Droplets of water fell from the spring's sky, there was a bit sunshine in between the gaps of the clouds, yet the heavy fluffs overpowered the sun.
An automobile was ten minutes away from the estate, splashing small puddles in the road.
"The deities might've felt my sorrow."
Lady Adelaide whispered to herself, only she could hear. She leaned by the window, looking at the buildings that was already far from the city and trees were more frequent—she then traced the rain drops that clung to the window.
Her eyes was tired, it was due to endless waves of tears, her makeup often get smeared by it, but it wasn't her fault that she couldn't help to hold it in.
She never wiped her tears, she couldn't raise her hand to wipe them, she'd close her eyes instead and pretend that her wails were only sweat.
Too bad for Adelaide, she has no friends to shoulder—none to tell her struggles, even her mother nor brother.
A few minutes had gone by, the car turned and gates of Halmere have opened, there was a long drive way from the main road. The Hornbeam perfectly lined along the way and perfectly shaped since they were maintained properly by the gardeners.
The closer they got to the mansion, Adelaide became lethargic—almost not wanting to get out the car. She didn't want to see her mother, she didn't want to listen to her perfect scolds again—it was too harsh that she had thought to cut herself.
Nevertheless, they are family after all, they couldn't avoid each other. By the end they are the ones who founds her helpless and the only ones that could help her, either way.
Adelaide was already under the umbrella, she was escorted to her house, the house she would eventually leave in a year. She felt deeply sorry for herself for being a stubborn noble woman,she thought she never deserved to wear this shoes nor the long gowns she wore on a daily basis, nonetheless, she was destined to live in this life—which is something she couldn't complain.
The dowager duchess remained in her chambers, sitting down on the edge of the bed with one servant rubbing in the nape of Maurice's neck.
"The young lady has arrived, duchess Maurice."
"Don't remind me."
She clicked her tongue and narrowed her eyes at the steward. She didn't bother to greet her daughter, she was too stressed for Adelaide's unwillingness to her marriage. For her, silence was an enough punishment for the young noblewoman.
The long rain had finally reached its end, the stun started to set and the clouds had lifted its weight.
Adelaide was waiting for her brother's return, she was announced that her mother was displeased with her arrival, hence, she would rather greet her brother, the head of the household.
The servants were worried for Adelaide and Maurice, this silent conflict seemed to be a greater deal than their past conflicts.
A little while longer, Duke Laurus had finally arrived. He was back from a business meeting in another town. He grabbed the pocket watch and checked what time was it, he then only realized that her sister has already arrived.
"Is Adelaide here?" He asked one steward after he placed the watch back in his pocket.
The steward nodded, he told Laurus that she is currently staying in her room and told him Maurice didn't even greet Adelaide.
Of course, Laurus expected that, he knew that the two girls wouldn't try to interact with each other. He thought that maybe he would be the only who could force an interaction between the two.
An hour later, the family are expected to eat dinner. Laurus was the one who first arrived at the dining hall, he sat by the head of the table.
A while later, Adelaide arrived. She sat by Laurus' left and by the right his right, was a seat for Maurice, in which is empty. Adelaide smiled at Laurus as soon as she got close, it was masked, but surely just to make the mood less of the weight.
Laurus looks at Adelaide and nodded, his face was gentler than it usually was.
"Where is mother?" He asked as Adelaide sat down on her chair.
Before Laurus could reply, one maid stepped in.
"Apologies, your grace." The maid bowed. "But madame wants to eat dinner in her chambers."
"I see." He replied.
The two siblings were alone, yet Adelaide stayed silent, she was too ashamed to speak. She only played her spoon—mixing the soup, with long thoughts running in her head.
Laurus realized that his sister had no appetite by checking with small glimpse of her, that is when he initiated to talk.
"How was you stay at the imperial palace?" He asked.
Adelaide froze, her lips parted choosing words to speak.
"It was wonderful." She faked a smile.
"What else more?" He asked another question as he placed the spoon in his mouth.
"Well…" She paused in hesitation.
"How was it?" He repeated.
"To be honest it was very very lonely. I didn't like it there."
Laurus inclined, indicating that he understood his sister's well being. But to him, Adelaide was just showing negative response to open doors. However, in reality, he didn't know his sister very well.
Adelaide shook her head sideways when she saw her brother's nod.
"Laurus…" She looks at him with plead. "I don't see myself in that marriage." Her brows dejected. "I don't want it." Her eyes started to water as she bit her mouth to shut more words that would come out.
Laurus paused for a moment, he didn't know what to say, he can't process words properly. It was the first time Adelaide had shown such emotion in front of him.
He didn't show any reaction nor emotion, he just looked at Adelaide, feeling no pity and no anger. Laurus was just confused by the sudden unleash.
"Excuse me." She blinked and one tear fell to her cheek. Her brows finally relaxed but her breaths were shaking from anxiety, she sooner felt awkward expressing herself to Laurus. It was odd and unyielding, they were never this close to vent out. "Apologies for my reckless behaviour, brother." She patted her lips and wiped the fallen with a napkin that was sitting in her lap.
Laurus pretended not to hear anything from his sister, he thought nothing of it since it didn't concern him at all. He didn't thought oddness from it, he just simply didn't care.
Later that night, Adelaide felt full regret guilt from spilling such words to Laurus, she thought it was a grave crime. His emotionless reaction had made her thought that Laurus was furious of her or rather disgraced.
"Good heavens…" She spoke, barely above a whispher. "Deeply in my heart, I apologize."
She looked at the sky from her window, as she held an old letter close to her heart—a letter filled with hopeful words and a pathetic goodbye. She gave the parchment one light kiss as she read it again and her eyes would soon water once she was halfway through the letter.
"Forgive me, my love."
She traced her fingers onto the letter as if it was a baby before folding it back into the envelope.
"I'm sorry…"