Circumstances of column (1)
When I got to know Vincent's surroundings better, I realized that his life was not as simple as it might seem at first glance. What appears before your eyes does not always reflect all aspects of reality. At least this could be said about the life of Vincent, whose path was not clear of obstacles.
Since then, Violet has often visited this mansion. Sometimes Ethan accompanied her. Perhaps because we were united by a common secret, their visits ceased to be burdensome. At some point they even became habitual, and therefore only brought me joy.
And that man, Lucas. I couldn't understand what he was trying to achieve by telling me that he was to blame for Vincent's blindness. After that conversation, every time we met, he smiled at me as if nothing had happened. His words remained a mystery even after he left.
The relationship between Vincent and Lucas remained just as casual. Does this mean that Lucas really has nothing to do with it? What did Vincent know about this? And Ethan? How much did he know? Due to my inexperience, I was not immediately able to understand the essence of their relationship.
Well, what can a simple servant like me understand to judge their lives?
I can only understand Mr.’s doubts, wariness and disgust towards people a little better than others, but I don’t think I can do anything. The fact that I felt strangeness in their relationship did not give me the right to interfere. All I need to do is do my job well.
Excessive curiosity can only lead to anger.
I reminded myself of why I took this job.
***
“I am sending him because he is so beautiful,” the letter said in gold letters, accompanied by a flower. It was a white flower that became transparent when the sun's rays hit it. I shook the flower slightly and placed it between the pages of my favorite book. Then I looked up at the clear sky.
For the first time in a long time, silence reigned in the mansion. The noisy days passed and seemed like a dream.
- So quiet.
- Yes.
Today I decided to read a new book. The space near the window in Vincent's room became a new place for reading. After the incident at the tea party, Vincent locked himself in again because he was afraid. This time I didn’t persuade him to leave, but simply made room for him in front of the open window.
– The silence makes it a little lonely.
- Not at all. I'm comfortable alone.
-You are so boring.
– To me it sounds like a compliment.
The last words were spoken calmly. His serene face turned towards the window. I continued to watch Vincent.
“What are you thinking about?”
Lately I've started asking myself a lot of questions. I used to just think of him as a blind man with a terrible character, but recently I realized that I know practically nothing about him.
I wanted to pretend I wasn't interested, but curiosity got the better of me.
-What are you thinking about?
“You smell like something sweet, in a new way.”
– Sweet smell? Oh, I brought pound cake for dessert today.
(Editor's note: Pound cake is a popular dessert among aristocrats of the 18th century. To prepare it, take one pound (about 450 g) of butter, sugar, eggs and flour. Sometimes dried fruits or nuts are added.)
I remembered the existence of a cupcake that I had already forgotten about. As I was returning the empty plates, the cook offered it to me for dessert.
“He has loved sweets since childhood,” the cook said then, whose wrinkled face lit up with joy, and I tilted my head to look at the dessert under the transparent lid.
- Cupcake?
Vincent rarely showed interest. I was a little surprised by such a quick reaction.
– Do you like sweets?
- A little.
Then he quickly began to feel around the space. Recent training had made his movements more natural, but it still couldn't hide his blindness.
He loved sweets very much, which was surprising for a man with such a sour face.
Removing the transparent lid, I cut a piece of the cake, placed it on a plate and handed it to Vincent. When I handed him the fork, he felt the edge of the plate and stuck it into a piece of cake.
However, the dessert began to crumble and suddenly slipped off the fork. Vincent, who did not know about this, put an empty fork in his mouth and was surprised. He then tried to spear it again with his fork, but dropped it onto an empty part of the plate. I thought that if he continued to eat like this, it would take all day, so I just put the cupcake in his hands.
Vincent frowned slightly, but put it in his mouth anyway. The pound cake tasted good, so he quickly chewed it and reached out again. Then I invited him to take another piece, which he willingly accepted and ate.
Looking at how he eats, I myself wanted to know the taste of this cupcake. I took a piece and put it in my mouth. Sweetness spread across my tongue. It was sweet. But at the same time the feeling was pleasant. It was the first time I ate something so delicious.
“There is such bread in the world.”
Continuing to take one piece after another secretly from Vincent, I mentally praised the chef’s skills. We shared this dessert between two people, so the plate was soon empty.
- Look here.
- A?
He took the last remaining piece, put it in his mouth and tapped the window frame. ABOUT! I touched the back of my head. A long ribbon fluttered in the wind, hitting the window frame. It was a faint sound, but Vincent was able to pick it up.
- This is the ribbon I used to tie my hair. It's a little long, so it must have caught on the window frame.
-You don’t usually use this?
- Yes. This is something new. Мисс Вайолет подарила ее мне.
A few days ago, Violet gave me a box with a gift inside. When I opened the lid, I saw a white ribbon with rounded edges and an embroidered floral design. The tape was soft, which showed how expensive it was. I tried to refuse, saying that I could not accept such an expensive gift, but Violet held the ribbon tightly in her hands, not accepting refusal.
