Chapter Text
Mr and Mrs Edgar seemed to be discussing to themselves ardently as Lucilia sat quietly in the corner of the car. She half wondered whether their promises were too good to be true and she was actually getting kidnapped to be sold to somewhere dangerous. She’d managed to keep her own autonomy up until now, and she’d prefer to keep it like that even if she had to scavenge on the streets like she had been for the past few weeks. It was hard to keep track of time in this place. She was lucky she still managed to keep her timepiece safeguarded and at least had a form of identification on her should she ever disappear. Not that there was anyone out there who looked out for her anymore.
Her eyes watched the sepia covered buildings pass by out the window, keeping track of any buildings that seemed interesting. She’d see a flash of colour occasionally. Someone wearing a gaudish purple or a deep blue, colours that she used to see normally back in Nest K. She wished she could go back there with her parents. A cough to get her attention from across the seat disrupted her musings, and she saw that Mr Edgar was addressing her now.
“We are nearing the manor now. You must follow the instructions of myself and the butlers that are to take care of you from now on. The slightest misdemeanour and I will return you to the streets, understand?”
Lucilia nodded in response, and they got out of the car. The manor is big. Much bigger than any house she’d ever been in, even though she used to live in a Nest, her parents weren't anywhere near as uber wealthy as the Edgars. Butlers had already lined up in a neat file to greet them when they came in. She didn’t have much time to take in anything else of her surroundings before being ushered away by the chief butler through the hallways and into a room. The rest of what happened next went by like a blur. She was given a room, a small one but nevertheless a room, and then the chief butler hauled her up and into the bath and gave her a good scrubbing down. She was given a uniform that was a little too large for her but she didn’t dare complain about it now when the butler seemed so focused on the task at hand and she also didn’t want to come off as ungrateful. The butler explained some of the basic rules she’d need to follow and the tasks she’d perform as well as a never ending list of etiquette that she needed to be familiarised with in the future.
The sound of a bell stopped the butler’s talk and Lucilia was pushed out the door and ushered somewhere else. She could hear the sound of children’s voices before she even reached the room and as soon as she did, the two children stopped what they were doing to stare at her. They were pale with light blond hair and striking blue eyes, siblings, Mr and Mrs Edgar’s children, that was obvious enough.
The girl spoke up first. “You must be the stray child that mama and papa picked up. They told us just before this.” The girl took a step towards her. “I’m Isabella.”
Lucilia stared at her in response. The girl’s voice was soft, charming, even. She dressed in a lacey white dress with a ribbon tying up her hair, evidently one of those pretty rich girls who happened to be blessed with good pedigree and grooming. Lucilia wasn’t sure whether the proper response was to offer to shake her hand or curtsey. Well, she wasn’t about to ask her directly.
“Really? This thing?” It was the boy’s voice that spoke next. He held a look in his eyes that conveyed a sense of suspicion. His pursed lips curled down into a slight frown after Lucilia’s prolonged silence. “Is she really supposed to be our new playmate?”
“Oh, don’t be such a downer, Linton. Don’t you think she looks cute? She has such lovely brown eyes like Skulker!”
“I wouldn’t describe Skulker as having adorable eyes…”
Isabella was still gazing at her expectantly as if Lucilia was supposed to do something. Lucilia turned to look around for the butler for help, but it seemed they had already disappeared and she was left to deal with the siblings alone. Linton crossed his arms as Lucilia kept up with her persistent silence.
“What? Can’t you speak?”
“...”
Her mouth opened then closed. No, she was on thin ice now. She had to be careful not to get kicked out. She couldn’t speak carelessly. That gesture only seemed to irk Linton more and the frown on his fair features deepened.
“Linton! You’re frightening her with your glare!”
“I wasn't glaring!”
“Yes, you were!”
“I wasn’t!”
“You idiot!”
They bickered back and forth like that and Lucilia started to worry that she might’ve ended up sparking something even worse with her silence. Finally, she found her ability to speak and reluctantly started, “Um…I can talk.”
Her voice was so quiet that she was expecting for them to not have heard her at all, but they ceased their argument immediately.
