A WALK
Madison’s POV
Tasha sauntered behind me, five paces apart as I strode toward the dining room. I was feeling quite invigorated this morning and that’s why immediately after Tasha dolled me up in a beautiful ball dress, I requested that we take a stroll.
“There you are!” My father announced when I approached the table.
My mother smiled. “Good morning, Eleanor. You’re up so early. It’s been a long day. You can stay in bed and your breakfast would be delivered to you,”
Eleanor!
I rolled my eyes at the sound of my new name but then I cleared my throat loudly, came forward, and displayed a bright smile.
“Good morning, Mama and Papa,”
They smiled.
Tasha walked up to me and pulled a chair for me to sit on. On the large table was a fully roasted pork, berries of all kinds, a large cake, all kinds of tea, fruits, and other meals. The food on that table could feed everyone in Michael’s residence at a go.
I turned to Tasha. “That won’t be necessary,”
My mother narrowed her gaze. “You don’t like the food?”
I shook my head. “No. Everything is perfect. I’ll have breakfast later. I just want to take a stroll, I mean see the province,”
My father turned to my mother with a smile. “You see? She can’t wait to look around the city and get to know her people,”
“Fine but you’ll be going with four guards and a car,” my mother replied.
Looks like she was the strict one between them.
“That won’t be necessary, Mama. I’ll just be taking a stroll with Tasha and maybe one guard can come along. As for the car, I’m not sure if I can have the view I envisioned inside it,”
My mother sighed and I saw fear in her eyes. She had lost me once and she won’t want to lose me again.
I gave her an assuring smile. “You have nothing to worry about. I’ll be back sooner than expected,” I said, and grabbed an apple from the fruit basket.
She turned to Tasha. “Take Eliot with you and ensure you don’t go far. If anything goes sound, blow your whistle,”
Tasha nodded.
She has a distress whistle? Great!
“I’ll take my leave now,” I bowed and then turned around.
“Take care,”
I made my way out of the house and moments later, I heard footsteps clicking behind me. I turned around and saw Tasha with a guard walking behind me.
I cleared my throat loudly and stopped. They stopped as well.
“Come closer,”
I caught them exchanging glances with the tail of my left eye.
“How are you two going to watch me if you’re paces behind,”
They fastened their steps toward me and caught up. I turned around.
“Take me somewhere quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. Just somewhere that will blow my mind,”
Eliot sighed. “Well, that will be at the outskirts of the town and we’re not allowed to take you anywhere far,”
I hummed after I caught the carriage behind us.
“What if we take the carriage? We could get there on time and get back as soon as I have a peek?” I said.
“I’m not sure about this,” Tasha replied and turned to look at the castle.
On my part, I needed to be careful, especially after my experience in New York but this wasn’t New York. This is London. This is home where I’m a lady, not Michael’s surrogate hence I had nothing to be worried about and besides, I was determined to forget the Green family and everything that had to do with my past.
“A little adventure won’t kill you both. Will it?” I blinked.
They chuckled and that was how I realized I had the perfect combo.
“Give me a moment,” Eliot said and rushed to get the carriage. He flapped the ropes and led the horses toward us.
Tasha helped me get settled in and then she joined me. We could take the car but those tinted glasses might deny me the pleasure of having a good view.
As the carriage swerved toward the gate, I broke into a laugh. “This should be exciting,”
“Permit me to say you’re mischievous, my lady,” Tasha remarked.
“And you’re a wonderful accomplice,” I retorted.
We broke into a laugh.
Elliot charged the horses and for a moment, it felt as if they were flying. I stuck my head out and allowed the cold breeze to play with my hair.
We rode past a vast green landscape where birds were chirping in the air.
“We can stop here!” I told Elliot.
He pulled the carriage to a stop. Tasha stepped out and then took my hand. I stepped out of the carriage and stared at the open fields.
It was vast, cold, devoid of people, and seemed peaceful except for the birds chirping above which seemed like good company.
“Enjoy the view,” Tasha said and retreated with Eliot.
I fell on the grassland on my back, spread my arms like wings, and gazed up at the blue sky. Then I shut my eyes and allowed the chill sensation to run all over my body.
I don’t know how long I’ve been in that position until I felt a hand tapping me on the shoulder. I opened my eyes and abruptly sat up.
Tasha was kneeling beside me. “I’m sorry to disturb your meditation, my lady but we need to go,”
I sighed and then stretched. “Was I asleep?”
Tasha nodded then she stretched a hand toward me and helped me to get up.
I was about to turn around when I noticed the mountains in front of us. Beside it was a settlement.
“Are there people living there?”
“Yes, but they should not be of concern to you. They are not within your family’s jurisdiction,” Tasha replied.
“But why do they seem so close yet live so far?”
Tasha gave her forehead a delicate scrape.
I narrowed my gaze to match her eyes which were avoiding mine. “Is there something I should know?”
“The people there are considered outcasts. Your parents will tell you about them as well as this province in your passage rite tomorrow,” she replied.
“Passage what?”
She sighed. “You have nothing to worry about. Soon, you’ll have answers to all the questions you want,”
“What’s this passage rite about?”
“It’s not in my position to tell you about that,” Tasha said and lowered her head.
“It’s an order and you can count on my discretion,” I folded my arms across my chest.
She nodded and then lifted her head. “Tomorrow, your parents will name you as the heiress to the Worthington province. At the event, you shall be provided with all the necessary resources to discharge the duties that will be bestowed on you. You were supposed to be named at 25 but since you were taken, your passage rite was delayed. It’ll be filled with people who matter in society and there, you’ll meet suitors. Also..
I sighed and stretched my hand toward Tasha. “That’s enough,” My head was already starting to spin.
This means another event, another gathering of hypocrites, and another gossip.
When would my parents start consulting me before making decisions?
Naming me heiress? I just got here for God’s sake.
“Take me home,” I said to Tasha and started walking toward the carriage.