Page 54 of Hawthorne

Especially when we’re working for blue-blooded people who were born with the world at their feet. With them, I’ll always be at a disadvantage. The walls have ears, and the windows have eyes. I may trust Mariah or everyone else in this manor not to tell what I say to anyone, but nothing will guarantee that will happen.

So, one thing is certain. I can dislike the duke’s mother as much as I want, but I won’t be sharing that with anyone.

The kitchen is buzzing with the staff preparing supper for tonight, according to the menu that the duke agreed for this week. I supervise everything and check in with the duke twice more to see if they need anything, but they dismiss me both times.

I notice Vincent’s lingering gaze on me, but try to ignore it every time, afraid that his mother will notice. Luckily, she’s engrossed in her conversation with him more than me, not understanding the lingering gazes or tension surrounding her son and me.

After two torturous hours, she finally leaves, and the duke retreats to his office. I use the remaining of my free time before dinner to take Primrose for a walk through the orchard. She’s still very uneasy around people, and with all of the workers still walking around the property, this time around, I distance myself from the manor.

Venturing a little through the property’s gardens, I let her run around and happily sniff her surroundings. She’s getting more and more obedient, quickly learning to stay and come whenever I call. She’s also heavily attached to me, often looking a little panicked whenever she doesn’t see me around.

“Hi,” a male voice sounds from my side, and I turn, slightly startled.

I wasn’t expecting anyone out here this late. Looking around, I notice I am quite close to the stables and see Karl, our stableman, standing close by, still in his working clothes, dirty after a day of labour.

My thoughts were consuming me so much that I didn’t even notice I was walking this way. Still, it’s late. He should have finished for the day.

Karl’s skin is glistening from sweat, and he’s sporting a small smile. With his shirt's sleeves hunched up to his elbows, he’s showing off his veiny, muscular arms. With short blond hair and blue eyes, he’s really easy on the eye.

Just a couple of years older, he’s in a situation similar to mine. Even though Karl never lived on the property full-time like I did growing up, his father often brought him to work, and when Quinton had to retire earlier due to dementia, Aunt Lizzie offered him the same job his father had, in case he was interested.

I don’t know where Karl worked before here, but he quickly accepted the job offer and has been here for around five or six years now. It was in Mrs Hawthorne’s interest to keep someone she trusted working with the animals, but also someone they were already used to. From what I’ve heard, Quinton has passed down his love for animals to his son.

“Hi, Karl,” I greet him before returning to Primrose, who seems to be barking at something in a bush. “What’s going on, girl?” I ask as I crouch next to her.

Behind me, I hear a sharp intake of breath and turn around at a sudden sound. I watch as Karl quickly reaches my side and crouches next to me. His cheeks are slightly tinged pink, probably from the hard physical work this job requires.

“Maybe a rabbit or a bird?” he questions, focusing on the bush Primrose is still sniffing and barking at.

“Oh, yes! I still haven’t understood if she likes them or wants to hunt them,” I chuckle, amused when she comes back to me, asking to be pet.

“Dogs will be dogs,” he chuckles before standing up, and I mimic him. “So, how’s working with the new boss?”

Shrugging one shoulder, I answer, “It’s almost the same as before. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. Most of the staff don’t seem too worried about the change, but he does look like a cold, detached man,” he comments, pensive. “Since I am always here in the stables, I was just…curious.”

“Of course.” I smile in understanding. “I mean, he can be very assertive and authoritative if things don’t go his way, but in reality, he is pretty chilled about everything. As you must have realised, he hasn’t changed much since he arrived. The staff is happy to be able to keep doing things like they did before.”

“That’s true.” There is a small, awkward pause, but then he locks his eyes on mine and asks, “And how are you?”

“Me?” I ask, feeling my cheeks heating a little.

We have crossed paths many times, but Karl never spent too much time talking to me. Sometimes, it was only just a “Good Morning.”

“I am fine…” I trail off, focusing on Primrose for a second. She pays the both of us no mind. “And you?”

“Yes, I’m uhm…Alright. Yeah, alright!” He seems to struggle with his words a little bit. “I—” He stops himself, exhaling loudly.

Is he…I gulp, not knowing what to do. Karl has always maintained his distance and kept to himself. At first, I thought it was because his father’s illness was hard on him and he wasn’t in the mood to socialise with the rest of the staff, but could it be because he is extremely shy instead?

“Yes?” I prompt, hoping to encourage him to talk.

“Never mind,” he sighs at the same time his shoulders sag. “I’ll, uh, see you around.” And then, he just turns around and leaves.

I’m speechless and dumbfounded, looking at an oblivious dog still exploring her surroundings.

After a couple of moments of over-analysing these few moments together, I shake the thoughts away and call Primrose to follow me back home. As soon as I take a few steps, she shows up by my side, whining and trying to jump up, supporting herself on my leg. Knowing exactly what she wants, I scoop her into my arms and start the short walk back to the manor.

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