6~ The Duke Of Elm Brook

[Celia's POV]

Enzo advised her to stay inside the house for a few weeks until the scandal died down.

"Take a look at the garden until then," Enzo had added.

Celia had nodded gratefully. Enzo then had gone out on his visits and Celia found herself alone in the house, but also relieved.

She went back to the kitchen once Enzo had left. Mrs. Gibson was not in there. Celia found the portion of food she had left earlier before everything happened, still placed on the table beside some uncut vegetables. She hurried to pick up the bowl and gobbled down the food in the most unladylike manner. While she ate the bland and cold food, she realized how hungry she was.

Once she had finished eating, she felt slightly better and slightly more attached to her surroundings. The nervous ball of the wreck inside her had calmed slightly.

As she was leaving the kitchen, she was startled by the sudden appearance of Mrs. Gibson. She opened her mouth to apologize as she had done so before when she worked for the Wilsons when the older woman said, "Even if Doctor O'Neil forgives and decides to let you stay, you have to earn your keep properly. Already you have caused him much trouble. Do not try to bring in more."

Celia lowered her gaze and kept her mouth shut. She knew she was partly to be blamed, but still… this accusation felt too much. She had no wicked intentions. She was not a harlot because the last thing she wanted was to start any kind of romantic relationship with the lord of the house, with her employer.

She did not want to because she knew it would go nowhere and only bring her heartache and who knows even death if the other person came to know of her hideous secret in any way.

When Mrs. Gibson's tirade had ended, Celia had navigated her way to the garden. Her eyes widened at the sight. The garden had high walls surrounding the three sides. The back garden was also shaded with a wooden roof.

Celia hitched up her skirts a little to not let mud ruin her dress and walked further into the garden. There were so many herbs that she had never seen before. She had been going to the forest when she needed logs for fire because Lady Regina did not like the logs that were sold at the market, or she simply wanted her to never sit idly at her house.

Celia observed each plant closely and wondered if she should make notes of them. She would definitely. There was even a small bench to sit on. She would come back later to observe again and note them down.

One particular plant drew her. The plant had purple flowers and they looked like someone had splashed purple color in the middle of the greenery. She leaned in closer and raised her hand to touch the flower. The moment her fingers brushed against them, she hissed and staggered back.

Her heartbeat had ratcheted up. She raised her trembling fingers and inspected them. The tips of the index, middle, and ring fingers were red and throbbing.

Celia stared at them with widened eyes. She never seemed to be allergic to any herb, and she has a list of the ones she has tried. Of course, the books from Lord Wilson's library helped, but…

"Heart's Bane, one of the deadliest plants for any living creature out there. Although its nectar is practically an elixir," a calm, lilting voice startled Celia. She turned around and inhaled sharply.

The man was taller than Doctor Enzo. His black shoulder-length hair and black attire rivaled his pale skin. His sharp jawline and nose made his icy blue eyes stand out.

When Celia noticed his pink lips curve into a smug grin, she looked away. Her cheeks felt warm from embarrassment. Why did she have to stare at someone like that?

"Who…?" Celia stuttered.

She put her hands behind her back and kept her gaze lowered.

"Is Doctor O'Neil in?" The man asked instead of answering her question.

Celia shook her head.

"I will be in the parlor. Bring me some wine," he ordered, and without further small talk, swept out of the garden, disappearing as suddenly as he had appeared.

Celia felt her heartbeats calm after a long while even though her fingers were yet to heal.

Instead of dawdling in the garden any longer, she hurried to find Mrs. Gibson.

"A man was looking for Doctor O'Neil," Celia informed as soon as she found the housekeeper. The woman was in the kitchen again. Celia was slightly surprised that neither she nor Fredrick had gone to welcome the guest like she had seen back at the Wilson manor.

"Who?" Mrs. Gibson sounded a bit nervous for some reason.

"I don't know his name," Celia answered truthfully.

"He wants some wine to be served, should I―" Celia began, thinking that maybe both Fredrick and this old woman were teaming up against her.

But Mrs. Gibson cut her off mid-sentence. "No. I am going. You do the work here."

Celia opened her mouth to protest but Mrs. Gibson was already out of the kitchen.

'Strange,' Celia thought, and despite being told to stay in the kitchen, she glanced around to check if she was really needed before tiptoeing out and following Mrs. Gibson.

'You should mind your own business,' Celia's conscience seemed to say but her heart had other plans. She was curious about the guests and the reaction of the residents of this house.

She waited for Mrs. Gibson to leave the cellar and walk over to the parlor, and when the older woman finally did, Celia stealthily managed to go near the parlor.

"Duke Mercei," Celia heard Mrs. Gibson greet, and instantly her breath caught in her throat.

Duke Vladimir Mercei? The ruler of this county? The one who had rapidly developed each village under his rule? The one was rarely seen in public, and his palace remained shrouded in mystery. That duke?

However, before Celia's mind could churn out more questions, she had the main door open with a slam, and Doctor Enzo walked inside, followed by Fredrick. He looked anything but calm. His eyes were narrowed and his mouth was set in a thin line.

Celia receded a little to make her presence not known. She saw Duke Mercei step out of the parlor before Enzo could enter. Mrs. Gibson stepped away from the duo, going to stand beside Fredrick, and after some time both of them retreated as if they did not want to be a witness of the scene. However, Celia remained where she was.

"Hello Lucian, oh I apologize, Doctor O'Neil," Duke Mercei said with a crooked grin. Celia's mouth hung open.

"Why are you here?" Enzo greeted, and Celia had never heard him sound so angry before.

Duke Mercei chuckled. "What else would I be here for, apart from checking in on my brother."