Welcome to the Rose Mansion - Chapter 49
Nightmare
[To my friend Richelle Howard, who has been through a great ordeal,
I’ve heard all about it. Your mother stormed right into Bertrand?!
If you ask how I knew, it’s a bit complicated to explain…
Well, actually, since Mrs. Howard hasn’t been attending the social gatherings lately, it seems my mother sent her a personal invitation for tea time.
But Mrs. Howard sent a refusal again this time. So, my mother went directly to your house—she was worried that perhaps Mrs. Howard was ill. You know how my mother tends to worry a lot, right?
Fortunately, Mrs. Howard appeared to be in good health. So, my mother inquired about your well-being, and lo and behold, your mother said you were staying with the Otis family!
Moreover, she proudly stated that Mrs. Otis seems to cherish you dearly, treating you with utmost politeness and kindness, and you shall return to Domblinn in a year with good news.
This series of events came to light thanks to my mother asking me, ‘Is it true that there’s a marriage discussion going on between Richelle and the Otis family?’
I was nearly floored. Mrs. Howard went as far as to Sylvester!
Are you okay? From what I heard from Mrs. Howard, it doesn’t seem like you had the best of times…
No, how did the fact that you were in Sylvester leak out? What if she comes again?
I’m worried that the freedom my friend finally obtained might hit the ground. I’ll have sleepless nights until I hear back from you. So, please reply as soon as you receive this letter.
Worrying endlessly about her friend,
Margaret Chester.]
***
[To my friend Meg, who is always and forever kind,
So, you’ve heard. Yes, my mother did come over. But don’t worry, Meg. It was nothing serious. There was a brief argument, but it was over quickly.
She found out about my location through Anna… that is, my nanny’s granddaughter. Mother intercepted my letter to Anna and read it—Anna already sent an apology letter. She’s really a good girl, isn’t she? It’s not Anna’s fault. My mother just has the kind of personality with which she can’t stand not getting what she wants.
But it’s okay. My mother won’t be coming to Bertrand again. We each made promises to each other.
Thinking about it now, running out of the house impulsively after arguing with my mother wasn’t the best move. I should have had a sincere conversation with her at least once. I was always too busy avoiding her…
So, I’ve decided to visit her after the tutoring contract ends in a year. Mother has accepted this promise.
I think if I can speak my heart out without leaving any regrets… then, I might be able to find true freedom this time. Somehow, I have a good feeling about it.
So, I’m okay. Actually, I feel refreshed. I hope you can sleep well tonight, Meg. Thanks for worrying about me. Please send my regards to Mrs. Allison.
Wishing for my friend’s peaceful sleep,
Richelle Howard.
P.S. The rumor that I’m engaged in marriage talks with the Otis family is absolutely nonsensical and all baseless! Don’t believe it at all!
P.P.S. It might sound a bit odd, but could you look into something about the Otis family for me? Like Earl Otis’s whereabouts, for instance. He isn’t at the mansion. I haven’t seen him once since I’ve been here. I really need it for something important. Please, Meg.]
***
—Don’t get too close to Rogéros.
Richelle looked out the window. The spring breeze, now gentler, swept through the garden.
Two weeks had passed since her mother’s visit. During this time, the mansion remained as eerie as ever, Rogéros remained as kind as ever, and Alan remained as aloof to Richelle as ever.
In her now seemingly ordinary daily life, Richelle often thought of Alan’s words. What did he mean by advising her not to get too close to Rogéros?
From what she had heard before, Rogéros did not particularly like Alan. And judging by Alan’s attitude, the feeling seemed mutual.
Was it simply a warning stemming from their mutual animosity?
Rogéros was someone Richelle was very thankful for. Therefore, she did not want to blindly follow a warning without any justification. Yet, occasionally, Alan’s words pricked at her like a carelessly placed pin in her pocket.
“Teacher~ I’m done.”
The voice of the twins pulled Richelle back from her thoughts. She turned to the children with a kind smile.
“Is that so? Let’s check it together, shall we?”
