XVI. What are you doing here, Augustus?

Chapter 16

I let out a soft sigh as I continue scrubbing the humongous carpet here at the back of the house, near where the chickens stay.

Martha and Miss Dolores insisted on letting me do this job instead of doing my usual work which is washing the dishes in order for me to avoid trouble in the kitchen.

And that my friend is the reason why I am stuck here in the back with dozens of chickens and a humongous rug that I need to clean before dinner.

I mean, I've been here since morning and yet, I am still not finished with this *insert bad word here* rug.

I would seriously not hesitate on choking the people who stepped on this rug to make this so dirty.

To be honest, I've never been hungry like this my whole life, well except when I am fasting.

Despite my eagerness to eat, I have no choice but to continue my job. Well, as if they would really feed me a bunch of mouthwatering dishes if ever I barge right into the kitchen and began hollering like a madman saying, "I am hungry,"

I bet they'll just scoff at me and said, "Excuse me but I am afraid you don't have any right to eat anything, even a leftover because of what you just did,"

That's why I almost sang "Hallelujah" when I caught a glimpse of food but the problem is, the mouthwatering food is in the hands of the conceited guy.

Too bad, I am gifted with a very high pride. I guess I'll die of hunger.

I'll prefer a crumbled stomach than a crumbled dignity. That my friend is the motto I live by.

"W-what are you doing here?" I asked Augustus as I momentarily stopped scrubbing the carpet.

If only this is a flying carpet then I would fly straight to Queen Victory and beg for food. Of course, I would ask for a selfie even though as far as my memory can go, Queen Victoria is currently in a mourning right now due to death of her husband.

"I brought some food for you," replied Augustus, his tone is bland that's why I immediately looked up from the carpet to him.

It's just odd to hear him have this tone like this. I mean, his tone is either mocking or I don't know, something light.

And there he stood with bread and cheese in his right hand, his other hand is inside his pocket, looking handsome as ever as he stares right into my eyes.

I cannot help myself from looking sideways for I don't think I can stare right into his blue eyes without drooling.

"Thank you, Mister Bennett but I'm afraid I am still full," I uttered that before I can finally finish my statement, my stomach made an awful sound. The sound that shouldn't be heard to girls especially in the Victorian era.

I almost fainted due to humiliation especially when I heard Augustus let out a soft chuckle. He then ran his fingers through his blond hair.

"You were saying, my little merMaid?" Augustus asked, raising his brow humorously.

Can he please just pretend nothing happened? That he heard nothing that can ruin my reputation even more. I mean, I've had enough embarrassing moments, okay?

To the point where sometimes, I cannot sleep at night for I kept replaying my Top 10 humiliating experiences.

"I said, I'm full, Mister Bennett but I thank you for your effort," insisted I as I continued scrubbing the carpet.

Harder this time to the point where the soap flew straight to Augustus' delicately-made suit.

Oh great, more embarrassing moments, please. God of embarrassment, is this all you got?

I slowly looked up to my employer and there he is, staring at his chest, where the soap hit with his eyes wide and jaw dropped.

Perhaps, Augustus cannot believe a mere housemaid like me caused another trouble. I bet, right at this very moment, he's thinking of throwing me to asylum or to people whose business is human-trafficking.

I don't know why but I hurriedly rose from my seat and pat his chest, hoping the dirty bubbles will not stick into his expensive black suit.

"I-i am so sorry for my recklessness, Mister Bennett," I apologized as I continued patting his chest. Panic is already in my veins.

I suddenly don't care about the proper etiquette. That a woman should never touch a man other than his hand or shoulder.

It's my job we're talking about here, fellas. So, back off, society.

I am expecting him to somehow kick me or wrapped his hands around my neck like what his father did to me but no, I was really surprised when I heard his soft chuckle once again.

I raised my brow at him due to confusion and said, "Are you okay, Mister Bennett?"

I have a strong feeling he should be in an asylum now or perhaps in a circus where he can be "The Greatest Showman"

Augustus looked at me straight in the eye that made me once again nervous, he then shook his head and said, "You really are something, Miss Wright,"

"I am just so sorry, Mister Bennett, I promise, I'll be the one to wash that suit of yours and don't worry, I will seriously take care of it like it's my life we're talking about," although, it really is my life we're talking about.

I must've looked really stupid saying these words with my hands clasped together. As if I am praying.

Augustus, before I have time to react, nod at me and began stripping his clothes.

But before he can start unbuttoning his white long sleeves, I hurriedly covered my eyes with my fingers an said, "N-not now, Mister Bennett. More like later since I still have this ca-carpet to clean,"

But no, Augustus remained hardheaded. "Why not now since you're already doing stuff that has something to do with soap,"

With that, my cheeks turned red. Ugh. I badly want to kick him where it hurts the most. Don't tell me he himself doesn't have any clue regarding Victorian etiquettes.

This etiquette is not only suitable for Victorians. Regardless of what era you live in, you should never ever start stripping in front of someone without their consent unless you want to rot in jail.

"Ugh. T-tell me, Mister Bennett, do you have any mental issues? I don't know whether you're just slow to understand something or you're simply a maniac," I hollered, my eyes still covered with my fingers.

