Chapter 30

A month had passed since that ill-omened day without any change in Adela's condition.

Autumn had just arrived, and the unbearable heat of summer had begun to subside.

Agnes didn't leave Adela's side, not for a moment. She cared for her with boundless love and absolute devotion by feeding her, giving her water, combing her hair, and talking to her. Agnes only needed help with her bathing and dressing, and she had that help from Margaret and Emily.

Margaret and Emily also spent several hours of the day near Adela. They talked to her, caressed her, read to her, and showed her all their love and affection.

The days were dragging on.

Laughter and joy have abandoned the mansion. Everyone was gloomy, and melancholy had settled for good in the house that had once been full of life and happiness.

Margaret decided to call the doctor again. After examining Adela, the doctor and Margaret went down to the living room, where she offered him a glass of red wine.

"How long will be like that doctor? It has been a month. You said it would take time, but I don't see the slightest improvement. I want my Adela back, doctor."

"I understand your concern, Margaret, and I don't know what to say. It should show some signs of improvement by now. If… » he started to say but left his phrase unfinished. As if he regretted it.

"What if doctor. Continue your thought."

"I thought of something but I don't think that…."

"What is that doctor? Tell me."

"I was thinking about changing surroundings. Maybe this have an effect on Adela."

"I would do anything for my child, doctor. Shall we take her on a trip?"

"No, for God's sake. I don't think that the tiredness of a trip would do her any good. "

"So, what then?"

"I was referring to take her to stay somewhere else. Somewhere that is familiar to her and she likes to be there. But not too far away. As I said, she should not be get exhausted of a long journey ".

"You mean to take her to stay in another house?"

"Yes, it could be another house. A friendly house that Adela has been there several times. It must be familiar to her."

"Some other house… who knows…. to change surroundings… I don't think that…" and then the answer flashed in her mind, "I think I found the solution, Aunt Virginia!"

Margaret wasted no time. The very next day, she sent a maid to Virginia's house. The maid delivered the message that Margaret had written and in which she asked Virginia to visit her as soon as she could because it was urgent.

Virginia immediately ordered for her carriage to be ready. She was generous and allowed Margaret's maid to return home with her. Of course, not in the carriage with her, but sitting in front with the coachman.

They arrived home, and when Virginia knocked with a heavy knocker, the door opened immediately, revealing Margaret, who was standing right behind it, anxiously awaiting Virginia to appear.

Margaret, facing upset Virginia, couldn't bear it any longer and fell into her arms. Virginia was surprised; she didn't expect this move. Many years had passed since the last time her sister hugged her. Virginia wrapped her arms around Margaret, offering her consolation through physical contact.

Margaret began to cry, and Virginia caressed her hair affectionately.

"Ah, sister. Why are you like this? What happened? As soon as I read in the note that it is urgent, I hastened immediately."

"Thank you Virginia, although I don't deserve your kindness. I treated you so awfully in the past and you came immediately as soon as I called you." Margaret sobbed.

"Oh, come on. Let's forget the past. I have already forgotten it."

Margaret led her to the living room, and they sat down. She called a maid and ordered her to make tea.

When the tea arrived, she sent the maid away. "I will serve, you can go."

The maid left, and Margaret got up to serve.

She filled two cups and offered one to Virginia.

Virginia gladly accepted. Hot tea is what you need when the first colds start.

"So, Margaret? Will you tell me what is going on?" She asked her after taking a sip of her tea.

"Yes, I will tell you." Margaret put her cup on the table, and Virginia imitated her.

"It is about Adela, she had an accident a month ago and ..."

At hearing this news, Virginia turned pale and threw up from her seat, upset.

"A month ago? But is it possible for something so serious to happen for so long and nobody inform me? Did you leave me out of something so important? You know that I love your children as if they were mine." She spoke with anger but also pain.

Margaret got up, walked over to her, and gently took her hands in hers.

"Yes, my sister, I know that. Forgive me, but I didn't have the mind to think about it and notify you. In my pain and sorrow I had forgotten you."

"And now what has changed?" She asked her calmly.

"Yesterday the doctor came to examine her. And she told me that if she change surroundings, maybe it would benefit her. He advised me to take her to some other place, which Adela is familiar with and feels comfortable in it. And so I thought of your house."

"Oh, of course, Margaret. With all my heart I will host Adela. For as long as needed. But tell me, what happened?"

"We found her unconscious and she hasn't spoken since she met. The doctor said that he has suffered a violent upheaval from something she saw or heard, but we know nothing more. Neither what she may have heard nor what she may have seen. Doctor had told us that he would meet in time but still nothing. There is no change. I now begin to doubt whether the doctor made a correct diagnosis. I'm afraid of the worst Virginia," her voice sounded crumpled. Tears began to flow from her eyes, and she wiped them with her lace handkerchief.

Virginia went to her and hugged her by the shoulders. "Come on, dear, don't be like that. Something will be done. If it is necessary, we will bring the best doctors to see her." Virginia consoled her and led her back to her chair, giving her the cup of tea.

"When do you want to move in to my house?"

Margaret looked at her in the eyes. "As soon as possible."

"But of course. And now if you want. Don't we have to ask Adela too? "

"I don't think she will answer at any question. Let me get you to see her."

Margaret got up, and Virginia followed. They opened the door gently and entered Adela's room. Next to Adela was Agnes, as always.

Margaret looked at her and asked if there was any improvement; Agnes sadly shook her head.

Virginia approached and sat near Adela. She noticed Adela's empty look and felt a shiver run through her spine. Her eyes watered and bent down and kissed her tenderly on the cheek.

"Ah, Adela, my child? What happened to you? What terrible happened that upset your mind so much? Please come back to us." Virginia whispered her words in pain and agony. "Do you want me to take you at my house? To have you close to me for a while? I want it so much, do you?" Virginia searched Adela's eyes, looking for an answer, and she was pleasantly surprised when she saw a tiny spark light up in Adela's eyes. She took her hand and kissed it. "You will be alright, my heart. You will see. I will arrange for you to be transported safely to my house. "

She got up and walked over to Margaret.

"Tell to get Adela's things ready." Virginia told her.