Compton

Things went on as usual. Susanna remained as adamant, she wouldn't let her guard down. I watched her with wonder as she was eager to hear history and learn languages. But the second I tried to divert it to a tete a tete she was withdrawn immediately. I had never specialised in human relations and i thought that perhaps Cathy had already managed to get through Max. It would be little wonder if they had already not become the best of friends and Cathy had managed to find a clue to her said 'mystery'. I locked myself up in the library for fear of losing my sanity in the house and ride whenever I could. Cathy hadn't written to me and it was expected. We had just met on the weekends it would be odd if she sent me a letter. Surely she would wait till we met on Saturday to tell me of her adventures. Mrs buttercup was good company when I called in on her in her chamber from time to time. She was too fond of whisky as she never forget to add a drop to her tea and nudged me to have some but I refuted.

"it would be good to unwind miss Vernon at some point. "

There was nothing more to discover about the family all I had to do was wait for Dolche to grace us with her presence. I supped in my room I was never called to the dining room. I never saw Helena and I was glad I didn't, she was a rather dull company. As for Mr Thomas he was mostly away for business. Cooped up in his library doing more work. I wasn't looking forward to seeing him either. Mrs buttercup would tell me tales of when Susanna was born and how she'd gone from a radiant child to a sullen one. I had a firm believe that if it were possible she would have had Susanna as her biological daughter. She longed for one. I asked one afternoon as she treated me to her wine biscuits accompanied with her elderberry wine which I couldn't possibly turn down, why she hasn't been as fortunate to have her own.

"I've had miscarriages a number of times. The doctor's said there's something wrong with my womb. Never got round it. But Susanna is here, she occupies my days. "

I also learnt that the reason why I knew not of her husband's whereabouts was because he had died a year ago.

'a dependable stableman and a good husband,' she had said.

Stableman I could understand but as husband well I couldn't. I had been deprived of such and Cathy had deprived herself because of me. But there times I confess I wonder what it would mean to have a husband. Would it be anything like the fairy tales? My parents loved each other but not too absorbed in each other that they would neglect me. I never fully understood the depth of their feelings due to their sudden demise. Uncle Carr's wife had died immediately after giving birth to Cathy, but the manner he talked of her suggested he had loved his wife dearly. I reverted my attention to Edward Compton. Perhaps love was like the feeling I felt towards Edward. It was abrupt yes, but it filled me in ways I never had felt. He was constantly troubling my thoughts. It was a wonder how I didn't fly off to begin a search party to find him. I felt warm towards him but at the same time a fear engulfed me. Fear that I perhaps didn't mean as much to him. That our kiss was a spur of the moment. I wished it not so. I had asked Mr Will if he knew of the Compton's. He merely knitted his eyebrows and said he knew not of them. My spirits dampened. How would I ever find him? In the second week on the fourth night, I dreamt of Edward as I usually did. Except that one time when he turned to a silhouette the rest of the dreams were pleasant. I was sitting on the deck marvelling at the sight of the stars and the moon was at its last quarter. I heard his footsteps and I spun round to catch sight of him. He was walking away from me. I got up on my feet. " Edward, " I called to him. But he hastened his steps. I hurried to him but he was quite fast. All the while I was calling out his name. Then suddenly he halted and looked at me. I let out a shrill as I was looking at a faceless figure. I woke up petrified of the dream when I noticed my door knob twist. Someone was trying to open it. It was a good thing I closed my door after Mrs buttercup's warning. Failing in his or her mission they left and I wondered who it was. Why did they want to see me at such an hour. What harm were they to bring me? Mrs buttercup must have known something for her to warn me and I decided I wouldn't let it slide past me this time until she told me. It seemed ominous. The second I dreamt something unpleasant then there was someone in my room or wanting to enter my room. How I slept after that I hardly know. I finished up our lessons and immediately sought Mrs buttercup. She was waiting for Susanna.

"miss Vernon, how delightful of you to come to me this early. "

"I'm afraid it's not for pleasure or to indulge in our talks. I have a question and I know you must have the answer."