Oh my heavens, Mister Bennett, one more awful rebut and I swear, I am gonna call the police and forced you to eat this soap.

Shocked ran through my veins when this idiotic maniac once again released another chuckle and exclaimed, "Relax, I was just kidding."

with that, I slowly removed my fingers in my eyes and there I saw Augustus smiling broadly at me, now wearing his black blazer.

"Friendly advice, I mean, maidly advice, Mister Bennett, the next time you do that to a woman, she will certainly not hesitate on choking you to death," I told Augustus with a huge plastic smile plastered on my face.

I swear to God, I want to add a more spicy statement to him but since I want to avoid more trouble, I turned my back to him and went back to my work.

I can feel his stares as my hands rhythmically move up and down.

If only he's not my employer then I would absolutely not hesitate in shooing him like how I shoo the chickens whenever I feed them.

But that's improper and disrespectful, right?

I was absolutely shocked, like really, really shocked to the 10th level when suddenly, he is now sitting in front of me, staring at me creepily.

All I can ever reply is a questioning look. I hope he can read eye-signals. I hope he can feel when he really needs to go.

What made things more surprising is when he faced the bread to my mouth then said, "Open your mouth. The train is coming..."

Of course, I didn't open my mouth. I just look at him weirdly and gave him a what-the-devil-are-you-doing stare.

"What's this about, Mister Bennett. The last time I checked, a plain housemaid will not receive any kind of acts like this from her master," I stated as Augustus once again run his fingers through his blond hair.

Can he please just doing that? He just looks like hot when he does that.

"What? Is it illegal for an employer to be a concern? The last time I check, Her Majesty didn't pass any law regarding how an employer should not give any care to his employees," replied Augustus, mimicking my voice which made me snort. He even crosses his arms while talking to me then raised his brow.

Man, there's no way I talk like that.

All I can do is roll my eyes heavenwards and said, "Whatever makes you sleep at night, Mister Bennett,"

"Can you just please set aside your pride and accept this bread? Oh, wait, I sound like a priest. What I meant is, just accept this food, Miss Wright," uttered Augustus as he shook his head humorously.

"Uhm, I can manage on my own. Thank you for your kindness," and awkwardness.

I then wipe my dirty hands on my white apron, causing a dirty stain and slowly grabbed the bread from Augustus' hands.

Augustus just eyed me with a broad smile on his face. I just gave him a slight smile and paid attention to the bread.

And my heavens, God knows how much I want to eat the bread in just one bite for I am just so hungry but since I want to have some dignity with me, I ate the bread like how normal Victorian ladies do.

Of course, I avoid having eye-contact with him as I ate the bread for I'm afraid he'll think I am flirting with him. I mean, eating a bread while staring at a man? Dude, that is awkward and flirty, as far as I know.

Although I can still feel his stares at me. "Wanna hear a joke?" Augustus suddenly blurted out.

Since I am busy eating like a proper lady, all I can reply is a nod. I hope Grandpa, Miss Dolores, and Martha are proud of me.

"Well, What does a train says when it is eating?" Augustus asked as he shrugged off all whatever dirt is in his lap.

"What?" I replied as I eyed him curiously.

"Chew...chew..." Augustus answered as his expression suddenly turned animated.

I don't know why but I seriously did laugh. Not because it's genuinely funny but because it's so corny to the point it became hilarious. Complicated, I know, but you know what I mean.

But, of course, since I want to maintain my Victorian attitude as of the moment, I did not laugh at his joke. Only in my head did I laugh-out-loud.

I mean, at this very moment, beauty is more important than comfort. Even though I badly want to laugh like there's no tomorrow, I need to look serious.

And that, my friends, is how you get the boys. Just kidding.

I raised my brow at Augustus who is now looking at me, waiting for my reaction. I then said, "Ha Ha Ha, so funny I forgot to laugh," then rolled my eyes heavenwards.

Augustus then chuckled at my reaction.

After that, there was a long pause between us. The only sounds that can be heard are the crunchiness of the bread and the noise of the chickens.

Speaking of chickens, I still didn't feed them so I hurriedly ate the bread in just one bite and walked towards the chickens.

I then grabbed the seeds in the corner by the fence and began throwing the seeds to the chickens.

"Not bad, huh. Considering how funny you feed the chickens the last time I saw you," said the voice beside me.

I just shrugged at his observation and said, "People learn, Mister Bennett,"

"And besides, they are better companions than the people inside the house," I murmured to myself.

But was shocked when once again, Augustus let out a soft chuckle. I don't know, man, this guy just kept on chuckling and chuckling. He really should be in an asylum right now.

And since I want him to forget what I just said, I remained quiet. Hoping Augustus would get bored and just move on. Get back to his office and play darts or whatever.

I mean, why is he here anyway? Is this how employer usually spends their free time back in the old days?

And since I have no right to question him, I decided to keep my mouth shut.

"Sorry for what happened yesterday with my father, by the way," Augustus apologized, breaking the ice.

