Page 10 of Keeper

I share a look with Lord Leopold filled with something akin to regret. I love baking. It’s so precise, so consistent when you get it right. Jacob used to ask me to do it all the time. “That’s okay. I’ll get out of your hair, but it was really nice to meet you all. If there’s ever anything I can do to help any of you, please let me know. I really don’t mind cleaning up after myself.”

It’s hard to tell if that was the right thing to say or not. Once again, all movement ceases and I’m being stared at like a zoo animal. When no one responds, I take my leave and wander out onto the grounds.

I’ve never gotten a good look at the land around this mansion since I’ve only ever arrived at night, when the giant oak trees block out the moon and the lights from Saint City hide the stars. The few lamps lining the driveway aren’t enough to really illuminate the grounds beyond a few feet, so I’m curious. This mansion sits at the bottom of a cliff, with St. Andrew’s Academy at the top. For all my time there, it never once occurred to me to look over the side.

I’m not disappointed as I step out onto the porch and see it all lit up by the sun. Early morning rays cast shadows under the trees, but the gardens? They stretch as far as my eyes can see, full of flowers and shrubs, perfectly pruned. Pretty, pristine.

Off in the distance, I see people working. I’d introduce myself but I think I’ve overshot my capacity to retain names today, so I head back inside and take another tour of the house.

I live here now. It’s not mine, it’ll never be mine, but something tells me it’ll be permanent. Provost Creed wouldn’t take his son’s wife away. If I play my cards right and do as I’m bid, I could be happy here. Alex is distinguished and handsome, respectful and well-liked. I could be happy with him, if I can get him to let me in. Maybe even make friends with some of the staff.

Maybe.

But the hours drag on. Without friends now, without direction or a fiancé to attend do, I wander. Wander and sleep and wander some more, until it’s time to shower and put on one of the many ridiculous dresses in my closet. This one is a deep green with a neckline that hardly leaves anything to the imagination and a hemline that would’ve made my grandmother blush, but it’s one of least revealing dresses I could find. The simple heels I pick out fit me like a glove, and I have to take a moment to stare at the stunning silver jewelry I find in my vanity.

Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, hair clips, broaches. All silver, all impeccable. I choose something simple and small, a necklace with a single round diamond no bigger than the bbs I used to shoot as a kid.

It’s quaint. Unassuming. Hopefully fitting for a family dinner that still requires formal dress.

I feel ridiculous as I make my way down to the dining hall fifteen minutes early as I was bid, but I’m not alone. Madeline and Shay are waiting for me.

“Good evening, dear. You look stunning,” Madeline says, her head bowing softly.

Shay repeats the gesture with her eyes locked on my outfit. “That dress suits you. The green looks perfect with your skin tone, I knew it would.” She steps in a little closer like we’re sharing a secret. “It’s also Alexander’s favorite color.”

“That would explain why there are so many,” I laugh quietly. “Thank you. Is there anything you can tell me about tonight? Any... pointers?”

They share a look before she speaks. “Smile and nod. Let Master Creed do most of the talking, and he’ll stay happy.”

So like every other man on the planet. What a shock.

“I think I can handle that. Are there drinks? I need a drink.”

Shay laughs. “Tell me what you need and I’ll make it look like an iced tea.”

“Just spike one of those.”

“You got it. Let’s get you in your seat before they arrive.”

Madeline opens the doors, leading me in toward the table. It’s already set with more plates and bowls and silverware than I’ve seen in a while, making me feel like I’m in the wrong place. The Royals were the ones who trained for things like this, not the Keepers.

“This’ll go well.”

“I think it will. If D—”

Madeline clears her throat to interrupt Shay just as Alexander walks in, his gray suit perfectly pressed and fitted to his form. I swear I feel the faintest hint of butterflies.

“Miss Harbough. Did you sleep well last night?”

Small talk.

“I did,” I lie with a soft smile. “Did you?”

“Of course,” he lies right back. I may not know him, but his lie is as clear as mine. “Father likes to make an entrance, so he’ll be here right on time. You’ll get to meet mother first, and —”

“Is this her?” a new voice cuts in, one that has my defenses rising so suddenly I’m taken aback. “Oh, she is a beauty. They weren’t exaggerating.”

“Mother,” Alex says. “Sullivan, this is Verna Creed, woman of the house and our hearts.”

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