Chaos
Ese looked out the window of her father’s carriage, as she rode with her mother to the Ecclesia estate. Her mind was filled with memories of the previous days and it was all too much for her poor heart. From Samuel’s confession, to the Duchess of Ecclesia’s proposal… Her life had taken a major turn from the simple life she envisioned she would forever live.
She was certain Duchess Ecclesia had chosen her for some political reason, as she had not exchanged two words with the woman on her last visit to the estate.
Ese began working up a plan in her head on how she would handle the situation and in what manner she would respond to the duchess. She hoped to politely decline the noble woman’s offer, without causing issues for her family.
The carriage stopped abruptly, pulling Ese out of her deep thoughts. She realised they had arrived at the large estate.
Her heart began to thump fast. She wondered if Samuel had heard of the Duchess’ proposal for her. Since he worked in the Ecclesia stables, the chances that it was the case, were very high. She wondered what he thought of her?
A hypocrite and social climber, who claimed to have no care for polite society, but still goes ahead to pursue the title of Duchess…
She hoped that she would have the opportunity to see him in the stables after she declined the offer. She needed to explain that she had no part in her mother’s scheming. There was a chance he wouldn’t visit the Davies field the next day, if he thought she was betrothed. That would mean, she would never get the opportunity to tell him what had truly occurred.
Before she could decide on how to get into the stables, a stern looking woman opened the front door of the Manor.
She introduced herself as Rena, the house keeper of the Estate and took them to a small room that looked quite old fashioned and poorly furnished. She asked them to sit and wait till they were called on, while she stood watching them like a guard dog. After what felt like an hour, another woman who looked quite similar to Rena, with a stern face but a more petite figure, came and asked to be followed.
“No, not you! Only the girl should follow. You sit!” Rena ordered rather harshly, to her mama, as they both rose. Ese stared at her in utter shock. She could not believe the audacity she had to speak to her mama, who was higher in both wealth and rank, in such a manner.
“How dare you– “She began to say angrily, but was cut off by her mama’s raised hand.
“Please, dear child, do not make a mountain out of nothing and do as you’re told.” The Baroness said, causing Ese to look incredulously at her. The woman shook her head, implying that she did not wish to cause trouble, and Ese had to take several deep breaths to calm herself, before allowing the second woman to lead her out.
“Take care not to touch anything.” The woman told her as they walked, and Ese had to bite her lip to hold back a retort. She did all to calm herself of the anger she felt, and diverted her attention to her immediate predicament. She had hoped to ask about Samuel from whoever received them, but that plan had been thrown out the window, after the cold reception given by the house staff. She wondered if Samuel knew about her visit to the estate and the reason for it. She also wondered if he was disappointed or heart broken– that is, if he truly meant all he said at the river.
Ese allowed herself to be conducted into a magnificently designed room, where she was to wait for the Duchess. She walked around the room which had expensive curtains draped around most of the walls. A huge portrait hung on a side that had no curtains. It was of a man who looked only a few years older than she was. He was attired in an expensive, but outmoded outfit. She had no doubt it was the Duke himself, and the man her mother desired her to wed. He had a very handsome face that exuded authority. She had heard rumours of his beauty, but none could hold a candle to how gallant he looked in the painting.
Despite all his beautiful features, Ese did not feel any attraction towards him. She instead began to think how he was nothing compared to Samuel, whose face beclouded her mind and her every thought. She dearly wished she could see him, not only to ascertain his feelings, but to declare hers.
As though her thoughts conjured him, the door flew open, and there he stood, looking appreciatively at her. She had donned a violet coloured dress, which her mother had proclaimed was most becoming on her of all the dresses she owned. It was the second time Samuel had seen her in anything besides a riding dress and she would have enjoyed the look of appreciation in his eyes longer, if the circumstance was not dire.
“Samuel,” She called to him, and as though shaken out of his awe, he took steps towards her and took possession of her hands
“I heard you were here and I came to…” He started, but she interrupted him, knowing she might not get the opportunity to explain herself after then.
“I do not know what it is you have heard, but I wish you would tell me if all you said at the river was true and not a part of a mischievous plan to win the race.” she said quickly, mindful that Duchess Ecclesia could come in at any time. In truth she cared less about what the Duchess might think of her being with the estate’s stable man, since she had come with the mind to decline her offer anyway. All she needed was to ascertain Samuel’s feelings, and she was ready to go to any lengths to make her parents approve the match.
