The Arrow of Fate

5 ADVICE

31

ADVICE

Ever since the ultimatum Richard had given her Sophie had walked around the house like a ghost. She seemed to have accepted what Richard decided about her life but she couldn't bring herself to talk to him like she normally did. She loved her brother, since their father died he was the only close family she had left. And there were not merely family bonds there but real friendship between them. But now it seemed her brother has become someone she didn't really know, some hostile stranger who decided to make her life hell. She couldn't understand it. Why couldn't he just leave her be? How could he have done this to her? Andrew was afraid she thought he betrayed her, but it was Richard who did.

Richard looked at his sister across the table. Sophie was sitting far from him, picking idly at her food but not really eating anything. Her face was pale from lack of sleep, dark shadows under her eyes. He was starting to worry. He had never seen his sister so withdrawn before.She hardly left her room at all though the weather was still quite warm for rides and she didn't speak to him unless he asked her a question. Richard made up his mind this morning. He had to pull his sister out of this catatonic state.

'I'd like to go to Northampton to visit Caedrik and Jenny and I'd like you to go with me.'

'As you wish, Richard.' Sophie said quietly not looking at him.

Her voice was flat and lifeless. It was driving him mad.

'You should realise that I'm just trying to do what's best for you Sophie.'

'Yes, Richard. Of course I realise that.'

She put her fork away and sat waiting for the meal to be over. Richard suddenly lost his appetite. He pushed his plate away as well.

'All right then.' He said with resignation. 'Get ready, we'll leave in the morning.'

All through the journey Sophie was quiet. Richard tried to make conversation with her but she automatically agreed with everything he said and eventually he got fed up and gave up. This wasn't his sister as he knew her. The rest of the journey passed in heavy silence.

Northampton Manor was busy as usual. The main buildings in the front were a common part used by the whole family and guests but the two side wings belonged consecutively to the senior Partridges and their older son Caedrik and his wife. They had a baby not long ago and seemed very happy together. Sophie was pleased with her cousin's happiness but at the same time she was sad thinking that she'd never have a family of her own choice like that.

As they arrived at the main yard old sir Partridge came out to welcome them.

'It's good to see you.' He hugged them both affectionately.

Jenny ran into the hall just as they entered. She hugged Sophie as well and they all went into the main dining room.

'We'll have a glass of cider before Carrie brings the food.' She said busying herself at the table.

'That's fine, we are not that hungry. We stopped once in an inn for a meal on the way.'

Sophie sat down looking around tensely. She usually loved being in this big room furnished with comfortable items but today she was looking out for Andrew. For the first time in her life she dreaded seeing him, not knowing how to act in this new weird situation. Lady Eleanor broke her reveries entering the room with a warm smile.

'Sophie and Richard. It's so good to have you in with us.'

'And where is Caedrik?' Richard asked curiously.