Chapter Seven

Lorna couldn't help but smile to herself whenever memories of her little moment with Arrow crept in.

That sweet instant played over and over again in her mind, making her heart flutter in ways she couldn't understand.

They hadn't crossed paths again since then, and the realization that she couldn't see him whenever she wished saddened her, pulling her thoughts back to him. 

He had made a promise to her that day–to keep what they had together a secret. Not even his sister, Lauren, was to know.

He had also promise to stay out of her way and not come after her, unless she was sent to his quarters or they encounter unexpectedly.

It was a huge mansion, and the maids on duty were changed everyday.

She couldn't risk her job and her life at the same time. 

“You seem to be always lost in your thoughts these days, Lorna. Are you alright?”

 A loud British accent rang out from across the field, jolting her back to reality. 

Lorna blinked rapidly and turned towards the maiden who had spoken. They were at the strawberry farm, tasked with gathering berries for tonight’s dinner. Yet her basket, nestled against her bosom, was empty.

“You've been fiddling with that basket for the past twenty minutes. Are you–” 

*I'm alright, Caroline. We need to hurry if we want to meet up with the others.” Lorna cut in, her tone terse as she bent down to finally begin picking strawberries with focus.

Caroline shrugged and turned back to her chore, but then spun around again with a cheeky sparkle in her eyes

“What do you think of Sir Arrow? All the maids are gossiping and drooling over him.” She blurted, letting out an exciting shriek.

Lorna rolled her eyes, still refusing to turn back. She had noticed it–how the other ladies gushed over him like schoolgirls. some were even scheming to seduce him the moment they were tasked to serve him in his quarters.

 It disgusted her. 

He had noticed her even when she had tried to remain invisible. So why would Sir Arrow spare even a glance at the others?

“We do not want to get into trouble with Lady Stella, so I think we should keep our distance.” she maintained a neutral tone, trying to keep her mind off the topic. 

Caroline chuckled as she marched towards her, with her basket already stuffed with berries. 

Without hesitation, she settled beside Lorna, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. 

Startled, Lorna shifted back slightly.

Why had she come over?

“I heard you were appointed to serve him the day he arrived. And guess what? You never mentioned it to me–your best friend!” Caroline pouted, grabbing Lorna's hand in mock offense.

Lorna stared at her, half-expecting to see horns emerging from her forehead.  

Of course she hadn't mentioned it. Telling Caroline meant questions. she would be pressured to give details and pressure might lead to her spilling her secret.

“It's nothing important. Besides, you saw me when I got to our quarters that night–i’d already finished serving him and he dismissed me.” 

she drawled out the excuse, casually slipping her hands out of Caroline's grip.

“Still. Did he say anything to you? Did he compliment you? You know you've the most petite and prettiest face among us.” Caroline teased, wriggling her brows at her. 

That made Lorna giggle. Her? No, that couldn't be. Although…he had stared at her, in that way.

“We're maids, Caroline. Don't get your hopes up. He'll be gone soon and all these commotions will end.” she replied, glancing at her basket with satisfaction. It was already full to the brim.

“But–”

“What's the holdup on the strawberries, ladies? Is there any problem?!” Someone yelled from behind the building. 

It was one of the older maids, Olivia. Her face set in a stern frown as she eyed them both sharply.

judging by the look on her face, something was definitely up.

Lorna and Caroline spranged up to their feet, grasping their baskets as they hurried towards her.

It took nearly a minute to reach her; the field was wide and stretched a good distance from the building.

The moment they reached her, Olivia snatched the basket from Lorna's hand, her face twisted in a deep frown.

 Lorna and Caroline exchanged a glance, wondering what she had done wrong.

“You've been summoned to serve dinner this week. I really don't know why she picked you instead of me.” Olivia spat out. Her words laced with bitterness.

The jealousy In her tone was so sharp, that it could pierce through Lorna's heart if it was a blade.

Lorna had no words to say but wonder why she had been selected to serve dinner. Was it Sir Arrow?

“Isn't it obvious? Maybe you should try not having evil thoughts about killing somebody then you'd get picked.” Caroline shrugged. They both stood, watching the older maid storm off. 

Lorna sighed. It wasn't the dinner duty that made her insides twist–it was the realization that she might see him again.

And this time….she wasn't sure she could pretend, with his mother watching.