After her bath, she wore the gown. There was an accompanying tiara that she arranged neatly on her hair. The color of the gown complimented her skin color quite nicely. She wore the matching long gloves and it felt velvety soft. The slippers that came with it fit her feet perfectly. She could only see her upper body in the mirror in the washroom but she knew she looked fine, even with her scars. And when Chip knocked promptly at seven o'clock, she opened the door. His eyes were like saucers as he stared at her and he exclaimed in his boyish way, "Wow, you look really nice, Miss Rosabelle! I like how you did your hair."
"Thank you, Chip. You look nice too."
Chip was dressed in fine clothes, too, with a white bow tie she might add. They went down the grand stairs and into another hallway where Keithley was waiting for them at the double doors.
"Happy Birthday, Miss Rosabelle." He opened the double doors and Rosabelle was greeted with a large room filled with candle light. It brightened the room and showed the high ceiling of the ballroom. She had never seen anything like it. It looked amazing. It was like one of Isabelle’s fairy tale books.
She did not even notice Lucas at her side until he spoke. She gaped at him. He was in his finest clothes and he looked quite amazing. He kissed her hand, murmuring, "You look exquisite, Rosabelle. May I have this dance, my lady?"
A string of quartet started in a waltz and she noticed some of the other staff playing the instruments. There was Morris, Keithley and one of the other stable hands, Tim. She gave a curtsy, "Thank you. I am honored."
Lucas was dressed in a dark blue suit with an inner white blouse. And with the white mask, he looked like he was dressed for a masquerade ball. He looked fine indeed.
He took her hand and guided her into the middle of the room and they started their waltz. She had had lessons before but never with a partner such as Lucas. He went slowly for her at first then they followed the beat of the music. She got her rhythm eventually and Lucas was a great dance partner. He guided her through each of the dances. Time stopped as he twirled her around and around the ballroom. His hand around her steady and sure as he moved with the dance.
"If this is a dream, I don't want to wake up, Lucas."
"This is your night, Rosabelle. You deserve this. Happy birthday, love."
They danced until Rosabelle pleaded to rest for awhile and Lucas complied, leading her out of the ballroom and into the formal dining room. She gasped once more at the intricate detail of the dining table. Again, candlelights adorned the table and there were scores of delicious food on it. Miranda was there dressed elegantly as she stood by the table. Chip was standing beside her, a small tray in his hand. He was standing tall and proud, still with that big smile on his face.
"Happy Birthday, sweetie."
Lucas held her chair as she sat down on his right side and then he sat down himself at the head of the table.
"Happy?" Lucas asked, unsure what she was feeling.
"Absolutely, Lucas. Thank you so much."
"I hear a 'but' coming."
Rosabelle sighed, "I am honored you did all these for me but I am going to break decorum and protocol. I feel more comfortable with the others sharing these fine food with me at the table. It does not seem right I'm enjoying this without them."
Lucas smiled, "My thoughts exactly." He motioned for the servants to join them at the dining table. It was large and long enough to fit all of them and soon, they were a bustling laughing group. Dinner went through the night. There was more dancing, with the servants joining in. Later, Lucas escorted her back to her rooms. She broke her initial shyness and kissed him on his cheek, "You made me very happy, Lucas. I thank you."
Lucas just smiled and bid her a good night, kissing her hand once more before leaving her side. She still felt the tingling of his kiss on her hand as she prepared for bed. She sighed happily as she sank under her bedcovers for bedtime, dreamily re-enacting the night in her head as she fell asleep, humming all the beautiful music in her head...
14
Rosabelle was out in the front steps of the castle, sweeping some of the dust away. It had been windy the previous night and some of the pine needles had been swept up the steps too.
Chip was keeping her company by playing with Bruno. They were playing pick up sticks. Chip was running to and fro with the stick, throwing them in all directions and Bruno was following wherever the stick landed, panting with his tongue out. Most of the time, Bruno did not pick up the stick at all and Chip had to go pick it up himself. Rosabelle just shook her head at their game. Bruno, the dog, clearly had the upper hand.
