Confrontation

CHAPTER 14

            “The man is impossible!”, she stormed inside the castle startling the servants who were cleaning the room. The usually amiable and nice heiress frightened the new maid who fought with Ann, just a couple of days ago. It cemented her observation that the master and mistress of the castle would surely end their marriage very soon. She could just feel her pockets full of money after she and Ann, wager their monthly salaries.

     Agnes plopped down on one of the chairs. Her anger increased by the minute when she recalled what Chris Duvier said to her. It’s been a week since he has been treating her like a pariah. He ignored her doggedly and refuse to even look at her. When she cannot take it anymore, she decided to settle the matter by baking him a cake as a form of appeasement for her lack of experience in lovemaking. She assumed that the reason her husband left was that her inexperience had driven him away.

     Yet, when she presented the cake to him, his cold grey eyes slice her from head to toe and said mockingly, “What’s this? You wanted to apply as a baker?”

     She blushed and tried to muster the courage to hold her tongue. She smiled at him sweetly and said, “This my husband is my apology cake. Whatever, I did wrong during these past days. I want to say sorry. Please forgive me if I ever said or done something wrong.”

     “No cake can make me accept your apology. However, I might as well take the cake. We don’t want to waste it, would we?”

     Agnes frowned in confusion. She said crossly, “Are you going to ruin my whole week just because of my inexperience?”

     This time, it is Chris Duvier who turned to be confused, “Inexperience?”

     “Yes, that morning when we make love, you left me because I’m not good enough, didn’t you? Well, it’s not my fault, that I have no experience. Nobody would like to date me. The boys in this town are too afraid to date the witch.”

     Chris Duvier blinked, amazed at her candidness, and stunned by her deduction, “Whatever gives you the idea that I found you inadequate?”

     “Because you left me before you…” she blushed and said in a whisper “…can complete your er--duties.”

     The slow and lazy smile on his face made her annoyed then he said, “I was bored.”

     Reason left her, she was mad now, “Bored? Your bored?!”

     “Yes, darling---” Plook! The sound of the cake landing on his face made him stop. He stared at her. Shock. His body and mind froze.

     He watched the retreating back of a madwoman. Her black hair swing with the movement of her body. She was half running and walking, storming towards the castle. Chris Duvier smiled while watching her. He licked and tasted the cake that her wife made. It’s not bad, not bad at all.

     Smith witnessed the whole drama. He had a bad feeling that it’s going to be a tough climb. He must secure the book that the Lady had instructed. It will help a lot with their dilemma.

     He cleared his throat. Chris Duvier turned around and saw the butler. He smiled at the old man while still eating the cake.

     “What is it Smith?” he said while licking the morsels on his fingers, “God, she can bake a delicious cake.” His wife had many surprising talents that unfolded to him in the startling scenario.

     “The baroness wanted to see you in her study.”

     “Please tell Lady Elizabeth, that for now, I can’t come. I will see her tonight after dinner.”

     “Yes sir. I will inform her.” Then, the servant left hurriedly. He still needs to look for that book. He hopes that his friends in the town can dig up where to look for it. A miracle is needed to save the marriage. Ann might lose the wager and he could also lose his favorite watch to Chris Duvier’s driver. Smith hurriedly reported to Lady Elizabeth what happens. The baroness worriedly stared at the window. Outside, the beautiful spread of nature as far as the eyes can see, look serene but inside the grand lady's heart and mind were filled with worry and sadness. She cannot give up on her dream for Agnes. She does not want her to give up on love as she did. Her niece must have her dreams come true. It was her second chance through her.

     Nighttime came. The baroness was already waiting for Chris Duvier to arrive. She does not know what will become of their meeting tonight but she must make sure she will succeed. Lady Elizabeth dresses carefully. She knows that Chris Duvier could hold his own. Both are stubborn and determined to win and the pawn in their game is her niece, Agnes.

     The study door opens and the man she is waiting for walk-in thirty minutes late. He nods at the woman in front of him and sat down in one of the chairs facing the Baroness, without her invitation.

     “You're late!” she said sharply at him.

     “I’m not aware that I need to be on time. Did you wait long, my Lady?” he asked mockingly.

     “Duvier…I’m not here to argue. You already had your hands full with Agnes.” She smiled at him and said, “Servants talk. It was causing much friction with the old and new workers.”

     “What do you mean Lady Elizabeth?”

     “One of the maids seen you leaving Agnes bedroom,” she paused and said, “You left angry as per the house help account. After that, they observe that you ignored my niece and you refuse to dine with her.”

     “I don’t care what other people say Lady Elizabeth. Let them gossip about us.” Chris Duvier said coldly.

     The old Baroness sighed. It looks like it’s going to be difficult to convince the man. Yet, she cannot bow down. She must follow her game plan to the end.

     “Duvier, this is a personal request. Your relationship with my niece is getting on everybody’s nerves. It’s not right that you treat your wife like a menace. Agnes can be amiable with proper er-- sensitivity from you.”

     He smiled mockingly and said, “Please be more specific on your request my Lady.”

     “You wanted an heir Duvier. A willing woman is better than an unwilling one. Treat her like your wife. Try to work on your marriage. She would willingly come to you.”

     “No.” he coldly said. “I’m not going to do what you suggested. Agnes will come to me if I want to. In my own time and my terms.”

     Chris Duvier abruptly stood up. He said, “I can’t believe after you sold your niece to me, now you push her to my bed. Agnes is just a pawn to you but I cannot understand why you had to go to that extreme in treating your niece like meat.”

     Lady Elizabeth tried to control her anger. She took a deep breath and said, “You don’t have the right to say that Duvier. My actions are for my niece's security and happiness. In due time, you might learn to accept her.”

     “Are you hoping that we will remain in this sham marriage and I will fall in love with your niece, my lady?”, he laughed contemptuously. “I’m only here because I am the new master of Winshord Castle. I’m still in love with Lea and her sister doesn’t even come second.”

     “Duvier!” she said with a voice on the verge of a shrill. “Agnes is the most loving and beautiful person you will ever know. She is special. Please don’t make her unhappy, I’m begging you. Just for the duration of your marriage.”

     He stared down at her. She had suddenly looked much older than her age. The baroness is still trembling when she slumps down on the chair.

     “It took me eight years to stand in front of you Lady Elizabeth. Now, I had the chance to tell you, my plan. Agnes will fall in love with me then I will break her as the Walden’s breaks me.”

     Lady Elizabeth paled, “Is this the reason why you return Duvier?”

     His eyes glittered with determination and hatred, “I hope you sleep well. Have a good night.”

     He left her stricken by his revelation. Lady Elizabeth felt the world comes tumbling down. The web she tried to make is becoming her prison. She thought giving Agnes the man she truly loves would make her niece happy and secure but tonight’s revelation had made her worry about Agnes' future.

     All night, the baroness tosses and turned looking for reprieved of the gloomy feeling that settled in her heart. What has she done? Dear God, please hear my prayer, let Agnes be happy. Her silent prayer echoes to heaven, hoping the universe will hear her fervent plea.