Thread: Beguiled Mercy (WIP)

Chapter 3 It wasn't long before the Patterson farm was in sight. The pair had been walking for around a half hour now and were coming near the entrance to the estate. It was a walk that Alice had done many times over the last few years and the first time that Windel could ever recall. He had always had the luxury of a horse or carriage to bring him this way. Now that it was lacking, he was feeling slightly humbled by the experience. Something he wasn't going to allow to happen again if he could help it. The sun was starting to rise in the sky now, coming up on their right along the road they walked. The weather was mercifully cool and tolerable, but the humidity in the air had a tendency to make the later part of the day miserable, especially when the day left a person working and covered in sweat. Windel's eyes slid over the horizon constantly. The surroundings were largely uncharged during the last few years, but he wasn't sure if bandits were more common now or not. Crime was scarcely an issue out in these areas, but if some event rose to cause hardship in the land, it wasn't unusual to find crops being stolen and property left unattended to disappear. On the rare occasion there would be a violent attack, but they were few and far between. Alice found herself comfortable with the walk, beyond the dress she wore. She had become used to the walk and learned to step a certain way around dips in the ground and rough spots. It was the main reason her dress remained in such good condition without ripping or wearing the hem. It was also the reason that she was so attentive this morning. These walks always made her happy and forced her to be light footed. Even though it was more effort, it also made her feel very ladylike and gave her a pleasant feeling of graceful femininity. They found their way to the fenced in front entrance area and began the walk up to the door. The path was paved with small rocks. A step up from the dirt roads, but not as nice as a cobblestone road. Windel couldn't help thinking how hellishly bump this road would be in a cart, but it wasn't his concern. Practically every road he'd ever known was hellishly bumpy to begin with. At least with a paved road there was less concern about mud, water, and dust. There was no one out in front this morning, which wasn't so surprising to Windel. The servants of the house would be occupied with concerns of breakfast, working in the fields, and handling the children that the Patterson family had. It was a moot concept to Windel. He took a brief moment to reflect on his feelings about having a child. An heir would surely be needed, but as it were he felt he was too young to feel obligated to start building his family. Further, he'd need to find a decent wife. A matter that he wasn't looking forward to. As much as he loved the intimate aspects that women could provide, he wasn't as thrilled about the adaption of his household for a wife. Windel brought his hand up and rapped his knuckles against the heavy wooden door. He knocked three times firmly on the door before taking a step back and turning sideways, glancing at Alice. The girl had a smile on her face, looking up at him as his eyes met her. They looked to one another for a moment, then Windel looked around from the porch, trying to take in the surroundings. The Patterson's home was a two story plantation home, not far off from the design of the Soler household. The white washed house stood starkly against the golden and green background of roadways and greenery, both living and dead. A few trees dotted the front yard, allowing for plenty of shade from the heat of the day, which servants often found themselves resting under during their breaks or time off. Today it was going to be too mild for such concerns, but the need to work hard wasn't a concern now. The crops were planted already and it was a matter of checking for weeds and bugs every so often. It was a task that called for little attention or thinking, but it allowed a worker to grow a strong back from constantly bending down. The door opened a moment later, an older woman in a servant's uniform greeting them. Hello, sir. Can I help you? The voice was gentle, but slightly hoarse. A trait likely gained from yelling at children, or perhaps other servants. I'm here to see Mr. Patterson, Windel offered. He could see that the woman didn't recognize him. It made sense, mainly because he hadn't been around in years, but also he was scarcely here to begin with. May I let him know who is here to see him? Windel gave a slight nod. Mr. Soler. The woman took a moment, hesitating as she opened her eyes a little wider as if she hadn't noticed him standing right in front of her. She looked him up and down, then it seemed like realization came around and a worried look came on her face. Windel couldn't tell if her concern was recognizing the name or if she felt she had been rude by questioning him in the first place. In either case, the woman opened the door and motioned them to come in, giving a low curtsy. The two entered and as Alice passed by, she tossed a bright smile to the older woman. Hello Candice. The woman looked up and expressed an even more surprised look, but it subsided quickly as things made sense Alice still worked at the Soler household after all. The door closed behind them and the woman excused herself quickly before rushing upstairs. Windel took some time to look around the grand room that they had been left in. It felt familiar, given that the design was very similar to his own home. Small sized grand room, but a tall ceiling gave the illusion it was larger. A set of stairs going up to the second floor where the master's bedroom and study would be, amongst other rooms, filled space that could otherwise