A MAZE OF GREED

Florence saw the harbour some miles away from the deck of the ship she was travelling in. The island was not a large one but was an important stop for the ships engaged in overseas trade.

Florence had never been to this place, but she had to admit that it was a beautiful island even from afar. She wondered why Mr and Mrs Payne received medicines and pickles from that far away land.

Why would someone take efforts of sending a parcel to a place which was at least five-six day's travelling away?

About one and a half hours later, the ship collided with the landmass after travelling for days in the water. Florence took her luggage that consisted of only a single bag that had two pairs of dresses and other essentials she would need.

A man offered his help while descending the ship. She smiled at him and bowed in courtesy. The man released her hand when they reached the ground.

"Thank you sire!" She said politely, to which the man reacted by a smile and removing his hat from his head then put it back down.

After he left, Florence's brown hazel cat-like eyes swept over the surroundings. There were many men and women- all strangers.

She walked a couple of steps when someone called her from behind.

"Excuse me, Madam?"

"Yes?" She asked, turning around to see a man who was a couple of years younger than her.

"Are you Miss Florence?" He asked.

"Yes. That is me. But, how do you know?" She observed him keenly.

He smiled softly. "I was told to meet you here and arrange for your stay here. You exactly matched with the description I was given."

"I hope that description was good." She cocked her brow challengingly.

"Yes, it was. But the reality is much better than it!" The man was clearly flirting with her, and she liked it.

She smiled impressively.

"Welcome to Warthford Isalnd, Miss Florence!" His smile widened.

He took her into a nearby town. The wagon stopped outside a small single-storey building. The man helped Florence step down the wagon. Although his actions were gentlemanly, Florence had enough experience to know the underlying intentions.

Ignoring it, she followed the man inside the building. It was more like a motel than a home that was run by an elderly woman. She first asked Florence the basic questions regarding her town and the bureaucrats who helped arrange everything.

Satisfied with Florence's answers, the woman gave her a key to her room. The man carried her bag to her room.

"Thank you so much for all the help!" She said.

The man smiled. "If you need anything, then just ask me for it." His eyes travelled down from her face to take in her whole form.

"If I need anything, is not it convenient to ask that lady?" Florence asked.

But instead of taking offence, the man smiled even broader. "Of course, you can tell my mother, but it will be me getting it to you. Rest well Miss Florence!" He then walked away from there.

Florence shook her head then opened the lock on the door. Opening it, she entered the decent-sized room that was clean and neatly arranged. At least it had a comfortable bed, and that was all she needed for some hours as her body ached by all the travelling.

After getting freshened up and changing her clothes, she lay on the bed, her body relaxed instantly.

This place was good than her expectations. But she now needed to think about her next step. She had less time and a lot of work to do. But before that, a good sleep would do for her.

*

*

*

Ruth was working late after dinner, on Thea's dress. Only she knew how she had managed to keep that woman from seeing her wedding dress.

Ruth had used all her expertise on it as she wanted it to be the most beautiful dress that every bride of Vincardine had ever worn. She wanted everything best for her best friend.

The date of the wedding was approaching fast and still, there were many things to be taken care of. Ruth had her dress selected as a bridesmaid. Now she only needed to buy a pair of earrings, a bracelet and shoes to complete her look. But, with working in 'the great manor' and then on this dress, she could not find time for shopping.

She has woven the last white bead, and after making sure that it was secured nicely, she tied a knot with the remaining thread then cut it. She took the dress in her hand and stood in front of the mirror.

She held the dress in front of her, and her smile widened slowly till her cheeks hurt. She was mesmerised by the beautiful dress.

The white floor-length dress with a heart-shaped neckline was studded with shiny beads on the bust. It had intricately handwoven lace on the waist, and from there, it flowed down freely like a waterfall.

Ruth was not only satisfied but also proud of herself. She mentally patted her back for such a commendable job. She could not help but jump in excitement of showing it to Thea.

The more she looked at the dress, the more she fell in love with it.

She stared at the dress for a long, and a thought crossed her mind. How would she look in it?

She bites down the urge of wearing the dress. It was for Thea, and not her. Thea was the bride, and not her!

Would she ever be?

"It is a beautiful dress, my dear and it looks stunning on you!"

Ruth looked at Mrs Payne's reflection in the mirror as she smiled softly with moistened eyes.

"But this is not for me." Ruth said with a sad smile.

"Ruth, I want to talk with you. Please come here."

Ruth put the dress neatly on the mat she was sitting on previously. She then sat beside Mrs Payne on the bed.

"Do you need anything Mrs Payne?" She realised how ignorant she was acting with the old lady these days.

She blamed her for not telling the truth about that white feather. And since then, their conversations turned scarce.

Something unknown crossed Mrs Payne's features, but she masked it immediately. Shaking her head, she said, "No, I do not. There is something else that I want to discuss."

Ruth nodded approvingly.

"Ruth I am getting old and do not know how much time I have left. Before I close my eyes for the last time, I want to see you happy." Mrs Payne's eyes moistened some more.

Ruth bit the insides of her cheek as she played with her fingers to stop the tears that threatened to appear.

"I think it is time that you find someone to spend your life with. This old lady can not stay with you forever!"

Ruth gulped down the lump in her throat.

She decided to let out her thoughts once. And with Mrs Payne, she felt safe.

"Mrs Payne, I also want someone to hold my hand and tell me that he is there for me. I also want to have my own family someday. But... I... I am scared." she released a shaky breath at the end.

Mrs Payne frowned. "Scared? Why Ruth?"

Ruth closed her eyes shut, remembering all men she had encountered in her life. If not all but the majority of them were never pleasant to think of. And the man who scared the daylights out of her- Harold Davies- was the epitome of disgust she felt for such men.

"I... I am scared to fall into a trap of a wicked or characterless man. What if he turns out to be someone else than I thought? What if he.... he found me unworthy and seeks pleasure outside the home? What if he has any bad habits or if he is a gambler?

What if he-"

"Ruth!" Mrs Payne shook her shoulders as her face morphed with shock. She had never heard that. She had never encountered Ruth's insecurities and thus had no idea how strong they were, and how they affected her judgement.

"Take a breath my child! Shhhh!" She rubbed her shoulders soothingly.

Ruth inhaled then exhaled shakily. She had always thought about this but never dared to say it out loud. Thinking it and speaking it loudly were two different things, and both were worst.

"Why are you thinking these things Ruth? Not all men are same. Think about the men who were good to you- Rees, Mr Green, Mr Welby, even Lord Lester and... and your uncle."

Her voice came thick with emotion at the mention of her husband.

"That is why I am scared Mrs Payne. I have some good men in my life, but none of them can take a place that my husband would. And I want a partner just like them. But what if he does not fit in that criterion?" Ruth queried.

Mrs Payne smiled in understanding. "Of course, that is the possibility that you can not deny, my dear. I met your uncle luckily and we were together for a very long time. I feel myself blessed, that I fell in love with him and he loved me more than anything in this world." Her eyes watered at the memory of her late husband.

"That is what I also want Mrs Payne. But maybe I am not deserving of that happiness.." Ruth said sadly.