in poor health, Madam Isabel would lay bedridden for days. The family doctor had been summoned to aid her mother. Still, it was heavy to bear, knowing her thoughtless actions had pushed her mother closer to suffering.

Aurel released a heavy sigh that eased her tense shoulders. She was only excited when her mother informed her about her brother's wife, who had arrived at the estate.

However, looking back at what she had done, Aurel really spoiled the opportunity to have lunch with the Marchioness.

Her footsteps echoed through the corridor as she made her way to the master room in the east wing. She stopped for a moment to collect her thoughts, but only be ambushed by annoyance and self-blame.

"Aargh," she grumbled and squatted on the floor. 

Aurel's frown deepened as she realized the impression she must have left on her sister-in-law. She raked her fingers through her hair, disheveling her previously neat ponytail. 

The morning sun basked the corridor, and there were patches of dark clouds in the sky. It looked like it would rain later… perhaps, in the evening. 

At that moment, she wondered. Her brows furrowed in consideration, and she ran her fingers through her tousled hair, further disheveling it. 

What should she say to the Marchioness?

Aurel took a deep breath, pressing her chin between her index finger and thumb as she contemplated her next move. The hallway was silent except for the distant chirping of birds outside the window, seemingly mocking her predicament.

Her eyes shifted to the door at the end of the hallway. Then, they wandered around her surroundings. Inadvertently, she caught a glimpse of her reflection on the golden vase, seeing how messed up her hairstyle was, with some bulges here and there.

Purposely, Aurel removed her hair tie, letting her long locks down her back. With a strong resolution to create a better impression on her sister-in-law, Aurel squared her shoulders and took a deep breath to steal her never. Decisive, she marched toward the master room's doors.

As she approached the imposing wooden door, Aurel paused, a tight knot of anxiety formed in her chest. Her knuckle rested on the door's surface before curling it into a hesitant fist.

After another sigh, she knocked on the door and called out, "My lady, are you awake?"

She waited for an answer, but no one replied. The silence that followed was deafening, and her words hung in the air suspended. Only the distant sounds of curtains rustling in the background attempted to break the stillness.

And then, it hit her.

'Shit! What if she was asleep and I woke her up?' 

Aurel cursed. She stood frozen outside the master room. She berated herself for not thinking ahead, potentially disturbing her sister-in-law's sleep, and for the awkward way she had just called out.

"Ugh." Aurel messed up her hair from frustration. She started pacing outside the door for what felt like an eternity, anxiously thinking about her next move.

With a deep sigh, she called, "M, Marchioness, if you are asleep, I will come back again!"

As Aurel stood there in front of the imposing door, a heavy silence settled around her. The absence of any sound, not even a faint murmur, was so oppressive that she could almost feel it pressing against her skin.

'Wait. Why did I shout at the door when I should have just left and returned later?'

Now, she had done it. All were much worse. Her loud voice could have really woken up the Marchioness. 

Panic started to claw at her chest, threatening to consume her. Aurel sank into a squat, her fingers clutching at her messy hair. Strands of dark locks slipped through her trembling fingers as she tugged at them in frustration. 

"I really hate myself," she whispered, which was barely above a breath, placing a hand on her face. She had found it incredibly difficult to befriend a noble.

Then, just as she was squatting down, deep in her thoughts, the door creaked open. Aurel's eyes widened as she quickly stood up, her heart racing.

Now partially ajar, the door revealed a maid who appeared to be a year or so younger than Aurel. Her eyes darted around the hallway before settling on Aurel.

"Er, um, Miss Aurel," the maid began hesitantly, looking nervous. "Would you mind waiting for a few minutes? The Marchioness just came out of the bathroom, and she is still dressing, you see."

Aurel's mouth formed a small 'o' shape as embarrassment washed over her. She quickly tried to regain her composure, offering a nervous laugh.

"Oh, I see," she replied, her cheeks tinged with a rosy hue. "S, Sure! I can wait here."

The maid's expression relaxed, and she smiled gratefully, her shoulders sagging with relief.

"Thank you, Miss Aurel," she said softly. "I will let the Marchioness know you are waiting."

As the maid retreated, the door closed behind her with a soft click. Aurel let out an almost inaudible sigh of relief, her embarrassment still lingering.

"What the? It turns out she was taking a bath," she said outwardly. She took a deep, steadying breath, placing her hand over her chest to calm the rapid beating of her heart.