be expanded into to make the room bigger. It became a necessary evil in the floor plan. Alice looked toward Windel, wanting to look around while they waited and say hello to others here. The feeling to stay with him and be quickly available to serve him kept her in her place, however. She was holding the notepad she brought against her chest, both arms wrapped around it, hugging it to her lightly. As they waited, she took the chance to look at the list. A few misspellings caught her attention, but she had no way to cross anything out or squeeze a letter in to correct it. It glumly set on her conscious that she had made mistakes she couldn't hide and fix right now. Footsteps soon followed down the stairs near them. A bulky man in the later part of his life came down and looked toward the two. His gaze quickly went to Alice and wasn't surprised about seeing her as she was here often enough. However when he saw Windel, his expression changed. Between surprise and borderline annoyance, it was hard to tell for Windel, but the expression wasn't terribly friendly. Mr. Soler? The old man said, coming to the landing and walking toward him. My god, son! It is you! The expression changed to a smile and he came closer, extending his hand out for a handshake. Windel took it firmly. Windel. I thought you were dead. As the handshake started, Charles Patterson brought a hand over to Windel's shoulder and patted him roughly. It's really good to see you. You should come and sit. We need to catch up. A gesture toward upstairs was made, but Windel shook his head. I'm afraid I don't have time for that right now, Mr. Patterson. As nice as it is to see you too, I must get my estate back together and I'm trying to get that started today. Windel let the older man's hand go now and Mr. Patterson followed up by taking a step back to allow him his space. Specifically, I need a cart for getting to town and bringing back supplies and some fresh faces. The request made Mr. Patterson's face change once again. This time it was of defeat. I'm sorry, son, but I don't have a cart to spare. The statement sounded mildly like a lie, but Windel wasn't about to call him on it. I wish I could, but there's nothing I can do there. Then a pair of horses for today? I can return them to you by the end of the week. Surely you can do that much. Alice let me know that you did have a full stall. It was a blatant lie. It would give him some leverage, though. Servants had no reason to lie about such things and as Alice heard her name, she looked toward Windel and had a concerned look on her face. It would fit perfectly either way Mr. Patterson would think that she had given Windel some information that she felt she shouldn't have shared. Alice was just confused about when she said such a thing, however she knew better than to question Windel's statement. She mentally took a note to ask him about when she said that later, after they left. That's true. Mr. Patterson's face now returned to the serious, mildly annoyed look of before. And I suppose after all your father had done for me, the least I can do is let you borrow some horses I have no urgent need for. I'll make sure they're brought around for you. His expression softened. Is there anything else you needed, Mr. Soler. The emphasis on mister was well noted by Windel as seemingly mocking, but possibly as a statement of respect that he wasn't quite catching properly. At the moment, no. A couple of head of cattle and a few hens that you could sell me would be great, but I'll have to do that another day. Besides, I can always get some elsewhere if needed. The comment came out slightly threatening. The two estates had plenty of business between one another, but it was in the Patterson's favor at the end. The Soler estate could easily get by without their input and if so wanted, could compete directly against them as well. It was something Windel noted as a possible future expansion, but not one he wanted to do anytime soon. In that case, give me a few minutes to get a servant out there and for them to bring the horses up. The old man walked toward one of the side doors to outside. Thank you Mr. Patterson. Of course. It's God's desire that we treat our neighbors well, after all. With Mr. Patterson leaving out the door, Windel turned to Alice who still looked puzzled and then walked past her, motioning she follow. The pair stood outside on the front porch, waiting for their ride. Alice took the chance to excuse herself and with Windel's approval she made her way to the garden area and found one of the servants she was very familiar with. Hello Ms. Anders. The woman, Juley Anders, looked up toward Alice. She was a similar age as Alice, but had a slightly larger build. Jet black hair and green eyes gave her a slightly exotic look amongst the locals, but she had been treated nicely beyond the difference. It was a nature that wasn't always returned. Miss Rinfelt! Why are you here today? Is it already Thursday? The smile on the woman's lips was misleading as she stood up. The two had a mild rivalry. I just came to mention I won't be able to make it for work any longer. Alice gave back a warm smile, letting herself seem very friendly even though she felt a mild contempt. What do you mean you won't be able to make it any longer? Master Soler has returned and I've become his personal assistant. Alice was now beaming with pride. So I'm going to be unable to help here since I'll be working for him again. She let the words come out nicely, but she now felt that a battle had been fought here and she had won with little effort. It'll be terrible to see you go, Alice, Juley replied, letting formalities drop now. She motioned for a hug and Alice took a few steps forward and obliged. After the embrace ended, Alice took a