The Vanderwood Diaries

Drusilla

"Who are you?"

The man removed his hat, bowing his head as he stepped out of the shadows.

He smiled, "A bold question for a young girl lost in the woods."

"I'm not lost," Isabella stuck up her nose, proudly.

"No. No, of course not," he nodded.

There were shrill caws, and the gush of wings as a flock of Ravens took flight from the tree tops. She shivered, looking behind herself again.

"You wouldn't know how to-"

"Point you in the right direction?"

She turned back to look at him, and he was definitely closer. She nodded. He pointed in the right direction and as she passed him she felt a chill run down her spine.

"Your welcome, Isabella," a soft whisper filled her ears.

She spun around, "How do you know my-"

Her words fell short and she gazed around the empty clearing now before her. The man with dreamy blue eyes, had vanished.

She found Evangeline waiting for her when she returned home, arms folded and a stern expression etched into her face.

"Isabella, how did you get so filthy?" She looked concerned as her eyes fell on her sister's bedraggled appearance, "Where have your boots gotten to?"

"I got lost in the woods," Isabella looked down.

"The celebrations will be starting soon. You better get cleaned up. Woe betide if mama sets eyes on you in this state," Evangeline ushered her away behind the screen, "I'll send a maid with a basin of hot water."

Isabella removed her clothes, her mind elsewhere again. She thought back to the man, and the sea of blue contained in his shining orbs.

I could get lost in those eyes.

Her face betrayed her, causing her hand maiden to frown at her peculiarity.

"You okay, m'lady?" She asked, staring at her.

Isabella flushed, looking away guiltily, "I'm fine!" She snapped, "Hurry up, will you?"

Corset tightened, and hair made up, Isabella was a sight for sore eyes. She curtsied and giggled around her ladies maids, apparently forgetting her previous outburst, until a brisk knock came at her door. It opened, as she straightened out her skirt.

"Madame Maecia," the servants curtsied, bowing their heads.

"Mother," Isabella stared at her, quite at a loss for words at her mother's resilience, "Shouldn't you be resting?"

"What?" Lady Maecia looked down at her, "And have things run amuck in my absence? I think not. Your presence is required. The guests have almost finished arriving, and the feast will be starting shortly."

Isabella nodded, smiling awkwardly, "How is she?"

"She hasn't cried," Maecia smiled, "Perhaps the strongest Vanderwood heir yet."