Chapter Text
March, 1818: Andover, England
"Do you not see the hilarity in Mr. Grisham's reaction when Mrs. Grisham confronted him?"
"Powder, I don't think–."
"Now, Violet, surely you can understand the comedy in the situation. I doubt anyone expected such a display in a public place," said Powder. She could not hide her amusement as Violet stared at her completely bewildered.
"I did not ever see you as someone who reveled in someone else's misery, sister," said Violet.
Powder scoffed before taking a sip of her tea. "You misunderstand me. I am not taking pleasure in Mr. and Mrs. Grisham's misfortune. Only the ridiculous situation that led to the misfortune and the continued realization that men have an aversion to being faithful to their wives."
"Surely you do not believe that."
"There are more examples than I can realistically count. I daresay it is like a sickness. It begs the question whether a man and a woman can be truly happily married," said Powder smugly.
"I do believe your judgment is skewed and biased. Those women have corrupted your sensibilities. Perhaps you should find better company."
"Nonsense, Violet," began Powder. "I see no harm in polite conversation with some silly old women who are only pointing out the shortcomings of the opposite sex. They have first-hand experience about such matters."
Violet placed her cup of tea on the nearest coffee table and asked, "You do not recognize a problem with this? Did it ever occur to you that perhaps they are the problem?"
"How is that true? They are simply the recipients of unfortunate circumstances."
"All of them?"
Powder shrugged. "I will admit that they are all of one mind, but considering the circumstances, it seems only right that they would take to each other's company."
"Did it occur to you that there are persistent rumors accusing Mrs. Bryson of equal infidelity?"
"I have heard of those rumors and whether they are true or not is of no consequence. What she does in her private life does not concern me."
"And yet, you are quick to judge Mr. Grisham's behavior as nothing but the actions of a man following his nature," said Violet.
"Even if Mrs. Bryson's infidelity was true, there are more cases of cheating men than women and that should speak for itself."
Violet shook her head solemnly and then asked, "If you think as much, do you believe your husband is being unfaithful?"
Powder paused, closed her eyes to hide her shock at her sister's question, and took a deep breath. She had discussed the situation with Ekko mere months ago and while he had denied any infidelity, there was a feeling inside her that could not be completely quelled. Whether he was adulterous or not should not have had any significance when their marriage arrangement was considered. Deep in her heart, she knew he was free to live his life the way he wanted. She had been completely successful in ridding herself of her mother's influence, but the cost was high. Higher than she had expected.
None of it mattered since Ekko was free to do what he wanted. What she could not understand was how the thought of him spending his time with another woman crippled her sensibilities.
It did not matter.
No, it did not matter.
Why did it matter?
The knot in her heart tightened as she said, "I have no reason to suspect adultery."
"Then would that not contradict your earlier point?" asked Violet.
Slowly, Powder agreed. "You are indeed correct."
Her sister stared at her for a long while only to eventually curl her lip in a frown and say, "You do. You really do believe that nonsense."
"What are you talking about, Violet?" asked Powder as her eyes widened at the accusation.
"Ekko would never betray you, Powder. Surely you know that?"
"You misunderstand the relationship between us, dear sister. There is no possibility of infidelity, I assure you."
Bewildered, Violet asked, "I'm afraid I do not understand."
"That is for the best," said she.
"Powder," began Violet, her hands visibly trembling. "Powder, you are my sister and God forgive me for not intervening when your silliness is out of control, but if you hurt Ekko–."
"Hurt Ekko?" Powder interjected. "I would never. Of that, you can be sure. He is my dearest friend and to hurt him would be to hurt myself. I would not venture to hurt myself, I assure you."
With a sigh that felt like defeat, Violet said, "It scares me that you truly believe your words when your actions say otherwise."
"I do not understand what you mean. My husband is of most importance to me and I would not jeopardize my relationship with him in the slightest. There is no reason to worry as you apparently are. Ekko and I have an understanding most agreeable to us both."
