The White Mask & The Red Rose

by P Rose Weaver

  Arielle nodded, "Later." And took up the bulky tray up to her mistress' rooms.

  Rosabelle then proceeded in finishing her task in the kitchen, assisting Miranda in kneading the dough or cutting onions or whatever menial tasks the cook needed. It took another two hours in the kitchen before she was able to go the gardens to help out Pedro.

  She was weeding one corner of the plot of soil when a shadowy figure crept beside her. It was the Lady Tiffany in all her finery, carrying her parasol, blocking the sun from her perfect porcelain face. Pedro was in the greenhouse and did not want to be disturbed so Rosabelle was forced to acknowledge her. She got up from her crouching position and gave a curtsy. She saw Arielle was following closely behind, with a curious look on her face.

  "Arielle, be a sweetheart and grab my sweater. There seems to be a little chill out here."

  It was a warm day but Arielle complied after a moment of hesitation and excused herself from the scene. Rosabelle wasn't sure if she should continue her gardening or stand in attendance with the Lady around.

  When Arielle was out of earshot, Lady Tiffany coolly asked, "I wonder what he sees in you? You try to hide your scars with that silly scarf but it's of no use. Has he bedded you already?"

  "My lady!" Rosabelle gasped at her words, "You insult me!"

  Lady Tiffany gave a smirk, "Ah, so he has not bedded you yet. You're still an innocent then. Probably that's your most appealing nature. Well, mark my words, maid, once he's through with you, he will discard you like unwanted baggage. Then he will come running back to me."

  "Lucas will never go back to you!" Rosabelle exclaimed, shocked at the plain hatred coming from the other lady.

  Lady Tiffany stared down at her, "How dare you speak his name so casually! You are just a servant. You are nothing! Nothing, you hear?"

  Rosabelle started to close both her fists, ready to pounce. Nobility or not, this woman was asking for it. Decorum be damned!

  "That's enough, Tiffany!" Lucas voice boomed out. He had joined them in the gardens without any of them knowing. Arielle was behind him in the far corner, a light sweater in her hand. She probably heard everything too. She had her head bowed down trying to make herself inconspicuous.

  Rosabelle had never seen Lucas this furious. If he were not a gentleman, he would have taken the Lady Tiffany by her collar and drag her out of there. But he controlled his voice, just barely above restraint, "You owe Rosabelle an apology for treating her unfairly. She does not deserve your bitterness. If it weren't late in the afternoon, I would have you packing your bags this instant. You will leave in the morning and not a moment too soon!"

  Lady Tiffany gasped at his words, appalled she was treated this way and what was worse, in front of the servant girl. "I will not apologize for words that I speak in truth. You will rue the day you crossed paths with me, Lucas."

  "I believe I already am." Lucas replied coldly, his white mask menacing.

  Lady Tiffany gathered her skirts and walked out of the garden. Arielle followed behind but not before she gave a wink at Rosabelle.

  "Are you okay, Rosabelle?" Lucas asked, concern in his voice. His voice gentled now.

  "Yes, thank you for asking, Lucas, but I think I could have handled that situation myself."

  "Of course you could. I was trying to save Tiffany from you. You were ready to pounce and scratch her eyes out." Lucas teased.

  Rosabelle grinned, "Was I that obvious? Maybe just one eye but not before I rip her hair from her scalp. I'm sure that must feel painful. I've never tried it on somebody else so I thought I would give it a try."

  Lucas laughed, "Tiffany should be grateful I came to her rescue just in time."

  Rosabelle agreed.

  The Lady Tiffany opted to have her last dinner in her room that night which made everyone in the castle grateful for that. They did not want to busy themselves with another formal dining experience. Rosabelle was not sure if she would refrain from spilling anything on the duchess' ample bosom.

  Arielle and Rosabelle met for dinner and they ate in the kitchens. They had the kitchen dining table all to themselves as it was getting late and most of the servants had retired for the night.

