Chapter 5

Margaret returns to the country

Alice came to the garden looking nervous; she didn't know what she would be expecting in this meeting. A woman was standing in the garden, caressing the flowers. She was wearing a purple gown and looked so beautiful and ethereal. She was no one else than the madam of the house, Mrs. MacPherson.

Alice walked up to Mrs. MacPherson and greeted her.

"You sent it to me, ma?" She asked.

"Yes, you are Alice, right?" She asked without turning.

"Yes, ma."

"I heard of what happened from my son. I am really sorry for how you are treated. It was a little neglect from me; I didn't know that Grace would turn out like this." She apologized.

"It's nothing, ma; you don't need to apologize."

"If you say so. My son said you are the most capable for the new head maid position. What do you think? Are you really that capable? Can you really take up the position?"

Alice was hesitant at first but quickly thought it through. If she becomes the head maid, not only will her workload decrease, her salary will also increase, and she will be able to save up faster and pay the loan. And besides, what if she gives up now and the new head maid became someone that was even more wicked than Grace.

"I think I am very capable for the position, ma." She said resolutely.

"Good, I like your courage. From now on, you are the new head maid; the Butler will take you to the head maid room, and you don't need to share a room from now onwards."

Alice was surprised and profusely thanked her. "Thank you, madam; I promise to do a very great job." She vowed.

Inside a study room, a middle-aged man was sitting with a stack of papers in his hands. He had white hair and was well-built; he seemed to have been exercising daily even at his age.

Knock! Knock!

"Come in."

The door opened, and Carson came in. "You called me, father?"

"Yes, sit down." He gestured at the empty seat opposite him. Carson sat down.

"I heard that your so-called girlfriend had left you?" Mr. MacPherson asked. His voice contained a hint of mockery.

"So what? Is a breakup not a normal occurrence? It happens every time. It's not a big deal." He replied.

"Oh, it seems like you are getting some sense. It's best how the two break up. It has saved us from embarrassment."

"What are you talking about?" Carson had an unpleasant feeling at the word.

"Of course, I am talking about your engagement with Margaret. You of all people know how important this is. Margaret is a good girl; there was no reason why you wouldn't marry her. She is the ideal girl to marry, and it will also bring our two families benefits."

"Are we supposed to marry because of benefits? There should at least be an understanding between the couples." He argued.

"Sometimes we have to sacrifice some things for our progress. You can't progress without making sacrifices; you have to understand it. Margaret is returning from America today. I want you to go and pick her; she would be coming to our family to stay for a few weeks."

"Did you arrange this?" He looked at her suspiciously.

"Believe me, in as much as I would like to, see I didn't. Make a decision now son. No matter what decision you make, you should remember that sacrifices must be made before you reach a certain level in this world."

Carson thought over it for a while. The reason he was strongly against the arrangement before was because of Angela. Now they are not together, there is nothing holding him. And besides, there was sense in what his father said. He subconsciously thought of Alice.

'Why am I thinking of that girl now?' he said to himself and immediately tried to get her off his mind. "I will get some escorts to follow me to the airport."

Mr. MacPherson smiled happily. "Atta boy, you made the right decision. I assure you that you won't regret it. Go on, go and pick her from the airport. I had already prepared the room beside yours for her," he said with a meaningful smile.

He ignored him and left. Later in the day, Carson was standing in front of the airport with four men. They were waiting for Margaret. Currently, he was looking curiously at the landings to see if he can find her. Soon he saw her coming out from the crowd. She had already seen me and had a satisfied smile on her face. He felt like wiping away that smile from her face.

"I know you would be waiting for me." She said satisfyingly. She was beautiful and had neat blonde hair. Two girls were trailing behind her carrying her luggage. Carson wasn't happy with the way she talked.

"What can I do? I was forced by my father after all." He said. Margaret stiffened, and her smile turned ugly. "Of course, I was just kidding." He laughed.

Her stiffened face brightened. "You have such a good sense of humor Carson. It had been such a long time since we last met. Don't you miss me?"

Carson really wanted to tell her that he didn't even remember her a bit throughout those times. "I miss you very much. After all, you are my childhood friend."

She started pouting. "Do you only see me as your childhood friend?"

"Of course, what else am I supposed to see you as?" It was then he realized the kind of mistake he made by saying these words.

Luckily, they had reached the garage. He helped her open the car door. Margaret nodded approvingly before she entered the car. Carson entered after closing the door for her.

"So tell me, how is America?" He asked after the car drove to the road.

"Oh! It was great; don't worry we will go there during our honeymoon."

"No need; I was born in America and even lived there for eighteen years. It will be boring for me."

"Sorry I didn't know about that, there are other places we can go apart from America. Right, you hadn't mentioned anything about our engagement yet?"