Circumstances of graph (6)
Volume 1. Chapter 36 - The Count's Circumstances (6)
Recently, desserts have been served more often. I was impressed by the taste of the pound cake, so I immediately asked the chef to make a larger portion next time.
- Will he be able to eat so much?
“Mr. gets lonely eating alone, so he always invites me to join him.” Even if I object, he still insists... How can a simple maid refuse him? If this can brighten up his loneliness, I am ready to eat as much as I can with him.
I put both hands on my heart and spat out a shameless lie. The chef was so touched that he promised to cook something else delicious for the gentleman. And so it was done. Now I was looking forward to his desserts with even greater impatience. That’s right, I became convinced that there are many delicious things in the world.
The plate with the cake was quickly empty. Delicious food disappears instantly. I stared at the empty plate and bit my lip in disappointment.
- Eat this too.
Lucas only ate a piece and handed me the rest of the cake. He's just an angel! I asked him if I could really take his portion, and in delight I snatched the plate from him.
Vincent's gaze followed my cake. His plate was already empty. I looked at him warily, bringing the plate towards me.
“Hey, Sir Lucas gave this to me.”
-Did someone say something? – he said arrogantly and threw away his fork. Vincent picked up the cup of tea, frowned and moved it away from his mouth, then turned it upside down and found nothing in it. I got distracted by the cake and forgot to pour the tea.
His dissatisfied gaze settled on me. I hesitated. Lucas picked up the teapot and poured tea for Vincent.
- Here, drink.
“I think I’m paying the wrong person.”
Vincent raised the cup to his mouth. I put my fork down.
“I suddenly lost my appetite.” Would you like some more cake?
- Don’t lie to me, finish eating.
- Don't you want more? I thought you were grumbling because I ate more than you.
- I'm not that petty.
- That's not the point.
Vincent has a sweet tooth, and I've just discovered my sweet tooth, so I'm always disappointed with the amount of dessert I get. Sometimes this feeling was aggravated depending on the dessert.
This led to a strange battle between him and me. Of course, Vincent always came first, but sometimes I took more. A little more, just a little, and he didn’t notice.
But since his vision had disappeared and his other senses had become more acute, he was on guard. He looked at me like he knew I was charging more, and to be honest, it was a little scary. How much did the gentleman like sweets?
The more often he reacted like this, the bolder I became. Every time he looked at me reproachfully, I gave up the portion to him, as if I didn’t want any more. Of course, I knew that he would not accept my piece of cake, because his pride would not allow him to take away what the maid had already touched.
So I held out my plate again, offering him more. Vincent waved his hand as if to say that he refused to eat anything that got my saliva on it. But I didn't back down. I hand him the plate, insisting that I only ate a little, and suddenly Lucas bursts into laughter. His eyes were glued to the plate. In fact, it was already almost empty.
“You know, it’s quite funny to watch you.”
I couldn't tell if it was a compliment or not. I put my plate down, forgetting for a moment that I have another conversation partner. Vincent looks at Lucas as if asking him what he means. I prayed fervently for Lucas to shut up.
Lucas smiled again and, fortunately, started talking about a different topic.
“You two seem to be getting along.”
- No, that's not true.
– You are mistaken.
The answers came simultaneously. We looked at each other. I blinked and his eyes widened.
Lucas added that this is a sign of a good relationship. He and Vincent sipped their tea in silence while I cleared away the empty plates. Meanwhile, Lucas' laughter echoed through the garden.
I quietly picked up the book and decided to ignore the laughter, which Vincent seemed to follow. The conversation naturally moved in a different direction.
Lucas gave me a questioning look as I sat down.
- What are you doing?
- I'm going to read you a book.
- A book?
Lucas's gaze fell on the book in my hand. I cleared my throat. Vincent calmly sipped his tea. Lucas looked at Vincent, then back at me.
- Read to us?
- Yes.
I opened the book and began to skilfully read the sentences. The beginning was abrupt, but Vincent heard familiar notes in my voice.
It was a children's adventure story. Complex books are difficult to read. And it's hard to concentrate on long stories. I recently realized that short and simple stories are easier to read and better to listen to.
I chose the book with special care. Lucas was amazed by the story that came out of my mouth. He looked at Vincent, but Vincent didn't pay attention to him. He just focused on my voice and I focused on reading. I had to concentrate, because for the slightest mistake I would be criticized again.
Lucas's surprise at seeing us gradually faded, and at some point he pulled his chair over to Vincent and sat down.
- Why did you move closer?
- You can hear better here.
The two men sat side by side, listening to my voice. I was a little nervous about reading to someone else, since Vincent was usually the only one listening. I think it affected my voice too, because a few times I lost my rhythm. I saw that Vincent didn't like it, but he pretended not to notice, so I quickly started reading the next part.