  "If you like I can ask Lucas to give you a posting here at the castle. I'm sure there will be lots of opportunities here." Rosabelle offered when she heard Arielle mentioning that the Lady Tiffany’s' entourage will be leaving in the morning.

  Arielle shook her head, "Thank you for trying to help me, Rosabelle, but I don't belong here. Working for Lady Tiffany is not too bad."

  "Well, you can always come back to us in case you change your mind."

  Arielle murmured her thanks and they continued on with their dinner.

  Later, as Rosabelle prepared for the night in her bedchamber, a light flickered from the outside and caught her eye. She looked out the window and saw someone was carrying a lamp across the green lawn towards the lake. Who could be out so late this night? She took her shawl and went down the stairs and out into the back door, grabbing a lamp of her own. She slowly made her way towards the lake. Someone was sitting at the edge of the wooden walkway and as she approached nearer, she saw it was Arielle. She had her own shawl around her and had her legs were in the water.

  "Arielle, what are you doing out here?"

  Arielle got startled at Rosabelle's voice and almost knocked her lamp from its position when she turned towards her.

  "Rosabelle, please don't come any closer," she pleaded but Rosabelle had a full view already. She held one hand to her chest in shocking silence.

  Where Arielle had dipped her legs, she could see the grayish scale covering it. Arielle's legs had turned into a fishtail! Rosabelle could have sworn she swayed a little as she stood there. Arielle was a mermaid. She had heard stories about them but never thought they existed. She never thought she would see, much less talk to one.

  "Arielle, you're a ---

  "Mermaid, " she sighed, her voice cracking and then she started crying. "I had to feel the water once in awhile, to remember where I came from. Since we were leaving tomorrow, it would be another long trip before I feel natural water again."

  Rosabelle's heart went out to her and she forgot her trepidation and sat beside the sad girl. She took Arielle in an embrace and let the other girl sob out her sorrow. When at last she calmed down, Arielle started to tell her story.

  "Father always told me to stay away from humans but I couldn't resist looking at how they lived, what they ate and what they wore. I always followed ships and just watch them go by. One day, I saw a very handsome man. He was learning to captain one of the ships when his ship sank during a storm and I rescued him. I fell in love with him at first sight. I wanted to be with him, get to know him. So I went to the sea witch and wished for legs so I can walk on solid ground."

  Rosabelle whispered, "There must have been a price for that."

  Arielle nodded, "My voice. I used to sing beautifully. Mermaids are known to mesmerize men with their voice, luring them out to the rough waters where their boat will sink. I never did like that nature of mermaids. They love the power of persuasion."

  "What happened after you got your legs, Arielle?"

  Arielle looked down, sad, "He does not know who I am. I try to stay close to him and get his attention but he does not notice me at all. Plus, my croaking voice would just scare people away."

  "Oh, Arielle." Rosabelle responded with empathy. "Who is it?"

  "His name is Lord Eric, the future Duke of Lindburg."

  "You mean---?"

  Arielle nodded, "Lady Tiffany's brother."

  "So that's why you stay with the Lady Tiffany. To be near him."

  "He's off training in one of the ships. He is a naval officer and soon will be taking over the fleet of merchant ships."

  Rosabelle took Arielle's hand, "Loving with wisdom will lead you to happiness while loving blindly will make you a fool. You may find yourself on the losing end. I don't wish that for you, my friend. True love has to be giv
en and reciprocated, never forced. Whatever happens, I will be here to support you."

  Arielle smiled, "There's one thing I am grateful to Lady Tiffany. She lead me to you. I would never have known you if she had not decided to come and visit."

  "There is a reason for everything. Come now, it's getting late and you will be so busy tomorrow. The offer still stands when you want to come back."

  "I know. Thank you."

  They used their shawls to dry Arielle's tail which turned to human legs when dry. Rosabelle was amazed at the magic she was witnessing. Hand in hand they got up and walked back to the house, fast friends they have become.

  16

  The next morning, Lady Tiffany left with her small entourage. Rosabelle and Arielle had already said their goodbyes earlier, promising to write each other and keep in touch.

