Chapter Side Story 21 - Man of Buford
✧Man of Buford✧
*.·:·.✧.·:·.*
Bjorn always asked checked on Erna before going out any where, and if there was the slightest hint that something was out of the ordinary, he would not go, or give permission for Erna to leave until a doctor had checked her over.
“I’m fine,” Erna told Bjorn, before he had chance to ask the question. “I ate well, am well rested. The baby is comfortable and so long as I don’t over do it, there wont be a problem. So please, go.” Erna smiled reassuringly at him and pointed in the direction of the telegraph office.
Erna was well aware that the only reason Bjorn had come with her to Buford was to do business, and she was no longer disappointed or even bothered by the fact. Just as she had her own business to take care of, Bjorn had his, a Dniester’s dealings must always be fair.
“Lisa Brill,” Bjorn said, turning his attention to the maid, who was busy looking at something down the street. She stiffened when Bjorn called her name. “You take care of my wife and if there is a single hint of a problem, come and get me.”
Bjorn looked at his pocket watch, he predicted he shouldn’t be more than an hour, but even still, he did not want to let his wife wonder the festival alone for too long. He was just grateful that Lisa was with her.
“Yes, I will your Highness, and Baby Dniester too,” Lisa said with a polite bow.
Bjorn smiled at Lisa’s response, trusting that she would take her duties very seriously. He leaned forward and gave his wife a kiss on the cheek and left for the telegraph office.
As his slim figure melted away into the crowd of those enjoying the festivities, Lisa looked over at Erna, clasping her hands to her chest. She could see the position of head maid practically presenting itself to her. The climb up the ladder to an easy life was a slow climb, but one step at a time, Lisa was slowly reaching her goals and her life was about to become as splendid and beautiful as the Grand Duchess herself.
In the mean time, the pair moved off to enjoy the Autumn festival. If Buford’s spring festival was a celebration of flowers and new beginnings, its Autumn festival was a celebration of alcohol and harvest.
Erna perched on a bench, munching on honey almonds, watching the plaza as it filled with festive music, cheer and drink. The autumn festival was in full swing and the stalls that sold the beers and wines produced around Buford were packed. There was sausages sizzling over open fires. The greasy smell of barbecue carried over the smells of spiced alcohol.
Around the stage built at the villages centre, people danced to the music being played and oak barrels were being rolled to stalls. It was nice to see everyone being happy.
“Is there anything you want to do, your Highness?” Lisa asked.
“No, Lisa, this is enough.” Erna shook her head and smiled. She had eaten enough for now, filling up on the snacks Lisa kept bringing her and she had no head for any of the alcohol on offer. She was happy to just simply sit on the bench and watch the dancers.
“You may go and check out the festival, I will wait here for Bjorn.”
“No, that’s okay, your Highness. I will wait here with you.” There was no hesitation or doubt in Lisa’s voice.
Staying by the Grand Duchess’ side, Lisa fulfilled her promise. She had no desire to get on Bjorn’s bad side as his cold fury when he got angry was like a thunderbolt of ice. By staying here, Lisa avoided that eventuality. She stood guard, keeping an eye on the rowdy drunkards that got too close.
