No trace: Part Two of The Accidental Trilogy

Chapter Seven

It was a beautiful country estate, plentiful grounds to explore. I was very much glad to leave the house in Paris, Andrea and Christophe had since moved out and Louis' company wasn't much to write home about, after my education was considered complete.

But on my arrival, I noticed very quickly that Rosa did not seem herself. Knowing her as well as I did, I would not confront her about it but instead, wait for her to explain.

The Comte had a proud personality, I knew this, but I had thought at least, some kindness towards his young wife.

It appeared not. In my spacious and luxurious room my first evening, I could hear the gasps and cries emanating from their room.

The next morning at the breakfast table, Rosa was most definitely trembling. She hid it well, as she did everything else, but it was there.

'Mademoiselle Aimee, we are both glad at your safe arrival,' the Comte spoke, a small smile on his face, a public and polite one in company. 'We have had some troubles in our woods of late, so we worried about your travels. But here you are.'

Even with the careful instruction, it took all I had to not laugh or even smile at his insincere words. We had indeed encountered some poor people who it appeared, had no choice in the matter. Thankfully, Andrea had, before I left, instructed me on the use and care of pistols. He had praised me on my skill with a pistol and gave me two to keep and carry with me.

'A lady should have many talents, this is one of them that is too often overlooked,' he had told me.

'Do you think that the Comte does not want me there?'

'I think that the woods are sometimes not safe for the wealthy to travel. Best to be on your guard. And carry some extra ammunition.'

In any case, the pistols only scared off the would-be bandits, no firing required. I scattered some coins, throwing them out the carriage window as we set off once more.

I shake off these memories and smile in response to the Comte, 'Indeed, here I am. I am very happy to be here. With you both.'

After eating, the Comte soon departed; he was due to visit a neighbouring town to discuss business there.

Once he had left and I could tell that he was well and truly away, I gently took Rosa's arm and said, for the benefit of the servants, 'Come, you must show me the entirety of the estate.'

Rosa understood I wanted an explanation.

She gave it. 'I did not want a titled marriage. Most of them do this, the physical abuse of their wives, they learn this behaviour as children and the cycle thereby continues. I could easily, being what I am, respond in kind, but the clan forbids such behaviour.'

'The clan does not recommend itself to me.'

Finally, she smiles, I was worried that she had forgotten how. 'The four of us, we took you in. We may stay hidden, but we help others.'

'What about helping you? You appear beaten.'

'Had Louis told you of his gift?'

'No, he did not. I gathered that it was a private matter.'
'He is not fond of disclosing it. It is a boon within the Khalinyne community, but it is something that can be easily abused and used for the wrong reasons. He can delve within a person and see all that they are. Their history, their knowledge, opinions and even what they will not admit to themselves. Louis used this gift on the Comte. If need be, I can use this information to protect myself.'

'And you are not, because two weeks' worth of bruises and cruelty does not warrant it.'

'I know my limits. Injuries for us heal, more quickly than others. You are here, if need be you can speak what he does not wish others to hear.'

'You are not worried then about your well-being.'

'I am not just a Khalinyne, but a fully-fledged elder. It is not within me to worry about such matters. If we are to dine in the evening together, I will put forward certain hints that I know more than he wishes me to. I do not wish to have children that will learn to copy his habits.'

'As long as you are sure that this plan will work.'

'I am. I spoke to Louis myself, he has been around a long time.'

Rosa took me on a proper tour of the estate then, which was quite enjoyable. The grounds were indeed extensive and I took delight in seeing Rosa smile.

Later that evening, the Comte did in fact return for dinner. He seemed quite pleased with himself, something that I took note of and from the expression on Rosa's face, she had too.

'You look pleased my dear,' Rosa began, at which he smirked and smiled.

'Indeed, I am, business is good in the next town.'

He preened and smiled, Rosa gave him many openings for him to shine over this and over similar achievements.

Later, in the privacy of my room, I delighted in the contented near silence and before I attempted to sleep, I amused myself with the flames I could call up from my fingertips.

Could be water but it was cold and I was not fond of being dripped on.