I don't know why it's been so long since we properly talked, but I saw him again as we went upstairs.
His eyes followed me and my company as we ascended the seemingly endless staircase, a hint of curiosity beaming through.
It was almost as if he wanted to say something or reach for my hand, but instead, he tucked it away in his dress pocket. Avoiding the twins and holding tight to the items in his hands, a pocket watch seemed to tick by as we passed, and it was the slowest time that had gone by in a while.
Part of me wanted to reach out to him as well and ask if he was okay; he wasn't getting the best sleep since he arrived and had always been a helpful hand. He was always open to lend an ear when I was down or stay up late for a project. It was rare that I ever saw a smile leave his face, and of course, his presence made me question his true intentions. Even so, he's still human. He deserves a break, just like the rest, not waiting to become a skeleton, skin and bone until he's not useful anymore, just to get replaced with a faster mannequin with no emotion and an efficient work ethic.
No one deserves that, yet at the time, there is nothing I can do but give my support, remind him to rest, and eventually figure out a better plan to escape this place. Because at this rate, I'll be the skeleton, not Charles, or any person working here, just me. Sewed together by the mere words curated by my creators and glued to this house like bricks to cement.
"Lady. Victoria, we have everything set for you and your guests, including refreshments. I believe the veg and fruit tray will be most to your liking, especially the tomatoes."
I winced at the word tomato, being reminded of a familiar frosty dish that has since become my least favorite.
"Tomatoes? I love tomatoes, they're one of my favorite fruits", Bertram stated with joy, and Lady. Bellum sighed, "More of a vegetable to me, but by technicalities, sure."
I gave a nod to the server, and they quickly backed away, only watching from afar, awaiting a new command.
"Do you like tomatoes, Victoria?"
I forced a smile, bearing teeth, "They are not my favorite fruit, but I'll eat them if I have to." "I suppose everyone has their least favorites." She took a seat, and so did Bertram, and I followed, rather surprised she didn't make me give an explanation about tomatoes.
"You know you don't have to eat tomatoes if you don't like them, Victoria." Tell my mother that, I simply nod instead of responding, reaching out for a pear slice. "What about pears, are you a fan of them too?"
He took a slice as well, "I am, they're not exactly my favorite, but I think the light taste is quite refreshing, airy almost."
I took a small bite of the slice, agreeing in my head, it is a light fruit with a mild taste, not overpowering, and almost a palate cleanser.
Lady. Bellum didn't take a slice, though, instead observing the table, "Are these the fruits your mother uses in her wine?"
"Not these exactly, she has a whole process, she was directly involved in the brew process at first, but now it is one of the many things she oversees."
"What does your father oversee?" "Similar tasks that my mother looks over, he gives his second opinion on major decisions, and tends to do very busy work. Lots of business is going on in this mansion."
I finish the pear slice and turn my attention to the twins, "Do your parents have a similar process involving work?"
"No, they tend to differ on matters and trust the other to make the right executive decision; they kill as many birds as they can with one stone."
"Efficient," "Exactly", Bertram added, grabbing another pear slice, "That's exactly what our parents say, efficient, getting as much work done as they can. Make as much money and continue to deepen the legacy. Expand each generation."
He put a hand on his curly hair and ruffled it. "It's all a process, not very enjoyable, but beneficial, making sure that the next generation doesn't flush everything down the drain."
"Yeah, and that means not gawking at the servants, unless they are top tier in their etiquette and history."
I raised a brow, "Why did you say that? I don't understand the comment."
Lady. Bellum picked up a apple slice and twirled it around her fingers, "Nothing, I am not assuming anything, but I suggest you watch your seamstress, it is almost like he has a little crush on you."
Bertram frowned, "Even if he did, he knows it wouldn't go anywhere, he is there to work, not frolic and dance. The suggestion is incredibly foolish; he wouldn't be hired to have a crush on the future heir. His entire career would be on the line."
She crushed the slice in her hand, letting the juice drip off her fingers, using a napkin to wipe off the remains as she bonded her hands together. "Apologies for that, I thought I saw a bug on my slice since we were outside." She laughed dryly and bowed her head. "Also, I hope you know I wasn't trying to insinuate anything; I was merely just chatting. But I do not want to spread any idle gossip."
"Apologies accepted." My eyes turn to her brother, who is still glaring at her, arms folded tight. He defended me yet again, and I'm not sure if it is a strategy he's playing to win favor.
He blinked back, relaxing his arms and smiling at me, and I quickly turned away, attempting not to smile back. It wasn't just me, but he also defended Charles and his job. First, it was like he was being passive-aggressive, and now he is helpful?
He's smiling like the sun and confusing all the opinions I had in my mind. I am not sure what to think, and I didn't even think he could stand up to his sister. My goodness, the sight of her face looked torched, and to be honest, it was something I was holding back a laugh from.