Under a Dimmed Sun [UNCENSORED]

SII: Chapter XXXII: Morning Reverie

In the heart of the Mohn estate, the garden unfolded like a living tapestry. Neatly trimmed hedges formed intricate patterns, leading the way along gravel pathways. Bursting with color, vibrant flowers such as roses, lilies, and marigolds graced the well-manicured beds. Citrus trees, heavy with ripe fruit, offered a refreshing contrast to the lush greenery. Elegant stone fountains adorned with sculpted cherubs whispered tranquility, and carefully placed benches invited moments of contemplation amidst the floral splendor. The garden, a sanctuary of nature's artistry, stood as a testament to the refined taste of the Mohn Family.

Amidst the serene beauty of the garden, a silver tray, adorned with delicate porcelain plates, showcased a selection of fresh fruits—succulent grapes and ripe figs glistening in the morning sun. The air was filled with the inviting aroma of cheeses, from soft goat cheese to aged manchego, paired with crusty bread. A carafe of fragrant wine stood beside them, all arranged on a quaint table, setting the stage for an elegant breakfast in the sunlit garden patio.

Alice, adorned in a flowing emerald gown with intricately braided hair, sat alone at the elegantly set breakfast table. A delicate morning breeze played with the folds of her attire as she gingerly sampled the offerings, her appetite tempered by a fear of succumbing to another bout of sickness. Each cautious bite concealed the quiet determination to nourish the secret life growing within her, a tender reminder of a world she carried beneath her heart.

Between the melodic symphony of morning birdsong, Alice discerned another sound—a peculiar whistle that didn't quite belong to the avian ensemble. Her eyes traced the source, finding Cateline, the exotic ginger-haired woman, perched in a window upstairs. Cateline's gaze met Alice's, accompanied by intermittent whistling, the swirl of smoke, and the gentle slurping of a steamy hot beverage, creating an enigmatic tableau that lingered in the morning air.

Cateline, still in her nightgown, flashed a mischievous smile at Alice. Her hands gestured in a secretive manner, emphasizing the need for discretion, followed by a playful wink that conveyed an unspoken alliance between them. Then she disappeared from her window, leaving Alice intrigued and wondering why Cateline was blowing 'smoke' from her mouth. Unaware of the concept of smoking, she found herself contemplating the mysterious habits of the woman upstairs.

Alice, still gazing at Cateline's window, was taken aback by Albert's unexpected greeting: "Good morning, Mistress Alice." Breaking her focus from Cateline's window. She managed a polite smile in response to his words, her mind still filled with curiosity about the peculiar actions of her fellow mistress.

Albert stands by, holding a rope tethered to his white horse. His blonde hair is sleek and polished, and meadow green eyes complement the garden's greenery. Dressed in modest navy clothing, he smiles politely.

Alice: "Good morning, Albert. Just 'Alice' is fine, aren't we about the same age?"

Albert, with a playful smile: "As you wish, Alice. I'm at your service, then."

Albert, with a sly grin: "Just don't let my mother catch us at it."

Alice and Albert share a polite chuckle.

Albert: "Heading to the chapel?"
Alice: "Yes, I'm about to, I promised your mother."
Albert: "I'm also going to the same destination."
Alice: "Oh, I thought it's for women only."
Albert: "Actually, I'm also a chapel-goer."
Albert: "Do you want to join my ride?" as Albert looks at his horse.

Alice: "No, thank you. I just ate, and I'm afraid I'll have indigestion." as Alice gently touches her belly.
Albert: "Alright, then. Let's walk together."

They strolled together, and the chapel, surprisingly, was quite a distance away.

Alice: "I thought the chapel was closer."
Albert chuckled: "That's why I brought my horse. Change of mind?"

Alice, secretly considering her baby and aware of the caution about riding during pregnancy: "No thank you, I just don't feel like riding a horse."

Albert: "Sure." As Albert mounted his horse.
Alice: "Off you go, Albert. See you there."
But Albert regulated his horse's pace to match Alice's walking speed, allowing them to proceed side by side, one on horseback and the other on foot.

Alice: "What are you doing?"
Albert: "Oh, I'm just enjoying watching you walk with your tiny little feet from above the horse, waiting for you to tire of walking."

Alice: "..." (He's rather bothersome.)

Albert: "How gentlemanly of me to assist you, so you're not walking alone." He chuckled.

Alice: "... Haha," awkwardly laughing.

Albert: "Why were you sold to this household?" He turned serious.

Alice: "I don't feel like talking about it, especially to my stepson."

Albert: "You said we're about the same age?" Albert teased Alice.

Alice: "......"

Albert: "So how was my father? I don't think he can produce any more babies, though." Albert laughed while making an inappropriate expression on his face.

Alice: "Pfft— You.. dare talking like that about your own father." Alice tried to hit Albert's back while holding back her laughter.

Albert quickened the pace of his horse, dodging her hand with the speed, leaving Alice behind as he grinned teasingly: "See you there, stepmother. Just go straight cuarto de legua, may you find the chapel, you're almost there."

As Albert left, Alice watched him ride away, her gaze lingering on the retreating figure of her stepson until he disappeared from view.