Pearls and Roses

10. Goodbyes And Hellos

                                                                                                                                    ⌠⌠LEILA 🥀⌡⌡

Lady Annabelle and Sir Hooley ate like sloths, their expressions downcast and movements sluggish. Ellen was enthusiastic as always but, I didn't miss the side glance she gave the grandfather's clock from time to time.

I came to terms, with the number of times His Royal Highness stood me up, that nothing would come of an official meeting between us and I preferred it that way. They however, had the pleasure of meeting him twice. What was wrong if he couldn't show up once?

That may be Lady Annabelle's concern but Sir Hooley's, I knew not. It was probably something to do with his line of work or businesses.

My spoon clattered against my plate when I picked it up. Lady Annabelle glared at me but said nothing. The silence was interrupted by Mr Calnan's entry. "Excuse me, Sir, Ma'am. An expedited letter just arrived from the King."

Lady Annabelle shot up, then nearly grabbed the letter from him in haste but, she stood still for a while in attempt to regain her composure, "Thank you Mr Calnan."

"It's a team effort, ma'am."

Sir Hooley dismissed him as she frantically tore the envelope open.

"What does it say?" Ellen asked as she shushed her, still reading the letter.

I took in deep breaths. If it was a letter of complaint or change in the contract because of me, I might as well begin to pack my bags. Contrariwise, it would be better if this arrangement ended now.

It is because you turned your back on him. You fool.

My heart fluttered when she knit her brows together. Her frown deepened as her eyes moved downwards. She folded the letter, handing it to Sir Hooley, "Apparently, His Royal Majesty just found out that His Royal Highness had other plans with Her Grace, Kate Eder."

"Oh.." Sir Hooley mused, reading the letter, "and he's opposed to it?"

"He's more concerned about the lack of communication between Leila and his son," She sighed and turned to approach me slowly, like a leopard does its prey, "Did you...raise this concern with the prince?Or His Majesty?"

My hands trembled. "N..No. I did not." my voice was fainter than I liked.

"Mother, she has not been in the same room with him, I assure you." Ellen scoffed. Oh how  comforting to know my movements were monitored.

Lady Annabelle narrowed her eyes, "Then....." She stopped.

"You never heed to my advice." Sir Hooley shook his head, folding the letter, "I'd warned you ladies about always being at his heels. I believe he felt uncomfortable."

"We did not do anything to make him feel uncomfortable." She rolled her eyes and walked back to her seat. "Were we supposed to leave our guest unattended to?"

"You were supposed to leave him with Leila, at least. It will seem like the girl is rude and uninterested. No one will take a girl who looks pompous." Sir Hooley massaged his forehead briefly, eyes shut.

"She will run her mouth, say something disgraceful. I can't have that."

I felt my cheeks warming as I bowed my head. It was just once and I was much younger.

Sir Hooley heaved a sigh, "The order of things should be different this time, she needs to appear capable."

"What kind of plans does he have with Her Grace? Isn't that quite... scandalous?" Ellen interjected, "I did not know that was allowed."