Convent's Debauchery

Chapter Seven

~Arabella

Freezing

That has been my unbiased thoughts on the place, although my first encounter with that mysterious mountain of a man has brought quite enough warmth being under such a scrutiny would bring to anyone. I hate the heat but funny enough I didn't quite dislike the feeling. Rather, it was truly just odd.

Who is he?

After my name was called and the Abbess had debriefed me on the activities in the temple I was shuffled aside to where I can get my habit so I wasn't able to take another look at him. Never thought I would find another thing that would incite my curiosity again, much less a man but the look in his eyes, the danger it promises has me on my toes for the love of God this man is supposed to be a friar or something and has no business being associated with such term, I have not been here for long to know the rankings of anyone. We, the new recruits are to have an introductory class on how to address people here. Just like my presence here I am not looking forward to it, I wish I could hide myself away and indulge in the books I snuck in, I wish I could leave here but I can't. who knows what dangers lurks on the outskirts. There are people who'd benefit from my deaths after all.

I have observed Rebecca and the girls long enough to know how to take care of myself if that counts as something as I am currently residing in my room putting my belongings in order and I had been so lost in thought that I didn't at first here the bell ringing outside nor the steps of the other sisters outside my room it was a light knock on the door that brought me to attention to hear the bell, rushing to my feet, I head to the door opening it in tow to reveal the abbess' stern expression

"I am truly sorry if I am late Mother"

"It is alright Arabella we also feel the pain of the duke's passing, he had made generous donations to this temple and had also christened all of his children here so we can only imagine what you who was most loved and closest to him must be feeling. Hence, the reason we conceded to the king's request to let you have a separate room from the other girls but that doesn't mean you can exempt yourself from the temple's activities" the Abbess rambled on I had been so surprised I was stunned to silence, behind the Abbess several sisters in their habits were heading to prayers in the temple, the bell hadn't stopped ringing and I even apologized although I wasn't really late, but this woman was scolding me for a crime I hadn't even committed yet, hell, I haven't even thought about it at all, now she's here opening old wounds that I have just barely managed to dull the pain of, but I had no choice but to stand there grit my teeth and clench my fists, I had no power here and I needed the safety the convent can offer, I can already see how difficult my journey would be from here on out.

"Well then, I have heard all that you've said Mother, now if you wouldn't mind I would love to start on for the gathering" with a slight bow reciprocated by Abbess I make my way around her and join the few remaining girls on their way to the temple's open hall where the introductions were to be made and I was to have my first prayer as well as my own portion of the work and I am to indulge during my stay here.

Moments later I find myself in a large common room, aligned with pews and a stage whereꟷ I suck in a breath as I realize who would be officiating the prayers tonightꟷ The man who I had seen earlier today stood at the podium staring at me I had to check behind to inspect, surely it was the abbess who had walked closely behind me he was looking at but to my dismay the abbess who I could have sworn was next to me was nowhere to be seen only the open doors beckoned to me, turning back to the stage I once again catch his eyes but it was only but brief this time as he was made to begin the prayers.

~

"Amen" the voices of several women rang through the hall as the manꟷ Brother Peter ꟷwas finally ushered to the lower platform by the Abbess, for someone with a mere 'brother' title he was well respected, I mean shouldn't this duty be for the bishop and if he was be allowed such respect I believe he should at least be a priest. Once again, his eyes sweep over the crowd and soon found mine, holding the stare for a moment I couldn't help but break it as it had become a tad too uncomfortable.

"My lady" someone whispered in my direction as I turn to the voice, it was Rebecca and Agnes tearing their way through the crowd and pews coming up to me

"If I may, Sister Agnes and Sister Rebecca I believe you are to refer to me as Sister Arabella" I say my tone lacing with amusement, it had been a long while since I joked about anything and with everything going on right now I have begun to feel choked and desperate for the need of normalcy, for an iota of resemblance to my old self, my family is gone and it could only get worse from here on, I have grown tired of the pain and from the looks of things this new journey of mine could be hell if I continue to brood, just a bit of it and the abbess showed me the door of hell she could open.

How ironic

I laugh to myself tuning my attention back to the girls whose stunned expression to my joke had morphed to amusement

"Nevertheless, you are my lady" Agnes giggled amidst her sentence

"shh the abbess is speaking" Rebecca admonishes us which we all quietly giggled to which earned us a rather glaring stares from the ladies next to us.

The abbess voice muffled into the background as I try to concentrate only to find myself uncomfortable as Brother Peter makes it his mission to watch my every move like a predator

Truly, what is wrong with this man

"Hey does that man always stare at you?" I had to ask

"What do you mean?" Agnes turns to me quizzically whilst Rebecca just watches the only man in the hall

"I always seem to find his eyes all day, it has been rather difficult honestly" I explain

"Well well has her ladyship Arabella finally had to chance to meet one of her many admirers face to face?" Agnes teases which Rebecca lets out a stifled snort to

"Well if you must know he's been rather cold towards I and Rebecca as well as the other women who have showered him with wanting eyes, it's rather strange that a convent where women ought to be of service to The Divine seem to have other interests at heart, I don't know about the rest of you but I believe we might have a good show whilst our stay" Rebecca giggles quietly at what Agnes had spoken but I cannot bring myself to believe the look in his eyes are anything of sort as an admirer would to the admired much less one of fondness, I believe this is something deeper like he's trying to peer into my soul, a sort of recognition he's trying to find in me but I don't believe I have seen him anywhere because if I had I would never have forgotten such a man.