For a moment, Eve didn't know why he was apologising. She noticed Noah's face turn serious, and he said,
"I feel like I owe you an apology for what happened on the dance floor at the Moriarty mansion. Forgive me if my action misguided you."
Eve quickly shook her head and said, "Not at all. I knew it was a mistake and you aren't the kind of person who would do that when we are friends," she nervously chuckled.
Eve didn't express the slight prick of disappointment she had felt after he had pulled away as if he was crossing lines with her, but she realised something. As much as people from different statuses mingled, it was hard to forget where they belonged. And the world she and the Duke belonged to were opposite. They could be friends, but that was all there was to it.
A look of relief appeared on Noah's face, and he said, "Thank you for honouring our friendship, Genevieve. I was worried that my action might have turned you uncomfortable." Somewhere the man believed that was why Eve had left the ball early, and he felt guilty over it.
Eve only smiled at Noah's words.
At the same time, his words made Eve wonder if perhaps Noah was trying to court Marceline, which was why he didn't want to create any confusion. He was a man of honour, she thought to herself.
She smiled at Noah, getting rid of any doubts she earlier had. She was going to suggest to continue walking when he said,
"I won't lie… for a moment I was also worried that something bad must have happened to you after not seeing you around. After all, a lot of guests there were vampires. On occasions as such, people from the high society pick men or women of the lower-class to drink blood directly rather than from the glass during."
What Noah said wasn't far from what had happened, as Vincent had licked and sucked the blood from her wound. When the Duke turned to her, she nervously laughed,
"Thankfully I wasn't bitten by anyone," replied Eve. She said, "To have protection by being part of the high society must be nice. I doubt vampires will try biting you."
Hearing Eve's words, Noah smiled before responding, "They wouldn't. It would be… strange if they do."
"True." What Noah said and how Eve perceived it were two different things, and the man didn't attempt to correct her thoughts. She said, "I wonder how long it would take for me to be part of the high society."
The job she worked in was stagnant, and there could be no growth apart from opening a school for children one day. But even for that, she would need a lot of money, and right now, she didn't have it.
She heard Noah say, "I am sure you know the fastest way to enter high society. But I doubt it is something you would choose. Many men who attended the ball seemed to be more than happy to get to know you. Is there anyone who caught your attention yesterday?"
Eve shook her head, "I wouldn't want to marry someone just to be part of high society. My mother always told me that I should look for love, which will be worth everything. But I wonder if she wasn't a practical person."
"Your mother sounds to be someone nice," stated Noah.
"She was," Eve smiled, remembering her mother, who was a warm person. "She was everything. How about your mother?" She asked him.
The corner of Noah's eyes crinkled, and Eve saw him smile. He said, "My mother is a dear person to me and my younger sister Valery. Though I wouldn't say that she is a romantic," he softly laughed, "My sister now lives in the East with her husband and her two year old daughter."
"I see," Eve nodded. Two minutes later, they reached the two poles that had two burning lanterns on them.
They walked to where Eugene was standing next to their carriage. Noah's coachman helped Eugene in fixing the new wheel to the carriage. During that time, Eve watched the men work while Noah's eyes moved to look at the young woman. He noticed her blue eyes held child-like curiosity, eager to know how things worked and a small smile appeared on his lips.
"Thank you for your help, Noah," Eve offered her appreciation to the Duke.
"You thank me for nothing. I was only passing by at this hour," replied Noah, turning to Eugene he said, "It would be better if you get the rim of the wheels covered with iron plates. It would cause less damage. Take the right route ahead and you will be able to reach Meadow sooner."
"Yes, Sire," Eugene responded and bowed his head.
Eve placed her umbrella inside the carriage, and when she struggled to get inside the carriage, Noah offered her his hand. She put her small hand in his before settling inside. He stepped back. She said,
"Have a goodnight, Noah."
"Good night, Genevieve," Noah slightly bowed and Eugene closed the carriage door.
Soon Eve's carriage left, with Eugene driving it, while Noah's coachman walked to the carriage that was parked behind where Eve's carriage was earlier parked. The Duke of Woodlock turned and made his way back to his carriage. As he walked, his fingers brushed against his palm.
[Music Recommendation: This Quiet Violence- David Chappell]
When Sunday morning arrived, Eve returned to Brokengroves town by herself after returning Mrs. Russo's dress in Hollow Valley. The sun shone brightly and there was no hint of rain.
And as good as the weather was, it didn't stop Eve from carrying her purple umbrella. On reaching the town, she noticed the scarce number of people walking up and down the streets, and right now, it didn't seem as deserted as it had appeared during her last visit.
When people started to stare at her, she opened her umbrella and placed it above her head to create a shadow on her face. There was a light chatter in the air and the horse's hooves, which was being dragged by a man. When she continued to walk on the side of the road, her eyes fell on an old house, and she stopped walking.
Suddenly Eve felt the things around her change back to the past, and she saw a small girl with golden blonde hair run towards the door. The little girl's dress had patches sewn in different places.
Seeing the small girl push the door and get inside, Eve's feet followed her cautiously. She raised her hand, pushing the door before stepping inside the house.
Her eyes widened in bewilderment when she saw a woman standing in front of the mirror. The woman turned and said, "Where were you, Eve? I was worried."
"Mother…" Eve whispered, seeing her mother smile at her.
She noticed bruises on her mother's forehead, which looked like two or three days old.
Her mother looked tired as if it had been days since she had last slept properly. And though tired, her mother put a bright smile on her face and she sat on her heels while opening her arms. The small girl Eve had seen earlier ran towards her mother, hugging her.