Her face turned to that of concern. " well if I am, go right ahead and ask me. "

"you told me to close my door every night. You said it in such a way that suggested it was vital for my well being. Tell me why is this so? If I'm to secure myself I must know from whom?"

"miss Vernon did you have another encounter as the one before. Do tell me your door was shut? "

Clearly she was trying to evade answering me. I responded that someone was trying to get in but I had shut my doors. I watched her sigh in relief and went on to ask what it was. She wouldn't say she merely shrugged her shoulders and said it was best to simply close the door. For who knew perhaps a burglar would come suddenly. I thought this vague for the house was under tight security. What would they need in the servant's quarter when Tudor wing held all the splendor. She would say no more and I was quite frustrated as I left her room. My spirits only lifted when a letter came. It was from Cathy. I figured she had found her way to the circuit. Learning of her adventures was far better than being told half truths if I could call them that.

I opened her letter and I could already read the excitement.

Dearest Victoria,

I have excellent news. I could not contain my excitement and had to write to you. I thought

Of riding over to tell you in person but it didn't seem fit. I remembered your words clearly, 'forget not your a governess, Catherine Carr. ' I must tell you something else first. I have made a discovery. I'm almost sure when I fix the last puzzle I should know the path to the castle in the circuit. Loft has refused to betray this information and Terrence hasn't arrived as yet and who knows when he shall. When I do figure the last puzzle, I see it only fit that you come that we may explore. The household is filled with such charming people but it wouldn't be as thrilling now would it. You have a way about you that makes the whole mystery even more exciting and I am determined you should be there. You shouldn't want me to fall in traps Now would you? But first my dear Victoria we shall go on the most exciting journey. You must ask for permission for you will be missed on both Saturday and Sunday. Why should you, you may ask? Well it just so happens I may have found your dear Edward Compton.

I paused. The search was over? I could see him? I could feel my spirits rising and I trembled as I read on.

You see dear Vicky I asked about him. It almost seemed as if he didn't exist until one of the cooks, Ella who lives in gingham told me she had heard of Compton's in the next town, that is Winslow. It's east of Winston. She couldn't tell me more about them for she had only heard the family name. Now you may be dismayed and say to me Cathy it might be a wild goose chase. I say we must go for its plausible it's dear Edward. Else have you heard of any other Compton's. No I'm sure. I have already made plans. We shan't be able to come back in time to catch a train back to Winston that is why we shall be forced to stay overnight at some inn in Winslow. But if it is him and I'm sure it is, we shall spend a night at their place. Eat bacon perhaps and make merry on a search coming to an end. Write to me immediately when your master grants you permission. The train to Winslow departs at ten. If you delay I promise you I shall leave you behind.

Yours graciously,

Cathy.

I was in a state of exhilaration. The incident of the night before long forgotten. I would soon see Edward. If lucky steal another kiss. I seemed to float in the clouds as I waited for Saturday and I would dream of Edward night and day. I would see him playing the sitar and I on his opposite listening to the rhythm. Looking into his magnificent features and my heart would flutter as he would look at me. We would be trapped in our own world. No one but the two of us.

I asked Mr Thomas later on that night at his library and he granted me the permission. He looked at me amused by reaction. I thought how uncouth of me to act uncivilised manner. But I was too elated to concentrate on anything else. Even Susanna had noted my unusual manner.

"I see that it pleases you to have two days to yourself. Why is the house not to your liking.?"

"nothing of the sort Mr Thomas. It just happens to be dear to me that I should leave. Something awaits me. "

"not someone. " I saw the gleam in his eyes.

"no just something. I must take my leave. "

"I doubt it miss Vernon, that you shall find it as exciting as you shall find it here. "

There was something he was trying to relay. I wasn't in the least likely mood to understand it. My only thought was to see Edward Compton. Saturday seemed to far and when it did arrive I was beside myself with joy. Mr Will took me to town.

" Parting with us so soon miss Vernon. "

"no. I'm simply going to see someone. "

"ah. You have sort some entertainment elsewhere. I did warn you Markham's wouldn't be up to task. "

"I find it suitable with me. "

"you are set to defy me. I shall let you have your way. "

I wasn't going to tell him that Markham's made me listless. I shan't give him the benefit. Cathy was already there. I believed she was excited as I was. Thank heavens I had a staunch person in my life. Many I knew had none.

