The Lady Yves

Chapter 6

A few weeks later, Angenette invited Freedom to go to a dinner with her at the Manley Estate. Needing something else to occupy herself with, she dressed accordingly and went with Angenette. Hopefully she would be able to see Junior now that Yoshi Manley was back. Frankly, even after all that happened between her and Junior, her feelings for him were still the same and somewhere deep down, she hoped that things would go back to the way they were before he left.

When they got into the house, she was surprised that there was no one else there except her, Angenette and...

"Yoshi Manley," Angenette said with excitement as she gave the young man a small curtsey.

Yoshi smiled at her and pulled a chair out for her to sit on. He then looked at Freedom who just stood beside Angenette, unsure whether she was welcome to take a seat or not. She and Yoshi had started off on the wrong foot and she was beginning to regret that she came here, knowing very well that the man that was currently looking at her didn't like her at all. She returned the same sentiments.

"Lady Yves," he said, referring to Freedom. He pulled a chair out for her and she sat down, taking the gesture as a sign that she was welcome. "You're welcome to the Manley estate."

Freedom gave him a polite smile even though she didn't feel very comfortable. After all, she had not been invited but Angie had dragged her along. "Thank you, sir."

Angenette grinned, her eyes never leaving Yoshi's face.

"I'm sorry about the day we first met," Yoshi said to Freedom, his eyes studying her face. "I was a little rude and I'm sorry."

"All's well, sir. Excuse me for a moment, will you? I hear you have lovely gardens." Freedom had noticed that Angie seemed to like Yoshi and she decided to give the two a moment.

She got up and walked out into the gardens before she found a spot and sat down in it, looking up at the dark night sky, spangled with stars. She found herself wondering where Junior was and if he was doing well. So far she had not seen even the smallest sign of there being any servants around except for the cook who had disappeared as soon as they set foot in the house.

A while later, she walked back into the house where she found Angenette shamelessly tried to flirt with Yoshi who looked up as soon as Freedom walked in, her hands clasped before her.

"Are they as lovely as everyone says they are?" Yoshi asked, brushing back his hair. A small smile graced his lips and Angie looked from him to Freedom.

"As lovely as can be. It was a little dark but I see you have been growing some..." Freedom couldn't help the smile that came on her face. "...some rose breeds. They looked absolutely beautiful."

"Freedom likes experimenting with plants," Angie added, seeing that her sister was seemingly impressed. "All her roses refused to grow in mixed colors. She's a sucker for roses."

Yoshi raised a brow. "Really?" He stood up. "I can show you how to infuse the roses to get-"

Freedom looked at Angenette who she didn't seem too happy with what was going on so she decided to decline. "Maybe some other time, Sir Manley. Thank you."

The door opened and Freedom's heart went into her throat when she saw the handsome black man with his beard and hair neatly cropped and him immaculately dressed. She almost didn't recognise him as he stared at her in shock for a moment before he cleared his throat and looked at Yoshi.

"Sir Manley, the carriage is ready. I came to ask if I could go and visit my family for the night while you entertain the guests, Sir?"

"Yes, Junior. You may. Thank you for your hard work. Greet our guests before you leave."