148: Welcoming her in (part 2)

Welcoming her in (part 2)

3"Sir Egon," she curtsied, slightly flustered, upon reaching his door.

"Welcome," he greeted her with a secretive smile and stepped aside, allowing her passage.

Adela stepped across the threshold, her eyes roving over the interior of the house. It was an amalgamation of imposing and unpretentiousness, much like the intriguing persona who resided within its walls. 

A sleek yet comfortable-looking sofa was positioned elegantly in the living area, and at its center, a tastefully crafted coffee table stood graced with a vase of freshly picked flowers. The room was further complemented by a couple of stylish accent chairs strategically placed near the stained glass window, offering a picturesque view of the outside world.

But what surprised Adela most was the elegant dining table that took center stage. Its surface gleamed with a polished finish, reflecting the soft glow of the room's lighting. Surrounding it were two exquisite dining chairs. A white tablecloth covered the table's surface, delicate tableware and a candle holder with flickering burgundy candles atop it. The tantalizing scent of freshly prepared fish wafted through the air, emanating from a covered plate placed enticingly in the center of the table, accompanied by a fresh salad and slices of bread.

"I prepared fish." Egon remarked, breaking the enchantment.

Adela's eyebrows shot up in surprise as she gazed up at him. "You... You cooked?"

He smiled boyishly. "You'd be amazed at what I can accomplish."

Adela's gaze swept across the table, her admiration reignited.

"Come with me."

She followed him through one of the open doorways leading them to the eastern wing of the house. As they ventured further, a familiar fragrance drifted toward her—a scent that reminded her of the Archduke's study.

"This is where I spend most of my time," he said.

The polished wooden floors gleamed beneath their steps, their rich tones contrasting with the rest of the house. At the center of the room, a grand wooden desk commanded attention, embellished with leather-bound journals and an assortment of writing tools. A leather armchair stood behind the desk, accompanied by a towering bookshelf that lined the walls. The bookshelf showcased a vast collection of books, emanating the cherished aroma of aged paper. And against the wall, just behind the desk, hung the painting of the hawk that Adela had gifted him.

"Your gift holds a special place in this room," he expressed with depth.

"Then it pleases you?" A smile illuminated her face, her eyes sparkling brighter than ever as he gazed down at her.

He hesitated, his gaze heavy with unspoken sentiments. "...More than mere pleasure,"

She patiently shifted her focus back to the painting, awaiting the moment when his dark eyes would release their hold on her and grant her a chance to breathe freely.

"...I forgot to take your shawl," he said, looking down at her attire as if seeing it for the first time.

She gracefully unwrapped the shawl and gave it to him. Their hands brushed in a fleeting moment, igniting a surge of energy that traveled through her neck and flowed down to her tingling elbows.

"...You are the first guest in my house," he remarked with a crooked smile. His eyes scrutinized the contours of her braided hair and the light pink spring dress she wore. "And you're beautiful."

She tilted her head, her cheeks flushing deeply. "Egon..."

"You could have been less beautiful, that's all I'm saying,"

She cast a sideways glance, a teasing arc forming at the edges of her lips, and with a subtle gesture, she directed her gaze behind her. "I believe it's time to try the fish now."

She bit her cheek to hold in a gasp when Egon gently rested his hand on the small of her back and guided her back to the table. With a graceful motion, he pulled out her chair, allowing her to settle into it.

"I forgot the salt and pepper," he declared before swiftly making his way to the kitchen. She heard the clinking of utensils as she tried to calm her racing heart in his absence.

Egon returned triumphantly, placing the salt and pepper in the center of the table. He rubbed his hands together expectantly.

"Alright," he said as he sat down and served a portion of the fish onto her plate with a mischievous grin. "Let's see if you like it."

"It's a splendid table!" She said nervously.

This was the first time she had dined at a table where servants and cooks were not involved in its preparation. There was something deeply touching about him personally crafting this meal for her.

"...It's because you're sitting there that the table looks so wonderful,"

Adela's heart melted, her cheeks aching from the constant smile she had worn since setting foot into his house. Her gaze wandered around, appreciating the tranquil atmosphere, punctuated only by the sweet melodies of birdsong drifting in through the open window.

"This house... It's so serene," she praised.

"It is. It has always been," he responded, serving himself a portion of the fish.

Her smile faded as she realized that unlike herself, Egon had grown up in poverty. The very forest that enveloped them now had once claimed his father's life and left deep scars on him and his brother. Yet, here he was, creating a sanctuary of peace amidst its embrace once again.

"...The past... If only I could change it," she murmured.

"Shh," he quieted her, lowering his head before meeting her gaze once more. "I've made plenty of mistakes before, as you suggest. But I'd rather not dwell on them anymore. Let's concentrate on new beginnings."

They locked gazes, so many silent words flowing between them.

"Are you ready to eat now?" he inquired, his smile captivating.

She elegantly grasped her fork and knife, skillfully slicing a small piece of the fish and bringing it to her mouth. As she savored the flavor, her eyes stole glances filled with pure amazement at him.

"This is absolutely delicious!" she exclaimed when she swallowed, unable to resist taking another bite. Aware of his scrutinizing gaze, she smiled and gestured towards his plate. "...Your food is growing cold..."

He began to eat, his eyes finally alternating between her and his own plate.

Their tranquil moment was abruptly interrupted by a sudden knocking on the door. Both of them paused, exchanging glances.

"...The Baroness's hands would not produce such a sound," she remarked, noting the heavy and distinctive knocks they heard.

"Excuse me," he said, dabbing his mouth with the handkerchief before placing it next to his plate. "I am not expecting anyone," he added with a frown.

Her eyes tracked his movements as he approached the door, his figure blocking her view completely. As he turned the doorknob and pulled it open, Egon's posture immediately tensed.

"I could no longer bear to stay there," a man's voice carried an unmistakable note of desperation.

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