"Your confidence in your ignorance is truly astounding. I do not like where this new direction is taking you. Believe me when I say that Ekko would never betray you. Not for anything. That man is focused. Perhaps too focused, if we were to find fault in his actions. Do not question his fidelity, Powder. Please."
Powder could see the worry in her sister's eyes and found it completely misplaced. Ekko was safe. There was nothing that would make her leave him. Nothing. He was safe. They both were, because he would never leave her, as well. Their friendship would last a lifetime and all of Violet's warnings were for naught.
It did not matter, she reassured herself.
"I am surprised by your insistence and if I am honest, it does make me a tiny bit uncomfortable. I will heed your advice, Violet. Now, let us talk about more pleasant matters," said Powder.
Her sister went back to nursing her tea and finally said after a time, "I mean it, Powder. I will not forgive you if you hurt Ekko. I do not think you understand the seriousness of the path you tread. Again, this is all I will say on the matter." There was a brief pause before she added, "For now."
Powder reluctantly nodded, after which they found a more agreeable topic to discuss that seemed to lighten the mood once again. Violet's words still lingered as the afternoon progressed.
Before long, there was a knock at the door. Powder excused herself to attend to their guest and was surprised to see Mrs. Walker. She invited her in and politely offered tea, which she accepted.
As they retired to their sitting room, Mrs. Walker said, "I see you are alone, as usual."
Powder said, "Oh, I am not alone currently. My sister, Violet is attending me this afternoon."
When they entered the sitting room, Violet stood to greet Mrs. Walker, "Sylvia. How good to see you," she said dryly.
Mrs. Walker returned her greeting matching her dryness, "Violet. I did not expect to see you here."
"It should be assumed that I would occasionally visit my sister."
Her guest settled in a chair next to Powder and said, "I suppose there is logic in what you say. Regardless, it is good to see you again."
"I agree," said Violet.
"To what honor do we owe your visit today?" asked Powder.
"I was informed that Mrs. Ward would be hosting a ball to celebrate her return to Andover in May and would be delighted if you would join us," said she.
Powder said, "I would be happy to attend."
"Splendid."
"Is this invitation extended to my husband as well?"
There was a slight pause before she answered, "I have no objection. Many people in Andover are used to seeing him around and being that he is your husband, the invitation is naturally extended to him. Considering the two of you are joined at the hip, I would not dream of separating you."
Powder could see her sister shift uncomfortably in her seat. "Are you implying something, Sylvia?" asked Violet.
"I am implying nothing. As Mr. Johnson is her husband, the invitation would be extended to him by default. I would daresay it extends to you as well, Violet. Do consider joining us," Mrs. Walker responded with a smile.
Violet smiled and said, "I would not miss it for the world."
"That excites me," said Mrs. Walker. "Do arrive in a presentable state this time."
"Was my attire not fashionable?" asked Violet with a laugh.
Mrs. Walker kept her expression unreadable. "It was fine. Mrs. Ward expects guests to be more – formal."
Her sister shrugged and Powder felt there was some strange tension between them she had not noticed before. She did not know Violet and Mrs. Walker were more than mere acquaintances. It mattered not in the least. The women were not required to be friends only cordial, at least in her house.
Mrs. Walker did not stay long and after she departed, Violet excused herself to her room, leaving Powder alone once again. She contemplated working on a portrait of her father that she had started days earlier, but her earlier conversation with Violet rang loudly within her. She needed an escape.
Somehow she found herself standing in front of "Lonely Owl". There was a faint light bouncing back and forth on the other side of the smoked glass window next to the door. The sign was well kept and the front of the shop was clean. Ekko made sure to spend an hour a week attending to its exterior.
He would say, "A clean entrance tells customers it is worth entering."
Considering how busy he was, there must have been some truth to his method. Not that she disagreed with him. She only disagreed with how much time he spent away from her. They lived together finally and she rarely saw him. It was unfair. Life was unfair.
