The soft breeze blows against the field of lilac flowers. It bends and turns them delicately, reminding me of someone who did the same, only a few days ago.

I smile, eyeing the old chapel. The old vicar here was a civil man whose passing sealed its eventual abandonment. Everyone then started going to the new and grander church in the west.

"Wonderful chapel, by the way. Was only admiring its beauty."

"Before sunrise?" She smiles.

Even before I know it, my footsteps echo against the smooth marble of the chapel.

Sunlight struts into the stained glass windows, flamboyance scattering about.

Though, a chair in the far corner pulls back. And so does its occupant.

"I'm not even surprised anymore by our strange meetings, Mr--" She shakes her head. "Matthew."

I smile.

Mathilda walks into the light, the same colours caressing her smile, as well.

I tilt my head to the side.
"Why, I was beginning to enjoy your astonishment. Now I am only unfortunate to have lost it."
My feet step into the same radiance, arms behind my back.

"You haven't lost it. At least not yet."
Mathilda shakes her head and walks to the plain glass window on the left.

I walk to the same window.

A few more moments pass, both of us staying quiet.

That is till I say,
"My guess was that people who want to pray go where there are vicars and priests."

Mathilda looks up.
"Do they go to vicars and priests seeking memories?"

Both of us glance back the lilac field outside.

"Mother brought Della and me here when we were little.
Sometimes, I still come here on Sundays to..."

"To remember a time less complex?" One hand from my back comes forth, rubbing its fingers.

Mathilda nods slowly, but asks,
"Why did you come here?"

I shrug and point out of the window.
"My family and I live in a manor some distance from here; I was only strolling."

And then remembered when I saw you before the engagement.

My gaze travels to her vacant chair. A sewn dress lies there, along with needles and thread.

"You look at that dress as if it might sprout wings, Matthew."

"This is the first time I have heard of a dress becoming a dragon."
The corners of my lips perk up, leaning into the wall.
"But I was admiring your... choice."

Mathilda raises a brow, pulling her gaze away from the window.

"You are educated enough, from what I gathered from our conversations. Educated enough to work at any factory.
But you also know the working conditions and strenuous hours of those factories."

I point to the dress.
"Sewing and a bit of extra work, can almost earn you the same amount of money, without having to stay at the same place for an entire day."

My finger rubs my chin, as Mathilda blinks.
"If you ask me, you could become a nurse as well. Though, considering the way you were looking at the hospital when you came, I would say that isn't your preference."

Financial aids for nursing training may also be a cause.

When I look back at her, Mathilda has her arms folded across her chest. She only raises a brow, no taunt with it.
"That is all mostly true. But adding to the nursing part: the training requires quite of bit of money. And sewing is merely an extra job," she sighs, "My main work is with management and accounts."

Management and accounts...
That would require a proficiency in arithmetics, which is almost impossible in the schools of where she comes from.

Stop that detective mind of yours, will you.

I sigh, giving in.

Mathilda takes a step further.
"But I think I can deduce why you chose medicine, as well."

My eyebrows perk up, creating waves in my forehead.
"Do tell, even my family doesn't understand."

"Considering your accent, I can only assume you had a variety of options growing up.
Those options, if you wanted to work, would include business or the military. Being a doctor would be a second option for many, considering the nature of the work."

"If you wanted to work..."

You did mention 'manor' a while ago.

My eyes keep flicking in between her and the dias. She stops talking when I do so.

I shake my head.
"Go on."

Mathilda folds her hands in front of her. Half of her left eye screws shut, but she says,
"In business, one has to keep their own interests and advantages on the top. No matter the consequences the other may face."
While in military, you have to follow your commander, even at the price of your conscience.
Whereas, being a doctor, is the least morally questionable of all these professions."

"Doctors may be corrupt, as well." I straighten and stand away from the wall.
"You never know if they want to heal you, or if they want to weigh down their pocket, instead."

Mathilda keeps gazing at me with a look I can't quite distinguish, her expression solemn.
"That may be, but doing so is your choice. Even by not doing so, you still have a profitable future."

"You are an intelligent woman, Mathilda. That's all I shall say."
The light coming from the stained glasses have now turned a russet shade.

She actually smirks at that.

"Pray, do tell me the reason of your amusement so that I may experience the same." I lean against the wall, arms across my chest.

Mathilda looks at me for a beat longer, before shifting hee gaze back at the meadow outside.
"I thought men only liked intelligent women if they were other men's wives."

"Only the foolhardy ones." I take a step closer.

"Are you praising your own person, then?" Mathilda tilts her head playfully.

"Perhaps. Unless of course you aren't secretly married. That would make me look considerably foolish."

Mathilda shakes her head, her heels clicking on the marble.

A crocheted bag hangs behind the chair's darkness. Flicking its straps open, Mathilda tucks her materials into it.
"It is almost nightfall; I have to go now."

Walking away from the wall, I pick up a needle lying astray.
A ball of thread lies on top of the bag. I slip the needle into it. Mathilda presses her lips in her mouth.
"I can escort you home, if you want." My voice becomes a whisper, as if to adjust to the new lighting.

"I have to drop these off at the shop before going home," a strand falls from her bun, as Mathilda shrugs.

I pull out a hand, only to have it change its direction at the last moment and run through my own hair.
Mathilda folds back the strand herself.

"If that is what you wish." I bow slightly, giving her way.

Mathilda curtsies, gliding past me. A few steps away, she turns and says,
"This meeting was... unexpected, but not horrible."

I perk a brow, smiling.
"I shall now die a happy man."

She shrugs again.
"That is the best compliment you can get after working on a Sunday."

My smile drops, but my mood is lightened by the one teasing her lips.

Orange lights from the sunset falls onto her brown hair.

Time passes by and so does Mathilda.
Meanwhile, I'm left tapping my lips till the last ray of light trickles down.

Hey everyone!
I hope you all are doing well ❤️

As for me, I'm just watching Black Butler. What else can you expect from a teen during the summer holidays xD

This chapter is dedicated to rubyruins for hosting the wonderful Stellar Awards!
Give a big round of applause for her!

Also, she made these covers after SOL won first place in the general/historical category ;D

Don't forget to vote! ❤️

Have a great day!
Love,
MS Zame