“About time,” Linton grumbled.
Isabella ignored him and looked back to Lucilia.
“My parents mentioned your name. It was Lucilia, right?”
Lucilia nodded.
“It’s a pretty name. With one or two Ls?”
“One. It's spelled the common way.”
“You can read and write?” Interrupted the boy. It seemed Linton expected very little from her.
“Yes…” She met eyes with the boy. Scepticism was still written on his face, but he was listening to her now. Finding the courage to keep speaking, she continued.
“Actually, I lived in a different Nest before this. My family moved here some time ago, but I lost my parents in an accident and I didn’t have any relatives here who could take me in so I had to just live by myself on the streets. I didn’t… trust the orphanages here.”
“You poor thing!” Isabella looked distressed for her after hearing her story. “Papa and mama were right in taking you in. You’ll be much better off here!” She took the newcomer’s hand and shook it thoroughly.
Linton looked a bit guilty after hearing her explanation and he coughed into his hand. “Yes, that is very…unfortunate.”
“Come, come! You can sit by us! We were just playing a game of cards. You know Old Maid?”
Lucilia was dragged by Isabella to the pile of cards on the carpet, and Linton ambled after them. They played for a while with Isabella explaining the rules to her and giving her suggestions on how to play better. They switched to playing snap after getting bored and Linton sulked after losing three rounds in a row. Isabella kept them both playing until Mrs Edgar and a butler walked in and told them that it was time for bed. She was escorted back to her small room by the butler after saying goodnight to the siblings and Mrs Edgar.
And that was how Lucilia began her new life at Thrushcross Grange.
Lucilia would be woken up early and dressed as quickly as possible to attend the morning gathering where all the butlers get assigned tasks for the day. She’d spend her time training to fight and do household work, all of which were overseen strictly by the chief butler. But usually by the afternoon she’d be let off to entertain the siblings in whatever activities they were up to or join them in studying. She assisted Isabella more closely in various other tasks too in regards to her personal matters, helping her pick out dresses or decide on her hairstyle. They became fast friends with all the girl activities they do on the daily. Linton, on the other hand, observed her more than he did talk. He preferred to stay inside on account of his constitution not letting him stay out for long especially if the winds were fierce, and so he often saw her going out with Isabella or one of the butlers. His gaze on her wasn’t judgmental, nor was it particularly warm, it simply conveyed a sense of indifferent analysis. She didn’t mind so much since it didn’t seem like he wanted to disturb her.
One day, Lucilia was given the duty of cleaning the family library. She had only passed by the room before, seeing glimpses of books but never stepping in. A large collection lined the walls, from subjects ranging from history, philosophy, literature, business, law, and even a section dedicated to Fixers. Lucilia put down her duster on one of the tables and stepped towards a shelf to take a closer look. The fine hardcover spines were pristine with barely a speck of dust so she wondered what use she was to be assigned to clean here. Carefully, she pulled one of the books out to look at it and the red cover almost gleamed in the light. She vaguely recognised the title, recalling that the story was about a group of heroic knights and she couldn’t help but to flip through a few pages. Each one was smooth to the touch and that distinctive woody smell associated with old books like this almost made her giddy. A cough from behind her pulled her head out of the clouds and she slowly turned her head to see Linton standing in the doorway. Lucilia froze, caught like a deer in headlights, the book in her hands the direct evidence of her crime. A long silence stretched out between them as they stared at each other until Linton broke the ice.
“Do you… like to read?”
The question wasn’t accusatory like she was expecting it to be. Linton’s tone was cautious and slow. Lucilia took another moment of silence for herself before nodding her head. Linton’s eyes moved to the book in her hand before looking her in the eyes. Which were again, not judgmental, but for once… curious. She clenched the book harder as she thought to explain herself.
“I-I’m sorry. I only wanted to take a quick look since your family’s collection was so vast, and I’ve… also seen you carrying a few around the house. Ones on Fixers and older literature.”
She named some titles that she had seen him reading and Linton’s eyes widened, surprised maybe about the fact that she’s also been observing him. He made a movement to adjust the cravat around his neck awkwardly. His eyes wandered to the shelves now as he seemed to be mulling something.
