Casual gossip

Abigail joined us in the living room, and after some minutes, also their mother Ginevra was there. They all looked at the couple with a gaze that was withholding so many questions. But none question was asked as they probably were too shy to ask. Maybe if Roselyn was alone, they would fill her with questions, but with the presence of the King they kept a certain quietness that uncommon in that house.

King John finally broke the silence, "I am glad to meet you." He said, placing his hand on Roselyn's back. His gaze moved to meet Roselyn's mother's gaze, who smiled genuinely. 

"You raised an esteemed girl. She made the chef prepare the triple chocolate mousse that my father and I used to order and it brought me cheerful forgotten memories. Besides that, your cake was unmatched. Don't tell my chef." He said, Ginevra's lips curved up. "Thank you! It was such an honor to have you and the King as my clients back then. To hear you haven't forgotten about the cake makes my heart melt!" From her tone of voice, Roselyn recognized her clear commotion.

"I am ready." Kathy said, and for the first time in a long time, she wore different clothes than the usual ones she wore for work. Replacing her white ruffled half-apron with a simple floral dress, and carried a purse.

Roselyn nodded at her friend. Embracing her mother and her sisters goodbye, "see you soon." She whispered, offering a smile to her family that oddly seemed distant. Maybe it was just a feeling, but she felt slightly guilty for not having missed them as much as she should have missed them for leaving someone you have been lived with for all your life.

They smiled one more time and then bowed down in front of John. Then they stepped out of the house and walked in the carriage.

Kathy and Roselyn kept smiling at each other and it was obvious the maid couldn't wait to fill the laid with thousands of questions.

However, she didn't say a word, probably worried and under pressure for the King being there. She wasn't to blame; she heard plenty of rumors about him and she was not sure about his real identity, still having strong doubts.

The King John coughed to break abruptly the silence and Roselyn felt the urge to speak, as she understood he was feeling uncomfortable.

"I heard Abigail is going to marry Lord Victor." Roselyn said the first thing that occurred to her mind. Not like she had nothing to talk to Kathy about. She had many matters she wanted to mention but not in front of John, as most of those were about him.

"She is. She is happy with him. Although the marriage seemed quite rushed." The maid stated. Roselyn frowned. Why would she consider it rushed? they have been dating for quite a long time now and Abigail was the type of girl who fell in love very quickly.

"Why would you consider it rushed? She seemed in love." Roselyn commented.

The maid shrugged, "it was weird, few days earlier she said she didn't want to rush things and do things slowly. Then all in a sudden the news of him proposing has been revealed." 

Kathy's eyes met for a second John's eyes, which made her look away unconsciously. Someone of a rank so high that his words would have the power to start a war whenever he decided to, was frightening her. In addition, she was not used to have someone hear her personal converse with her friend. But since Roselyn and he were a couple now, that was probably something she had to get used to him, eventually.

"That doesn't surprise me. She changes her mind often, maybe she heard about the new about John and I's marriage and she wanted to be the first lady in the family to marry." Roselyn said. When mentioning her marriage, her cheeks blushed . 

Kathy knew her very well and raised her eyebrow, seeing her embarrassed expression, noticing that something was weird.

"Congratulations on the marriage!" She offered the truest smile. "I totally forgot you two were going to marry!"

Roselyn nodded, and John smiled at her future wife. "We get along very well. I couldn't ask for a better wife." He commented. His tone of voice seemed oddly true, letting Roselyn in the wonder whether he was being honest or just an optimal liar.

The carriage took off after a while. They stepped out and saw a rocky path leading to a huge, glorious hill.

A greenish view revealed to their sight. Some horses route throughout the areas. There were purposely brought there John's and Roselyn horses. The cloudy sky was emphasizing the green color of the hills and the breeze was refreshing Roselyn's pale smoothie skin. It felt so relaxing and beautiful. It seemed so calm and quiet, all that could be heard was the rumor of the wind brushing the grass on which some flowers bloomed here and there.

"Pentland Hills." John said. Breaking the silence, as Kathy and Roselyn were too busy admiring and enjoying such a heavenly sight in front of them.

The coachman stepped out the carriage to untie John's horse that was tied on the pole.

Right after, he did the same with Roselyn's horse. The lady climbed into it and helped her friend who wasn't much familiar with riding to mount on. "Hold on to me." Roselyn whispered to Kathy, who gently wrapped her arms around her body. 

John speeded up with his horse, probably purposely to leave them talk more privately. Kathy didn't miss the chance and said, "tell me everything."