The bell rang as she entered the building to find Ekko hunched over the innards of a long case clock. His short black hair clashed against the candlelight that danced subtly around the room. He gave no indication he had noticed her entrance as he remained focused on peering at the work in front of him.
"Ekko, I'm here," she said unceremoniously.
Without looking up he said, "I am aware. To what do I own the pleasure today?"
"I am simply bored."
"Unfortunately, I am unsure how I might best entertain you."
She sat in the chair that was always reserved for her visits and leaned in to inspect his work. "I would first like for you to at least look at me," she whispered.
Ekko signed and turned to meet her gaze directly. "I am sorry, Pow. I would like to finish this repair before I go home for the day."
"I know, Ekko. You say that every time I visit. Let me at least steal a small fraction of your time, okay?"
Ekko stood, grabbed a loose towel to wipe off his hands, and then deposited it at the end of his work table. "It is good to see you, Pow."
"You mean it?"
"I would not have said it otherwise."
Powder moved in closer to him and gave him her undivided attention. "Would you care to indulge me in some amusing gossip?"
He chuckled lightly and then returned to his stool. "If it would please you, then you have my attention."
"Well then, I should relay the business with Mr. and Mrs. Grisham. Violet tells me I should not revel in someone else's misery, but the event was too public not to form an opinion."
"I do believe I have caught wind of this. Mr. and Mrs. Winfrey were discussing the matter this morning. However, I do believe your version of the tale would be far more entertaining," said he.
"Violet and I were witness to the event and it was indeed shocking," she stated as she launched into her tale. Ekko, as he always did, followed her words closely; asking questions when clarification was needed. He made the most astute audience and that made him such a pleasure to talk to. In the back of her mind, she was reminded how much she missed their talks and his company in general. While she could steal minutes periodically, she wanted more. God had other plans for her and that saddened her immensely. Perhaps there would be a day when she could claim his attention for herself and herself alone.
When her tale was completed, Ekko nodded and eyed her introspectively. Finally, he said, "That was more involved than I had expected. One cannot help but feel bad for them."
"That is my feeling as well," said Powder. "I am sure there is a lesson to be learned in that whole ordeal."
"I would imagine so."
"Oh! That thought reminds me, Mrs. Ward is hosting a ball to celebrate her return to Andover and we have been invited. I would be delighted if you would join me."
To her surprise, Ekko's lip curled up and his eyes widened. "Pow, I do not believe it is a good idea for me to attend."
"Nonsense. I would believe it would be fun and I think you could use some fun in your life, Ekko."
"I have to question your definition of fun. What you are asking will prove not to be fun for me, please let me pass this time," pleaded Ekko.
"This will be good for us, because we have not been seen together as a couple in many months and it is best we keep up appearances. It is necessary for us to sell the ruse. Do you not think so?"
Ekko lowered his head and said quietly, "You speak true, so let us choose another venue to display our matrimony. Surely there is another ball we can attend that would be more agreeable?"
"I would like to attend this one and I want you to be there with me," Powder demanded.
"If that is what you wish, then I will attend," he said slowly and deliberately.
"Good! I am positive you will have a great time. I will make sure of it."
Ekko stared at her with an unreadable expression before returning to his work. "I think I should get back to fixing this clock if I am to return home at some reasonable time. You are welcome to stay if you wish."
There was something cold in his voice she had not heard before and it sent a chill down her spine. She could not understand why his demeanor had changed so quickly. They were laughing only moments ago and now she felt as if she was being brushed aside, even if his words offered her the opportunity to stay.
Despite the change in atmosphere, she decided to stay and watch him work. The change in tone between them did not erase her need to absorb his warmth. While his outward attitude was cold, she could feel an undercurrent of fervor she refused to abandon. She missed it, and as she kept his company for the rest of the night, she wondered how she could harness that feeling forever.
Unfortunately, his apprehension about attending the Ward's ball lingered between them. She could not understand his hesitation and had resigned herself to making sure he had the most incredible experience while in her company. However, there was a feeling of angst that germinated inside her and she would not understand its significance until it was much too late.