" Dove?" A small hoarse voice sounded from inside the cottage. Dove opened the door, entering into the cottage with a solemn face. Everyday was always like this. There wasn't a day that passed by where Dove isn't hurt by the sound of her mother's voice. It hurts so much witnessing a mother who was all bubbly since your childhood fall ill and loose her spark.
" It's me Mom I'm home" Dove said smiling to cover up her emotions. Since her mother fell ill there wasn't a problem when it comes to switching emotions quickly, it's infact the most easiest thing to do.
" Oh!, how was work today?" Her mother asked her while forcing herself to sit on the mattress. She could barely feel any comfort while doing that.
" Mom, mom please don't get up" Dove rushed to her side pushing her gently on the shoulders so she could not sit. Dove's mother didn't struggle, she lied down again breathing a little heavier now that she has just forced her body over its limit.
" Ha!, that was intense" She said smiling. Her smile was supposed to soften the atmosphere, however it broke Dove completely shattering her in pieces yet her expression never crumbled. She was still as pretentious as ever. If her younger self could take a look at her present self, she'll be in utter disbelief.
" Please don't try to get up again, you might not even manage the intensity" Dove managed to say as her throat has been throbbing with held back sob.
" Don't worry, I'll manage. How is work today?" Dove's mother asked still wearing her usual smile. When she hasn't taken ill that smile was once full of life and could instantly melt Dove's heart, but right now it wasn't doing it job. The atmosphere was gloom despite the sick woman's attempts to brighten it up.
" It was like usual, peaceful and full of smiley face" Dove answered, giving a small fake smile. The truth was that it wasn't. At work, things were very chaotic for her. Till date the family she rendered service to has never seen her shadow,all pays, important information or tasks were handed over to the head of labourer to oversee. And because of her reputation, her complete payment were never handed over to her, extra benefits never touched her pocket, additional to that, judgemental stares accompanied her wherever and whenever her presence was sensed. The people she worked with were not the worse, but they took things a little too far. Sometimes she couldn't find her apron which shields her clothes from getting dirty when she was attending to the gardens and flower fields, then when she is done trimming and cutting over-grown flowers and weeds, her apron is suddenly where she has searched for it. It might be a coincidence, but it wasn't until it kept happening. Same issue happened again, but this time it was her garden scissors, how can she trim without it. Even reporting to the head of labourer about this didn't help much.
Despite all that she has been through at work, there was never a day someone's bullying can prompt her to go share the details with her mother, looking at her condition it'll only be a burden.
" Ha!, that's a relief!" Dove's mother said patting her daughters hand which rested softly on her stomach.
Dove's eyes caught the medicine bowl on the table, she opened it and her expression turned grim.
" You didn't take your medicine?" she said more like a statement than a question.
" I forgot about that " Dove's mother replied with a guilty smile.
" This is not funny at all Mum, come on, I'll go warm the medicine again" Dove finalized, taking the bowl with her to the other side of the room. In reality she was looking for an excuse to leave her mother's side, she couldn't bear forcing down her emotions for too long. The cottage was small and doesn't have much space, although to Dove's family of two it was more than enough space. In a single wide space, the bedroom, kitchen, and drawing room was made, it was the most humble home you could ever visit in Achillesville.
A few minutes later, Dove was done warming up the medicine, she gently hands it over to her mother while stirring the dark liquid with a spoon.
" Quickly drink this " she said. Her mother took a long sip, swallowing it almost immediately.
" Ha!, this is bitter" she said making a face at the acrid taste of the medicine.
" Bitter things help heal faster than sweet things" Dove smiled, urging her to drink more. She took three more long sips then resigned to resting for a while.
" You know,... When you were younger, I use to be the one forcing you to take your medication. Now it's the other way round" Dove's mother chuckled at the memory she remembered while stirring her medicine.
" No matter who forced whom as long as the medicine is been taken that's the important thing, now hurry and drink before it gets cold" Dove persuaded softly, diverting the topic. She didn't want to go into memory lane right now or else her well woven mask will fall off.
" You don't have to be all bossy I'll take it now okay?" The sick woman smiled taking a big gulp from the bowl and swallowing instantly. The medicine in the bowl was almost finished from that single impact.
" See, i almost finished it " Dove's mother bragged, showing her the remaining content.
" You don't have to be smug about that, I'll ask Dr. Martins for more medicines, let's see if you'll keep on bragging about finishing your medicines " Dove smirked collecting the bowl from her.
Even if the illness cannot be cured, several medications were administered by the doctor to manage the illness. Dr. Martins unlike the rest of Achillesville was very strict about his work. He never minded any rumour about Dove and never puts personal business in work related things. His motto was 'pay before service' and his charges were not too expensive, yet still weighed on Dove.
' Hope a miracle can work itself one day ' Dove silently said in her heart as she collected the bowl from her mother.
" I'll be making some snacks right away for Isabelle, do you want some?" Dove asked
" A few will be lovely"
*
The Duke's mansion was buzzing about with activities, maids were rushing to clean up furnitures and window panes and the gardeners were trimming and maintaining the flowers. Smell of grilled meat being prepared at the backyard were professional handled by the cooks. Everyone had something doing.
" You must be happy at the soon arrival of your beloved" Lady Claude said with a smile directed at Lady Astrin Achers, the mother of the heir to the dukedom.
" Not happy, I'm elated. I haven't seen my son properly in years and his sudden arrival makes me want to do a crazy dance" Lady Astrin smiled, stirring her tea with a spoon.
" Still as witty as ever, saying prohibited words, you'll never change" Lady Claude snickered, stretching her hand to take the teacup from the saucer.
" Who can change me, no one can" Lady Astrin said with pride, taking a gentle sip from her teacup. Her hand held the cup handle gently as she placed it back on the saucer while Lady Claude took occasional sips from her tea before placing it back.
" Your son is one fine specie, his breeds are hard to find" Lady Claude praised with a smile touching her lips.
" That is not unusual, he gets countless proposals yet refuses them without thinking twice "