Chapter 17
1569words
Philips eyes followed Martha as she was busy working. He kept wondering what she was thinking, she was so hard to read. He remembered the last encounter he had with her. When he had found out she could talk she calmly walked out. She didn't say anything to him. He was confused with her actions. What exactly happened to her? Is she lying? What could he believe? He gave a sigh of frustration.
Just then the lady who came to see him walked in, her name was Lillian. she has been a long-time family friend. Her father was one of the richest men in town who specialized in clothing's. He was the person to go to for the latest fashion. She has been visiting more without an invitation lately since he came back. This was one of the reasons he never wanted to come back home.
She interrupted him with her sweet high-pitched voice, "oh Philip did you get my question? He raised an eye brow to look at her. He used his eyes to scan her dressing. She wore a gown so tight and the top revealing more than just her cleavage, it was so revealing that it felt like her breast were going to fall out. He smirked when he saw it. She was trying too hard. For a girl as pretty as her, she didn't have to. He was just not interested, but a voice filled with accusation came at the back of his head, but you are interested in your step sister. No, he was not interested in that other way, he was interested in her as a friend he wants to help. The voice at the back of his head replied in a sarcastic way, yeah that's right you really want to help. Philip forced his attention back on the person talking it was not gentlemanly to ignore her. He replied "of course I heard your question Lillian I am going to try to be available all night at the party but I can'tpromise you that, I am really happy you came to visit us Lillian".
Just then his sister Amelia came in, he knew she left Lillian alone on purpose so she could get a chance to sink her claws into him but he was going to ignore it because she was his sister. "Oh Lillian and Philip I see you two are getting along", she said as he stood up like he had something to get done folding his hands behind his back a perfect pose for a gentleman. "I am sorry ladies I have to leave now", as he took a bow, a portion of his hair fell covering half his face giving him a dark wicked look which caused a sigh of pleasure from Lilian. He rather not stay in the presence of these two. He smiled then took prefect manly steps out leaving Lillian stuck in awe as she watched is his broad shoulders while he left, oh what she would do to get his attention for just five minutes.She noticed that all the while she has been talking his attention was towards the direction of the maids. She wondered what was so interesting about an ordinary servant than her, she releases a sigh of frustration. She was interrupted with her thoughts when Amelia asks, "Lillian, what happened?" She responds with a bit of frustration," I feel like I am not making progress, I keep talking but he is distracted". Amelia offered a reassuring smile "I know my brother it would take a while to get there, but he sat down to listen to you right?". Dramatically using her fan to make gestures, Lillian responded "Yes but that is because he sees me as a childhood friend, he doesn't see me as a woman". With a roll of her eyes, Amelia pipped "Lillian anybody will see you as a woman don't think about it too much. Don't forget the ball is coming that will be a good opportunity to really impress him". With the talk of the ball, Lillian forgot all about the man whose attention she wanted She shrieked with excitement, "yes I already told my papa, I have told him to get me the best gown in all of Scotland, I cant wait to wear it" with a dreamy look she went on a rant about clothes.
Philip step outside the mansion, he sights the Gardner, as he took deliberate steps towards him with Little Michael jumping around his father. He has always been an active little boy full of life. Michael? He called out ruffling little Michael's hair, he gets his attention. "Hi Mr. Philip", Michael says with excitement, Philip smiles with satisfaction, which was the only real smile he has had all day. Something about this child's happiness madehim happy.
"How have you been Michael? You know what I have got something for you", Michael looked on with excitement, "really He asked, eyes wide and anticipating.
"Oh no Mr. Philip", Michael's father says, "there is no need for that". Philip squeezed his face showing hurt, "why would you say that, you hurt my feelings, are we not a family?" Michael's father quickly apologized," I am sorry Master I didn't mean it that way". Philip looked sternly at the man,
"Do not call that, we are passed this stage". He then took out two parcels from his pocket, one containing a watch and the other containing goodies. "These was the chocolates I promised you and this I also got for you because I didn't have an Idea of what to get, make sure no one takes it from you", as he gave the parcels, little Michael could not contain his joy as he opened his eye with excitement and was ready to jump towards Philip, but as a good boy he was he looked at his father for approval, his father nods his head giving him approval, without saying much he gives Mr. Philip a hug, grabs the parcel and runs away, he turns his back and yelled a thank you before running again. Philip laughed; the child was so excited that he almost forgot to say thank you.
"Thank you so much Mr. Philip Michael can be really hyper active, the only time I see him gets this excited is when gets gifts from me and when he is talking to Mary". The mention of her name brough memories rushing back
"That reminds me", he frowns a bit, "and yes about Mary"…the gardener's face scrunched with concern " is there a problem sir?" Philip didn't want to sound obsessed or out of his mind " No I just want to ask a few questions, I am curious what really happened to Mary I hope she is not really dumb? I hope she is making a mistake". Philip looked and saw a frown on the older man face, he knew the Gardner for so long to know when he had a protective look on his face. He knew the only reason he wasn't going off was because of the relationship they shared. He quickly corrected himself, "I am not trying to insult her or anyone I am just curious, how come she suddenly stopped talking". The looked on the gardeners face relaxed
"They really didn't tell you did they Mr. Philip? I don't know if I am the right person to tell you but Mary was attacked and lost her virtue, he sighs, I do not want to continue because I do not think I should be the one telling you this story. Most girls wouldn't have survived that and she surviving it would have likely taken a toll on her body. Mary is a strong girl Mr. Philip and I wish she would be treated better but you know the story". ‘Yes, I understand Philip replies, I am really grateful you told me'. The man had a kind look on his face "Not a problem Mr. Philip I just do not want to get into problems as it is not in my place to say". Philip replies "I do understand and respect that". Philip began to work but became more confused than ever, what exactly happened? He thought to himself, what should he believe? He unknowingly folded his hands in determination. Whether she likes it or not I would get to the bottom of this and she would be the one to tell him.