Right after he said those words, I let my eyes wander around the place and replied, "It's not your fault, you know. My stupidity was running at that time so no need to apologize,"

"Well, if your stupidity is running at that time which I believe is not then the chicken-side of me was running," Augustus exclaimed which made me snort.

"Don't be too hard on yourself, Mister Bennett," is all I can reply.

"Where'd you go last night, by the way?" asked Augustus. I've noticed that his tone has suddenly changed. He became more serious and more interested inu what I am going to say.

"W-why are you a-asking all of the sudden?" I asked, staring at my brown oxford shoes, still feeling his stares.

"Nothing, I was planning on apologizing to you yesterday but I cannot find you. Also, I was just curious since Leo was missing yesterday as well," Augustus answered, shrugging but in my peripheral vision, I can see his brows meeting and his lips into a thin line.

"Mister Finley and I just had a short stroll around the town, Mister Bennett," I answered, hoping to satisfy him. Hoping he'll buy this although this is true but not the word 'short'

Also, I noticed that Augustus' brow immediately rose as soon as I said the word 'short'

Shoot, don't tell me he noticed how late Leo and I came home last night. I hope not or else he'll begin viewing me as an easy girl.

"Ohhh, I see," is all Augustus replied but I can sense uneasiness in his voice.

"So, what did you guys talked about during your short walk?" Augustus insisted, emphasizing the word "short"

I don't know why but I can feel my palms getting sweaty. Looking at the trees above, "A-about Victorian dolls. I mean, they're really beautiful."

All Augustus can reply is a slight nod, his eyes still staring right into my eyes. As if he's studying me.

————

Augustus is so frustrated right now as he stands beside Clementine, his Clementine.

Augustus just stated at her as she continued feeding the chickens. Oh, how she looks innocent and seductive.

A part of Augustus is thankful that Leo and Clementine did nothing scandalous last night but still, Augustus is pissed for he should be the one taking out Clementine, not his friend soldier.

God knows how angry he was last night when he saw Leo and Clementine stepped out off the carriage.

And how he tried drinking alcohol last night right after he talked to his father. His father who just can't understand him.

Augustus knew he absolutely looks so stupid the whole morning in his bedroom for standing in front of the mirror and practicing his speech.

Well, this is it. There's no turning back now. The least thing I need to avoid is stuttering.

Augustus cleared his throat and slowly uttered the words, "I-i was just wo-wondering if you want to go see a soccer game overmorrow?"

Augustus kept his eyes to the girl he fancies for he's afraid she'll think he's not sincere in what he's saying right now.

As soon as he dropped those words from his mouth, Clementine's brow immediately rose which Augustus found really attractive.

Augustus cannot help himself from staring at Clementine's captivating pinkish lips for he cannot believe he once kissed them. And how he wanted to kiss her again. And again.

"W-why?" asked Clementine, clutching the basket hard.

"I just want to see a game with someone, is that illegal?" replied Augustus as he let out a chuckle so that Clementine won't notice how nervous he is.

Augustus can tell Clementine is either not gonna say something or refuse his offer.

For that, Augustus doesn't know what came to him to say, "Don't let me use my position just to make you say 'yes', my little merMaid,"

Augustus almost slapped himself for his words but since he already said it. All he can ever do is to stand in his statement like a man should do.

Augustus doesn't know what to do when Clementine rolled her eyes and uttered, "Well, it's not like I have a choice, Mister Bennett. Just please, Mister Bennett, please don't expect me to know a thing about soccer,"

Augustus almost went on his knees and cry due to happiness because of what she said.

At last, a day with his Clementine.

The rest of the day, a huge smile was not removed from Augustus' handsome face.

————-

Leo was on his way towards Clementine to give her some biscuits and to help her scrub the carpet when he saw his friend approached Clementine.

Leo cannot help himself from eavesdropping on what they're talking about. He knows his friend, what a smooth talker Augustus is.

Leo felt a pang in his heart when he caught sight of Clementine giving Augustus those beautiful smiles.

The soldier side of Leo was unleashed when he saw Augustus tried to feed Clementine by his hands.

What made Leo's blood boil, even more, is when he saw Augustus began to strip like an idiot. Oh, how much he wants to grab a hardbound and throw it to his stupid friend.

Leo doesn't know what happened next for he shut the window as soon as he saw that.

His blood began to boil as he paced around the room, thinking what's happening right now downstairs. What if...what if...

After a few minutes, right after his anger had somehow loosen, Leo decided to open the window once again.

And there he heard Augustus and Clementine's conversation. How Augustus invited Clementine on a date.

Somehow, Leo cannot help himself from tugging his hair just by thinking Clementine must've zero ideas Augustus is actually inviting her on a date.

What frustrates Leo more is that Clementine must've zero ideas that what happened between Leo and Clementine yesterday is a date.

She must've thought this is just how Victorian males usually do.

What frustrates Leo most is when he heard Clementine agreed to go with Augustus.

God knows how much ache Leo is now suffering when Leo saw how Augustus began helping Clementine scrubbed the *insert bad word here* carpet.

Due to his extreme frustration, Leo hurriedly grab a book then began on reading and bitterly ate the biscuits as he forced himself not to listen to Augustus and Clementine's laughs.