It was a special day at Exeter manor. I woke up at 4am to have everything for the arrival of Lady Cordelia. I recently got a letter from her, in it she told me she had graduated from her university. She enrolled at the Alchemist University of Aral, at the request of her parents. I remember crying the whole day she had to leave. Even though I know I should be only a maid to her, I care a lot for Lady Cordelia. I used to be childhood friends with her, back when my parents were working as servants at manor. I used to be her only playmate since she did not know anyone her age. We played while our parents went about their day.
When my parents died, the then mistress of Exeter Manor and mother of Cordelia offered me a job knowing I had nowhere else to go. She allowed me to keep being friends with Cordelia, but I also had my duties. We were inseparable for years until she had to leave. Now she returns as the sole inheritor of Exeter manor and the family estate. I made sure to write her letters every month. And I got her letters in response, telling me how her life at college went, it kept our friendship alive. Although I missed having her by my side and being able to hear her kind voice. From the letters, I got the impression that the Cordelia I was about to meet was going to be a different woman from the girl I remember.
I ran up to the entrance of the manor to be the first one to greet her. I was excited to be reunited with her after so many years had passed since her departure. I saw from the distance a carriage arrive at the entrance. It had to be her. I could barely contain myself. When I saw her getting off the wagon, I had the biggest grin. Cordelia had grown into a fine young woman. Even though I am the same age as her, she looked more mature than me. She looked wiser and fairer. I tried to hold back my tears. When Cordelia saw me, she smiled back and ran up to give me a big hug.
“Marie, I missed you so much,” Cordelia greeted me as she embraced me.
“I'm happy to have you back, Lady Cordelia,” I said amidst tears, dropping my professional facade. “I missed you so much.”
“You’re so kind Marie. But please drop the ‘lady’ title, just call me Cordelia.” Cordelia requested me while still hugging me tightly
“Oh, please forgive me. Cordelia, I have grown so used to calling you, lady.” I apologized while I broke off from the hug, still crying. “It’s so good to have you back.”
I went to get her luggage from the carriage while Cordelia kept longingly staring at me the whole time. She then offered to take half of the bags so it wouldn’t be too much trouble for me. Things were finally looking up for me. When we got her stuff to her room, I tried to explain how things had changed since she left. But I could swear she wasn’t paying attention to what I was saying. She was only paying attention to me. Maybe I was imagining things, but it seemed as if she never took her eyes off me. It made me feel more nervous and anxious. She smiled whenever I got overly excited. And sometimes I caught a glimpse of a more devious smile.