Comforting Darkness

Chapter 20: The Tutor, Imprisoned Souls

Selina 'Michaelis' had breakfast on her own that day, after explaining that her husband had gone to town, in order to contact their young master and execute any orders and telegrams he would request of him.

"Oh, poor thing! You came here for a honeymoon and your master still gets in the way, stealing your handsome husband from you." Some ladies expressed their disapproval.

"Oh, I do not mind. Our master is so young that needs our help and guidance at all times, and we too care for him so much that I know we would be uneasy if we had no news of him for a week." She explained with a wide smile.

After breakfast, she wandered a little and soon saw that Bates was not around; when she asked a maid about it was informed that he too ran to town to complete some obligations concerning the resort and its guests, he would be gone for the biggest part of the day. That was exactly what Selina needed to hear and soon enough she approached Mrs. Ackerman to spend some time together. They talked about many things and gossiped a little, until Selina directed the discussion towards the mysterious disappearances. As soon as she mentioned, Mrs. Ackerman's face turned to an ashen colour and the old, white brows furrowed... she felt a little sorry for the old woman but had no intention to be soft today.

"Really, Mrs. Ackerman, you have been staying here for a very long time, right? You most definitely must have met some of the disappeared couples. What were they like?" Selina made her voice sounding naive and curious.

A few seconds passed and Mrs. Ackerman seemed to feel uncomfortable. "Yes, I met four of them, but I really cannot recall them clearly. I am an old woman, you see." She said trying one more time to avoid the subject.

"Oh, come on, Mrs. Ackerman. You are a very bright and perceptive woman. I simply cannot accept you have forgotten everything. Please, indulge me; I will accept any gossip for them. Let us say... were they beautiful people?" She asked happily, showing no intention of letting Mrs. Ackerman off the hook.

A bitter, nostalgic smile appeared on the withered lips as the woman nodded. "Oh yes, they were all very beautiful, whether they were young or not so young, but... they had the beauty of love, of true love. They were like you and your dear Sebastian. With one look at each other's eyes everything had been said between them. They were soul mates, and nothing could pry them apart. I remember sweet Rose's giggles when her Jonathan embraced her and placed a feathery kiss on her delicate nose, when he thought no one saw... now she does not giggle, she only stares at nothing... waiting." She fell silent and Selina saw that all the while she was talking, her fingers kept drawing a curious circular pattern on the inside of her left forearm as her gaze was glued to one of the old ladies, one that indeed was staring at nothing like she was waiting for something or someone.

"What about the others?" She whispered.

"Annabel and William, so dazzling! In every step it was visible they were of the highest society but that never stopped them from being passionate for each other. William really enjoyed running his fingers on Annabel's arm and he relished on feeling her shudder at his touch... Margaret and Fred were younger than you and Sebastian. They wanted to buy a farm and get away from the big city. They were fully aware how difficult that could be, but were certain it would get easier since they would be together. They were embracing each other with so much love... And last but not least... not least at all... Jane and Robert... their fourteen years of difference did not bother them at all, because they had managed to meet halfway. Robert seemed to go through his second youth and Jane had become a graceful, beautiful mature woman. They were expressing their love very discreetly, but their eyes reflected the fire of passion you can find only in young people who are truly, madly in love."

Selina was looking at the old woman, who seemed to be in a state of trance. All hesitation had disappeared, and she was talking freely, continuing drawing the strange mark on her hand and darting her gaze to a different old lady every time she talked about a new couple.