Allure Of The Night

The faint sound of the footsteps turned louder and stopped when the person came to stand in front of the room. It was Lady Marceline, holding a bouquet in her hand. 

“Good afternoon, Lady Marceline,” Eve greeted the young woman, who offered a polite smile to her. 

“Afternoon, Miss Barlow,” said Marceline, and her eyes fell on her little sister, who was drinking water. Noticing her sister, who appeared to be shaken, she asked her, “What’s the matter, Allie?” She then turned to Eve, “Did something happen?” 

Eve shook her head and answered, “I am not sure. We were doing fine, but then Miss Allie suddenly went quiet.”

Marceline frowned, walking up to where Allie sat. She placed her hand on her shoulder and said, “Why don’t you go and fetch Kehlani for me, Allie?” 

Allie nodded as if she was waiting to escape from the room. She placed the glass on the bench and dashed out of the room. Eve watched Allie leave, and when she turned, she saw Marceline, who was already looking at her. 

“Did you say something to her?” Questioned Marceline, to which Eve shook her head. 

“We just took a break from playing the piano and I don’t know what happened,” explained Eve, and she asked, “Lady Marceline, might you have an idea of what triggered Miss Allie to look like the way she was just now?” 

Marceline walked towards the window, her back facing Eve. The vampiress softly sighed before she said, “A few months ago, something very bad happened. You are Allie’s governess and I think you should know, but I hope you can keep this to yourself.” 

Eve nodded before saying, “Yes. Of course, Lady Marceline.”

The vampiress took a moment before she said, “As I told you a few days ago, Allie has been sad over what happened with the previous governess. I lied about something to you before because I didn’t want to scare you. The governess wasn’t just fired but she was killed for being too close with my little sister and it has left Allie traumatised. It is also one of the reasons why my mother wasn’t happy when Vincent hired you.”

Getting the verbal confirmation from Marceline didn’t put her at ease even though she already that the governess hadn’t left but was killed.

“May I ask you something, Lady Marceline?” Asked Eve, and Marceline turned around before giving a nod. “Why wasn’t the governess taken to a place where Miss Allie wouldn’t have seen her being killed?” 

Marceline was taken aback by the question of the governess. She was waiting to see a frightened Eve and in a frantic mess… ready to quit the job. Instead, the human was inquiring about something else. 

Eve said, “It would have saved Miss Allie from seeing something she was not supposed to see.” 

Even though Miss Allie was a vampire and belonged to a family of one, she was still a young and sheltered girl, Eve believed the little girl hadn’t seen the worst until then.

Marceline pursed her lips and stated, “I had the same thought when it happened, but the person who killed the governess didn’t share the same views. But the woman should have followed the rules.”

“Who killed the earlier governess…?” Eve could feel her heart growing anxious.

“It was my brother Vincent,” replied Marceline and she sighed again. “Sometimes, his anger knows no bounds and he won’t see the place or time.”

Eve’s face turned pale and her hands cold. Vincent had issues with Allie being close to her previous governess?

“I wonder if he felt bad for killing Allie’s governess and decided to bring in a decent one this time who would follow his words,” Marceline slightly shrugged her shoulders and then offered an encouraging smile to Eve. She continued, “You have been doing well so far, Miss Barlow and I doubt he would repeat it…” but there was doubt in her voice, which struck doubt in Eve’s mind. 

When Eve was looking for a job, she had prepared her mind for the worst possibility, but she had never considered this situation, not from this angle at least. To think her employer was the one who had killed the previous governess and it had left Allie traumatised. 

At least she knew that the next time she and Vincent were alone, she would have to run as quickly as her legs could carry her out of there. But then she remembered Marceline’s words. He didn’t care about time or place. 

To change the subject, Marceline said, “I am usually not fond of flowers, but when they are given as a gift it is rude to not accept it,” she looked down at the bouquet of the flowers.

Eve gathered her thoughts and replied, “They are of  beautiful color, milady. I have never seen a pretty colour like these.”

“They are, aren’t they? Men always try to give the best things when they are wooing a woman,” Marceline softly chuckled and looked up from the bouquet. 

Eve agreed. Lady Marceline was an inch or two taller than her and was a pretty-looking young woman. Marceline had delicate features. It would be odd if she didn’t have admirers in this town, especially when she belonged to a wealthy family. But with a brother who killed governess, Eve thought to herself. 

Allie returned to the room with a maid following her, who bowed at Marceline’s presence in the room. The little girl appeared calmer now and took a seat in front of the pianoforte on the bench.

Marceline spoke to the maid, “Take these flowers and place them in the vase.”

“Where would you like me to place the vase, milady?” The maid asked without raising her head and taking the bouquet from Marceline. 

“Have it placed along with the other vases in the hallway. It would be a waste to have it sit in the corner,” stated Marceline, and the maid bowed and left the room. The vampiress turned to Eve and said, “I forgot to ask you, did you try the gowns I gave you yesterday?”

Eve smiled with a hint of nervousness, hoping the lady wouldn’t ask to return the gown to her, “Unfortunately, they don’t fit me, milady.”

“What a pity!” Exclaimed Marceline before saying, “I should have taken it into consideration. I was sure they would fit you perfectly. That’s fine, you are beautiful, Miss Barlow… I doubt anyone would notice what you are wearing at the ball.”

“Thank you for your kind words,” Eve offered a polite bow, and Marceline took a look at Allie. 

“We are all looking forward to seeing you play, little sister. Make sure to practice well,” but Marceline’s supportive words only made the little girl turn that much nervous. “Have a good day.”

“Good day to you, milady,” replied Eve, watching the young woman leave the room. 

The rest of the hours, the little girl was back to being quiet without sparing another word and Eve didn’t try to push her. The last thing she wanted was to make Allie feel uncomfortable. 

When the clock struck four, Eve quickly picked up her lunchbox and umbrella, dashing out of the Moriarty mansion. On her way to the local carriage stop, she caught sight of Miss Rosetta and her aunt standing in front of their mansion. They seem to be having a discussion. Miss Rosetta, on seeing Eve, waved her hand.

Eve offered a small bow to both the women. Rosetta walked to where she was and greeted her, 

“Fate seems to have made us meet each other once again,” said Miss Rosetta and she then asked, “Did you just finish your work?”

“I did, Miss Rosetta. How have you been doing?” Eve asked the young girl, who shook her head. 

“Truth to be told not very well. My aunt wants me to attend something I have least interest in. How about you?” Miss Rosetta asked. 

“I have been doing well. Thank you for asking,” replied Eve. She politely apologised, “Forgive me but I am in a hurry today and will need to catch the carriage that will be here in ten minutes”

“Is everything alright?” asked the young miss with a frown. 

“Yes. Please do not worry,” Eve replied, “I have to buy clothes for myself.”

“How odd that I had to go shopping to buy a new gown,” Miss Rosetta paused for a moment before she said, “If you do not mind, may I join you?”