Through My Eyes

Chapter Two

After lunch, Mother suggests Emmanuel and I take a walk around the gardens. Emmanuel holds his arm out and I take hold of it, my hand fitting snugly in the crease of his arm.

“Miss Kempston,” He begins.

“Please.” I interrupt, “Do call me Eloise.”

“Then you must call me Emmanuel.”

“Of course.” I agree, my eyes on the path ahead of us.

“Eloise,” He starts again, “It seems as though you really like horses. I, myself, am a champion rider. I am currently holding five trophies.”

“Congratulations. That is a big achievement.” I attempt to smile, all the time trying not to yawn.

Already, I am ever so bored. I wonder what Damon is doing? 

Emmanuel continues, “What do you think of our betrothal?”

“I have not had much time to think about it.” I state truthfully, “Mother informed me last night. It was most shocking.”

“Yes, I suspect it would be. I learned of the matter three weeks ago, on my twentieth.” Emmanuel tells me as we stroll through the garden.

What is Damon doing, I wonder? I reach up and pluck a pink flower, inhaling it's aromatic scent. 

I look up at Emmanuel, “Smell this. It has the most wonderful aroma.”

Emmanuel takes it from me, his fingers brushing against mine momentarily. I let my hand drop to my side, averting my gaze. I hear Emmanuel take a deep breath in.

After a few moments of silence, he speaks, “You are right. It smells exquisite, indeed. What are these flowers called?”

“I do not know, but they have grown every spring since I have been a child.” I look around myself at the lush garden with the healthy trees and luscious blades of grass and stone benches.

“Let's sit down for a while.” Emmanuel says, leading me to one of these stone benches. I sit beside him, my hands clasped on my thighs.

“You are very quiet.” He observes. 

I sigh, “Forgive me, but I do not know you well. I do not mix well with strangers. It will be a few days before I feel comfortable around you and your mother.”

“I understand.” Emmanuel rests his hand over mine and brushes a stray strand of hair away from my face. I look away instantaneously. Emmanuel withdraws, “Oh, I am ever so sorry. You must think me so forward.”

“No, definitely not. Like I said, I do not feel comfortable around people I do not know well. You are not at fault in this.” I shake my head. Emmanuel seems convinced; he leans back, relaxed.

At that moment, Damon strolls into the garden, bearing a clipping tool.

“Damon!” I call to him, waving excitably. Damon smiles at me and then his eyes hover over Emmanuel.

He walks over to us, “Good afternoon. How are you, Miss Eloise?”

I frown, “Why are you addressing me so formally?” 

Damon glowers at me. 

“Oh! I mean, I am doing well, Damon. What are you doing out in the gardens?” I say hastily, biting my lip.

“There is a branch that needs clipping. Mistress Adeline says it is blocking her view of the village, so I am on my way to fix it.”

“Mother is fond of her view.” I risk a glance at Emmanuel, who seems puzzled to see me interacting with a worker so well, “Emmanuel, this is Damon. As Mother told you before, he is our footman but he and I are very close. Friends, of sorts.”