We got in the train and we hardly spoke. She understood it was an important moment for me and I shall want to capture every detail. Thoughts paced back and forth. I began questioning if all this was just a gimmick and we don't find Edward. I calmed myself down. Though we shan't find him or did, I was sure I shan't stop till I saw him. I was that resilient. The conspicuous features enveloped themselves but my mind wandered. It was a lengthy journey. Two hours and we reached Winslow town. It was far more developed than Winston with its cobbled streets. We asked where we could find a trap that would take us to the Compton's. A round gentleman in his middle ages answered, "I'm not sure but I do believe they lived in dren village. Not far. I can show you a gentleman who shall take you there. From there you'll have to ask the people who reside there. "

We followed him and thanked him well with silver coins and were taken to our destination. It grew quiet as we went on. The towns noise faded and we could only hear the horses hooves. Joy minced with fear. Cathy patted my hand admiringly. We reached and as he couldn't go any further for he knew not the house we paid him and he bade us farewell. Cathy instructed him to collect us in an hour and thirty at the very spot and he said he would be in time

"what now? "

"Now we find your Edward. "

We resigned to knocking on people's doors. No one walked about. Cathy took the forefront. She settled for one cottage. The gable bore some inscriptions that I couldn't decipher. The door was opened by a woman in her golden years. Gray hair quite scant on her scalp. Her eyes dimmed but had a brilliant color of hazel.

"how may I help you missus? "

"greetings. We wish to be directed to the Compton's. "

She furrowed her brow. Deep in thought.

"I'm afraid I can't help you there."

"is that so. Then we shall be on our way. "

"I'm sorry I couldn't be of use to you."

We thanked her and went to the second house. They as well knew not of the Compton's. My gay mood turned to a grim one. It seemed Edward Compton had managed to escape me yet again.

At the fourth house a jolly young lady with brunette hair told us, "I can't help you but I may direct you to someone who has known this town all her life. "

"that would be of great help. "

She told us of a Mrs Tarantino who lived on her immediate left.

"she knows every one here. She will help you I'm sure. "

We made our way there. The cottage was wretched. It was neglected unlike the other cottages which were gingerly. It had a chill to it and I wondered how we would find our answer there. We knocked and unlike other houses where we were greeted at the door, we were summoned in. The door creaked weakly and I thought what a grim place to live in. The house was unkempt. The stench was foul and we saw an old woman on her rocker with a rag on her limbs. It smelled of death. I concluded.

"Mrs Tarantino?"

She peered at us and nodded.

"yes it is I. Forgive me, I am having trouble getting up from my chair. My bones aren't what they used to be. "

"we understand. "

"do have a sit. "

We sat on the sofa. It was worn out and didn't cushion us. The feel of wood was unsettling.

"your new here. I have never seen you. Oh dear me I'm such a poor hostess. Would you care for some tea? I would like some. I'm quite thirsty. The kitchen is on the far right. You shall see the kettle and all you need there. "

Cathy was Swift in her movements I was left there. There was a silence between us until she asked.

" what are your names? "

"I'm Victoria Vernon. She is Catherine Carr."

"well you know who I am. It's Tarantino. My first name is peninah."

I thought it a delightful name and told her so. It seemed we would be awhile. She clearly wanted to converse with someone and we just happened to appear at her doorstep. Cathy appeared later and I helped in serving.

"how are you two related? "

"friends. But we can be called siblings. We have lived together and it is only now that we have parted but not entirely so. "

"how is that? "

"I went to live with Catherine after my parents died. Her father was kind to take me in and raised us both. We were friends even before my parents death. Uncle Carr died a year ago. He was a vicar. We were both spinsters still are. We couldn't go on living there we had to find means of survival. So we left rowl our home and went to Winston. We are both governesses but in different homes. "

"ah yes. I can relate to your story. Damsels in distress force to find a way to survive in a cruel world such as this. "

I wasn't wrong, she was eager to engage in prattle.

"how old are you two? "

We told her.

