Part three: {The empty seat}

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For the rest of the afternoon, everywhere remained vivacious. But this extreme liveliness wasn't due to people celebrating, it was because of the work going on. There was distress, and majority of it had been affecting Garciá. As she remained time bound to her duties. It seemed as though in every door she walked through, her assistance was required. And it wasn't as though the others didn't know what to do without her overseeing. No, far from it. It seemed more like a 'bold front' being displayed to showcase their incompetence. Unbeknownst to them, Lady Garciá wasn't having any of it.

“It seems quite a few of our 'dear' servants need to make a short visit to Mr Teale's.” She told herself. Making a mental note of those she firmly believed, should be inline for punishment.

Meanwhile, back in the dungeon.
Mr Teale had just finished his business with the 'Lady of Starron'—How he addressed her. Referring to someone by their first name wasn't a skill he could master. Neither was the ability to present himself by first means of identification. Not unless they were really worth it.

“Make sure to take'r left turn through the east wing. There u'll find a secret passage. U'll know it's the one when'yr push on the protruding brick. By then, a hidden door should be revealed. Go in, but make sure to'r knock first. Heins will be uay'ing for'u.” He told her, while fastening his belt buckle in place.

She'd been laying on the weapons table, looking as one lacking in vitality. Thankfully, Mr Teale had cleared it up before starting with their 'business'.

Here she was, alone, beaten, broken in the mind, and weary.

(She dragged in sniffles)

“He should have just finished me off.”

The fact she was even thinking something as horrible as that, caused her stomach to wrine into itself.

*Bang!*
(The chamber doors slammed shut)

She painstakingly tilted her head to the side. The doors were being locked from the outside. Which meant she'd have to take the opposite route—The dark one.

But aside that, what was she going to do? When returning itself wouldn't be easy?

“Heins.”

That name. It was the name of a secluded apothecary, cloaked within the Mansion's shadows. Word of his quiet existence was cause for chatter and fright amongst servants. Some who claimed to have seen him spread rumors, saying; “He was begat by a witch I tell you! He's the devil's spawn.” While some others prattled on and on, about how he used 'unorthodox methods' to behandle his patients.

Apparently, he was brought in by the Master years ago, to help dress the wounds of servants who'd been hexed with no worse a fate. Than experiencing the feel of Mr Teale's colt. Or, those who still had value to remain in the Mansion. In other words, rats who were still useful 'Alive'.

So—Which line of offenders did 'she' fall under?

“I...I've got to get out of here.”

Of course she did. Because wether or not she'd been punished, Penelope's duties remained. Wasting time would do her 'wounds' no good, either. So she subsequently decided the first move would be made by her fingers. Moderately clawing and un-clawing them. Penelope groaned in pain, while attempting to lift her quivering knees. She'd been careful not to close her swollen thighs together. Not after what...Mr Teale, did to her.

“WHY???” She shouted, then by a mild slip up, accidentally rolled over, tossing her nearly broken self off the high legged weapons table. Crashing onto the mushy alluvial ground. Not surprising, given how ancient the chamber was. Besides, her body was already in so much pain. What was a pint measure more?

Unfortunately, while trying to will herself up. Penelope's shoulder had come in contact with a sort of slime. There'd been some on her back too.

*Blegh*
(She gagged)

Not too keen with the fact Mr Teale's 'beastly fluids' were on her.

The nerve of that man!

“To hell with them all! I should just return to my father. Yes, I'll do just that!

How?...How could they do this to ME? And after everything I've done for them?

After everything I've sacrificed!

Me? A noble woman of the Starron household?!

I SHOULDN'T BE TREATED THIS WAY!!!!”

Her frustration had gotten the best of her, still, it seemed it had also pumped her with enough adrenaline to lift herself off the ground. One step at a time, she made it to the second door.

During the days of old, the 'second door' had been used as an escape route. If one walked long enough, they'd make it out the Mansion and find their way, by heading through the oak forest. By then, fate was set in their hands. And If they could survive the three day stroll. Civilization was sure to find. Now a days, no one needed to stress as much, or prove their survival skills by roughing it out in the woods. Not when automobiles and new gizmos appeared more frequently. The world was becoming far too mechanized for a few traditionalists.

With that said, escape hadn't been the Semi-Noble Lady's concern. It was finding—'Heins sanctuary'.

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“Set the vase over there. And 'do' put in a fresh bouquet when that's done....

...You! Make sure to put out the tea tray once the decor has been taken care of....

....Ah! Akima, have the fresh batch of savoiardi's been made, like I asked? I expect them to be good. Remember, this is 'just' a brunch meeting, so be sure not to go over board again. Unless you want to spend the next week surviving on the excesses....

....And can someone tell me where lady Joseliné's is?! The child should be up by now!”

