The Ember In The Storm (undergoing editing)

Part III

    "Father?" Diana asked in surprise, looking up at the man ahead of them both, finally noticing the small resemblance of jaw structure and perhaps nose.

Even so, the young man—Jackson, she had now known to be— did not seem as happy as a son should have been upon meeting his father. The two seemed to have a strong tension of grudge like long lost enemies. Diana felt uncomfortable.

"Yes", Jackson's father grinned down at her. "My son is terrible on introductions. My name is Lord Matthew Anderson", he reached for her right hand, planting a small kiss on it as his eyes rolled up to face her. "But you can call me Matthew".

He was flirtatious and she could not help but chuckle at it. As much as his youth neglected him, he was still quite charming.

Jackson internally regurgitated.

"My name is Diana Lancroft", she smiled. He lifted his brows, facing his son in surprise.

"Lancroft?" He seemed both surprised and proud as to how he was able to speak to them. "Elizabeth must not know of your whereabouts".

Jackson clenched his hands and fortuitously broke the glass of wine in his left hand, the pieces falling to the table and some grazing on his palms. The blood mixed with the wine on the table, giving it a redder color. Everyone turned.

Jackson sighed, trying to compose himself. He pulled a glass out of his skin with a small flinch before facing the bartender. "I will pay for that, as well".

He did not have to wonder as to why her name brought much vexation to his soul, a mention of it brought emotions he better believed were meant to be shut away.

Funny how it seemed like yesterday the two were in bed laughing and talking away.

It was clear to Diana that whoever this Elizabeth was, he did not like hearing her name. "Christ, are you alright?" She asked with concern, trying to reach her hand for his until he pulled away quickly and ignored her question.

"Diana!" She heard her brothers voice exclaim from across the room. He was walking away from the table he was at and towards the doors, asking for her to follow for a leave.

She stood to her feet, looking at both men in front of her before stopping on Jackson who looked at his hand thoughtfully. She gulped but still spoke. "It was nice meeting you, sir. I would be glad to see you again. Will I?"

He did not respond. He was not going to, so she continued. "My brother and I often come here every Tuesday, I hope to catch sight of you once more", she pressed her lips together before facing Matthew. "Good night, sir".

"Good night", he gave a small bow and smile.

"Excuse me", Diana said walking away elegantly. Matthew watched as she walked and past the doors. He turned to his son, taking a sit where Diana had been.

"Remembered you were never one to have interest in women and the like", Matthew chuckled taking a seat and ordering himself a glass of wine as well.

"There are much more things to concern myself with than wasting my time in balls and meetings with women", he smiled sarcastically at his father.

He only smiled back, "Like being General".

"Like serving my country", Jackson quickly said before shifting comfortably in his seat.

There was silence for a while, the two thoughtfully drinking their glasses and yet acknowledging the others presence. They did not ignore each other, not at all. In fact, deep within their minds, they thought of ways on how to speak up about their own problems.