The Crown's Obsession (WN)
chapter-16

When she fell asleep, Madeline found herself back in the castle—walking in the empty corridors that were not restricted by any guards. There was no one there but her. She could hear the sounds of the crickets coming from the garden as she walked on the clean cold floor. There were no shoes on her feet, and her footsteps made no noise.

Madeline was in the beige dress that she had worn for the ball, the ends of it trailing behind her. She continued to walk until she came upon a door that was slightly ajar. She pushed the door and stepped into the big room that had large windows with grills that were built in designs. The night outside was cloudy, hiding the stars and moon behind it and when she turned to look to her right, she saw a man stand.

His silhouette was lonely because of the lack of company next to him.

"Hello?" Madeline called the man, wanting to go back home.

As if on hearing her, the man turned around to look at her, "Wandering by yourself again?" asked the deep voice, and she recognized this voice.

When a thunderstruck in the sky, Madeline's eyes flew open and she looked up at the wooden ceiling of the room.

She could feel her heart beating in her chest over the dream she just dreamt a few seconds ago. Her eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness in the room where she could see things much more clearly now.

Turning her head, she noticed her sister Beth was asleep. In her very own dreamland which Madeline believed was less haunting than what she had experienced. It seemed that the halls of the castle had come back to her because of what happened. Those eyes that had looked at her were dark red, keeping her captive.

Madeline had grown under the shadow of her sister which was why she was not used to the attention she had received tonight. At least not so intensely. She didn't mind the shadow because it gave her more room to breathe.

Like what happened in the ball today while both she and Beth were dancing, Madeline observed the already known facts about her elder sister. Beth enjoyed and basked in the limelight. She loved the attention she received, but that was how she had grown up, unlike Madeline who had received less attention. Beth liked being hovered and asked, to be given importance even when it came to her sister and Madeline didn't mind it. She let her do what she wanted, not wanting to upset her sister.

When the next day arrived, as expected, Beth had a visitor who had come looking for her and Mrs. Harris got the man to sit in the hall of their house and Beth was seated opposite to him. Though she was not dressed in a gown like last night, she still looked stunning compared to the pale walls and furniture that the family-owned.

Mr. Harris had gone out to work while Mrs. Harris and Madeline were in the kitchen with the doors closed. The older woman stood next to the door listening to them.

"I think Mr. Danvers likes her very much," said Mrs. Harris, moving away from the door with a pleased look on her face. Beth had indeed done an excellent job in finding a good man. The woman somewhat felt relieved that the money they had used for the clothes and the carriage along with the coachman would be covered. At least it didn't go waste, thought Mrs. Harris.

"Anyone will fall in love with Beth, mama. You don't have to worry about it," said Madeline picking up a fruit from the basket and taking a bite from it.

"That is true. If Beth gets married, it won't be difficult when it comes to your wedding. Who was that man yesterday?"

"Mr. Hanes?" asked Madeline.

"Yes, yes. That one. How did it go last night?" asked her mother, curious.

"He knew how to dance," Madeline said with a thoughtful expression, "And that is all it was," her mother gave out a sigh.

"You should put yourself out there more, Madeline. Do you know Mrs. Boyers' daughter is still unmarried. A spinster's life and no one wants to marry her because of you how she looks," her mother shook her head.

"Mama, you worry for nothing. Your daughter won't die alone."

"Really?" came a sign of hope in Mrs. Harris eyes, who asked, "Did a gentleman ask you to dance then? Perhaps invite you for tea?"

Madeline pursed her lips, her foot tapping softly and she said, "I was thinking about Mr. Heathcliff," she noticed her mother's eyebrows furrowing. It wasn't that Madeline was in love with the man, but she found him to be nice.

"James Heathcliff?" her mother verified.

She smiled, "Yes. James Heathcliff. He asked me to accompany him in one of the following days. He is a good man." She liked the man for his simplicity, and he indeed was one of the few decent looking men in their village.

"Isn't he going out with Lady Catherine? Well, he is a good looking man," her mother agreed, "I did not know you fancied him. When are you going to meet him?" asked her mother, and Madeline smiled at the thought that her mother approved of Mr. Heathcliff.

"I am not sure about it. I refused him as Beth and I are going out to Aunt's house-"

"Why would you do that?" her mother asked with her eyes wide, her hand on one side of her waist.

"Because Beth will need-"

"Beth will be fine. She can take care of herself," said Mrs. Harris. Madeline wasn't as expressive as her elder daughter and if she liked someone decent, Mrs. Harris didn't see any harm in it. Beth would be getting married in a wealthy household while Madeline would be in a kind and humble home. It was also what would suit Madeline in a good way, "You can go meet him but not too far. Your father and I would want you to be happy."

"What will I tell Beth?" asked Madeline as she had promised to go with her.

"I will tell her that you have an errand to complete," that would be better, thought Madeline to herself. She didn't know what Beth would say, especially when she had looked down upon Mr. Heathcliff's profession.