Garciá was having a stressful time. The other servants, they weren't good with pacing. She struggled to comprehend why  everyone was being so sluggish.

Then, In a bit to shout out another order. A booming voice went ahead of hers, roaring an announcement. “The fair Lady, queen of motion pictures, 'Vera Edgar' has arrived!”

Time. Just. Stopped!

'Lady VERA Edgar?'
THE Vera Edgar?
How? Why?
What relation could she have with the Master?

Garciá subconsciously bit her tongue, clenching the sides of her skirt in both shock and excitement. Her role model was here! Her alter ego!

“Oh my goodness, that was quite the introduction. Thank  you for that sir.” The woman gave a smile to the announcer, Then continued strutting towards the main parlor.

Strolling alongside her, was a small boy. He looked...adorable? From Garciá's standing, it was hard to tell what the child's features foretold. He seemed to be just a toddler, Perhaps two years older than Joseliné. Other than that, Garciá had reason to be filled with glee. Especially over the fact that the opportunity to serve someone of Lady Vera's calibre, had presented itself. Her hope was to make a good impression. And perhaps hold the Lady's hand? That was just wishful thinking.

Except...It may have not been.

Dusting off her perfectly clean uniform, Garciá straightened her back, shook her head, then walked up to Lady Vera with as much elegance she could muster.

“Professional. Be Professional.” She muttered.

“M-Miss Vera. Uh, I mean, Milady Vera.” She curtsied.  “Welcome to the Lockwood Mansion. I am head maid Garciá. Is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Please, come this way. I'll shall notify the Master of your presence.”

Lady Vera was pleased, and graced Garciá with a kind smile.

Those emerald eyes of hers, had been made 'bold' by dark velvety eyeshadow. Her bright hair was daintly curled to it's ends. The shade of each strand resembling that of sunset-red flames. Blooming like the petals of a fiery wildflower in the middle of the snow. Then there was her lips, pale but glossy. She was styled in a dress of new design, studded with extravagant silver sequences. Then there was a furry boa, resting upon her shoulders, trailing underneath her arms. Like it were the tail of a white fox. She looked beyond radiant. She exuded feminine charm unlike any other.

(Garciá gasped silently)

Seemingly ecstatic over seeing IT.
There it was. The 'moles' that gave Lady Vera that very distinct feature. Atop the left side of her eye brow. Were two reddish moles, resembling skin piercings. Beautiful. Just beautiful.

“Thank you miss Garciá.”

(Garciá jolted in surprise)

The woman called out her name! That fact was beyond incredible. 

Garciá, she smiled sheepishly. Unaware that everyone present had been throwing glances at her. Some had been snooping around, monitoring, searching for the next story to waste time gossiping over. Some were surprised to see their 'overly strict' head of service, showcasing composure, similar to that of a 'love struck school boy'. Meeting face to face with the girl he obsessed over. It only became more ironic, since it wasn't news to anyone that Lady Garciá loved Lady Vera, So she may actually have wished them to be sisters, or friends in their next lives.

“Uh..I...there is n-no need t-thank me Lady Vera. It is my solemn my duty to serve. Speaking of serve, please come along. You can take a rest over here and...uh..” She stared at the parlor. Everything seemed in place. Nothing out of the ordinary. All that was left was for the Master to come around, and then...

“Mother? I'm starving.
When are we going to eat?”

Garciá fluttered her eyelashes, surprised to have heard that word. “Mother”. No wait. It couldn't be. Lady Vera had a child? But when? How? Such news was never spoken of. This was...a surprise. “You little rascal.” Lady Vera tugged on the boys hand. Whispering to him. “I told you to compose yourself, didn't I? So do 'not' cause me any trouble while we're here? You hear me?”

Thinking on her feet, Akima, the pastry chef, brought fort a small tray. Consisting of multi-colored macarons. “Here little one. You can have some of these. They are absolutely delicious.” She claimed proudly, then smiled at the boy, but instead of receiving one back, the boy snorted, swapping the tray from her rudely. Then he went about going to take a seat on Master Constantine's chair. Seeing this alarmed both she and Lady Garciá alike. But, judging by the way her superior had been silent, she knew taking care of the issue was her job.

“Uh? Oh no, I'm sorry little one, but, you can't sit there. That chair has been reserved for the Master.” Akima spoke calmly, attempting to take the child up from there. Only to receive a spit of bolus to the face. She shrieked, and stepped back completely disoriented. Lady Garciá felt somewhat disappointed to see the child of her role model acting like a spoilt brat.

