Poison Eve
Chapters-7

Finally Evelyn continued on her way home, carefully setting her feet on a metal plate that was almost difficult to keep her shoes above the mud.

What am I supposed to do? I don't want to be selfish…

Evelyn had absolutely no idea how to get started, thinking about how to pay for Katz Manor's maintenance services, a huge cost despite the dwindling population.

The responsibility is on him now. Selling Katz Manor is not on his list, but how he should pay taxes, not to mention fixing the old roof that leaked, he does not know.

Maybe they should start looking for a husband, she thought anxiously. No matter what happens, he can't afford to lose his home.

His dilapidated house and this deserted village were the only places on earth where he truly felt safe.

In addition, the half-finished silly wall painting that his father left behind, was still behind the lush, unkempt garden. If he had to sell the house, the new owner would probably destroy the garden, and for him it would be tantamount to the loss of his father, along with most of the memories from his childhood, part of his hopeful life.

On the other hand, if he does not take action quickly, it is certain that he will lose the house.

"One of the girls is still likely to get an established soul mate…"

At that moment, Evelyn heard the train galloping over the street and she turned her head along with her steps that were getting further away from the side of the road.

From behind the darkness came four white horses that pulled the carriage with pink paint adorning its surroundings.

When Evelyn saw the vehicle moving towards her, she smiled for the first time that day.

His godmother, Mrs. Morgenstein, has come all the way from the capital.

Evelyn knew her mother's loyal best friend since childhood had been invited to live with them for a few days.

As an eccentric woman Mrs. Morgenstein always comes in times of crisis.

Somehow the rain stopped miraculously when the coachman, Gerome, jumped down the high stairs of the carriage to stop by his side. He lifted his hat cheerfully, "Good day, Miss Evelyn!"

When Evelyn nodded at the man, her godmother suddenly let out her head from behind the window. "Oh my God, I'm late! Evelyn, honey, how embarrassing I am! Have I missed the entire funeral? Let's get in the car, honey! You're this-anything, what are you doing walking in the rain like this?"

"I'm enjoying the rain, ma'am, and yes, you've missed the whole series of ceremonies. But no problem," Evelyn was unable to hide her wry smile. "You came just as the tea and pastries were being served at home."

"Ah, thank goodness then!" Mrs. Morgenstein jumped from the carriage and ducked under Evelyn's umbrella. The woman who was short, stocky, and wearing a lot of jewelry hugged Evelyn's shoulder for a moment, looked at her face with a look of sympathy, then suddenly the woman hugged emotionally. "Oh my dear, my girl. Poor kid! You've endured the grief since your grandfather left, haven't you? Of course," said the woman, sobbing. "Are you by your father's side when he breathes his last?"

"No," tears filled Evelyn's eyelids as she was touched by the warmth of her godmother's affection. "Someone, a stranger told us when we were at the Cultural Hall. He said, Dad died on his way to Fortress."

"Oh, he was a hero until the last second of his life."

Evelyn nodded. "She must have been very trying to attend the event…"

"Well, he's in heaven with your grandfather, your uncle and your cousin. Already, already, sweet boy. Are you okay now?"

Evelyn tried to nod and wipe away her tears.

Mrs. Morgenstein is her mother's cousin and the only person Evelyn sees really knows how to deal with Lady Catherine.

Their friendship was quite confusing in Evelyn's eyes.

The two women had nothing in common. His mother, for example, would never wear a twinkling star-shaped hairpin like the one in Mrs' hair. Morgensteins. Especially not to attend a funeral.

"Oh!" the fat widow suddenly exclaimed excitedly, "Evelyn, my son, you must let me take you away from this gloomy place. I know you're a real homebody, but come with me to the capital. I'm forcing!"

Evelyn smiled slightly. "I must meet the mourning period for six months, according to ethics."

"Ethika, fuck all that!" her godmother protested, widening her eyes. "You've been grieving since you were seventeen! It's done now! Lord Katz definitely doesn't want you to be sad, neither do I."

"Ah, you've always been nice to me."

"That's because I see amazing things in you, Evelyn."

Evelyn shook her head at the compliment, rubbed a trace of tears on her cheek and told herself it was just raindrops.

"All right then," suddenly Mrs. Morgenstein has drawn a conclusion. "It's set. You're gonna come with me and we're gonna have some fun! There will be concerts and dinners and dance parties and nightly entertainments..."

"To be honest, I don't have any clothes for that kind of thing," Evelyn cut in fear, a little worried about her godmother's talk about her entering the capital's noble society after death had just approached one of her family members.

"Hush-hush, Miss, life is to be enjoyed! Thing about your clothes, don't be a problem in your head in the least, we'll buy a few pieces of dresses for you on the way. Don't worry about cost... I promise you, it's a small matter. I'm your godmother and I can spoil you if I want! And you know, my Norbert died very rich."

Evelyn looked at her godmother uncertainly. "It's hard to accept your gift."

"Based on a stupid girl! Being your companion in the capital, will be the most joyous thing for me for many years! Now, don't be haughty like your mother, or stubborn like your grandfather. Come on, Eve, I know you're a practical young lady."

Evelyn's eyes glazed over but she turned her face away, trying to hold back her tears by winking. "All right, I'll consider it. But please promise me one thing." Evelyn glanced at her godmother from the side.

"What's that?"

"You're not gonna be my match, are you ready?"

Mrs. Morgenstein. "Well, actually, because now that you've alluded to it, honey, there's probably two or three fun young men I've found around the capital, who I think are perfect for you."

Evely groaned, then suddenly changed, and called out a silly question, "Are they rich?"

"Evelyn, darling," Mrs. Morgenstein replied with a mischievous look, "they are rich like princes. Anyway, I'm not wasting your time."

"Hmm.." he muttered, staring at the large, cold and gloomy Katz Manor from behind Mrs' shoulder. Morgensteins. The roof may have been leaking by now.

When Mrs. Morgenstein pointed towards the inviting carriage, Evelyn stared at the woman sharply, then covered her umbrella and stepped into the carriage.