Page 12 of Hawthorne

A light whimper escapes Camilla’s mouth, and a sudden tug at my heartstrings sours my mood instantly.

“Mother, please don't be cruel,” I hiss.

“Yes, after she passed away,” Camilla continues with a sad smile, not giving in to my mother’s toxic behaviour. “I’ve brought all of my things back to the housekeeper’s room, right next to the kitchen.”

“Good, at least you know your place.”

“Okay, that’s enough,” I grit out, not having the patience for my mother’s pettiness. “Thank you for helping, Camilla. My mother’s not feeling well, as you can see. Allow me to accompany her outside so the driver can take her home for some needed rest.”

Camilla nods and bows, excusing herself from our presence. When I place my mother’s hand on my elbow and start walking, she whines, “That’s not the plan, son. I’m staying for the next couple of weeks. You should settle in and learn how to manage this manor.”

“You forget I was the one already doing it at our house?” I raise my eyebrow.

“That was the official order; you did anything I asked you to.”

“Exactly,” I agree. “And that taught me something. I’ll be fine on my own,” I grumble, pinching the bridge of my nose.

“But this is a new house, new staff…You’ll need help, so I’ll stay.” She quickly dismisses me, trying to untangle her arm from mine, but I pull her back to me, leading us into the entrance hall.

“That’s exactly why I have a housekeeper. She’ll take care of everything. It’s her damn job,” I raise my voice, echoing through the spacious division.

“That girl won’t work.” She matches my voice. “I was already thinking about dismissing her. I’ll take over while we look for someone suitable. You need me to stay here with you.”

Living here with Camilla will be hell, but not having her here is just…wrong.

“No!” I roar.

I regret the tone of my voice as soon as it escapes my mouth upon seeing the way my mother’s eyes widen. Taking a quick breath to regain my composure, I try to do some damage control by adding, “Mother, Aunt Elizabeth’s will was extremely detailed. According to what’s written, I have to live here alone until I get married and Camilla is to not be fired—at all or ever.”

A round of expletives leave my mother’s mouth.

“That old sag,” she exclaims, rushing out the door. “She did this on purpose, knowing I’d be trying to help. She’s forcing me out once again!”

Or allowing me to finally not be under your rule… “Mother—”

She cuts me off. “Don’t let your aunt have her way. She is trying to manipulate you into her whims, even after death.”

“Mum, please, are you listening to yourself?” I scold her. “Aunt Elizabeth is only looking out for her staff, and I didn’t plan on letting them go either. Keeping their job is only fair. That’s as far as my aunt’s influence will go in my life. Don’t worry.”

Understanding I am not wavering, she begrudgingly nods. “Still, be careful. I don’t trust that housekeeper. Do not forget you’re meant for more than this. Don’t get comfortable.”

Finally, in perfect timing and saving me from continuing this dreadful matter, David, my driver, steps out of the car and opens the door. With my help, she gets inside, and I watch, lost in my thoughts, as they depart from the property.

Even though I tried to play it down, my mum was right to be worried. This is going to be much harder than I expected, but not for the reasons she thinks.

Even though I know in my gut that everything about this change will only make things worse, as the car shrinks with the distance, a heavyweight gradually lifts off my shoulders. For the first time in my life, I feel like I can breathe.

“Fuck, this feels good.”

With a deep breath, I turn around, the little pebbles crunching under my shoes. As soon as I catch sight of the building’s imposing façade, from one of the windows, I see a sudden movement.

It’s quick, but the swinging curtain gives it away. Someone was watching…And I think I know exactly who it was.

??????

The clock marks two in the morning, and I haven’t been able to fall asleep yet.

After I managed to send my mother back, I dove headfirst into organising my office and preparing everything for tomorrow’s workload.

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