  And the Lady Tiffany, being the person she is, could not help but leave a scathing remark to both Lucas and Rosabelle. She looked at them with contempt.

  "Call me when you're done with her. Then again, maybe not. I'm not fond of playing second fiddle. Papa will hear of this, Lucas!"

  "I look forward to hearing from your father, Tiffany.He can come and visit anytime." Lucas gave a small mocking bow which made Lady Tiffany fume with anger as she stomped up to her carriage and Arielle following closely behind.

  Arielle glanced at Rosabelle and gave her a small wave before she stepped up inside. When the door closed and the footman in position, the carriage rolled away.

  When they could no longer see the carriage, Lucas gave out a deep sigh, "Finally, peace!"

  Rosabelle could not help but laugh at him. He followed suit.

  "Hungry?" Rosabelle asked.

  "Famished. I would love to eat some batter cake for breakfast, don't you?"

  Rosabelle smiled, "I think that can be arranged, Lucas. With honey?"

  "Definitely, with honey." Lucas agreed as they made their way to the kitchens.

  That night after eating their dinner and they were sipping their wine, the chess game at a stall. Lucas leaned forward and touched her scarf, "You don't need this, you know. You don't have to hide your beautiful face."

  She blushed, not knowing what to say at his forwardness. He then realized what impression he gave and started to utter an apology, "Rosabelle, I am sorry. I did not intend to be rude."

  "Apology accepted."

  "Is it too bold for me to ask how you got the scars?"

  Rosabelle gave a small smile, "Not at all. It's been years since the accident. It does not hurt as much to think about it."

  "You don't have to elaborate, Rosabelle. I understand."

  She shook her head, "There was a fire that broke out at the house when father was away in one of his business trips. I was the first to wake up and I saw the smoke. I ran to the other room to get my sister and mother but I was only able to carry my sister to safety. Mother must have passed out from the smoke because she was not even moving when I yelled at her to wake up. The beam from the roof fell on my left side and pushed me out but not before searing my flesh. I was too late. The village men came and stopped me from trying to re-enter the house."

  "They saved you. You could have been killed, Rosabelle. You are one brave lady."

  Lucas absentmindedly touched her scar on her right hand, tracing the uneven jagged flesh. It made her shiver a little but she did not move away.

  "If you had the chance to do it again knowing you would get scarred for life, would you have done it again? Going back for your mother?"

  Rosabelle answered almost immediately, "Yes, absolutely. It was worth the try or else I would always be wondering if I made the right choice. I would have wished I was faster then father would have both mother and Isabelle alive. But alas, the fate of my mother was already written. She probably was destined to die that night."

  "And do you believe in destiny, Rosabelle?"

  She nodded. "I do, but I also believe we can change how we carry out our destiny. It's by the choices we make and how we deal with our everyday life."

  "Spoken like a true wise lady. But I speak the truth when I say you no longer have to hide with me, Rosabelle. I'm not one who judges a person by appearance. So feel free to go without the scarf."

  "Thank you for saying that, Lucas. I got used hiding my scars because people cringe at the ugliness they see. I can say the same thing about you. Why do you have to wear this? What’s the mystery behind this white mask?" She touched his mask softly and it shimmered a little at her touch. She gasped at the cold exterior and it felt unreal, like magic.

  His body stiffened, withdrawing from her touch, "Believe me, this is not my choice." He was clearly upset.

  "I'm sorry. I did not mean to be so forward."

  He suddenly stood up and offered his elbow, "Please excuse me, I will have to call it an early night, Rosabelle. Let me escort you back towards your chambers. Thank you for your company."

  Knowing how a dismissal sounded like, Rosabelle held her tongue in cheek and placed a hand at his elbow as they made their way towards the stairs. Her heart heavy with regret. She should not have openly ask him about the mask or even touch it. Clearly he did not want to talk about it. They walked in silence and he gave a curt nod before he disappeared back into his wing, not even glancing back at her to check if she went up the stairs to her wing. She was a little hurt at his dismissal. How handsome he looked even with the mask on, she thought. Still a sorry sight though. She did not know how he could bear wearing that hideous mask day in and day out. She would have to find out what was going on and figure out how to help the people in this castle even if they guarded their secret to the grave.

