Neglected Marriage

2.Unexpected Visitor

She wash sitting by the vanity watching the rain pelt down the window.
The door squeaked open. Meredith entered holding a coat.
",They have arrived Madam".she spoke softly.
Mrs Stella turned to look at her and smiled.
",Of course. Show them in Meredith, I am going to prepare myself ".she spoke softly walking towards the change screen.
",Should.......Should I assist you dress?".she asked.
",No no. I am quite alright. Go on, shouldn't keep my mother waiting, she distastes tardiness."smiling lightly to her.
She went to her screen and changed into a thick summer dress with a woollen coat .She opened her new jewelry, necklace and bracelet and adorned them. She does look mature.
Unlike four years prior ,she was joyful and chatty, now she seems her true age.
A matured 26 year old.

The guards regarded the couple for a few minutes under the portico ,the old couple was displeased to be treated as strangers. They were told to wait in the cold portico for permission .
Meredith ran towards them her uniform getting in the way of her skirt. Then she said to the two tall guards
",Madam Stella has approved of their entry ".she spoke breathlessly catching her breath.
The guard narrowed his eyes and spoke with menace looking down on her due to his height ",I do not see Madam Stella. How can we be sure that they are who they say they are? ".he asked.
",I am obeying Mrs Stella's orders. She said to bring them in ".she said narrowing her eyes.
",And I am following Mr Stella's orders concerning safety of this house and Mrs Stella. "he answered.
",Let's bring them to the lobby so Mrs Stella can identify them easily. She is dressing up as of this moment. She declined my assistance to help her dress all in the purpose of allowing Mr and Mrs Knight into the house. "she pursed her lips.
Then added as the security thought it over.
",Moreover if she comes outside, she'll catch cold. Then Mr Stella will surely be displeased you made her walk in the cold just for security. If it makes feel better you are allowed to stay with us in the house until your consciousness is sated ".she said.
They nodded. Then the footmen took the luggage they have been dutifully holding to the lobby walking under the roofed pathway through the garden. They entered for the first time the house their daughter is mistress to.
A big and beautiful house indeed. Although in the middle of town ,it still has it's Victorian charm. A three storey red and white Victorian charm it was.
On the inside a lobby , then lounge and a door to the left, then double doors to the right. Through the hallway is a twin staircase with an indoor balcony ,and big windows .
They stopped in the lobby. They heard heels sounding then a Pitter patter on the tiles their daughter appeared .She looked lovely but matured, too matured for their liking.
She smiled brightly .
",Mother . Father. You have arrived, I expected your arrival at dusk. But none the less glad you are finally here. "she smiled brightly.
Her parents kissed her and she said looking at the servants around.
",Meredith, can you handle everything here doll and have the second butler to bring warm refreshments ,please ".she commanded smiling.
:,Of course madam. Shall I allocate the guest room as well ,any preferences on it's regard? ",she asked courteously .
",Make sure the windows are big ,balcony and my mother is allergic to animal fur blankets. A fire place must be lit as well ".she smiled at the woman.
She bowed dutifully and set out to work.
Stella said ",Please follow me ,I am sure you are tired from your journey ".she spoke dutifully.
Her parents felt sad that send behaved like this because they forced her into marriage ,but little did they know it more of the spouse than anything.
",Please sit ".she gestured to the big couches in the sitting room.
The butler came with the tea and scones and said ",Anything else madam? ".
She shook her head.
",Shall I serve it for y'all ?",he asked.
",No thank you Andrew. You may retire, I'll call on you later on, though make sure dinner is prepared. Dinner for three, no pork or fish preservatives. "she said. He nodded then bowed and left. They were surprised it's only a dinner first three and not four.
Then she said to the guards who still pose a threatening atmosphere ",Aren't you supposed to be back on your station ?".raising a perfect brow.
"Mr Stella, trusted us with your safety. We cannot compromise it ".he answered .
She breathed deeply then put a smile on her face. Her parents had visited her ,so she'll spend this opportunity to speak to someone.
After serving them her mother asked ",Where is William? ".
",Whose William? ",she asked curiously .
Her parents so looked at her appalled.
"Why your husband of course !".exclaimed Maria, her mother.
She blushed a deep red Rose, she'd forgotten her own husbands name.