“It bothered me that you used your cord to secure the bouquet. Your support gave me courage. This gift expresses my gratitude, so feel free to accept it.”
That day I also received a small bouquet as a gift, but unfortunately it dried up in the room in a few days, but I was ready to cherish it for a long time. Violet's friendly face hid a kind of compulsion. I couldn't resist, so I accepted the gift with gratitude. Violet personally tied my hair with this ribbon. She seemed to have foreseen that I myself would not have taken out the tape and would have continued to keep it.
That would be great.
Such attention was both pleasant and burdensome. She gave me something so beautiful that I didn't know how I could thank her.
It was the first time I held such an expensive and feminine thing in my hands, so I tried to even touch it with caution. This doesn't suit me at all.
Embarrassed, I got tangled in the ribbon and quickly let go, fearing that at this rate it would quickly wear out.
Vincent then grabbed the ribbon blowing in the wind. He seemed to be trying to study her, still holding her at arm's length.
After fiddling with the tape for a while, he decided to express his opinion.
- It looks good on you.
- No...
I wanted to wave my hands and say that this ribbon was so beautiful that it couldn’t suit me, but I remembered the image of the impudent maid and decided to remain silent.
-Your beauty will shine.
-Where did you hear this?
“Violet says that often.”
He said this as if as a joke. I chuckled briefly and wiped my hands on my apron. My heart was beating wildly. I didn't want to dwell on this topic.
He ran his hand over the dessert plate and expressed puzzlement.
- Why is it empty here?
– I’ll finish reading the book.
I pretended that I didn’t know what he was talking about and opened the book. Vincent bowed his head and began to drink tea. I looked at him and continued reading. My voice sounded smooth.
- You read well.
- Thank you.
Praise is always nice. I smiled and continued reading.
– I think you like books.
- Oh, is it so noticeable?
– You always take up a book with joy. This makes me feel happy myself.
- Yes, I like books. Have I already told you that I worked in a bookstore as a child?
– Yes, you first mentioned this when you offered to read books for me.
- Right. Yes, that's what happened. Then you said that the bookstore owner must have tricked a small child into working. Remember?
“I also remember that you forced me to listen, claiming that all this was in my interests.”
-You have an excellent memory.
I sarcastically countered his taunt by mentioning the first time he threw things at me and yelled at me to leave.
“And then you started shoving food into my mouth.” She also said that I smelled bad because I rarely washed myself, so she threw me into the bath, saying that you would wash me yourself. I remember everything.
I laughed heartily.
“It’s a great honor for me to make memories with you.”
Vincent smiled back at me.
- And for me.
An awkward laugh rang out in an instant.
“Then you told me to stop reading books.” Has your opinion changed?
– Well, I think it would be better if you showed more enthusiasm while reading.
– It’s a pity that I only have one vote.
– Practice more. Maybe your other personality will finally show itself.
– Thanks for the advice.
There was even louder laughter.
– It would be even better if you stopped eating my cupcake as brazenly as a mouse. So, by the way.
-...
The rising smile on my face immediately fell. How did he understand this?
“You might think I ate a lot... They could have shared it with me... It was just a small piece...” I muttered, covering my face with the book open on the last pages.
Vincent continued to look out the window, pretending not to hear these words. A light wind was blowing. His hand was still lightly touching the edge of the hairband, swaying in the wind.
– Are you really satisfied with this life?
-What do you mean?
I looked from the book to Vincent. He continued to look out the window.
– I ask if you are happy with a detached life, working in this mansion for me.
- Why are you asking me this?
- Because you never talked about family. Usually, when people find themselves in a place like this, they begin to feel bored and homesick.
Family. Forgotten feelings came flooding back. I tried my best to suppress them. I rolled my eyes and put the book aside. Out of habit, the corners of my mouth rose and then fell again. There was no need to pretend because he couldn't see my expression.
Pretending everything was fine was easy for me. Because I did this all the time.
- Yes, I'm happy.
- Don't you want to go home?
- Not at all.
- Why?
What does "why" mean? Having a family doesn't mean you will necessarily miss each other. A devilish image appeared before my eyes, haunting me in my nightmares.
“I have no reason to return.”
-...
Vincent turned his head in my direction. I looked away, touching the empty plate with only cake crumbs on it. I tried to distract myself from unnecessary memories, thinking that next time I should take a bigger dessert.
– You mentioned that you have brothers and sisters.
- Yes.
- How many?
- Four. Five, including me.
I answered briefly, continuing to touch the empty plate. It was an unpleasant topic and I didn't want to delve into it. I tried to end the conversation quickly, so I answered dryly and directly.
– I remember that you already mentioned your younger sister. I think you said she was second, right?
- Yes, it is. But why are you asking this?
– I’m just curious. Sorry if I put you in an awkward position.
I forced myself to smile at his last words.
Vincent lifted his chin and looked in my direction. His hand continued to touch my tape.