*Bahahaha ahbahaha*
(The boy cackled meanly)

“Ambrose! Get up from there, THIS INSTANT!” Lady Vera yelled viciously. Startling the boy off the seat. He held tightly to the tray in hand, too afraid to get near his mother. So he dashed, striving for the exit. Bumping Into Master Constantine unintentionally. The impact in which they'd made, caused the boy to stumble back and fall. In turn, scattering the snacks all over the fine rugged floor.

“Ah! You! Can't you watch were you're going?” The boy snarled. Rubbing his fore head.

Such insolence! They may have been 'Guests', but any act of disrespect fashioned towards members of Lockwood family was punishable by flogging. 50 wicked lashes. The boy didn't know better. So, he wouldn't receive any such brutality. However, in The Lockwood Mansion? There were other ways used to punish a misbehaved child. The scar on Garciá's right shoulder was testiment to that fact.

“And who might you be?” Master Constantine asked, crouching down to help the boy up. Ambrose gasped, upon realizing he may have over stepped his boundary. “Well, I..I'm...” Fearfully, he turned his face to his mother. The look in her eyes directed soul piercing strikes towards him.

He'd gone and made mother mad.

She'd cautioned him before they got there. But he just 'had' to go and misbehave. What was she going to do to him? He could only but wonder helplessly.

“Forgive him Master. He was just excited. I'm sure he didn't mean such...disrespect.” Said Garciá. Her statement was meant ease the minds of both Lady Vera, and Ambrose himself. But the child, after living with an actress all his life, knew Garcia has been cautioning him. Through selected words, she told him to 'know his place', without telling him to 'know his place'.

Her authoritative demeanor, just like Penelope, scared him.

Master Constantine wouldn't act rashly thanks to her clarification. Akima on the other hand, felt traumatized. So she quickly took her leave before anything else beyond her control would be instigated. She was just a pastry chef after all.

“Master. Your guest.”

Ofcourse, the 'Important Guest'. How could he forget?

“Right, thank you Garciá. You may leave us now. The Lady Vera and I, have some pressing matters to discuss. Which ofcourse, should not be delayed any further. Please, take a seat Milady.”

Lady Vera obliged courteously. “Ofcourse let's.”

Even though Garciá did nothing but 'smiled' at his request, within her heart, she felt unwilling. Her hope had been to serve the Lady Vera, herself. So leaving was the last thing on her mind. Alas, what power did she weild over the Master?

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*Arrrgg, ugh arrrmm ack!*
(Penelope groaned in pain)

“It should be a-around here somewhere...Heins sanctuary.”

(She fell, scraping her elbow on the tough wall.)

The passage was dark, she'd been toiling like a scavenger without a light guide for two perilous hours. There were no sign of torches on her way there. Not even one. So for Penelope, that walk seemed like an eternity. Especially with her wounds. She'd managed to bandage the ones in her arms with ripped parts of her uniform. But sadly, it looked to seem her time had ultimately come.

“Help me...please.” She said breathlessly, as her weak eyelids finally came to a close.

(Sounds of lock compartments clicking eerily echoed)

With that, the hidden door came open. And the back of Penoploe's head was met by a pair of cheap leathered feet. “Well what do we have here?” Said a gentle voice. Before the speaker heartlessly dragged Penelope's battered body in through the hidden passage.

(Half an hour had passed since the meeting began.)

“What's taking them so long?”
Ambrose whined. Stuffing his face with yet another pastry. His eating habits were utterly distasteful. “Can you not eat like that? It's impolite.” Akima complained. “You'er like a disgusting boar.” She whispered. Lady Garciá would have her head if she'd heard her say that about an esteemed guest.

Tah! What nonsense. “Bah, Esteemed guest my toosh.” She thought.

(The parlor doors came open.)

Then out came the Master and his 'Esteemed guest'. Lady Vera. The two seemed. Exhausted. Sorta like they'd been arguing. “Garciá.” Constantine growled.

She braced herself for his next order. “Yes Master Constantine?” Holding firm to Joseliné's small hands.

(The child had awoken few minutes prior.)

While visually disappointed, Constantine gave a wearisome glance at his daughter. Before doing same to Ambrose, then Vera, to Garciá. And then back to Joseliné again. He'd been trying to elate himself into giving the order. But it seemed too difficult. It wasn't easy, not in the slightest.  He just had to.

“Garciá, send word to every honorable personality in the state. And inform them of my upcoming wedding ceremony with this woman. Lady Vera.” He gave her a wicked eyelong glare. “She will be...The new...” His mouth didn't want to utter it. But the expectant look in Vera's face caused him to sigh, then break the suspense. “She will be the new Mistress of the house. So I expect you all to treat her as such. G-Goodbye.” He said, adruptly rushing off, and accidentally bumping shoulders with Garciá.

She could hear it—The Murmurs.
And they were all saying one thing.

“There is going to be a new Mistress.”

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