CHAPTER V BEATRICE & LOUIS

The Whiteloe family mansion, while not resembling a grand castle, offers ample space and exudes an elegant charm akin to the renowned Waldorf Astoria. The yard lacked a complex hedge maze, instead featuring a swimming pool that was slowly freezing over as winter approached. The gate, with its modest height, exuded a sense of refined grace.

When Beatrice and Jenna finally arrived, their journey had been quite extensive, stretching into the late hours of the night, with the soft snowflakes gently descending around them. The world around them was covered in a peaceful layer of white, creating a beautiful scene. As they stepped into the grand mansion, a welcoming and cozy ambiance enveloped them. Beatrice graciously passed her coat to the housemaid before redirecting her attention towards Jenna.

"You can wait in the master bedroom, Jenn," Beatrice instructed, as she headed off to change into something more comfortable.

Jenna was familiar with these evenings spent with Beatrice. It was a common occurrence for her to join Beatrice in the evenings, offering a comforting presence and a source of companionship. Yet, this evening had a unique quality to it. Beatrice didn't immediately change her outfit. Instead, she had to share the outcomes of the day's meeting with her dad.

"My father, I had arrived from Rotterdam and wanted to report what was decided at the meeting earlier." Beatrice hugged the man, Hendrik Van Whiteloe, who exuded an irresistible charm. His smile is adorned with black hair pulled back, with just a touch of gray.

"Oh, my girl, are you okay there? Why don't you rest now, sweetheart?"

"After this, Dad, Jenna is actually waiting for me in the room to relax."

"In addition to the outcomes of today's meeting..." Beatrice recounted the events of the day with a disingenuous smile, leaving out any mention of her encounter with Louis.

"A harp, now that's an interesting choice, but if Vanesha wants a pianist to fill the event, do you want me to help meet some of my acquaintances in order to hire them for the event?"

"Sure, Dad. I'll take a look at the list of pianist musicians that Jenna has put together to see who fits into the event's schedule."

"That's great, sweetheart. Take it easy, and don't overexert yourself. Be understanding with Jenna, and make sure to return to your room soon. Jenna must be feeling lonely."

"I'm not pushing myself, and Jenna already has a good grasp of who I am, so there's no need to worry, Dad."

"It's wonderful to see that you still have such enthusiasm," Hendrik said with a smile, addressing Beatrice.

"Sure, dad. I'll head back to the room now," Beatrice bid farewell, hugging her father once more.

Spacious rooms that effortlessly accommodate all Beatrice needs, featuring elegant interiors adorned with tasteful floral accents. The bedroom is incredibly cosy, effortlessly soothing Beatrice's weary days into a peaceful slumber, spanning from the distant past to the present moment. Jenna patiently sat on the dark mahogany sofa, eagerly anticipating Beatrice's return to her room. She frequently occupied her time by perusing the roster of pianists that met Beatrice's requirements. Beatrice emerged from the bathroom, refreshed by a soothing bath on this chilly evening. Beatrice's skin is so stunning that she seems destined to be born as a goddess. Beatrice's evening was beautifully complemented by the luxurious feel of carefully chosen fabrics in her pajamas.

"I've prepared snacks, Beatrice, I'll get you what wine do you want to unwind today?"

"Is Morlet still there, Jenn? It looks like the wine is suitable for today"

"Alright Tris, I'll prepare it"

Jenna took out of the room to retrieve Morlet from the storage shelf in the house. Beatrice anxiously awaited, her mind filled with confusion due to the unexpected incident involving Louis. Beatrice's mind was rarely troubled by problems, but Louis was an exception. Beatrice struggled to understand Louis' thoughts. She sensed a change in Louis, until Jenna's touch on his shoulder snapped Beatrice out of her daydream.

"Is it because of what happened earlier, Tris?" Jenna poured a glass of Morlet with a slightly worried face.

"It's okay, Jenn, maybe it was just a coincidence."

"Besides, I'm happy if I don't see him again, so let's enjoy this Morlet, Jenn" Beatrice, with her thin pink lips, drank the wine.

"Hmm, okay, Tris, I hope you don't force yourself." Jenna knew that Beatrice was lying because of her habit of lying by putting her hair behind her ears.

"Wow, that was my father, now you are Jenn, maybe I'll just ask my father to make you my sister hahaha"

"I don't think it's a bad choice, Tris, but I will be stricter with you, hahah"

"No, you have to obey all my orders because I will be Jenn's oldest sister, hmmph"

"Oh, if that's the case, I'll give up on my intentions, Tris, because it would be very troublesome if I obeyed all your wishes."

