[55] a

Laras maintained her seated position. The two guests from earlier had probably left about an hour ago. Nothing was disturbing her now. The rustling of the wind mixed with the leaves and the faint fragrance from the nearby garden wafted by. Even though there were several servants standing around ready to serve her, she still felt lonely. Even the sound of the pool's water, which was always present, was a loyal companion in this solitude of Clara's.

The sun had shown its full strength. The bright heat should have prompted the woman to move away, to go inside her cool house. It would offer a special comfort that would lull her. But she chose to stay. Under the sizeable gazebo that could provide shade.

The difference was that here she felt the breeze, which didn't make her suffocate as indoors did. All that luxury caused a dramatic effect that was enough for her to decide not to move.

"Would madam like lunch?" one of the servers offered.

"No, just bring some