CHAPTER VI BEATRICE

The cold morning arrived, with the sunlight barely peeking through the heavy curtains, casting a faint, golden hue across the room. The soft light gradually nudged Beatrice awake, though her body resisted, heavy with the aftereffects of last night's alcohol. She woke up in a bit of a daze, her head throbbing slightly and her eyes still glazed, making it hard for her to muster any enthusiasm for the day ahead.

As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, Beatrice's gaze fell upon Jenna, who was already seated on the sofa where they had spent the previous night talking. Jenna, dressed impeccably in a sharp suit, exuded an air of confidence and professionalism that contrasted starkly with Beatrice's cute, disheveled pajamas. The difference was striking Jenna looked every bit the career woman with extraordinary charisma, a beacon of poise and elegance, while Beatrice felt unprepared in her current cute pajama's.

"You haven't forgotten your promise today, Beatrice, have you?" Jenna stood up while pulling Beatrice's blanket, looking into her glazed eyes.

"Yeah, I didn't forget, so give me 10 more minutes, Jenn."

"You don't want Mrs. Margaret was disappointed with your late arrival, right? Tris?"

"Hmmph, why Mrs. Margaret holding her event on this cold day?"

"No, don't look for excuses, you know you're not the only person who doesn't like being late, so go to the bathroom immediately, I've prepared your clothes for today."

"ughh, yeah yeah Jenn" Beatrice walked a little unsteadily with her bleary eyes into the bathroom.

After finishing in the bathroom and changing clothes, Beatrice and Jenna prepared to head to The Royal Concertgebouw to attend an event hosted by Mrs. Margaret. Beatrice's appearance underwent a drastic transformation from her earlier, more casual look.

Now, she donned a meticulously tailored blazer with a luxurious satin collar that hugged her silhouette perfectly, accentuating her figure with elegance and sophistication. Her high-waisted trousers elongated her legs, adding to her poised demeanor. Beneath the blazer, an ivory silk blouse with a delicate lace high collar peeked out, adding a touch of classic femininity to her ensemble. A soft gray cashmere scarf was draped gracefully over her shoulders, providing a hint of warmth against the winter chill. Completing her outfit was a sleek black wool coat, the perfect final touch to her winter ensemble.

"Is Tom has come back today Jenn?"

"Yes, that's right Tris, currently Mr Tom is preparing the vehicle"

"It's good then, I'm more comfortable if you are next to me rather than being in front to drive Jenn."

"It makes it troublesome for you to always look back when we talk."

"I take that as a compliment Tris"

Beatrice and Jenna showed up from the Mansion, greeted by the sight of Tom, Beatrice's trusted driver, standing gratefully in front of the vehicle reserved for the occasion. Tom had been by Beatrice's side since she was a child, a constant and reassuring presence. Nevertheless, following the unfortunate event that occurred two years ago, which had left Tom with lasting scars, he has been burdened by a profound sense of guilt. Beatrice had forgiven him, comprehending that it was an unintended incident, yet Tom's regret persisted. His gaze, forever vigilant, mirrored a wordless regret whenever he caught sight of her, an ever-present memory of the history they both fought to leave behind.

"Good morning Miss Beatrice and Miss Jenna, sorry if I asked you permission yesterday, I promise I won't do it again" Tom opened the car door for Beatrice and Jenna.

"Good morning Tom, it's okay because Jenna can handle it" Beatrice's warm smile at Tom seemed to melt the cold this morning.

"Good morning Mr. Tom, have you had breakfast before leaving?" Jenna spoke while patting this elderly man's shoulder warmly.

"But I still feel guilty Miss Beatrice, I already had breakfast Miss Jenna."

"You're still like this, that's what happened, Tom, besides that, it's not you, Tom, who's at fault."

"Alright then Miss Beatrice, shall we leave now?"

"Yes Tom I don't want to be late"

The route from The Royal Concertgebouw to the Mansion was brief, with the snow-covered sidewalk shining beside them and a few birds singing, mingling with Beatrice's swirling thoughts about the events of the previous night. Jenna, engrossed in writing a report beside her, offered a calm counterpoint to Beatrice's reflective state. Beatrice's face was filled with a mix of curiosity and confusion as she pondered how she could perceive Louis' piano notes despite her inability to hear. Who was Louis, exactly? She couldn't shake the question from her thoughts, feeling as though she held a flickering flame, ready to spark a moment of clarity that would bring light to the uncertainties weighing on her.

"Hey Jenn, do I have anything else scheduled after the event?" Beatrice patted Jenna's thigh who was beside her.

