A MAZE OF GREED

Theodora had received the news of Ruth staying in Edwin's office for many hours, which made her wonder what the two of them were cooking.

She was waiting for Ruth to come out for the whole day, but when that did not happen till late in the evening, she became restless and furious.

She was adamant about putting that maid at her right place, but she had a dinner to attend at one of the noble family's places. She was preparing for this dinner a week prior and had a special dress made for it.

There was no way she was missing a chance to flaunt her new dress and a set of diamond necklaces and earrings to the other ladies from the elites.

Telling Fannie to be on alert, she left for dinner. When Ruth came out of Edwin's office, she had teary eyes and looked disturbed. Fannie was confused at her state.

What was going on?

Fannie did not wait to see that Ruth was not alone in Edwin's office. After Ruth's abrupt exit, the small group became very awkward. Lester signalled everyone to leave, and he stayed behind with Edwin.

That night both Edwin and Lester were silent. Edwin spent the night staring in nothingness, and Lester spent his night with a bottle of liquor. He did not mean to tell Edwin that everything would be fine, because he was not sure himself.

He only wanted to be there for his friend, physically and emotionally.

Sometimes the silence speaks so much than the words!

Fannie followed Ruth to see her heading straight to her home before her duty finished for the day. Fannie frowned.

Wasn't Lady Elsie the best mistress one could ask for? If Fannie decides to leave even five minutes early, then Theodora would lecture her for an hour.

Why does that bitch Ruth have to get everything good?

The next day was a Sunday. And considering the stress, Ruth was going through, Elsie decided to give her a day off. But she also knew how much proud Ruth was, so she gave a day off to all her maids except Ida.

She could use a day by helping herself anyways. Elsie was tired of living between people and anticipated a private life like normal people. So with her sudden decision, she killed two birds with one stone.

Mrs Payne did not wake up Ruth till late in the morning. It was rare to see the young woman taking a rest for her good. She knew that Edwin had told Ruth about the curse, which she was already aware of.

Edwin had told her about it the day she trusted him with Reznor's Painite. Yet she avoided bombarding Ruth for what happened between her and Edwin.

Ruth woke up to see the bright light entering the room, illuminating it in its vibrant light. She checked the time and was shocked to see how late she slept.

"Good morning dear!" Mrs Payne came out of the kitchen with a cup of black coffee for Ruth.

"For your fatigue and headache!" She gave her the cup with a smile.

"How do you know?" Ruth asked in surprise, holding the cup securely in her hands as it was hotter than she thought.

Mrs Payne just smiled at her before taking the vessel to water a couple of plants, that she had planted not a week ago.

"By the way, Thea came to invite you for breakfast as she has also taken a leave today. Since you were sleeping she has changed the plan and now has invited you for a brunch." She informed Ruth, who was blowing on her hot coffee.

Hearing that, Ruth's forehead creased with the lines. "I am not feeling like going anywhere. I want to stay at home today." She told before taking a small sip of the bitter liquid.

She instantly closed her eyes, devouring its taste and its soothing after effect. Mrs Payne had added something more in it, which not only tasted good but also helped to relax her tensed nerves.

God bless that woman with a long life!

"That is fine! I understand. I will tell Thea to not save her mother's famous delicious pie for you."

Ruth was surprised by how Mrs Payne did not try to convince her to go. And after hearing about Mrs Green's famous pie, Ruth's mouth watered and, suddenly the black coffee tasted more bitter compared to that sweet sugary delicacy.

Ruth waited patiently for Mrs Payne to say something while finishing her coffee. But when she did not, Ruth groaned mentally in defeat.

"Erm... I think I should go. I do not want Thea to barge in our home like a crazy woman and drag me out of home by pulling my leg. That would not be a sight to see!" She laughed loudly yet awkwardly.

"No dear. If you do not feel like going then that is fine. I will not let her force you to do anything that you don't want."

Ruth's smile faded hearing that. She stared at Mrs Payne, thinking about what she said. She felt her words had a deeper meaning than the context in which they were said.

Ruth cleared her throat before saying, "I want to go. I want to do it because I want it!"

Mrs Payne only nodded her head before resuming the task in her hand.

About an hour later, Ruth got ready to head to Thea's home. She decided to go early and help Thea with the cooking and other preparations. She needed to keep her mind engaged in other things than what it always kept itself busy with.

She asked Mrs Payne to join them as she was sure Thea would not mind it. But Mrs Payne refused and said she was going to spend the afternoon with the few friends she had made in the servants' quarters who were of her age.

Ruth then went to Thea's home after a walk of about five to seven minutes. She knocked on the door expecting Thea to open it but was surprised to see Rees.

As they stared at each other, the uncomfortableness which she had never experienced before between them became prominent.

Rees was the first one to cut the silence. "Welcome! Thea is in the kitchen." He said with a small smile before stepping aside to let Ruth in.

To his disappointment, his attempt was replied by only a curt and distant nod. Ruth entered their home and headed straight to the kitchen, where she could hear the sounds coming from. Rees sighed then closed the door.

He decided to spend his time in the living room as Ruth had already made it clear that she was not happy to see him even though it was his home.

"Oh hello Ruth! Welcome!! Do you want some water or-"

"No thank you! I am alright."

Thea did not miss the hint of detachment in Ruth's tone. Wasn't it the very reason Thea planned this brunch after Edwin told her to take a day off?!

"Okay." Thea was thinking about what she should do next to continue the conversation but was glad when Ruth took those efforts for her.

"What are you cooking?" Ruth asked, peering over Thea's shoulder as Thea stirred the soup on the stove.

Thea showed her the dishes she had prepared for brunch. But Ruth did not look satisfied. Her eyes kept wandering around the kitchen in search of one thing that changed her mind about this brunch.

"Erm... you mentioned Mrs Payne about Mrs Green's pie..." Ruth slowly asked.

Thea smiled at her friend's fetish for her mother's special recipe. "Don't worry madame. It is here but I hide it or else Rees would not eat a single bite of what I have made."

When Thea told Ruth to set the table and help her in serving the plates, it was clear that the brunch was not only for the two of them. Rees was also joining them.

Ruth regretted her decision of giving in to this plan. She knew she was acting childish by expecting Rees to not attend the brunch in his own home.

But she also did not want to face the awkward interaction with him because she was yet to reach any solid point. She was angry at Edwin, but also at everyone else for keeping it a secret from her for so long.

But then she should be angry at Thea too, and yet she was here licking and feasting on the food she had prepared. The brunch went into silence as Ruth had anticipated.

Thea tried to strike conversation many times by involving both Rees and Ruth, yet that did not work. Ruth kept fidgeting in her place, as Rees' gaze fell on her every now and then.

She avoided looking at him because every time she did, she didn't see a predator with sharp teeth. Instead, she saw the man she considered as an anchor after the demise of Mr Payne.

She considered him as her elder brother, her best friend!

Perhaps that was why she was so hurt and mad at him because she expected honesty from him.