Chapter 77: Curious Intentions

I wish it could stay like this, just still, Charles rambling about his designs and me listening to him. That would be nice, just to forget about everything happening, all the things going on in the mansion, and all the pain traveling through my brain. It would be nice just to breathe without feeling constricted but sadly I don't have that luxury. I'm on edge and I am the heir to an estate that has more secrets than a diary, myself being the pawn for something much greater ahead.

"Victoria." I glance up at Charles, "Yes, Charles?" I give him a wider smile but it doesn't seem to put him at ease, "What happened to you? If you don't mind me asking, you just seem so calm despite everything."

"Everything?" I repeated and he nodded, "I heard about the company you had today, The Bellums right?" "Yes, The Bellums, why do you ask?" He shuffled uncomfortably, "Because your gown is dirted and you have a bandage on your finger. I know it's none of my business but did they do that to you?" He squeezed his hands tight, going back to the outfit he was working on. "Oh." I blinked back in surprise, "Did they?" "What? Oh no, this was because I fell, I fell when I was-" I caught myself, thinking carefully on what to say, "Taking a Stroll, I tripped over some rocks and fell in some mud, quite unfortunate really."

He stuck some more accessories on the gown, keeping his eyes focused on it, "Oh, my apologies for assuming. I will make sure to fix it whenever it comes in for tailoring." I nodded to his comment furrowing my brows, my head tilting up to face him, "Charles why did you think the Bellums did something to me?" 

He paused, scrunching up his face, "I'm not sure, I guess it has to do with the fact that the last time you interacted with them it didn't go well and you ended up crying. I just didn't want that to be the case here, so that's why I thought it was them." He shrugged, "But again I shouldn't think ill of them just because of that one time, if not them then I would have guessed-" his brows raised.

"Anyway, it was a terrible assumption I-" "No, no sorry to interrupt but thank you for the concern. I can see why you would think that but I would hope that their indirect attacks on me would stay verbal and never go to physical encounters. It would be highly inappropriate not to mention a low standard on their end, something like that would be heard all over the town and news. It would spread like gossip and even a halt on their production hurting them more so than it could me."

Charles' eyes widen at my words, his hands coming together with a nod as he gives a light smile, "Oh, I see thank you for letting me know, I'm guessing it did go well then with The Bellums. Despite the fall?" "Oh, I think it would seem so, Lady. Bellum seems to still be quite the challenge to conversate with but her brother..." I found myself blushing a bit, "He seems to have a personality change since the last time we interacted. You would almost think the Bellums had a third twin of some sort, Sir. Bertram was quite charming and even considerate.

A completely different person from before he didn't even seem that jealous when I thought he was you." I quickly covered my mouth, oh goodness, I didn't mean to say that.

My eyes locked with his and he looked tense, his shoulders tightened and teeth clenched, was he upset?

"Charles are you-" "I'm glad it went fairly well then, I just want you to be okay Victoria, so I'm happy to hear that everything was at least decent." He laughed dryly, folding his arms and I tensed up myself, he didn't ask me why I thought Sir. Bertram was him? I thought he would at least be a little curious. "Charles it wasn't anything bad, I just got a little overheated and mistaken Sir. Bertram's voice for yours I-" he shook his head, "There is no need to explain Victoria, I'm not jealous or anything." "I didn't say you were it just seems like you avoided asking me."

"Did it? I apologize my mind just seems to be preoccupied."

He ran a hand through his hair, looking overheated himself, his eyes having an empty sort of soul-less tint to them, is it the static he was talking about early? I know he said his sleeping schedule was getting better but he also said that there was static up there. That he was getting lost in his mind, has the work been too much for him that he just zones off? Working on the garments he's assigned to and then working on what he wants? Doesn't he have helpers or do they just come whenever? It just doesn't seem fair.

"You don't have to apologize, Charles, you aren't feeling well and even showing signs of being overworked, if you want, I can inquiry my mother about less work and-" he was closer to me now, having heavy breaths and clenched fists, "No, it is okay I do this to myself and if I needed more time I would talk to Lady. Acres. You don't need to bother yourself." He held out his hand and I took it, "Are you sure Charles?" "Of course, Coquelicot(poppy), thank you again for the care." He squeezed my hand tight, tilting his head to the side. "Okay, well if you say so, if you need anything please let me know." "Most definitely." 

We stare at each other for a bit until a knock comes to the door, making me breathe tight, I wonder if it's one of the maids coming to get me. It's probably time for me to continue with my schedule for today. I stand up and go over to the door looking back at Charles, "Did you want me to answer it?" I shake my head, "It's okay it's probably for me but thank you." I turn back to the door and my hand starts to shake while trying to grasp the handle, "You got this Victoria, just open the door, and everything will be okay."

But before I can open it, someone does it for me, swinging the door open hard almost hitting me. I step back wide-eyed, surprised by who it is.

"Lady. Acres is back."