Chapter 10 The Easten Forest
Oscar, Abélie, and their escort of only one soldier continued their way through Mulberry. The eastern gate of the city was a vast stone arch, engraved and imposing. A remnant of what must once have been enormous ramparts, now collapsed, yet still impressive. Beneath the arch, two guards in mauve uniforms—the colour of Mulberry—were sheltering from the rain, leaning on their spears. They did not appear overwhelmed by events. Oscar approached, Abélie and the soldier from Eau-Claire following close behind.
“Good day, gentlemen. Not too worn down by the cold?”
“Oh! You must be Lord Rivière!” exclaimed the older guard, bowing his head. “Welcome to the city, sir.”
His comrade followed suit.
“There’s no need for so much courtesy, gentlemen. I merely wished to meet the soldiers of Mulberry,” Oscar explained, embarrassed by the attention. “Please—stand at ease.”
The older of the two guards straightened, puzzled.
“But what are you doing outside in this weather, my Lord? The castle is on the exact opposite side of the city.”
“I was hoping to walk around the outskirts. Your forests look plentiful—and magnificent.”
The two men exchanged a hesitant—perhaps worried—glance.
“Well… The surroundings of the city aren’t safe, especially for civilians. It would be most unfortunate if you were to be injured, my Lord.”
“I’m perfectly capable of defending myself, and I’m not alone,” he said with a smile, gesturing toward his modest escort.
True enough, the soldier from Eau-Claire—Frédéric—was imposing. Still, the two guards remained unconvinced. Worse, they shook their heads.
“I’m sorry, my Lord. It wouldn’t be prudent. Without the approval of the captain of the guard—or the Duchess herself—I can’t allow you to go that way.”
With a resigned air, and faced with the guards’ apologetic expressions, he finally nodded.
“I understand. I’ll follow your recommendations, gentlemen.”
They apologised once again before suggesting a few shops in the city centre.
Oscar left them shortly thereafter, their steps now leading back toward the heart of the city.
Abélie, her ears tucked beneath her cap, eventually spoke.
“That led us nowhere.”
“Nowhere? I’m more eager than ever to explore that forest.”
The young girl pouted.
“Sir… It sounds dangerous out there. I understand your desire to stir things up, but perhaps not at the cost of your own health?”
“Do you truly believe the forest is dangerous?”
“The guards have no reason to lie. They seemed quite sincere.”
“Hm. That’s true—but it still intrigues me.”
“Either way,” she said, changing the subject, “it’s time to head back. Lunchtime has passed, and I wouldn’t want you to starve.”
“Let me wander a little longer.”
After a few more hours of roaming—and despite Abélie’s protests—they finally returned.
At the castle, they were greeted by a perplexed Brennan.
“Sir, we were looking for you at midday, but a young servant told us you had gone out,” he said, taking the young man’s coat.
“Well, Brennan, I felt like visiting Mulberry. It was the perfect opportunity.”
“Madam was quite surprised to learn of your escapade,” the butler replied.
Without reacting to the implied reproach, Oscar changed the subject.
“Brennan, could you do me a small favour?”
The butler adjusted his glasses, his face neutral.
“I am at your service, sir.”
“I’d like Abélie to become a majordomo. Could you teach her the ropes of the profession?”
Brennan raised an eyebrow.
“But sir—I am the majordomo of this house.”
“I’d like Abélie to become my personal majordomo. I know you are occupied with Her Grace’s affairs, so having Abélie at my side will ease your burden.”
Cutting short the butler’s budding protest, Oscar inclined his head politely.
“Thank you for her. Make her an outstanding majordomo.”
And without another word, he headed toward his apartments.
At dinner, Lady Brynn was already seated at the table, waiting for him. Oscar greeted her courteously and took his place opposite. Servants brought the dishes. After a few moments of relative silence, the duchess spoke.
“You did not dine here at midday, my Lord.”
Though Oscar perceived a faint smile on her lips, he also clearly sensed the tone of an interrogation.
“I wished to go out and visit the city surrounding your castle—that is true.”
“Without an escort. Even if Mulberry is a calm city, that was hardly prudent, my dear.”
“I tried to visit the forest east of Mulberry, but some guards discouraged me,” he continued, ignoring her remark. He thought he detected a flicker of irritation in her emerald gaze.
Lady Brynn tapped one of her utensils against the rim of her plate, clearly searching for her words.
“No one goes into the eastern forest. It is inhabited by brigands. Do not make the mistake of wandering there.”
As he was about to reply, she cut him off sharply.
“And I have heard that you are seeking to promote your young servant to the rank of majordomo. There is already a majordomo in this household, Lord Oscar.”
“Mr Brennan is your majordomo and your intendant, Your Grace. I wish for Abélie to become my personal majordomo. It is only logical that we each have one, since we will be evolving in parallel over the coming months—if not years.”
She stared at him, her expression unreadable. With his father, Oscar would have lowered his eyes—he would hardly have dared speak at all. With the Duchess… he had always found it easier to stand his ground with women. That did not mean it came easily.
After a long moment, she sighed.
“I can only commend the intention. Very well—your young attendant may become your personal majordomo. However, I reserve the right to forbid her access to the same places I forbid my own majordomo, naturally.”
Oscar nodded; it seemed reasonable—though it only heightened his curiosity. From behind her wine glass, Lady Brynn studied him.
“So, you are accepting… my earlier proposition?"
"The one about marriage and our... life arrangement?"
"Yes," she simply confirmed, as she reached for her glass of wine.
"I…" he began, "I cannot go back; therefore… I do." He continued, just before she was about to speak, "However, I think we should see how well we appreciate each other's company. And the wait before the wedding could be useful for that."
She seemed to consider it for a moment.
"I didn't intend for the wedding to take place before the spring."
"Of course," he nodded politely.
The silence stretched uncomfortably. Lady Brynn sipped her wine and spoke as a means to defuse the lingering tension.
"Though our situation is far from ordinary, every word I spoke yesterday was genuine. I want you to feel free here, Lord Oscar. If I must restrict certain accesses, it is for safety reasons. But I will endeavour to facilitate your movements as far as possible,” she commented, sipping her wine.
“And how far does that ‘as far as possible’ go?”
“As far as your comfort requires.”
“And the forest?”
“The forest is off-limits,” she said curtly. “I am certain you will be content with the rest, Lord Oscar. All I wish is that we stay out of one another’s way.”
He looked at her. She met his gaze.
The rest of the dinner unfolded in a complete and heavy silence.