“I’ll return it right this instant,” Lucilia hurried, taking a step back towards the shelf.
“No, you don’t have to. You can… borrow it if you’d like,” Linton spoke unexpectedly. Something had come over his countenance for he seemed assured of something. “You can return it in a week or two to me. I’ll simply tell my father that I gave you permission for it, and I trust that you would take good care of it.”
“Yes, of course!” Lucilia nodded eagerly.
“And if there were any other books you were interested in, you can borrow them too if you tell me.”
“Is that… really alright?”
“Yes, and in exchange,” Linton continued. “I must hear your thoughts on them.”
Lucilia was shocked at his leniency. Her impression of him so far had been that of the more uptight older brother who cared little for her outside of things involving his sister, but perhaps he was much kinder than she had thought. “Thank you. Thank you very much.”
She couldn’t help the small smile that creeped up on her features. Linton coughed coincidentally then and excused himself for having taken up so much of her time. When he left, Lucilia carefully placed the book on one of the desks and picked up her duster again. First, she needed to focus on her work before she could indulge herself in any books.
“And what did you think of the ending?” Linton asked.
“I thought it was really fitting for the book. Not exactly a happy ending, but neither was it sad. It was perfectly bittersweet.”
Lucilia sat cross legged on the carpet next to Linton, thumbing through some of the pages to point out certain sections. The two had begun to form a regular exchange through these books. They would meet up either in the library or the parlour and talk for an hour. Sometimes the topic would shift to that of general matters, things related to the house, or other interests, but they would always start off with a discussion of the book. Linton listened keenly and with rapt interest. Lucilia wasn’t one to speak much in general, so he seemed to value those precious moments where she’d speak without restraint. The meetings had started off awkward and uncertain, lapsing off into silence when she didn’t think she had anymore to say. But gradually, it all started to feel comfortable to bask in that silence together and to have Linton’s presence near.
Linton wasn’t as bubbly or playful as Isabella. He was quiet, gentle and collected. At times he’d get into a bad temper with Isabella over something small while Lucilia sat in the corner eating a biscuit or a slice of cake that a cook had given her from what was leftover at afternoon tea (some of the adults had taken a liking to her). It wasn’t unusual since all siblings seemed to have petty fights over such things, though they’d make up shortly afterwards. He was sensitive to jabs about his capabilities, one time becoming frustrated with being unable to come up with an answer to a question Lucilia had posed to him and Isabella had playfully made fun of him for quoting the wrong book. His face had turned red and he would’ve bit back with a remark had a coughing fit not ruined the moment and made Isabella burst into laughter. At the end of their squabble, they (including Lucilia) were reprimanded for their rowdy behaviour and disturbance.
“That one was a nice one. I really liked it.” Lucilia handed the book back to him and she was about to excuse herself to go back to her duties until Linton stopped her from getting up.
“Oh, um, Lucilia. There was actually something else I wished to speak to you about.” Linton was unusually shaky and had an indiscernible expression on his face.
“What is it?”
“The last book I let you borrow, I found something in between the pages.”
“Oh,” Lucilia lighted up at having remembered it now. “You mean the pressed flower?”
“Yes.”
“I learned of the method from one of the butlers and wanted to try it out,” she quickly explained. “But I didn’t pick the flower from the property if that was what you were concerned with. I found it in a market when I was with the butlers on a shopping trip. The cost for one with full colours was too expensive so I bought one that only had a yellow head. The petals weren’t coloured, but I didn’t mind it too much.”
“You used your measly allowance for something like that?”
Lucilia raised her hands up defensively. “I admit that it was an impulse purchase…”
Linton’s lips curled up into a smile and he couldn’t help a small cough escape from his throat just as he was about to speak. “...but you left it in the book.”
“It was for you. I bought it because it reminded me of you,” Lucilia whispered. “I wanted to repay you in some way for lending me all those books. I know it’s not nothing compared to what you could buy yourself or what Mr and Mrs Edgar could get you, but I thought I should still try to give you something.”
“No, I— *cough.* Thank you very much,” Linton wheezed. His face started burning up red and he was struggling to get his words out.
