The library became their secret nest. After confessing their love for each other they started meeting more frequently, with the excuse of summer traveling planning. When they met they would talk about everything and nothing, about their childhood. They would get to know each other better. They also talked about the great love stories, deciding to ignore the problems they faced, Penelope and Ulysses, Zeus and Europa, Mark Antony and Cleopatra, those were more important. In the meantime, they had to keep the distance, their roles as master and maid, despite their desires of touching each other. No one could know about their budding romance.
Summer arrived, and with it Dame Martha's pilgrimage to their house by the sea, it was her heirloom. Dam Martha had spent all of her childhood's summers in there, and, when it became hers, she brought her family along. That summer, she and Margaret would go earlier, and James would join later after. He had to receive Richard back into the family's house.
It was the first time Margaret had seen the sea, and she was fascinated by it. To Dame Martha the sea was like an old friend who still keeps secrets for himself. The house wasn't too big, but still magnificent. It had a big balcony over the garden overlooking the sea, where they would have their meals. When Dame Martha and Margaret arrived, everything was already set, and the only thing Margaret had to do was unpack the Dame's luggage. The older woman stayed in the room while her handmaid hung the clothes, and something caught her eye.
-Margaret, dear. I have just seen there are some old dresses of mine in the closet. They are not much, modest summer dresses I used t wear when I was young and I had no social compromises, but I was thinking that they would fit you quite well, and they are more adequate for this heat than your maid's uniform. Why don't you use these while we are here? I will feel more comfortable walking around with you if you don't look so formal.
Margaret couldn't believe what she was hearing, she hated that uniform. It was her chance to ditch it away for a while.
-As you say, Dame Martha.
The Dame took the matter on her hand and selected half a dozen dresses. They were modest, in colors ranging from beige to light blue. Still, they were the most beautiful dresses Margaret had ever had.
-Thank you, Dame Martha.- she said as she took the dresses.
-Now, go change, Margaret. I want to go for a walk.
-Yes, Dame Martha.
Margaret walked to her room, it was bigger than the one she used to occupy at the country house. It had belonged to one of the Dame's sisters. She took out her uniform and picked a light blue dress. It made her look her age. She also decided to take out the bonnet and leave her hair loose. Her auburn curls fell all over her shoulders, she didn't look like a maid anymore. She wished James were there to see her, but he would join them soon enough. Dame Martha complimented her, and lead her around the town. Everyone seemed to know the Dame and would congratulate her for her good company. Margaret stared at everything, open-eyed like a child. It was a discovery, it was the proof that she could fulfill her dreams. When they were not walking around town, Dame Martha enjoyed reading under the shadow of the pine trees. The library at the summer house was reduced, and there were no books Margaret wanted to read. That left her time to do something she hadn't done in a lot of time, draw. The scenery had awaken her desire to paint, so she started sketching parts of the town. Margaret could see Dame Martha was proud she was doing something creative. In a way, she saw her as a surrogate daughter.
When James arrived he found them like that. Dame Martha was reading under a tree, completely absorbed by the book. Margaret was with her back to the house, drawing the sea between the trees.
-Mother, I see you have found yourself some new company.- James said out-loud when he saw she hadn't even realized her son had arrived.
-James, dear. You are finally here! Oh, she is not new company, she is a rather known one.
Margaret stood up and approached. She was wearing a white and blue stripped dress, her hair tied up in a thick braid.
-Welcome home, Mr. Abbot.
James had to contain himself from running up to her and taking her between her arms.
-This dress really becomes you, Margaret. Are you enjoying your stay?
-Thank you, Mr. Abbot. Yes, I am, your lady mother is too kind to let me spend time in here.
-Nonsense. I need to take profit of you before you marry off. With your qualities it is going to be soon enough.
Margaret blushed, not knowing what to say.
-Mother, you are making her uncomfortable. I am going to swim in the sea. Have you been to the beach already, Margaret?
-No, Mr. Abbot, I haven't.
-Do you mind if I steal her, mother?
-No, go ahead. I will stay here, reading.
James entered the house to change into his bathing suit while Margaret waited for him. She was examining a painting that was hanging on the hall's wall. James observed her before descending the stairs.
-I have missed you, Margaret. The house felt empty without you.
-I have missed you too, James.
They walked together to the beach, and while James swam she looked at him. It was the first time she saw him without a suit, and she wished she could see him like that more often.
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