“How could you doubt it, my love? I love you with all my heart and soul.” He said gazing earnestly into her eyes, as though he could reach her heart through his eyes.
“Do you desire that we should be wed then?” She asked shyly.
“Of course I do! Above all else. However…”
“Then we must make haste to leave at once. I am certain my Papa shall understand, as he desires my happiness over anything else, I have not the slightest desire to marry a duke, or even a prince, when I am positively in love with you.” She said, and paused as though considering a thought. “My mama shall surely be against the match, as you are but a stable man and she desired that I be wed to Duke Ecclesia. Do not let it worry you, for when papa gives his blessing, she shall come around and be reconciled to the idea.” She explained with a reassuring smile. “Thank goodness, I am not her only child and she could hope for Afa to make a good match with a duke. Why she is so keen on making such a great match, I may never know. Afa, Papa and I do not care the least for it.”
“It appears your mama is the only one who posseses wisdom in your family!” Ese heard a stern feminine voice say from behind her. She turned to see the renowned Duchess of Ecclesia, a middle aged woman with an air of authority, walking towards them. Her dark hair was styled beautifully behind her head, and her dress, which was obviously of the most expensive material, was clearly sown by the most expert hands. For a woman who was about fifty years of age, she looked beautiful with her glowing blue eyes and dark long lashes. She was tall graceful, and presented a picture of perfection. Ese had little time to fully observe and appreciate the woman, as she realised that she had emerged-from behind one of the drapes. She began to wonder if there was a door behind the curtains or if the woman had simply been hiding behind the drapes to study her and perhaps, see her do something uncomely.
Ese immediately pulled her hands from Samuel’s, and turned fully to give a curtsy. “Your grace,” She greeted, unsure of what to say in the given circumstance. She lifted her head and saw the woman was observing her under raised brows. It was an awkward situation, but Ese was determined to face it head on.
“I beg your pardon ma’am…”
“Save your breath, child.” The woman responded curtly. “For all the reputation of his wisdom, Baron Davies seems to have raised foolish indulgent children, and is himself, just as foolish. His wife, who I assumed to have more hair than wit, appears to have more wisdom than the rest of the family. I cannot for the life of me understand why you would be so foolish to choose a stable man over such a brilliant match as the one I offered. It is preposterous that your lowly family was blessed with such an offer from me and you chose–”
“Mother, that’s enough! You needn’t say any more!”
Ese had been doing all to withhold her anger at the demeaning words of the duchess towards her family. She kept telling herself that the Duchess had the right to be resentful, given the circumstance she had witnessed. However, she had to take a look around the room to ascertain whoever had called the rude woman “mother”. At first she stood in denial and hoped to the heavens, that the actual duke had been behind the curtains like his mama, and the voice that spoke those words was not Samuel’s.
She slowly turned to him, as she found it almost too difficult to breathe.
“Count yourself fortunate that the stable man you fancy yourself in love with, happens to be the same Duke your mama wishes you wed. It seems everyone in your family wins. What wretched luck!” The duchess proclaimed sardonically.
“Mother…” Samuel began giving his mother a warning look, but Ese’s timid voice interrupted his reprove.
“You… You lied to me.” she stuttered, struggling with the feelings of anger, disappointment and frustration.
“Ese, forgive me for not telling you who I am from the start. You will own that I never did say that I was a stable man. You alone assumed it. I shall admit that I never did deny it, but I did not wish to lose the informality we enjoyed at the time. Besides, who I am is of little consequence. I am still me and you are…”
“You deceived me!” Ese interrupted in a firm tone, her face full of accusation. He attempted to take hold of her hands again, but she pulled back abruptly
“Now, dear girl, shall we put to an end all of this tragic behaviour, for it is quite unbecoming, even in a woman of your rank. You should know that time is of essence to some of us and I have little patience for your sulking.” The Duchess said harshly.
Ese abruptly turned to her with a fierce look that made the Duchess take a step back. She knew the woman was expecting a harsh response of some sort, but she replied in a calm voice.
“I shall not take any more of your precious time, your grace. Please go about whatever pleases you. You must excuse me now, for I shall take my leave of you.” she said with a curtsy, and turned to leave.
“Ese,” Samuel called.
“Please, my Lord, Duke Ecclesia, do well to forget my existence for I never wish to see your face again.” she said to him, and ran out of the room.
THE WRITTEN FAITH 