“Are you okay?” Lucilia inclined towards him, but he turned his head away.
“I-I’m fine!”
He took another few minutes to compose himself, and the coughing fit subsided by itself. His face was still flushed, but he could speak normally, and he thanked her once more. Lucilia smiled, relieved that he seemed fine now, and that he also appreciated her gift.
“I will… bring you something more fitting in return,” Linton said.
Lucilia tilted her head. “Young Master Linton…You don’t have to. Being able to borrow the books is plenty.”
“Linton,” he corrected.
“Pardon?”
“Just Linton is fine if we’re by ourselves or in front of Isabella,” he muttered.
She was taken aback since he was always someone who abided by formalities and the proper order, but Lucilia nodded. “Linton, then.”
He stood up then with Lucilia and gave her something from his pocket.
“What’s this?”
“...Candy. One of the cooks said you liked the caramel types.”
Linton didn’t explain any further than that, then left.
Did he like sweet things too?
One rainy evening rolled around when Mr Edgar brought home a new puppy. The two siblings talked over each other on who should get to hold it until the thing had slipped in between their legs during their argument and sidled up to Lucilia instead. That quickly settled the dispute and the two gathered on each side of her instead, petting the puppy’s head in turns. They lost interest in the small creature once the topic of what they should do after supper arose. Isabella proposed they play with her dolls and have a pillow fight after while Linton disagreed and said that they should do something quieter. Isabella claimed that Linton was scared of losing to her and that had sparked another argument, but this time they expected Lucilia to take one of their sides and soon the two had begun to fight over her as if she was a toy.
“Luci! You’d prefer to spend time with me, wouldn’t you?” Isabella had developed a habit of calling her by a nickname some time ago.
“No way. She doesn’t want to engage in your childish endeavours! Lucilia, come with me instead!”
Isabella was tightly hugging her arm while Linton held her other sleeve and the two pulled at her in opposite directions. They seemed determined to tear her apart as neither seemed willing to give up on their prize quite so easily. Linton was the older, but his naturally weaker body evened out the odds for Isabella. They pulled and pulled, and Lucilia felt a sharp pain in her arms. She wanted to protest, but the two were shrieking at each other so loudly that all the words that formed on the tip of her tongue got drowned out. Their fights didn’t usually escalate to anything physical, but since the prize was higher stakes than usual, they had become much agitated.
Lucilia made another verbal attempt to calm them down again but that was when it tore.
The seams of her shirt had a gaping hole by the shoulder. Everyone stood there in silence, too shocked to speak. The material of Lucilia’s clothes were not as fine as the other two’s luxurious ones and they had forgotten this fact amidst the fight. It had now resulted in more than just a worn out Lucilia, but also a physical representation of their fight.
“L-Lucilia…” Linton gasped.
Isabella started crying. She threw herself off her as if terrified at what she’d just done. “How awful!” Linton, look what we’ve done!”
“I-I didn’t mean to—”
With each wail from Isabella and the longer his eyes lingered on the tear, Linton’s own eyes welled with tears from guilt. Any pain felt from their pulling earlier dissipated to Lucilia once she saw that both the siblings were truly remorseful. She tried to reassure the two that it was all ultimately fine but neither were listening to her, repeating the situation that had led them to this. The puppy had started yelping along with them now and for once, Lucilia’s patience felt truly tested.
Suddenly, there was a noise at the window, loud enough to be overheard over the two’s sobbing. Lucilia thought that it might’ve been laughter, but it had scared the siblings enough that Isabella shot towards the door where their parents would be, and Linton grabbed Lucilia’s wrist to encourage her to follow. The house made a loud commotion as butlers hurried about and the dogs outside barked fiercely. Mr Edgar went out with the butlers to the door to investigate. Isabella clung onto Lucilia with tears still in her eyes while Linton tried to be the voice of reason and calm them down though he was still clearly frightened as he had not let go of Lucilia's wrist yet.
One of the butlers came back carrying a young girl in his arms with her foot bleeding.
Lucilia soon learned that her name was Catherine Earnshaw.