"So, Miss Rose, we will be making a short stop at number 99, Chatham Close shortly to drop off your acquaintance Miss Hilda Stone for permission to enter Waters House?" the chauffeur asked in his haughty German accent.
"Yes, Sebastian-" Rose replied
"Sigismund."
"Yes Sebastian Sijimoe-" Rose attempted, albeit a bit cheekily.
"I am not amused by your little trick, Miss Rose." Sigismund replied warily, toothbrush mustache wiggling exasperatedly. "You know my name is Sigismund, I have dutifully served you family for years."
"Sorry, Salvador."
"Miss Hilda, please may you go and ask your guardian permission to slumber overnight at my employer's abode." Sigismund finally said.
"Yes, Mister Sigismund." Hilda replied politely. This received looks of bewilderment from Rose, looks of amusement from Genevieve and looks of respect from Sigismund, the chauffeur.
"Wot?" Rose hissed. "How'd you understand him? Even mum and dad have a hard time understanding what he says!"
"I live with Mister Henry." Hilda sighed, smiling slightly.
"Ah."
Hilda opened the doors of the expensive looking limousine and walked up the pebbled front yard onto the purple wooden door. She grasped the lion knocker and, shakily, rapped it against the door.
No response.
Undaunted, Hilda rapped the door knocker again. He could be still sleeping.
But after looking like a fool, rapping the doorknob over and over, she decided that he was out. In the park. At the greengrocer's. Wherever.
She walked back to the car and dialed his phone number. He always carried a phone with him, even though he was so stuck in the past. It was weird thought. But it was useful.
"Hello?"
Silence.
"Hello?"
Then, a slightly hoarse voice croaked, "Help. Next to pond."
*********
"The pond! Mister Sigismund, in Riverview Park, near the middle, you only need to take me to the entrance, it's not that far-" Hilda babbled.
"No, Miss Hilda, I can navigate up to the inland sea." Sigismund insisted. "Have you dialed the emergency services? Your guardian could be in a critical condition."
"Done." Genevieve said quickly. "I called them about five minutes ago. The ambulance is on its way."
"Quickness, fire and organisation." Sigismund nodded. "The best qualities any being can possess."
Sigismund drove up to the park entrance doors, and quickly advanced to the pond. As they got closer, they could see a half-conscious old man lying dangerously close to the water's edge.
"No." Hilda whispered.
"I'm so sorry." Genevieve replied sympathetically.
YOU ARE READING
Sisters (On Pause)
General FictionHilda is not the coolest girl. She's an orphan, lives with the ancient Mister Henry and practically has the most boring life in the universe. Then comes a letter of acceptance to Blackwood Academy for Girls; read as her life turns upside-down.
