Flutter

Flutter: Cinq (2/2)

Nora was lying on a chaise in the library. The library was cavernous and cool,  filled with a variety of literature. The book she was reading had fallen out of her hands and to the floor. Nora sat gazing out of the large pane glass windows that faced the garden. It was nearly five now and she knew that she would have to get ready for dinner. For the past couple of hours she'd been pondering about her fate. 

Thanks to the children, life wouldn't be quite so dull, but Nora didn't feel completely content with the situation as it was. She knew she should feel somewhat blessed to be living among such riches and comforts. But she never lusted for gifts, money, or luxuries. Life for her was about family, friends, happy moments, and learning experiences. The richness Wicks brought to her life couldn't be found her. She felt like prey among predator. She'd only been at Gillans for one day and she couldn't foresee her future just yet, but it was clouded by storm clouds.

 Nora's thoughts wandered to Quinton and she wondered if Quinton was back yet from his outings. Was he even going to be here tonight? Then again, did it matter really? It was obvious that he didn't care for her,and when she did communicate with him, Quinton was snide and condescending. 'But he's still very good looking...' Nora thought, with a tell-tale grin she was glad no one could see.

Sighing, Nora rose and left the library. Just as she stepped into the foyer, the trio - Quinton, Catherine, and Blaine - entered.  Nora froze, not knowing if she should continue her own way or stay and greet them. The decision was made for her.

"Well, well, well. What have we here?" Quinton's deep voice echoed.

"Erm, hello." Nora said skittishly.

"It's nice to see you again, Nora." Blaine said sweetly. Nora gave him a pleasant smile, thankful that at least he was decent bloke.

"I'll just be making my way to my room now." Nora attempted to make her escape.

"Now, don't be in rush. What have you been up to all day?" Quinton asked her, his eyes taking in her rumpled clothing and wrinkled skirt. Nora felt embarrassed, standing among the pristine and well-groomed wolves.

"Yes. You look like you've had a...lively evening." Catherine said. 

"Oh, I've been on many adventures with your children actually."
Just as she was answering she heard the kids running into the foyer, towards where they stood. 

On cue, the two toddlers themselves scampered into the room, calling for their father. Blaine knelt down and engulfed the two tots in his arms, giving them loving kisses. Catherine stood stoically, eyeing the little show with boredom.

"Now children, say hello to your mother." Blaine told the two kids, pushing them toward Catherine. They stood at her feet, their heads raised to look up at her.

"Hello mother." Peyton and Anna said simultaneously.

"Good afternoon young ones." Catherine said in a monotone voice. Then turning to Blaine, Catherine announced that she was going to go rest, dismissing the children. Nora could see that the children were hurt and they left the foyer with their heads down.  Nora moved to follow them, hoping to cheer them up, but was stopped when she heard Quinton call her name.

"Nora! Remember dinner is at six, and I expect you there on time. And dressed properly." 

Nora gritted her teeth and nodded before going to her room.

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

"I can't stand him! Good looking or not!" Nora was pacing back and forth, fuming over Quinton's comment earlier. It was thirty before six and the more Nora thought about Quinton, her situation, the angrier she became. It was one thing to be whisked away from her home town and everything she knew. It was another to be insulted.