"hmm? No Beatrice, after the event at The Royal Concertgebouw you have some free time, is there anything you want to do?" Jenna stopped for a moment and turned to Beatrice.

"Yes, maybe I want to go again to Karvelstraat Jenn"

"hmm? Why did you want to meet the pianist yesterday?"

"It's impossible, I don't want to, I just want to check the progress of the flower gift that I will give to my father later, I want maximum results."

"Oh, is that so? Alright then, Tris, let's go there." Jenna smiled because she saw Beatrice putting her hair behind her ears.

"That's good, then" Beatrice's smile couldn't be suppressed.

"We've arrived, Miss Beatrice and Miss Jenna," Mr. Tom interrupted their conversation.

"Okay, thank you, Mr Tom, Tris, we have arrived." Jenna was talking to Beatrice.

"Oh, okay," Beatrice turned towards the window with a magnificent view of The Royal Concertgebouw building with many famous people.

Beatrice and Jenna emerged in front of The Royal Concertgebouw, causing a flurry of camera flashes and whispers of awe. As they strolled along the crimson carpet, Beatrice's graceful aura captured the gaze of all those in her vicinity. Renowned figures, prominent entrepreneurs, and journalists were captivated by her presence, capturing her with their cameras in all her elegant charm. Beatrice noticed a couple of familiar faces in the crowd. Jeremy effortlessly socialized with renowned women, capturing the attention of the camera with his undeniable charisma. Close by, Dennie, adorned in eye-catching clothing, radiated an air of self-assurance and satisfaction.

Within the walls of the venue, they were enveloped by its magnificent splendor. The elegant event was perfectly complemented by the rich, historical architecture. As Beatrice entered, Mrs. Margaret, the brilliant organizer of the event, warmly welcomed her. Mrs. Margaret, exuding an air of poise and warmth, emanated the confidence and elegance that had orchestrated such a distinguished gathering.

"Thank you for coming to this event, dear." Mrs. Margaret's warm smile in her luxurious suit greeted Beatrice's hand.

"No, Mrs. Margaret, I should be the one who is grateful for being given the opportunity to be here, it's an honor." Beatrice took Mrs. Margaret's hand.

"I didn't realize that you were now that you had become a beautiful, elegant woman like this, my dear."

"Thank you, Mrs. Margaret. I take that as a compliment. Apart from that, I still have a lot to learn from you, Mrs. Margaret."

"haha, what do you want to learn from this old woman Beatrice"

"There are so many Mrs. Margaret, you are one of the figures I want to aspire to"

"Hmmm, is that so? "Okay, let's meet for tea sometime and I'll chat with you my dear, for now you can go straight to your seat," Mrs. Margaret hugged Beatrice.

"Yes, Mrs. Margaret, with pleasure," smiled Beatrice as she left Mrs. Margaret.

"Come on, Jenna, let's go to our seats." Beatrice turned to Jenna who was behind her.

"Yes, Tris "

Beatrice and Jenna found themselves in the middle row, eagerly anticipating the start of Mrs. Margaret's drama program. As they chatted, their conversation meandered towards business and Hendrick's ambitious plans for the upcoming birthday event. Beatrice relished the tranquility of her own little world with Jenna, finding solace in the peaceful moments her deafness afforded her, even amidst the chaos of the bustling crowd and the surrounding clamor. The vibrant ambiance of the theater hummed with anticipation, yet Beatrice took comfort in Jenna's company and the ease of their conversation. Beatrice's gaze swept across the breathtaking interior of The Royal Concertgebouw, marveling at the intricate details and majestic architecture. She marveled at the elegant decor, imagining how these elements could influence the decorations for her father's upcoming birthday bash in their grand ballroom. The beauty of the venue made a deep impact on her, igniting her creative thoughts for the upcoming event.

As the lights dimmed, signaling the beginning of "Soldaat van Oranje," the atmosphere in the theater was filled with excitement. The rotating auditorium gracefully spun, effortlessly transporting the audience through a series of sets that vividly portrayed Erik Hazelhoff Roelfzema's exhilarating wartime escapades. The melodies of the musical echoed throughout the venue, adding depth to the captivating narrative. Unfortunately, Beatrice was unable to perceive the melodies or the conversations. She observed the performers and the audience's reactions, her personal experience overshadowed by her deafness. Her eyes drifted away, and she became absorbed in her own musings. As the curtains fell on the stage, her thoughts were consumed by Louis and the enigmatic aura that surrounded him. The mystery of how she could perceive the delicate melodies emanating from Louis's piano persisted, entwined with the captivating yet hushed display unfolding in front of her.