Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 202: Mathilda’s New Hope.

Chapter 202: Mathilda’s New Hope.

Noon,

Her Offie, Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

***************

Lydia decided today was work day after breakfast and reading the Muckraker’s papers, she felt utterly hurt that houses were already preparing for balls and winter parties while she could only fight with her husband and sleep.

She wished she could be like other ladies who talk to other ladies and can invite them to the house for teas, create balls and soirees they’d attend but she wouldn’t be delusional and pretend anyone would attend, she was only going through the suffering of transforming and maintaining the mansion for nothing, no one would appreciate or know how great she is, she was just going to wrath here, alone with ab annoying husband.

She sighed.

He’s loving too and she loves him, that makes it bearable and her eyes feast on the beauty of her mansion only that’s not enough because she was only human, only a woman and she wanted to be happy.

"Lady Theodore" a sudden voice penetrated her work serenity frightening her.

She gasped. "Oh my god! Shade!" her palm flew to her chest as she regarded him.

"Forgive me, I forgot" he apologised wide-eyed.

She narrowed her eyes, "Forgot what?"

He looked about to runaway as he replied. "That master said I should only report to Hound or Blanc, but none of them was around" she paled.

"Why then are you here?" she asked a bit too harshly for the poor man, she couldn’t believe Theodore had managed to make her feel insignificant even in her home.

She put on an apologetic expression but she wasn’t saying the words, he was also a man and perhaps thought she didn’t deserve to know of everything happening in the mansion even if it concerned him.

"The girl who was here with Miss Shi’Enz is here again" he announced.

She frowned, not comprehending what he said. "What are you talking... Mathilda?!" her question ended with a squeak.

"Perhaps" he whispered, his cheeks reddening for reasons she found unneccesary right now. why was Mathilda here? Did father actually ask her away?

"Have Dorothy bring her in here" she ordered quickly, her thoughts pinched.

"She is taking care of the cat" he offered, so she couldn’t go to the gates.

"Wha... Oh, right, have Joyous bring her then" she decided.

He shrugged. "She cannot see me"

"Shade" she muttered through gritted teeth.

"Yes, Lady Theodore" he answered bashful.

She pointed to the door, her dress tightening around her. She wore a gown of deep burgundy velvet, its rich hue complementing her dark hair, which was elegantly coiffed and adorned with a simple yet exquisite hairpin.

"Go and please do what you think is right, my mind is mushy right now"

He blinked. "Of course, I shall inform Blanc or Hound to inform the boys, one of the boys would guide her here" he replied.

She merely gave him a small smile as if in agreement he moves on.

But before he’d vanish he stopped and drew her attention. "Lady Theodore?"

"Yes?" she questioned tight-lipped.

"Open your heart and be free, open your mind and you might see all-" she cut him off sharply.

"Shade please be away from here and be somewhere you shall be needed" her invitation.

"Of course" and gone was he, she looked at the space he occupied earlier and sighed.

Otherworldly creatures truly existed in Critic-Ishire.

In her own fucking mansion.

Meanwhile,

After Shade informed Blanc about a presence at the gate and the need for one of the boys to go bring the guest in, Tom was sent to go get Mathilda.

The air was crisp with the promise of winter as Tom approached the grand wrought-iron gates of the mansion.

Each step on the cobblestone pathway echoed slightly under his feet, he wore a modest but clean clothe, it doesn’t exactly signal his role within the household but he knew his responsibility and the significance of his tasks.

His bright brown eyes reflected the afternoon sun as he waited for the gates to open for the guest.

Mathilda arrived, her breath visible in the chilly air, wrapped in a heavy woolen cloak. She had heard much about the mansion but seeing it in person was a different experience entirely.

Tom saw her as she dropped out of the paid cart and he almost fell to his knees, he felt his heart thundering and howling to go embrace her. He took a deep breath and merely watched her. While Mathilda watched the mansion.

The mansion loomed ahead, a vast structure of dark stone that seemed to absorb daylight, giving it an almost spectral presence.

Ivy crawled up the walls, intertwining with the ornate carvings that decorated the façade. She hoped they’d be a gargoyle but the last time she came she remembered they wasn’t any.

"Good afternoon, Miss Mathilda," Tom greeted with a polite bow, his voice clear and confident. "Lady Theodore is expecting you. Please, follow me."

With a nod, Mathilda followed him, she barely noticed him as her eyes widen as they walked past the meticulously maintained flower garden. Even in the near-winter chill, a few resilient blooms added color to the otherwise stark landscape.

Roses, chrysanthemums, and late-blooming asters stood out against the dark greenery, a testament to the gardeners’, Hounds dedication. The scent of the flowers mingled with the cold, creating an oddly comforting contrast.

As they continued, the grandness of the mansion became more evident. The cobblestones gave way to a yard where a royal carriage was parked, its lacquered surface gleaming. She smiled, she’d never been in one.

