Tale As Old As Time

Chapter 3

"MAH-LAH-YA VAL-YEH," Malaya spoke slowly, enunciating every syllable in its correct pronunciation. "Malaya Valle." It peeved her whenever anyone gets it wrong, which was no good because almost everyone gets it wrong most of the time. And the gentleman in front of her was getting it wrong too. 

He was the man in the floating portrait was Malaya's first thought when he found her walking through the woods some moments after she left the labyrinth. He was with an older, thinner man called Mr. Johnson who Malaya thought felt familiar. But Mr. Johnson left as soon as they spotted Malaya so she couldn't be sure. It seemed to her that they took their jobs seriously in the charity as neither of them was breaking out of character. They spoke in a slightly different English accent - similar to the couple's who were in the small parlour last night, they addressed each other formally and they wore suits and morning coats. 

The gentleman shook his head, knowing that he'll never be able to say it right. "Miss Valley," he paused when she pursed her lips in slight annoyance. "Miss Malaya, if I may. There was not a ball last night - I did not host one. I was awake in my father's," he paused again before clearing his throat, "my late father's study going through papers and numbers all night." The young lady didn't need to know what the papers and numbers were all for, he thought.

Malaya looked up to the blue sky with a frown. It was a peaceful morning. The birds in the woods were chirping joyfully, and the wind was gently rustling the leaves of the tall trees. It turns out that the woods were still part of the property. She would have loved to walk through the woods and the quiet streets of the village on her way home. But the gentleman wouldn't let her leave the manor until he was fully sure that she was there without ill motives.

She explained what happened last night. She talked of the masquerade ball, Mr. Martin, the portraits, the rooms, the small parlour and the wardrobe in it. She even mentioned the portrait of the man with striking green eyes - his portrait. It reminded her of the family portrait in the small parlour. He had the same dirty blond hair as the dad in it.

He said that his name was Thomas Somerset, and he was the owner of the stately home. Malaya thought that the name sounded familiar, but she couldn't remember well. Thomas Somerset informed her that there was no ball, no staff named Mr. Martin who looked like Father Christmas, and no brown-skinned lady portrait. However, he didn't say that there was no parlour and a wardrobe in it. Malaya made a mental note to remember this. She also saw how his face was drained of color when she mentioned the family portrait.

"I have a spare carriage that can take you home. But I will not let you leave with that dress on," he glanced at Malaya's blue and striped dress, eyeing her chest before his curious green eyes landed on her hair. Thomas extended his hand, motioning for her to give him the pillowcase bag sitting by her feet. "What have you put in here?"

What she was dressed in was the one thing he and Malaya agreed on. "I would appreciate if I can put on some normal clothes." Malaya nodded hesitantly and handed him the makeshift bag, "I've put my masquerade costume in there." If he wore a suit everyday, maybe - just maybe - he would loan Malaya the same if not normal clothes. Normal everyday clothes was best but a suit was better than the costume that she was wearing right now.

Thomas turned and took a step toward the house before glancing back at Malaya, making sure she didn't run away from him. He had a soft, angular face with high cheekbones and a straight nose. His full brows were the same color as his hair, and highlighted his green eyes. His lips were supple and bottom-heavy. Malaya couldn't help but stare as he spoke, "Where do you live, Miss Malaya?

"The Valle Village Inn." Malaya said simply. Everyone in Derbyshire knew of their family's inn. Her parents converted part of the house into an inn when they immigrated. They were able to make friends and keep connections through it, which was how she met Edward and Alice. She hoped that they weren't too worried about her.