"No Jenn, this is a good thing; besides, if you are always serious..." Beatrice continued her conversation with her cheeks starting to turn red, which made her very cute.

After savouring the wine, Jenna gently settled Beatrice, who was already quite tipsy but still chattering away like her beloved parakeet, offering Jenna some lighthearted advice about not taking life too seriously. Jenna was aware that Beatrice had a bad habit after drunk, even when it came to something as simple as wine. However, she still had a fondness for it. It would bring Jenna some relief if Beatrice returned to her usual self. As Jenna bid farewell, she gently closed the door, signalling the end of the day, with the night bringing a blanket of snow outside. Jenna made her way back to the guest room, the familiar space where she often found rest during her stays at the mansion.

The night streets of Karvelstraat appeared especially enchanting as the streetlights gradually dimmed beneath the gentle, falling snow. The soft descent of snow created a tranquil and enchanting ambiance, with the flakes shimmering in the dim illumination. Louis perched on a nearby bench, calmly anticipating Oliver's arrival. With a cigarette in his hand, he observed the world around him, the smoke blending with the chilly air and the snowflakes gently settling on his shoulders. Louis's piano, a captivating instrument that had enchanted those who walked by, was positioned close by. The sight of it stood out in stark contrast to the serene, snow-covered street.

He required assistance in manoeuvring it back to their The apartment, a task that had transformed into a nightly routine for him and Oliver. After what seemed like an endless wait, Louis spotted a familiar silhouette drawing near. Oliver's arrival was accompanied by a warm, contagious smile that seemed to dispel the chilly night air. He grasped a beer in his hand, evoking a feeling of cosiness and companionship.

"So tonight the first snow fell, it looks like it would be really nice to finish this beer when you get home Louis," Oliver smiled.

"Huh, that's good then, come now and help me push the piano back to The apartment." While extinguishing his cigarette, Louis stood up straight.

"Damn it, it's so cold today, just leave it alone, who would want to steal this old piano?"

"It's not like pushing this piano will make you feel warmer Oliver, hahaha"

"No, no, no, this is not healthy but tiring, stupid, besides..." Oliver continued his rambling.

"Well, you're still excited about your chatter, so come on before the snow piles up."

"aghh!, okay I don't know why you always cheat on my mind Louis, besides that, do you still have cigarettes?"

"Hahaha, this"

The apartment, with a moderate age and convenient proximity to Karvelstraat, has been the residence of Louis and Oliver for the past year. Louis always places his piano on the lower level and carefully covers it with a tarpaulin, as they both reside in a room on the 3rd floor of their flat. Louis and Oliver entered their room after carefully placing the piano. The room is quite cosy, with a floor mattress that comfortably accommodates the two of them. The room is adorned with flowers from Oliver and piano notes from Louis, giving it a touch of elegance. The balcony are where Louis and Oliver spent the night.

"Hey, did you know that I had a very special person come in for a customer?" Oliver had a beer in his hand.

"umm, is it De Witte Klaver?" Louis was smoking and sitting on a chair near the balcony.

"Wow, are you a fortune teller? Just leave being a street musician and become a fortune teller." Oliver, who was annoyed because Louis' face, was not surprised.

"Hahaha, no, earlier she suddenly approached me and I saw her friend holding a black orchid."

"huh? Why did Beatrice Van Whiteloe visit you?"

"I don't know, suddenly she wanted to buy my piano," Louis said with a mysterious smile.

"Wow, now I'm surprised, Is your piano an artefact that Beatrice Van Whiteloe wants to buy?" Oliver's always expressive face was nothing new for Louis.

"No, it's just an ordinary piano, I just don't want to sell it."

"If you sell it, you'll get a better piano than that, you idiot."

"Hahaha, I consider that a compliment."

"Ugh, never mind, I want to sleep because tomorrow I have to help Miss Harvey put together the bonquet, stupid night." Oliver stood up and threw away the beer can, leaving Louis.

"Yeah, Oliver, evening, I haven't finished my beer yet so I'm going to relax for a moment."

On this wintry evening, Louis found himself consumed by memories that haunted him relentlessly. The gentle snowfall murmured hidden messages that only he could perceive, while his enigmatic mind was a complex maze of countless contemplations. One of the secrets that couldn't be denied was that Louis was aware of Beatrice's deafness.