Bloodied Lilies

Chapter 6

"Seventy-two centimetres," the tailor muttered to herself, scratching the numbers on a scrap of paper.

Adelia did her best to stay still as she took her measurements. Duke Rainford had brought a tailor in to have Adelia measured for a ball gown. The spring ball hosted by the Duchess of Parles would be held in one week and it was a day to go around impressing nobility from another province.

"Alright. That should be all," said the tailor, packing away her tools. "I'll have the dress done in two days and I'll personally come to see the fitting. Please send Duke Rainford my regards. Until then, Duchess Rainford."

Adelia nodded and Alcoy went to see the tailor out.

Spring was The Season and everyone enjoyed hosting an array of parties and balls to impress and gossip. It was the time of the year for socialites to crawl out of their chrysalises and spread their wings.

It was the time of the year that Adelia had the most trouble with. The Season was the when people saw so much of each other that they were at each other's throats. In past years, it meant there were a lot of bounties for her to hunt but as a nobleman's daughter, it also meant attending these trivialities and being swamped by suitors she did not want. Though now she was married, at least she wouldn't be hassled by them this year.

Adelia walked towards the kitchen to see Marly. The manor was familiar to her now, each and every shadow was friendly more than ominous and even though she hadn't been able to explore the full extent of the house, it was starting to feel like home.

She still missed her own home with Andrea and the lost years of her childhood but she'd been here well over a month now and Adelia knew she was never going to go back. It was time to adjust.

"How's yer morn been, milady?" Marly asked as she placed a dessert saucer in front of her. On it was with a soft pudding stuffed with cream and topped with caramelised cherries. Marly had taken to trying out new dessert recipes and having Adelia taste them. "Heard the tailor's been in."

"She took my measurement for a ball gown," Adelia said, bringing the dessert fork up to slice into the creamy confection. "Duke Rainford dealt with the specifics so I'm not sure of how it will look."

"It'd be dark as night then. He likes his gloom. But a ball's a real busy thing. Funny how the master likes 'em when he doesn't like people," Marly laughed.

"Everyone's afraid of him but you don't seem to be," Adelia noted.

Marly had been the only one who wasn't overly concerned about her life at the duke's hands. Though that just might've been her cheerful personality.

"I've known the master since he was just a tot. Ain't nothing to be afraid of. Not for me'self anyway. He won't lay a finger on me," Marly said with a grin. "I know what yer thinking. How am I so sure? I'm sure cos Kade's still alive. The master got mad at 'em but he only got dismissed. Kade's been here a long time too. He was a youngin when master was born but still served here."

Kade. Reeves had mentioned him before. The one who witnessed Lady De'fel's death.

"Where is Mister Kade now?" she enquired.

"Somewhere on the outskirts, suppose. Not sure. Master doesn't like us talking bout him."

Adelia wondered if this Kade would tell her about why Lady De'fel met her fate. She would need to find out where he was first.

The day of the ball was busy with preparations. Even though the actual event would be in the evening, Adelia's schedule was packed. It began early where she was roused, bathed, fitted in a day dress and brought to the study where the duke gave her a list of rules for her to follow at the ball.