Chapter 12

The gates opened wide and the car entered a courtyard. It was different from the rest houses she had seen. This one was simple, so simple it looked almost empty, if not cold. It was a complete contrast to the houses on the way.

There were no flowers, just a huge lawn, and a simple fountain in the middle of the courtyard. The driver stopped at the front of the house. The butler immediately opened the door for Selena.

Just in front of the house, maids lined up at each side of the door, heads bowed. As soon as she stepped out, they chorused. “Welcome home, Young Mistress Selena.”

Selena smiled, a bit flustered as she wasn’t used to something like this. She nodded in response and walked in.

The maids gossiped in hushed voices. It had been a very long time since they had had any mistress live at home. So they were very shocked when Mr. Donald the butler, informed them that Mr. Tate’s granddaughter was coming home.

“Mr. Tate has a granddaughter?” One replied very surprised.

They all knew of the tragedy that befell the Tate household 20 years ago. So Mr. Tate had another family? They all wondered to themselves.

Back to the present, they whispered amongst themselves.

“Young Mistress Selena is really pretty. She looks like Ms.Hannah.” One spoke suddenly.

“I don’t think so but she looks nice.” Another spoke.

“Don’t be so quick to judge,” a senior one cut in, “you know how rich Mistresses behave, she might just seem nice because it’s her first day”.

The rest nodded in agreement, it sure was true. Mr. Tate’s grandniece … was just like that, nice on the outside but inside she was just a mini witch.

“Shush!” Mr. Donald silenced them immediately, giving them a warning look. They all adjusted and looked towards the floor awkwardly.

On entering inside, everything in the manor looked exquisite. From the floors to the furniture and decor, everything was just precious, like something designed just to be appreciated not touched.

The butler showed her to her room.

“Young Mistress, please, this way to your room.” He gave a warm smile.

He opened the door to the room and Selena walked in, looking at the interiors. It was nice and thoughtful.

“The Old Master didn’t know what exactly you liked so he asked us to make it simple, so when you came, you could decorate it anyway you liked.” He spoke gently.

“It’s just fine,” she replied firmly. “I like it just like this sir.”  She smiled at him.

Mr. Donald felt a bit relieved at that. “Please Young Mistress, just call me Donald.” He corrected her.

“I’m glad you like your room. I’ll take my leave now, if there’s anything you need, I’ll be downstairs.” He nodded slightly, leaving the room.

She sat on her new bed and it was just the right texture. She couldn’t believe her life had changed just like that. But it wasn’t hers, she couldn’t get used to it.

The sun had gone down. Selena hadn’t done much except arrange her few things. She had noticed the set of new clothes in the closet, from nighties to dresses, bags, shoes, everything was new and expensive.

She heard a sudden knock on her door.

“Young Mistress Selena?” A warm motherly voice sounded behind the door.

Selena opened the door slowly. It revealed an elderly woman probably in her late sixties. She had a warm and sincere smile on her face.

Immediately she saw Selena, and a slight shock replaced the smile on her face.

Selena was taken aback by her sudden reaction.

“You have Ms. Hannah’s eyes,” she looked at Selena so dearly.

Selena was confused as to why the woman would suddenly say something like that. But she felt many people had similar features even though they weren’t related. It was something natural.

She smiled in return, looking at the woman with a questioning look.

“Oh sorry, I’m Mrs. Felicia Lockhart.” She smiled sweetly. “I’d say I’m your nanny but you look too old to have one, so I’ll just leave it as I’m here to assist Young Mistress Tate in whatever she needs.”

Selena let her in.

“I see you’ve checked out your closet. I hope it is to your liking, Young Mistress?” She smiled once again.

“Mmm… it is,” Selena replied straight.

Mrs. Felicia smiled once again. She understood the young mistress wasn’t used to her yet. It was expected. She walked into the closet with Selena following behind.

“The Old Master had called me suddenly to pick out clothes for the Young Mistress, and I was so shocked. I didn’t know there was another Young Mistress in the household. At first, I thought it was Ms. Amelia… but it couldn’t have been, the Old Master didn’t care about this stuff. The last time I had picked out things like these was for Ms. Hannah, it was such a long time ago…”

Selena noticed the sadness in her eyes as she spoke of Ms.Hannah Tate and she felt a pang in her chest, like she was hurt by it too. She didn’t understand why but brushed it off as feeling empathy for someone else.

“It’s so nice to finally have another Young Mistress to serve.” She continued. “The Old Master didn’t know your size of underwear, so we didn’t pick any. Tomorrow we can go out to get some.” She spoke not realizing the crimson red on Selena’s cheeks.

She was a bit flustered. It would have been embarrassing for Mr. Tate to pick up underwear for her. She smiled awkwardly at the thought of that.

“Young Mistress? Young Mistress?” Mrs. Felicia had called her several times. She had been lost in her thoughts she didn’t hear her.

“Huh?” Selena replied nervously not knowing what she had said.

“Is everything okay Miss?” Mrs. Felicia asked concerned.

“Yeah… sorry, I was a bit lost in thought.” She apologized.

Mrs. Felicia found this Young Mistress a bit amusing. She had felt she would be just like the others, spoiled and proud but she seemed different. She had a different air around her, somewhat mysterious also. She brushed her thoughts off.

“Dinner would be ready in 20 minutes, freshen up and head to the dining hall. The Old Master is back and would love to eat with you.”

“Okay, thank you, Mrs. Felicia.” She replied with a smile on her face.”

As soon as Mrs. Felicia had left, she walked into the closet once again and picked up something to wear.