***It was night time before Shilla returned to the academy. Lady Wickshire had sent her to have some one watch the Krain household. The day before, she had received information that Walter"s mother and one of the neighbours were planning to have Walter come out shopping with them, then let Walter take the daughter out sight seeing. Walter"s mother was using this opportunity to create a good marriage match for her son. She had reported it to Her Ladyship and was instructed to have someone inform Lady Steinhouse that Walter was in the city and his location.
Her task took all day; mostly because, she had to find a way to pa.s.s the information to the maids in the Steinhouse household. She smiled, thinking that Her Ladyship was right. She did not say that she saw Walter. By saying that the man that came visiting Lady Steinhouse was seen in the city, the maids a.s.sumed it was the illusive lover. She had not waited too long by the corner of the Steinhouse manor before she saw Lady Steinhouse leaving in a hurry.
She arrived Lady Wickshire"s chambers at sun down to the glare of the other two maids.
"Where have you been all day?" Taylor seemed to want to tear Shilla into two. She was not blind; she had noticed that Shilla had become the lady"s most trusted. This was not good; the lady could take Shilla away as her maid, when she graduates. She already understood that they were always like nuisances to the lady, so she kept them busy doing this and that, while Shilla always got all the important Jobs.
"Do you think I would leave without Her Ladyship"s order?" Shilla asked with a blank expression.
"Going out all day, are you going to claim that it was Her Ladyship that sent you?" Taylor asked.
"Yes." Shilla answered as Lucy came out from behind the screen.
"All of you leave. Shilla, stay." Lucy said. The other two left, but Taylor could not help but throw a glare at Shilla. Shilla acted as though she did not see her glare and closed the door after them.
"You took long." Lucy said.
"I apologise, my lady. After I was done, I had to go make sure to clean up after myself. I paid out all the spies and got new ones. That way, there are no mistakes." Shilla answered.
"How did it go?" Lucy asked as she got into bed.
"It happened just as you said it would. Lady Steinhouse rushed out and they met up. She even went as far as challenging the girl." Shilla reported.
"Good." Lucy said.
"I"m not sure how this will help their relationship, my lady." Shilla asked.
"You must try harder to understand human nature. History has shown that women are the most dangerous of the human species; as they could cause conflict where ever they go. But people do not understand that women are even more dangerous when they are in love." Lucy said and Shilla felt uncomfortable. Lucy was only twelve years of age at most; how she knew these things, Shilla could not bear to bring herself to ask.
"If you study history, you can tell all you need to know about human beings. Since they gained intelligence, they have made little change when it comes to their habits." Lucy answered as though she could read Shilla"s mind.
"Take Taylor, for example; she has become very jealous of the attention I give to you. Do you want to tell me you did not know this would happen?" Lucy asked.
"I knew. She has already reported me to our superiors. She says I am no more trust worthy. I am guessing I"ll be called soon to explain myself." Shilla answered.
"I understand people, Shilla; because I know who they are and what they have done; I know who they love and who they hate; So, I know what they will do, or at least, I know what I can make them do. Lady Steinhouse has already been brain washed by the rumours. It can only happen if thoughts of Walter has crossed her mind before. This time that Lana girl has caused jealousy. Jealousy is good for them at this moment. Next step, is to push her to the edge. I believe if they see more of each other, they will think of ways to be with each other. I have set the stage; all that must happen now, is up to them." Lucy said and Shilla nodded in understanding.
"What about the message I told you to deliver to Lord Morge?" Lucy asked.
"I told them that you want them to involve Walter in their plans. Can I ask why?" Shilla asked. She was standing guard inside the room when the lady was giving the two lords instructions; she understood the lady had bigger plans brewing. Why she wanted to involve Walter, was something she did not understand.
"I must give them more opportunities to meet." Lucy smiled.