Lucas's eyes sparkled like a child's. I don’t know whether the situation was new to him, or whether I can read well, but he looks at me with such a demanding gaze that the skin on the back of my head tingles. It's like I'm reading a fairy tale to my younger siblings.
Lucas was passionate about history.
- So what can we say about what happened?
- What? About what happened?
He didn't just sit and listen to me read. Sometimes he would ask questions or ask my opinion. Sometimes he told me about something he had read. It was a casual conversation and he seemed to enjoy it. Vincent didn't interrupt me or ask anything. That's why I only spoke to Lucas.
– Camaraderie and love found through adventure. Good story.
Having finished reading the book, he did not forget to add his impressions.
- Yes. Did you like it?
– I really liked it. You read well, it was nice to listen.
-You are very kind.
I looked at Vincent. I learned a lot from him. The man who used to push me, sighing heavily if he didn’t like something, was now leisurely sipping his tea. The tea was already cold, but he calmly drank it. He must have felt my gaze, but pretended not to notice.
– What can you say about my reading?
– Not as bad as before.
- It's clear.
I knew it. How difficult it is for him to compliment me. I could have simply said: “Good read” or “I have nothing more to criticize” or something similar. It's not difficult.
But on the other hand, Lucas, on the contrary, praised me too much.
– This book was so easy to listen to. I've never heard anyone read history so skillfully. You can feel your concern for the person you are telling. Your voice is very beautiful. Yes... I have nothing to complain about.
- I'm just reading. If you want to hear a specific story, then say so.
“Okay, then I'll pick one for you next time.”
I smiled. Now Lucas could come here again, citing this agreement.
-Are you having fun, brother?
- Hm.
The only problem was that the other member was too cold, but Lucas was used to his attitude.
“I didn’t know you had such a sweet tooth.” How have you been hiding all this time?
– I didn’t hide it.
“But you’ve never eaten so many sweets.”
“It’s not that I don’t eat them at all.”
Lucas nodded.
“Still, if I had known that you liked sweets so much, I would have brought a cake.” I know a lot of good pastry shops.
- There is no need for that.
Vincent snapped, "I'm not sure I can trust your taste." It was a strange remark, but Lucas just laughed. He replied that he was confident in his ability to choose delicious food.
For a moment there was calm between them.
– By the way, I ordered my brother’s favorite black tea. He will be here tomorrow. Are you still drinking it? Nowell black tea?
- Yes.
– You will accept it, won’t you?
- I will accept, since you give sincerely.
I was already running out of tea, which was sent by the owner of the golden letters. I thought about asking Isabella for more, but now I don't have to worry about that. I remember his disappointment when I told him that we were almost out of Nowell tea. And I know how happy he really is to receive it as a gift.
He deliberately pretends that he doesn't care.
Lucas, who didn't know about this, was surprised.
- Thank you, brother. I feel relieved.
- What do you mean?
-You look relaxed. I wasn't sure that you would accept my concern. But now that I'm here, I understand. You're really doing well. I'm glad I came.
-...
– I found out that you love sweets. And about your love for walking and reading books. All this makes you happy.
Lucas laughed briefly. He seemed happy, but I felt bitterness in him. He looked at Vincent so piercingly. His eyes shone with moisture, as if tears were frozen in them.
- I'm so glad.
There was relief in his voice.
Lucas said he blinded Vincent, which meant Lucas already knew about his condition. He may even have known that Vincent was hiding it.
I remembered them talking in the room and realized that what they were talking about must be heavier than I could have imagined. So I could guess how Lucas felt about Vincent now. His concern must be sincere.
For a moment, Lucas seemed to change. His gaze fell to the floor, his face was a little wet, and he looked a little... touching.
But it didn't last long. Unfortunately, the sadness did not reach the other person. Vincent clicked his tongue.
- Disgusting.
- Oh, really?
The sadness instantly disappeared. He changed quickly, so quickly that I wondered if he was hallucinating. Didn't he grieve too little?
I was embarrassed to see Lucas smiling widely.
“I’m sure she’s the one helping you.”
This time his attention was focused on me. I blinked at the unexpected compliment. I?
- Thank you for supporting my brother.
- Oh, it's not worth it.
- Just take it for granted. - said Vincent.
What? I look at Vincent in bewilderment. He doesn't deny my help. Yes, he is absolutely right, my help is not something special. Of course he's right, but... can't he at least show some gratitude?
I snorted loudly, but Vincent pretended not to hear me. Bastard. I sipped my tea angrily. My throat is dry.
“Well, it’s obvious that being around such a handsome person lifts your spirits.” – added Lucas.
I spat out the tea.