The horses, adorned with intricate harnesses, stood patiently, their breath hard to see but misting in the air. The sight of the carriage was an emblem of nobility and wealth, reminded Mathilda of the importance of her visit.

She was going to become a resident of a place this grand.

Tom silently led her to the small staircase that ascended to the mansion’s entrance. Each step was worn smooth by years of use, yet it retained an elegance that spoke of careful maintenance.

The staircase topped off at a pair of grand double doors, and then she held her breath, coming here yesterday hadn’t felt like this because of fear and trepidation but knowing now that she’d already been dismissed she felt freer.

Tom pushed open one of the heavy doors with ease, revealing the entrance hall beyond, while she held her duffel tighter.

The parlour, just inside the entrance, was an expanse of luxury in the making. The floor was a checkerboard of black and white marble, and plush rugs from distant lands added warmth.

Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a soft, inviting light. The walls were empty adorned with nothing and Mathilda wondered why Lydia hadn’t put up portraits or paints yet.

She looked around and there, the richly upholstered chairs and settees were arranged in conversational clusters then Tom. Drew her attention away at a corner.

"Right this way, Miss," Tom said, leading her through the parlour and down a hallway lined with vases of flowers to her library where is mostly seen.

The air grew slightly warmer, carrying a hint of burning wood from the fireplaces strategically placed throughout the mansion.

Perhaps her new home. No, definitely her new home.

At last, they reached Lydia’s Library. Tom knocked gently before opening the door and stepping aside to allow Mathilda to enter.

Mathilda glanced from behind his shoulders.

The library was a study in sophistication and power. Tall bookshelves lined the walls, filled with leather-bound volumes and important documents.

Tom glanced around but there was no sign of Lydia so he called her out. "Lady Theodore?"

Silence.

"Tom! She is in her office" Dorothy’s voice met him as she passed with Red craddled in her arms.

Tom reddened from embarrassment making Mathilda wonder why that is as she followed him to the right room.

After a knock their asked in and Tom turned around leaving them together after Lydia’s silent acknowledgement.

The room was silent and very bright compared to remaining of the house.

Behind a desk stood Lydia herself, a woman of striking presence with her glasses perched on her nose.

Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, met Mathilda’s with a welcoming but assessing gaze. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow that softened the room’s formidable atmosphere.

"Mathilda what happened?" she asked softly glancing at the door. "What are you -" but she is cut off.

Mathilda squealed like a banshee for a straight for twelve seconds as Lydia counted when she could be free of the sound before she pulled Lydia into a hug. Lydia was a reluctant party to the hug but she was happy for Mathilda for whatver got her happy untill her eyes landed on a duffel making her freeze. Has she destroyed yet another life? she thought.

"Mathilda, welcome," Lydia said, her voice smooth and commanding, her moody mood surfacing. "Please, have a seat. I trust your journey was pleasant?"

Mathilda nodded, still absorbing the grandness of her surroundings and the commanding presence of her host.

As she took her seat, Lydia took off her glass. "What are you doing here, Mathilda?"

"I am free!" Mathilda squealed.

I am free? she felt free? not forsaken? Lydia frowned.

At Lydia’s puzzled expression, Mathilda frowned. "You are not happy for me?"

Lydia’s eyes widen as she replied. "I thought you would be sad and feeling forsaken"

"I would most definitely feel that if you reject me now" Mathilda pouted while Lydia took her seat, they were only one couch and a bench here.

Lydia realized her expression had been perceived wrongly so she massaged her forehead before replying. "I... I did not mean to" she said. "Welcome, I am soryy and geniunely happy for you" she commented.

Mathilda narrowed her eyes. "Are you okay Ladle?"

Ladle was a nickname she gave Lydia for whenever they were bantering it teasing each other after Lydia fell a ladle into a soup and Mathilda also claims Lydia sounds like ladle if you believe it does.

Lydia’s face cracked into a smile as she countered. "Shut up, I am a married woman, you cannot call me that"

Mathilda smiled before releasing a sigh and looking at Lydia like the lady needed to start talking and Lydia understood the look.

"I am in my creative space, I dislike the slightest thought of distraction preffering solitude to be my companion so I can focus and make something remarkable for when I open my business to the outside world" she explained and while Mathilda still held her narrowed eyes Lydia continued. "So please be somewhere away from here so I can work"

Mathilda’s eyes widen. "I can stay?!"

"Yes, Mathilda introduce yourself, I shall re-introduce you later" Lydia assured her.

"My word, I would be in the kitchen" Mathilda decided leaving with a full smile.

Mmm, Lydia mumbled as she resumed her work with a sigh.

She was fine.

She just missed her husbands warmth, it’s almost evening and he hadn’t seeked her out yet.

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