The noise of the wheels alerted her to look down the path leading up to the castle. They had a visitor! One that she had never apparently seen before. It was an elegant carriage and she could see the driver and the footman all dressed in red finery.
"Chip, quickly, go get Lucas. Someone’s coming. Let your mother know too."
Chip ran up to the door and into the castle, with Bruno following closely behind.
Rosabelle stood at the foot of the steps and waited, broom in hand. Finally, the carriage stopped and the footman came down from behind the carriage and placed a stool at the foot of the carriage door. He opened the carriage door and out came one of the most beautiful women Rosabelle had ever seen. She was elegantly dressed and her fine features proclaimed her as one of prominent nobility. She was bejeweled in her hair, neck and hands. Her jewels alone would have cost a fortune.
Rosabelle gave a curtsy and was given a dismissal of sorts when she was handed a parasol, "See to my things, maid. Have them sent up to my room."
"Of course, my lady." She bowed her head. She was curious who she was. She was followed several steps behind by her personal maid, petite in stature, like a mousy creature. She was looking down at her feet and did not even glance at Rosabelle...or was not allowed to, she was not sure.
The big doors of the castle opened and Lucas walked out. He was taken surprise at the visitor at his doorstep but she was not a stranger.
"Lady Tiffany?"
The said lady approached Lucas, "Oh come now, Lucas. We are practically almost married. You can dispense on the title."
She gave a peck on both Lucas' cheeks and continued on with, "I see you still have that mask on. The curse is still upon this blasted castle! You must be bored to death, darling. Well, no worries, I will be here to give you some entertainment. Papa's orders, of course."
She hooked him by the arm and lead Lucas inside as she chatted on the activities she had in mind. Her personal maid was holding a little bag and was following her mistress inside.
Rosabelle saw Miranda peeking at the far corner and approached the cook, "Miranda, who is the lady?"
"The Grand Duke of Lindburg's daughter, Lucas' betrothed," she replied with a disapproving scowl on her face.
"Betrothed?" Rosabelle turned cold all of a sudden, her heart skipped a beat. Apparently, Lucas was, and still is, engaged to this beautiful influential lady. She felt betrayed. He did not seem to mind Lady Tiffany's touch at all. He did not pull away or put the lady in her place. Rosabelle sighed, reality kicking in her mind. She was a servant and Lucas was a nobility. They would never have had a relationship, not that she was desiring one with him. She followed the noble couple inside, picking up one of the heavy baggages the footman was bringing down. It would seem the duchess was going to stay a very long time.
The castle was in a flurry, cleaning rooms for the lady and her servants. The kitchen was worse as Miranda had to think of different courses to make for lunch and dinner. Rosabelle helped Miranda as much as she can and sometimes Pedro would allow her to leave early so she can help out in the kitchens. And as they were short staffed, Rosabelle found herself to be chambermaid, serving maid, cleaning maid and maid for whatever reason.
Lucas had tried to talk to her soon after Lady Tiffany’s arrival but she ignored him and avoided being alone with him at all cost. She didn't have to worry because it seemed Lady Tiffany followed Lucas everywhere. Rosab
elle did not want to speak with him. She did not want to do anything with him. She was afraid of what he might say or what she might do. Strangling him was on top of her priority list again!
Rosabelle watched them during dinner and disliked the waste of food. Miranda had slaved over the entire course and the Lady Tiffany would nibble a bite or two before quitting dinner all together. Apparently, she was full already.
She did get to know Lady Tiffany's personal maid. Her name was Arielle. She was a quiet one and seemed to have a sad disposition. Her hair was red and long which she put up in a bun. Her height may be on the petite side but she was pretty, Rosabelle thought. Her skin was tanned and golden as if she lay under the hot sun for awhile. It was becoming of her. And because they did not have enough people to wait on Lucas and Lady Tiffany, Arielle was helping serve dinner. And for that, Rosabelle was grateful because she could not bear to be alone with the loving couple during dinnertime. It reminded her of her private dinners together with Lucas.
