Back In time

Twenty-One

Soon, the food that we had ordered, arrived. Though I was feeling famished, I couldn't bring myself to touch any of its contents. However, I wasn't one to waste food, especially when much time was needed to present a masterpiece like this. Twirling the pasta with my fork, I shoved the lump into my mouth and forced it down my throat. It was delicious, but I was in no mood for any food. I looked over to Nicholas who too, has yet to touch the steak before him.

"So, Miss Wellesley, what trade are your parents in?" Mrs. Dolittle asked. As I focused my attention on her, it was without a doubt that I saw Nicholas' grip tighten on his utensils.

Since I was a soul in another person's body, I was clueless about our family tree. Besides, given that I was suffering from 'amnesia', it wasn't a surprise that I had lost all memory regarding our family's history. But I'd vaguely remembered what Agnes told me.

"They died when I was little," I replied, "But I heard from Agnes that they were in the shipping business."

"What about your grandparents?"

"It's just my grandfather. My grandmother died a little while after the death of my parents. I guess it must have taken a toll on her."

"I am so sorry." Amelia spoke, her eyes were filled with concern and compassion. I could tell that she wanted to give me a hug, but of course, table manners prohibited such acts.

"It's alright. I was really little," I continued to take a bite from my plate, "so there were little memories that I had of them."

"I see. Your grandfather must have done a good job raising the two of you, but not good enough; given that you still require lessons from Nicholas." The sarcasm that dripped from her voice was undeniable. But I wasn't going to let her get to me. I knew that the things she said was so that I would make a slip up and eventually lash out on her; ridiculing not only me, but also Nicholas. As the fire within starting to boil, I remain determined to protect the reputation of Nicholas.

"Well, not everyone is perfect. No matter how perfect you try to be, that perfection will always remain as a figment of your imagination. So, it's better to know that you're flawed, than to continue living in a lie. Don't you agree?" I retorted, thoroughly proud of myself.

"Indeed," Mrs. Dolittle smiled. It was not the reaction that I hoped for, but it's fine. All that matters was for me to remain calm and collected.

"You truly are wise beyond your years. Nicholas has indeed taught you well."

"Miss Wellesley has always been an intellectual woman; I was merely acting as a guide for her." Nicholas remarked, a little louder than his usual voice; a clear opposition against Mrs. Dolittle.

"If the son of the queen's right-hand man says so, I reckon that it must be credible," She wasn't at all fazed by Nicholas' comment, instead, she was calmly sipping the contents from her cup, exuding elegance while constructing the words that cut sharper than knives. Both Amelia and I kept quiet throughout their conversation, knowing that it is better to avoid getting ourselves entangled in their feud.

I was the first to finish dinner, followed by Amelia. Mrs. Dolittle was halfway through while Nicholas' steak remained untouched. I was so ready to head home, but I knew that whatever was going on, was far from over. Like me, Amelia sat quietly, fiddling with her napkin to entertain herself from the boredom of silence.

"How is your father?" Mrs. Dolittle voiced, eradicating the peace. Nicholas tensed at her question.

"He is doing well, thank you for your concern. But it would be better if you abstained from his affairs."