I Will Hold Your Hand Gently

Chapter 10: Learning about Guides

"Why...?" Rebecca suddenly asked out of the blue.

"Hmm?"

We've been in the powder room for a good fifteen minutes after that episode downstairs. I thought that Rebecca would be quiet the whole time seeing how she didn't respond to anything. I gave her the blanket provided by the maid to cover herself while I worked on getting the wine spilled out of her dress. I also asked for the maid to place a sign outside so that no one would get into this room and have them inform Countess Vergrumble just in case. I poured white vinegar on the dress, let it soak, and then squeezed out the wine.

"Why what?"

Rebecca's eyes were glued to the floor as she tightly wrapped the blanket around her, "...Lady Lush told you what happened... So why..."

"Why did I help you?"

Rebecca nod. I flat out the dress in the air to get rid of any remaining liquid, "Hmm... Was it true then? You're a homewrecker, and hurt your friend?"

"No...!" Rebecca squeezed in a small voice, "...I didn't do that..."

"Then that's all I need," I said as I lay the dress on the table.

Rebecca looked at me in disbelief. I sat down next to her and took off my shoes, "Whew... I can finally breathe... I want to apologize for something though, Lady Gilmore."

"...Huh?"

"I kind of used your situation as a reason to come up here to relax... I'm sorry..."

I was expecting her to get angry at me, but Rebecca suddenly let out a small giggle. The moment she caught me seeing her laughing she quickly turned away shyly. I smiled at her, "It's nice to hear you laugh, Lady Gilmore."

"Laugh... I can't recall when the last time was since I laughed..." said Rebecca as she gave out a deep sigh as she covered her face with her palm. 

"It's good to laugh, no matter what the situation," I said.

Rebecca nods while still covering her face. The tears she's been holding back this whole time came flooding out like a broken dam. I just sat there next to her, waiting for her to finish venting it all out. I don't think Rebecca had a place where she could cry with someone next to her. I don't know what her situation is like at her home, but I know the feeling of having someone's presence next to you when you want to cry.

******

Rebecca's eyes were puffy like puff cream. I hand her a clean handkerchief to clean up her face. I walked back to the dress on the table and gave it a good pat. It was dried. I brought over the dress to her, "Here you go."

"Thank you..."

Rebecca went into the dressing room to change her clothes. Left with nothing to do, I stared up at the ceiling wondering what action I should take next. I didn't want to stay at this party any longer. I've done my part of introducing, staying for a bit, and causing a little problem. I should leave now. As my thoughts ended, Rebecca came back out, wearing her wine-stain-free dress.

"Good, there's no more wine stain on your dress," I smiled.

Rebecca gave me a small nod, "Again... Thank you."

"You're welcome," I said as I relaxed more on the sofa.

I took off the high heels I wore and dug my feet into the soft rug. Despite Countess Vergrumble being a red lip, she does have good taste in fashion. Even the quality of the rug was good. Now that I think about it, I don't think I ordered any rugs to the manor yet. I stared at the rug wondering where I could get this kind of rug or something of better quality.