Lady Tiffany would bring about stories of their past and Lucas just gave a short reply, not even half interested. But the Duke’s daughter was not to be dissuaded, she went on and on about their wild parties before and how it was so much fun in the younger years. Rosabelle could not help but listen at the wild parties they had together and she could not imagine Lucas being one of those people who would stay up all night and sleep during the day. She wondered what had happened to change him so much.
Finally after an almost monotonous dinner, Lucas and Lady Tiffany moved to the music room to finish their night cap. It was to give the servants time to clean away the dinner mess on the table and of course, to carry on a more private conversation.
"You seem preoccupied, my dear Lucas. You barely touched your dinner." Lady Tiffany sat on one of the settee, sipping her wine.
"I was not hungry." He replied absentmindedly. Since we are alone, please tell me what are you doing here, my lady?"
"To visit my betrothed, of course." She smiled sweetly.
"You broke off our engagement, Tiffany, or let me specifically say, your father broke our contract. We are no longer engaged."
Lady Tiffany brushed her hand in midair, "Oh, Lucas, you're still mad about that? Well, you can't blame the man. You were cursed! Everyone around you started disappearing, including your father, I might add."
"I won't ask again, Tiffany. What is going inside that conniving mind of yours?"
She raised her perfect eyebrow, "It's economics, Lucas. You own a large part of land that crosses the borders where my father's estates run which includes the marina. Our union will be highly influential. Papa thinks we can save our heir even when the curse takes you. Our heir will inherit your part when you die. Very strategic, don't you think?"
Lucas almost choked out his next words, "You want me to consent to a marriage so we can produce an heir so that my land will be secured with yours?"
"Precisely. See, I knew you'd come around to seeing our point of view."
Lucas took a deep breath, "I regret to inform you that I will die and this curse will go with me. I will not subject the same adversity to my child. I am sorry you had to travel all the way here to give me your father's message. You could have written. My answer would have been the same which is NO!"
"There's somebody else, isn't it?" Lady Tiffany started at him coldly. "It's that servant girl. You couldn't even keep your eyes off from her during dinner time. She's bewitched you. She's beautiful but scarred. I didn’t think she was your type."
"She's far more beautiful than any woman I know, present lady included."
"Lucas, did you not learn from your past? This got you into trouble with the curse in the first place... and a servant girl again?"
Lucas stood up abruptly, anger in his eyes, "That's enough, Tiffany. I will give you a few days to rest your servants and horses but by then, I will want your things packed and ready to go. You are not wanted here."
"Oh, Lucas, you speak so harshly. Papa will not approve." She pouted her mouth prettily. She could see that Lucas was not listening to her demands.
"Things have changed. I have changed. I am not that selfish man you used to know. I have responsibilities that need to be taken care of."
He left her in the room. Lady Tiffany opened her mouth in awe. Lucas had never addressed her in such a harsh manner as this. She would have to see who this servant girl was and what power she held over Lucas. She was going to take this matter in her own hands, she vowed.
Rosabelle and Arielle cleaned the table after Lucas and Lady Tiffany left. There were still a lot of food, untouched. She sighed and Arielle looked at her sympathetically but did not say anything.
"I'm sure they will be there for awhile, Arielle. Care to join me with their leftovers? Miranda would not mind. Besides why let these food go to waste?"
Arielle only nodded and after cleaning the dining table, they made their own supper table in the kitchen table. Miranda had already retired for the night. She had to wake up early in the morning to start on next day's menu. Rosabelle had promised that she would wash up and make the kitchen presentable for next day's activities.
Rosabelle bit into the meat pie and said, "She doesn't know what she's missing. These are delicious!"
Arielle nodded again, biting into her own meat pie. They ate in companionable silence, filling their empty stomach with the wonderful food.
"Arielle, are you happy working for the Lady Tiffany?" Rosabelle asked, concern in her eyes.
Arielle looked down, "I need the work."
