The Luncheon (2)

As the luncheon came to an end, Lady Clarissa exchanged a courteous goodbye with Nicolaus and Mikael.

She walked with the pair to the exit, following a step behind their trails. Once the couple made their way out and left, her sincere gestures were replaced with indifference. She dropped the smile, making evident of the discomfort that had weighed on her shoulders.

Standing by the door, she felt the silence extending down the hallway. It crawled up from the floor, enveloping Lady Clarissa like a second skin, holding onto her as if it were a serpent.

It seeped, and penetrated deep into her bones, filling her with thoughts that replayed the day's luncheon events like a persistent haunting memory. Her annoyance simmered as she recalled the sly woman's voice and its drip of Clarissa would claim feigned sweetness.