Drawing

For the next few days, Melissa had been extremely busy. Going back and forth from the main house to the garden. Each time, she would be carrying things in her hands, with Lily following closely behind. She had allowed no one to assist her but Lily alone. All the servants could only witness in envy as Lily helped their Mistress with her tasks. They all liked Lady Melissa very much and hoped they could be of help to her.

Ever since she got engaged to Duke Kensington, her temperament had greatly improved and she's much kinder to all of them, both in words and action, inviting various compliments from all the servants. Even the cooks were impressed with her excellent cooking skills when she graced the kitchen with her presence and cooked or baked delicious food for everyone to taste. Those who had served the Knights for a long time claimed that their Lady must be a genius to be able to come up with various new recipes all on her own! If only they knew the truth of who she really was.

Finally, her artistic space was set up completely and Melissa heaved a sigh of relief. She looked at the whole area admiringly and instructed Lily to leave her alone so she could paint. Lily nodded and left the art studio. 

 Melissa spent the rest of the afternoon painting. She was so engrossed in her work that she didn't notice two figures approaching. Duke Malcom and Lord Melvin had come home earlier today and were informed by Mrs Shaw that Lady Melissa's art studio was finally ready and she's currently there at the moment. Both Duke Malcom and Lord Melvin looked at one another and quickly headed to the garden to see what's going on. 

They entered the newly renovated space and were completely at awe at the transformation. 

Inside, the atmosphere was infused with natural light, diffused gently through the glass walls and ceiling. The flooring was crafted from smooth, elegant hardwood, creating a seamless transition from the outside environment. 

At the corner of the room was a collection of comfortable seating arrangements comprised of a large sofa and matching armchairs which were strategically placed to take advantage of the views. In front of the sofa was a large coffee table. Melissa had also cleverly installed a small fireplace to be used during cooler evenings. 

Plants and greenery were strategically placed throughout the room, enhancing the connection with the surrounding garden. 

Soft, ambient lighting from discreetly placed lamps provided gentle illumination in the evenings, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The glass house turned drawing room was a sanctuary of classic design and natural beauty, where the lines between interior comfort and outdoor splendour harmoniously converge.

Melissa could be seen seated on a stool placed in the centre of the room, facing a drawing easel. There were also small tables placed next to her, where countless amounts of paints, brushes and other art materials could be seen arranged on the tables. A shelf had also been installed on the opposite corner, where more art materials were neatly stored. 

Both Duke Malcom and his son couldn't really see what she was painting as her body was blocking the drawing easel. When they finally stood behind Melissa, both father and son gasped and Duke Malcom's eyes reddened. Lord Melvin instantly uttered a word, "Mother" and his expression saddened. 

Melissa was painting a portrait of Duchess Rose Knight. The painting was so vivid, it was as if the late Duchess was standing right in front of them. 

When Melissa heard the sound, she quickly turned around and saw her family. She smiled weakly at them and put down her brush and palette. She went over and gave both Duke Malcom and Lord Melvin a hug. 

"Mel...this..." Lord Melvin was speechless. For once, he didn't know what to say.

"Melissa, your mother would be so proud of you, my dear child." Duke Malcom said while hugging his daughter. 

"Father, this is my gift to you. Do you like it?" Melissa said after her father released her. 

"I love it, this is the most precious gift I've ever received, aside for you and Melvin in my life." Duke Malcom said with a big smile on his face. 

"Mel, can you also draw me something?" Lord Melvin asked with eagerness.

"Yes, yours will be next, Brother." Melissa assured him. 

In the next hour, the three of them spent their time chatting and laughing in the art studio, a beautiful picture of a happy family. To commemorate the first day of her work, Duke Malcom instructed Mrs Shaw to serve a light dinner for them to have at the studio. 

That night, Melissa had a dream. She dreamt of a white building, and she could see herself lying on a bed inside the building. She wasn't alone. A figure was weeping beside her motionless body. Melissa couldn't see who that person was but she felt her heart tightened at the sound of the sorrowful weeping. 

Melissa woke up with cold sweat drenching her body. For the rest of the night, Melissa couldn't go back to sleep. Her mind kept replaying the scene from her dream. 

At the crack of dawn, she washed herself and put on a new dress. Melissa then quietly walked towards her art studio and sat there, taking in the breathtaking view of the lush garden outside, closing her eyes. 

When her father didn't see her during breakfast time, he knew her daughter must be in her studio. However, before he could get to the garden, a messenger came over with an invitation from the palace, addressed to both his son and his daughter. Puzzled, he brought it over to Melissa himself. 

He found Melissa sitting with her gaze looking out to the greenery outside. She was looking pale, as if she didn't have a good sleep. 

"Melissa, are you feeling alright?" He asked worriedly. 

Melissa was startled when she heard Duke Malcom's voice. She smiled to the older gentleman and nodded her head. 

"What do you have there, Father?" Melissa's eyes caught the card in her father's hand. 

"Oh, this invite came just now, addressed to you and Melvin." Duke Malcom said while handing it to Melissa. As his daughter opened the invitation, Duke Malcom shifted his body to stand next to her so he could also read the contents.

"A tea party? That's nice. It has been a long time since the palace held one. You should attend and enjoy your time there." Duke Malcom said with a smile. 

"Melissa, Duke Kensington and Young William will be coming over today. Are you aware?" Duke Malcom continued speaking. 

"Yes, His Grace sent a note yesterday. Father, about the matter we discussed last night, how soon can we settle it?" Melissa asked with hopeful expression on her face.

Duke Malcom pondered before answering, "Securing a place is not a problem. I have a few choices for you to consider. If you're free today, we can go over and look at them."

"That would be great! Father, can we go after lunch?" Melissa was happy, if she could settle on a location for her gallery, then renovation could start sooner. She's now one step closer towards her dream. Her spirits were instantly lifted with this good news. 

After having a simple breakfast at the glass house, Melissa proceeded to start on her brother's painting. She had an image in mind and soon, she started working on the piece diligently. 

At around 11, Lily came over and announced that the Duke and his son had arrived. As soon as he saw Melissa, Lord William bounced into the glass house and hugged the girl.