"your not very old. I was born an only child. We lived a comfortable life. Not wealthy but a comfortable one for I never lacked a meal to eat. My parents were let's say good to each other but not like lovers. My mother died due to yellow fever. My father had a weak heart and followed her five years later. I had little education. I had not found a mate. So I was forced to become a companion to lady Kerrie. It was by good luck the shopkeeper set his eyes on me and I was soon married. Don't get me wrong. Lady Kerrie was charming. I had no complains but I wanted to be married as any other girl. Tell me have you left like so? "

"I have well only recently. "

Cathy looked at me slightly startled but quickly recovered with a smile.

"and you? " she asked Catherine.

"I must confess I haven't. I have been asked but something always holds me back. "

I said to myself that I knew why.

"I have no way of explaining it. But I feel I'm not suited for marriage. I feel it's not for me rather that there's something else that I should do. "

I thought I had known Cathy's reason. But her answer made me think that there was something underlying. It was possible she herself hadn't discovered it so how could she reveal it.

"you must not think of yourself as eccentric. I believe you shall have the answer as soon. Lady Kerrie was good it's such a shame how her family died. "

"how did they die? "

"burnt to ashes, all of them. Even the children. It was a shame for a whole generation to come to such an ending. I was rather fond of them. Are you fond of your masters? "

"not yet but in time I guess. "

"I share her sentiments. "

She nodded. "what are the families name? "

"I work for the Markham's. "

"never heard of them. Are they recent?"

"yes they are. "

"what of you child? "

"I work for the Holt's. "

She looked at Cathy in deep thought.

"Holt's. "

"yes they are an old family. Lived in Winston for years. "

"must be why I feel some familiarity. Deja Vu. Have I kept you for long? "

"no it was pleasant to be here. "

Cathy looked at the watch pinned to her blouse and gestured. "our trap will be here in thirty. "

"and you have not accomplished the task you were set to do. Tell me why are you here? "

"we came to enquire about the Compton's. "

She was alerted. Our search was over .

"what about the Compton's? "

"I take it you know them. "

"knew would be suitable. So what about them?"

"we were enquiring where they live? "

"why is that? "

She sounded apprehensive.

"we would like to pay them a visit. "

Were she standing she would have fallen immediately. Why did she seem flabbergasted by the thought of us paying the Compton's a visit.

"just prying. But how do you know the Compton's?"

"I met Edward Compton in my voyage here. Call us acquaintances. I came to pay him a visit. I knew not of his address. We have travelled this far looking for him. "

She held her temple.

"I don't know what to say to you. "

She went on muttering to herself and I caught something like 'this must be a Gilbertian situation '

"well I suppose you have to see the truth for yourself. On your right ladies, there's a gravel road you shall walk fifty steps and on your left you shall see the Compton's house on your immediate left. You shall know immediately. The sign is still there, you can't miss it. "

Cathy thanked her and we left but she uttered, "I must offer my house. You can stay here if... If... Well you shall see. I shall be right here. I'm not too sure you shall go back easily. Well goodbye ladies. "

We looked at each other perplexed but hurried on. My steps were quick and Cathy was saying I should calm myself. It was not as though Edward would suddenly fly neither would the house. I needed to get rid of this sick feeling that gripped me. Horror. That was what it was. We reached there. I read the sign the Compton's. I felt giddy. The sight before me was nothing more than ashes. The sign clearly showed that the ashes I looked at was the former house of the Compton's. Catherine didn't utter a single word. The house was scorched and it looked like a centurys incident. Some if it's parts had been blown away. Cathy had gone to the backyard and beckoned me to come. My legs felt like jelly I was unsure how I had managed to walk. There was small tombstones in the backyard and the first that I caught sight of was lady Kerrie's. I gulped. I didn't like where it was headed but I had to know it all. I looked from one tomb to the other when my eyes rested on one.

Edward Compton

1876-1887

I felt my world whirl at that time. Hadn't Cathy held my hand I would have taken a toss. How could the man I had seen in the flesh have died twenty years ago. More so as a child. Was I delusional? Someone had played a trick on me and was enjoying it at my cost. How could I have fallen for a dead being?Or worse a spirit? Tears pricked my eyes. I couldn't believe it. It was too much to comprehend.