couple of steps back and had her hands in front of her, both hands holding onto either side of the notepad. I can visit. And you'll see me Sunday as usual. Alice replied. I have to go, but say bye to the kids for me. Of course. Alice turned and walked away, her dress swaying slightly as she came around. This was becoming a fantastic day for her and it was only going to get better later as she got to go to town. She took a moment to fantasize about the experience Windel would take her to a restaurant and they'd eat together, smiling and laughing the whole time. They'd make loving eye contact many times before Windel would lead her to a tailor and have her fitted for a new dress. She'd thank him graciously and he'd come closer, his eyes glancing at her lips, then back to her eyes, then to her lips again. Finally they'd close the distance and the kiss would be gentle and pleasant. The fantasy fell apart as she walked up on the porch and Windel turned to face her. She was just in time for the horses to be pulled up and he looked annoyed. You can't ride, can you? The question startled Alice. The whole time she was thinking they would ride in a carriage, experiencing a pleasant trip, having completely forgotten that detail that Mr. Patterson was only offering the horses. It was only natural that she'd have to ride a horse as well. Something she'd never done before. I'm sorry, master. I haven't ridden a horse before. She turned her gaze downward as if it was enough to fix the situation. By having the chance to display she felt wrong, there might be some way of the issue being resolved. Windel turned toward the man that brought the horses and sighed. Remove the saddle from one and get a pillion. We'll ride on one horse. He paused, watching the servant start to take the second horse back. No, we'll need that second one. Just take the saddle off. The man silently nodded and started to unhooked the saddle, removing it and leaving a moment later. It's fine. Windel said, noting the nature Alice presented. His mind was already racing with problems. The issue of her riding wasn't one of the biggest he had, but it was a bother. Still, it wasn't her fault. She'd just have to ride side saddle behind him. It wouldn't be an issue at all, he reasoned. Alice raised her head back up and said nothing. Her world of pride and happiness was brought back to Earth. The pillion was brought and strapped to the back of the saddle. With the cushion and brace in place, Windel moved to beside the horse and pulled his leg up and stuck a foot in the stirrup. He then took his other leg and tossed it over, feeling the weight in his foot start to cause the stirrup to dig into his foot mildly. The extra pain wasn't unbearable, but it did make him uncomfortable. It couldn't be helped as far as he was concerned. Only one more issue today. As he settled into the saddle, he looked toward Alice. One hand still on the reins, he held his other hand out to her. Okay. Just come up here and sit behind me like it's a chair and you're sitting sideways. He motioned his hand toward the pillion. Just like this. His hand moved up and down, not giving a clear sign of what he was showing her to do. Alice walked up and handed the notepad to Windel before she raised her foot up into the large stirrup of the pillion. She took Windel's hand and the other man took her other hand. She pushed off on the raised foot and turned herself around, sitting down, but instantly noticed that the hoops in her dress would be a huge problem. They didn't allow her to scoot very close to Windel and the bottom of her dress rose to almost exposing herself. She shyly pushed her hands down on her dress, but the bottom hoop was far out of reach. Oh no! Alice exclaimed, her face turning red and her heart racing. Windel turned himself to see her plight and laughed. Don't worry about it. There won't be anyone around until we get into town. He hadn't even thought about the issue. The nature of a woman's clothing escaped him and now seeing her in her plight, he couldn't help finding it comical that neither of them had considered the issue. With the girl now trying to keep her dignity by pressing the front of her dress down to no avail, Windel motioned the other horse to be brought closer and he took the rein to lead it along. Both reins in hand, Windel tapped his heels into the sides of the horse and they started off on a mild trot. He felt Alice reach her arms around him, holding herself to him. He took the notepad he had in one hand and touched it to one of hers. She took the hint and grabbed the notepad from him, but kept her arms around his waist. He smiled to himself. If you show some ankle, you might get yourself a husband, he teased as they left the entryway and started on the dirt road. Then again, if you really want to stay on the estate, I can see why you want to stay covered up. Please, Master Soler! Alice exclaimed in nearly a squeal. She felt herself becoming very hot now and his teasing wasn't helping her. I'm sorry. I didn't know we'd travel like this. She ended up with her face against his back, holding onto him to stay secure. I didn't either, but if things go right, we'll head home differently. His words were gentle and reassuring now. He patted her free hand. So give a good show while you still can. He started to laugh again. Feeling they were getting along so well, she took her free hand and pulled it away, lightly slapping him on the shoulder before her hand came back to around him. Honestly, you're too much. I should have left. She now felt herself smile. In reality, she felt like she was just hugging him and he was happy with that. The day was still going well, even if she didn't like the ride. You should have, he agreed, patting her hand again. You probably should have...