Chapter 14 - Uninvited visitor

Eloise sent the reluctant Mister Ray out the door, More like pushing him out the door. She made sure to be kind to the old captain who helped her as well and send him off. All the while he kept looking at her like she was a beast. His eyes held a weird fear as she peered at her. 'What's wrong with him?' she thought, but the thought did not last long. She had much more work to do, so she concentrated her mind on her work.

Before sun set, there was a knock to her door. Odette opened it a slither and peaked out.

"Miss, good day, is Miss Eloise around. I would like to have a talk with her,"

Madam Miller was right outside of her room noticed this. She walked up to the door and glanced at the handsome young man. "Sire Fred, why are you still outside," she cordially invited him and led him to their parlour. "I heard you were the one who assisted me when I was sick. I have to thank you for that,"

"It is my duty lady Ayles. I didn't do much though; it was all thanks to your daughter's hard work that you are healthy now. By the way, is Miss Eloise around?"

"Oh yes, she is. Wait, a moment, sire. Odette, go call her."

The little maid ran to Eloise's room and knocked softy.

"Yes?"

"Miss, there is a guest here to see you,"

Eloise opened her door and peaked out. "Who is it at this time?"

"He is the doctor you brought here miss." Odette kindly reminded her.

"oh him, I had an appointment with him." Eloise stepped out ready to go to the parlour but Odette stopped in front of her.

"Miss, are you planning on meeting a man... 'Ahem'... dressed like this?" she glanced at her from top to bottom.

Eloise frowned. She was wearing a flowy white dress that showed a bit of her shoulders. It was said to be night dress, but it was the least comfortable. 'For blood donation this should be enough though,' she thought with a shrug. "Nothing is wrong with it," she stepped past her.

"No miss, you should not!!! Your honour will be questioned!!" the maid whisper shouted. She immediately grabbed her hand and dragged her back to her room. "You have to dress appropriately. It was madams' order!!!"

These words stopped Eloise's struggle. She let the maid dress her in a light mint green dress. As usual, this one also had ruffles everywhere, making her itch immensely. 'What's with these people and ruffles? It's annoying,' she unceremoniously scratched her wrist.

The maid slapped her scratching hands away with her eyes narrowed. "Look at how your skin turned red, miss. You should not scratch!"

'I can't scratch an itch!! Darn, this is too tiresome,' she tiredly closed her eyes. Suddenly she felt a small pinch on her cheeks. Her eyes shot open. "What are you doing?"

"You are too pale miss, you need a healthy flush on your cheeks," Odette pinched her cheeks again making her pale cheeks slightly pink. "Now, my miss looks stunning,"

Eloise smirked and patted her head. 'If my mom is satisfied, that is enough,' she went over to the parlour and went in confidently. Her mother was happily chatting away with the blond named Fred.

"Oh darling Eloise, come here, Sire Fred was telling me about his adventures to the east. He even met some foreigners. Isn't that awesome?!"

Eloise sat next to her and gently held her hands. "Your hands are so cold, where is your glove. Odette,"

Without any verbal order, the maid ran over with a small black glove. Eloise helped her mum wear it.

"You have to take care of my health, mum,"

"I know, dear. It's okay, besides, now that we are acquainted with this distinguished young doctor. We don't have to worry about getting sick!" her mother happily exclaimed.

Eloise's eyes twitched. 'Goddess mummy is talking as is she betrothed me to him,' she closed her eyes silently sipping the bitter tea.

Her mother leaned over and whispered, "I would be healthy as a horse if I have him as my son-in-law,"

Eloise spat out the tea in shock. "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry," she wiped down the top of her dress and the table where the tea had splattered.

"Darling, what's wrong?" her mother said, innocently blinking at her.

"Nothing dear mother," she glanced at her with a wide smile. 'You know what you did,'

Madam Miller patted her hand. 'Darling, you have done well. I guess I have to get sick more for them to make opportunity for them to meet,'

Eloise already sensed her purpose. She leaned closer and whispered, "Don't even think about feigning sick mommy. I already felt my heart stop one time,"

Madam Miller pouted and nodded.

Fred watched this confusedly. 'Why is this monstrous woman acting so good in front of her mother....' thinking about it, he remembered his real purpose of his visit. "miss Eloise, about our promise..."

"Promise!!!! When did you promised each other?" madam shouted.

"Mum, we are talking about business," Eloise sighed.

"Oh, then I shall not disturb you," while leaving the room she kept winking at Eloise and nodding towards the doctor.

Eloise softly chuckled.

"Your mother is very cheerful, Miss Eloise," Fred whispered.

"Yeah, she is not like me at all," Eloise's smile melted away. "Let's get to business. You are here to draw my blood right. Pease be hasty,"

Without a word, Fred took out all the equipments.

Eloise's keen eyes focused on the syringe and the blood bag. "I am not going to give you my blood,"