The next morning,I woke up very early with a slight headache and honestly, I wonder why, because I could remember sleeping immediately my back hit my bed. I looked out my window to see that the castle is already bubbling with activities. I made my way to the bathtub and had my bath. Just then I remembered that I had to bade my Father farewell, so I hurriedly wore my pink floral dress and tied my hair upward, I drank the remaining water in the goblet and headed out.
I met my Mother giving instructions to Leo who was listening with rapt attention.
"Hello Mother" I greeted with a bow. "Hope you had a blissful night and I'm so sorry for snapping at you" I added immediately, I guess I had to be in her good books pending when we continue the discussion I had with Father.
I know that's very much Cunny coming from me but then, anything to get my so called suitor off my back as soon as he returns from his trip.
"Just go outside and greet your Father as he is about living with his envoy" she replied whilst totally ignoring my apologies.
"Alright Mother"
All the while I was having conversation with my Mother, Leo stylishly averted his eyes making sure he doesn't look towards my direction.
His actions is really breaking my heart but I can't blame him , I rejected him without a second thought and now I want to eat my cake and have it back.
Immediately I left my Mother went back to
giving him instructions.
I met my Father in time as he was about to leave.
" Father" I shouted to halt him .
"You are leaving,without a hug?" I sulked.
"And please go in and tell your wife that I'm not a child anymore so she doesn't need to stay one more day because of me.
"Come here my dearest and stop complaining or do you want to be punished again?, I am aware of what happened between you two, he said, eyeing me with faint disapproval.
I'm sorry, but I have apologized and I will really miss you.
I caught his face relax a bit then he gave me a heartwarming hug and left.
I headed inside to witness my Mother scolding Elleanore for breaking the beautiful ceramic cookware she got as a gift from the priest.
I felt a little leap of joy but I had to chide myself as it was unbecoming of a Christian.
"Hope you said your prayers?"
I flinched at the echo of her voice as it was laced with anger and I sensed a transfer of aggression.
"Yes, Mother" I replied quickly.
I really don't want to offend her, not now that I'm hoping she reconsider her decision when she gets back from her trip as Father as promised.
I immediately rushed back to my room to say my prayers as I have already lied that I did prayed. Honestly I have been slacking and I know what is the problem.
"Father in Heaven, I know that I have not been calling on you sincerely from my heart and I have really sinned in my thought,please forgive me, but Lord if this feeling is true then honestly I cannot deny my heart of what it wants". I stood up immediately determined to approach Leo and confess to him how I truly feel about him regardless of what will happen.
The rest of the day was filled with bustle of activities as my Mother kept everyone on their toes. One would think she is never going to come back from wherever she is travelling to.
She made sure to assign everyone a duty to carry out , although it was more of repetition of their normal chores and then she prepared dishes upon dishes and of course with the help of Mama Dorcs,"poor woman".
It was late afternoon that everywhere seem to have a little bit of peace and quietness. I had locked myself up in my room practicing the knitting skills I learnt back in the convent school I attended.
I lost track of time and didn't come downstairs to eat so I decided to just rush down and grab whatever I see that was available in the pot. I know my Mother will definitely leave tomorrow with the mountain of food she prepared and of course she will leave some for me but I would really love to use this opportunity to perfect my culinary skills.
I saw the kitchen door closed again as I had noticed last night and curious to know if there was anyone inside I placed my ears on closed doors and I could swear I heard whispers and foot shuffling on the floor and without wasting any more time I forcefully opened the heavy door and there stood Leo and Elleanore in a very suspicious position. Elleanore was leaning forward and Leo was standing backed to the wall. I sensed guilt and fear all over his face whilst Elleanore stood there wearing a smug smile.
I felt instant pain tugging at my heart like never before, I tried to be calm but at the same time I was suffering from the sight of meeting both of them alone and in an enclosed space.
"I see you both are busy" I asked brusquely without giving off any emotion.
"My lady, can I help you with anything?" Elleanore asked with a grin. She was acting all so coy but trust me to read meaning into her every action because I know her very well. A sudden,childish desire to tear the grin from her face gripped me and I hate myself for it.
I ignored her questions and turned to Leo instead.
"I see you have grown so much liking to the kitchen?"
He bent down his face whilst bitting his lower lips.
I stomped out immediately and headed to the garden.
I felt a rustle of leaves running behind me. I hastened up my footsteps in order to get to the gate. I looked back and saw Elleanore with a spread arm blocking Leo from chasing after me.
On reaching the St Nicholas Chapel, I rushed to kneel in front of the grotto and wept profusely. It dawned to me that just as I have read in all the novels that I usually sneak around with, I have fallen deeply in love with the servant, and his name is Leo.