The Japanese Tutor (PART I-II) [ONGOING]

XX: Dépaysé

City of Paris, France. DECEMBER 1893.

Jeanne stayed in her home country. It was her first time to stay in her old home for a long time but disheartening at the same time. But, this was rewarding at the same time because at least the aristocratic Steinfeld residence would not keep an eye on her.

It was because she would do something that would spill their jasmine tea.

Right now, Jeanne was with her children to celebrate Christmas inside her parents' place. The Beaumont mansion was in the western part of France's rich capital. Since winter, the snowy terrain hid the luscious green plants and made the trees live without leaves.

The interiors were so big that you could compare it to the Steinfeld's in Buckinghamshire. The noise echoed across the large hall from an open living room. The luxurious room had chairs, curtains, walls in colors of blue and white. The furniture was distant from each other that the people inside had to increase the volume of their voices.

This morning, that noise was childish, lifting the gloomy atmosphere. It was in front of the living room, where Jennne peeked through the doorway. What she saw chuckled her—her brother Eugene played with her eldest daughter.

"Your daughter Josephine grew well during your absence," Eugene happily commented as he carried the black-haired girl, who was pinching his cheek, "at this age, I seemed to feel violated for what she did."

Jeanne covered her mouth to laugh. "You teased her a lot, so you made her feel grumpy!"

Eugene pouted his lips to his niece. "Don't hurt your uncle, or I will not give you toys."

"You ruin my doll's dress!" Josephine shouted.

"Awww. Don't worry, Jo! I will fix her." Eugene picked up the pink doll clothes on the floor and wore it to the doll. Then. he used the brush to restyle its hair.

Jeanne watched him returned the doll to her daughter. As much as she liked her brother being around, it would be much better if Ahman himself would be with her and her siblings. She witnessed Josephine stood up and chased Eugene as they played tag. This playful moment gave her a warm smile but felt terrible at the same time.

"What's wrong, sister?" Eugene approached her, "I bet you think of brother Ahman. I'm sure he missed you and his kids so much."

Jeanne sighed. "I wish someday we can just live here for the rest of life. Being in London has its perks, but my hometown never fails me."

"Is there something wrong back in Britain?"

Jeanne widened her eyes and didn't reply.

"I am sure you have problems. I think it's about that aristocratic family showing true colors..." Eugene analyzed his sister. She seemed to nod. "I knew it! I should have stopped our father from believing that George person. We would have been happy here with brother Ahman—"

"We wouldn't have met Ahman if that's the case."

"Oh, right..."

Eventually, one of the maids ran to Jeanne.

"Madame, you have a telegram. It's from your husband. I placed it on your desk for you to see."

Jeanne's eyes widened. "Oh, sure! I'll see it myself."

When Jeanne took a few steps, about to run, Eugene chuckled and commented, "it seems your husband finally updates with you. When will he come back doing his 'puppet' business?"

Jeanne just grinned. "I don't

"Never mind, just go read the telegram he sent to you."

Jeanne ran to the halls as fast as possible. The loud steps echoed in each loud step, startling some people in the process. Then, she stopped in front of the white door, which was her bedroom door. She turned the doorknob and pulled to open. Once she was inside, Jeanne noticed a sealed envelope on a desk near the window. She went closer to inspect the newly arrived letter and saw stamps from the post office. Then, she picked it up and opened it carefully, ensuring there was no tear in the process.