The mansion was like its own world. Days were lengthening with interminable lessons, servants and unspoken regulations. To Christiana it was a dream come true, she peeped along the corridors all in her laughter, and her fingers touched velvet curtains and polished railings. She went through the gardens, played around the fountains, and had tasted fruits she could only see on the pictures.
Ethan still was wary, though. He remained rather isolated, passing his time at the library or through the high windows. He was a guest in his own house, and no his luxury could make him forget the fact.
Sophia noticed everything. She saw the free running of Christiana as though it were her own, how Ethan, with his few smiles, never failed to smile at her. It burnt her right in the chest like fire in dry wood.
One day Sophia entered a library, and she found Ethan sitting at the window and he was reading a book. The sun-rays streaked his features with gold. At first he did not see her, he was too much in the pages.
"You like to read?" she asked softly.
Ethan raised his head, somewhat in surprise. "It passes time."
Sophia came nearer and her heartbeat increased. "Most boys I know hate books."
"I'm not like most boys." His voice was low, it was rather impersonal.
Sophia smiled weakly, and sat opposite him. "That's what I like about you."
Her words were like a load of meaning in the air. Ethan squirmed and closed his book. Duty bound I ought to go and see Christiana he said to himself as he rose.
The name stung her ears. She smiled politely and concealed the storm that was brewing. "Of course. She must be waiting."
As he went, the hands of Sophia clenched in fists on her lap. Always her. Always Christiana. Why can't he see me?
Later on that evening, the family had a small celebration. Mr. Williams had just struck a big business bargain and the dining room was glittering with lights and merrymaking. Servants were very graceful and poured wine and gave meals.
Christiana had on a light blue dress which Mrs. Williams had given her, and she shone with her pure delight. Sophia, dressed in crimson, sat opposite Ethan and never took her eyes off him.
At mid-dinner Mrs. Williams smiled at something that Christiana said, her hand was reached up and patted. "You're such a sweet girl. You will be very much at home here.
Sophia's smile faltered. The praise felt like a knife.
Following the meal, Sophia spotted Ethan alone in the passageway and her footsteps were fast in trailing him. "Ethan."
He swivelled around with a closed expression.
Why are you constantly pushing me away? she insisted, and there was an angry-desperate quailing in her voice.
I am not driving you off, he said indifferently. "I'm just... careful."
"Careful with me? Or watchful on account of Christiana? Now her words were key, her eyes gleamed with chagrin.
Ethan made no reply, his silence made a greater answer than any reply.
Sophia moved nearer, and her voice went down. You have no idea how I feel wanting someone who would not even give me a glance. There her fingers brushed his arm. "But you will."
She was leaning towards him before he could respond, her mouth touching his.
There was a groan in the stair-well...a gasp.
Both of them froze. Christiana, at the head of the stairs, had her eyes open, and her face flushed.
For a moment, time stopped. The three of them were caught in a storm of feelings without words: guilt, jealousy, and heartbreak.