Her voice was cracking and low, something odd in the pretty female across from her. Rosabelle imagined her voice to be melodic and smooth like a nightingale.
"Still, she must be quite a handful. I hope she is treating you fairly."
Arielle was about to reply to her statement when the bell sounded from the Lady's rooms. The Lady Tiffany was calling. Lucas and the noblewoman must have parted ways for the night.
"My lady awaits. See you tomorrow, Rosabelle."
"Good night, Arielle. I am here if you need me." Rosabelle watched Arielle leave her. She can see the sadness in the other girl's eyes. What could have lead her to be this way?
She got up and started cleaning up in the kitchen. She was almost done with the dishes when she heard Lucas behind her.
"Rosabelle, we need to talk." His voice pleading.
"There's nothing else to say, my lord." She hurried the last batch of dishes and put it up to dry. She dried her hands on her apron and tried to move away but Lucas blocked her path.
"Rosabelle, hear me out, I did not know the Lady Tiffany was coming.”
"Why didn't you tell me you were engaged?"
"It was a contract set by our fathers. It got broken when this thing happened with the mask. I can understand their fear but the last time I saw them, they did not want anything to do to me."
Rosabelle's eyes softened, "She broke your heart, Lucas?"
Lucas laughed, "More of my pride, Rosabelle. Who could love a man in a white mask? Grotesque, in the least. I could not venture too far out of the castle's perimeters."
"She's willing now. Do you want her back?" Rosabelle asked softly.
"I think I am past being the obedient son now. The Lindburgs can do their own agenda however they want but I am not going to be a part of it. As I said to the Lady Tiffany. I have changed... for the better."
Rosabelle gave him a smile, "The Lady Tiffany will not be happy about it."
"I really don't give a damn. She will be leaving soon with her entourage and I just want us to be friends again. I miss our nightly rendezvous. I miss you."
She blushed deep red, "I miss you too."
"So are we still friends?" Lucas asked softly, tipping her chin up so she can look him in the eye.
"Yes." She whispered, barely audible, mesmerized by his eyes through the white mask.
He bent forward and she knew he was about to kiss her. A sound of throat clearing came from the kitchen doorway and th
ere stood Arielle.
She apologetically gave a small smile, "Excuse me, my lord, my lady wanted a cup of hot tea before she retired for the night."
"Of course," Lucas replied, stepping away from Rosabelle. "I'll see you tomorrow, Rosabelle. Good night, ladies."
And then he walked out of the kitchens, leaving Rosabelle breathless in anticipation. She glanced at Arielle, "Here, let me help you put the kettle to the fire."
Arielle watched Rosabelle busy herself with the tea and when Rosabelle placed the brewed tea in a cup, she asked, "Do you love him? The man behind the white mask?"
Rosabelle inhaled sharply and pondered at the question, "I am fond of him. He is kind and gentle. I can certainly call him a friend."
Arielle nodded with understanding but her eyes were sorrowful. "Just be careful with your heart in case it gets broken. A friendly advice from someone who knows about it firsthand. Thank you for the tea. Good night, Rosabelle."
Arielle took the cup of tea, holding it by the saucer and handle of the tea cup. Rosabelle watched her go and she walked up the stairs to her rooms where she began to think of her friendship with Lucas. He almost kissed her tonight. Or was it just her imagination? She would never know now. She got ready for bed and settled for the night. She sighed and dreamt of the man in a white mask.
15
The following day, Lady Tiffany decided to eat breakfast and lunch in her rooms. Arielle had come to pick up a lunch tray in the kitchens and while Miranda went to set the tray, Rosabelle briefly spoke with Arielle. She felt concern for the petite maid. She reminded her of her sister Isabelle.
"Did you sleep well, Arielle?"
Arielle nodded, her voice cracking as she spoke, "Yes, thank you."
"Perhaps, later, we can have dinner together again?" Rosabelle offered the invitation. She did not know why but she felt a kindred spirit with the petite maiden before her.
The White Mask & The Red Rose Page 7