  She walked downstairs towards the kitchen, not wanting to go to her rooms just yet because it was still early in the evening. She would probably sip some tea before bedtime and catch up on her sketching. She paused at the threshold before the kitchens when she heard two distinct voices in hushed tones.

  Miranda was talking with one of the groomsmen, Keithley, "But she should have known she can't go too far. There is no escaping."

  She heard the groomsman reply, "Fear is a great motivator, Miss Miranda. I can't blame her for trying."

  “And now it’s her turn.” Miranda replied, her voice gloomy.

  Rosabelle heard some shuffling, wondering who they were referring to.

  "Oh, hi there Miss Rosabelle!" Came Chip's voice from the corner who had a good view of anyone coming in or going out. He had glanced up from his book and saw her. Caught eavesdropping, she blushed deep red as she went into the kitchens but Keithley had removed himself from the scene and Miranda was taking out the bread from the oven. Damn this secret whatever it is, she cursed under her breath. Everyone, including Lucas, was sensitive about the topic.

  "Rosabelle, sweetie, I will need your help churning the butter for tomorrow. Butter would do very nicely with these hot cross buns, don't you think?"."

  "Yes, Miranda." She answered. Her mind thinking who they were talking about and what was going on. Miranda was acting strangely, almost scared. Tomorrow, she promised, she will get some answers. And she knew just the right person to ask.

  Lucas walked back to his rooms, closing the door. He did not want to have ended the night like that with Rosabelle. But when she had touched his white mask, it had shimmered a little and moved. He could have sworn it felt like it was coming off. But he did not want to risk the mask coming off and then clinging to Rosabelle next. He did not want her to suffer as he had. He was still discovering the weird magic behind the white mask and they have yet to find a final solution yet. He should send Rosabelle away for her safety, he thought. But then, he did not want to lose her altogether. He should do the right thing, he sighed. Tomorrow, he promised, he must do the right thing even if it meant losing his heart.

  17

  At Chip's knock in the morning, she opened the door and gave her brightest smile ever, working her charm on the little boy.

  "Good morning, Chip." She started. "I had borrowed Jenkin
s' personal pen before when I had to write my sister a letter. I so much want to return it to him personally. Do you know when he will be back?"

  Chip was walking alongside her towards the stairwell and had paused at her question. "You might want to keep that pen for awhile. He won't be coming back soon, Miss Rosabelle. He's gone, just like the others."

  "Gone, meaning, he left the castle? Probably he took a post elsewhere?"

  Chip shook his head and then answered, "You get sick first and then you're gone. Poof!" He raised his hand in an imaginary cloud. "That's what happened to Debbie. She got sick with the cold sweats and then she was no longer there."

  "Do you mean they sleep and never wake up?" Rosabelle was trying to make sense what the little boy was trying to describe. Apparently, the castle had a sickness going on but it was a different kind of illness she had never heard before.

  Chip shook his head again. "Mama said I should not tell you anything or else you will run away scared. We don't usually get new people to work in the castle. I don't want you to go away, Miss Rosabelle. I like you a whole lot."

  Rosabelle knelt on one knee and gave him a quick hug . "Oh, Chip, I like you a whole lot too. I promise not to run away. I want to help but you have to tell me what is going on."

  "It's the curse, Miss Rosabelle. A powerful witch put a spell on the master and that's why he has to wear that mask. His family got affected first and then the servants next. They disappear one by one until it's just him."

  Well, that explains the scarcity of people, Rosabelle thought.

  "Is that why Holly was trying to escape?"

  "Yes, Miss Rosabelle. There is no escaping the curse. It gets anybody. No one knows when they're next. My Pa was one of the first ones who got sick. Lots have tried to run away but they can't go too far. They always find themselves back where they started which is here at the castle. Holly tried to escape after Debbie vanished. Something always pulls them back here then they get sick."