The Mask He Wore (rough draft)

I was hired onto the Prowd staff when I was very young. Lady Blythe had taken me in despite my youth and gave me both employment as well as a roof over my head. For that I will be forever grateful. The only thing that bothers me about my job is that, aside from Lady Blythe, I’ve never really seen my employer.

Mr. Prowd bought this place a long time ago and revived the vineyard to where it became a very thriving winery like it had been once before. He had guests and customers coming all the time to sample his wine and buy it from the source. But I had barely ever captured a glance at him, aside from once when I saw him on the third floor landing with Lady Blythe. But even then, I only saw his legs.

Long ago, the previous owners of the vineyard had killed themselves here in the manor. I had heard many stories about how there were notches in the bannister on the third floor. The stories started back when the drought was at its peak. Robbers would come into the house, and they would claim two skeletons hung from the banister on the third floor. The stories started there, only growing over time.

The staff now told stories of how the manor was haunted. Some told about ghostly visions they saw in the halls. I had lived here since I was small, and I had not ever seen anything strange. At least, nothing I could place. Once, I saw a man who was sitting on the stairs. He had his head in his hands. His clothes looked disheveled and it sounded as though he was weeping. There was such sadness surrounding him, a gloom and darkness that sucked inwards like a vortex. The stairs around him appeared to be darker, and a cold chill crept up my spine. He was as still as a statue, but from behind his hands I could see his mouth contort, and his eyes crinkle from crying. I had never seen someone so sad before i felt the need to reach out to him. But I was told not to bother guests, so I walked past him. But I never saw him again.

Such stories of the notches on the third floor banister, and the sighting of the supposed ghosts were popular subjects amongst the staff. During the evening, when too much drink had been had, you could hear many a braying tale.

“I say you go up there and prove it,” one huffed. “ I’m sick of hearing about it. Go see the damn notches!”

“You can see them from the ground floor. Just look up. You may even see old man Prowd too!” The other snorted.

“Or up Lady Blythe’s skirt!”

This caused the table of men to burst out laughing. I was not too enthused with it, but their voices were the only ones you could hear and all I wanted to do was finish my meal.

“No one’s allowed on that third floor,” the first one slurred. “Bet if you went up there you’d see old man Prowd with his cock out.”

The groans and jeers echoed my own thoughts.

“I heard he and Lady Blythe take their guests up there for all sorts of fun and games,” the second babbled on. “You know there are all sorts of perverts amongst the rich.”

“When you got money you can put your cock in anything and no one can say nothing about it!”

I sighed heavily and picked up my plate to the basin. I intended to leave, but as I turned the whole room went as quiet as a tomb. Lady Blythe stepped into the kitchen and looked around with a cold look upon her face.

“I came to fetch some water to make some tea.” Her hand smoothed down the door frame as her eyes cut around the room. “No need to go quiet on my account.” She walked into the room, watching the men at the table as they ducked their heads and averted their eyes. Lady Blythe was an elegant woman, she held herself with such a regality and moved with such elegance. Since I was little, I had always wanted to somehow be like her.

Like us in the staff, she always wore red. The whole house itself was filled with the color. I used to consider it quite garish, almost frightening, but upon Lady Blythe with her pale skin and dark hair, the color felt as if it belonged upon her.

Lady Blythe came up beside me, filling a kettle. A low murmur rose back to the room, but nothing like the roar it was before.

“Let me help you with that, my lady.” I took over pouring the water into the kettle for her, then walked out with her carrying it.

Lady Blythe remained quiet until we reached the end of the hallway where she sighed heavily. “I should have been patient and waited for the morning.” She lifted her hand to her face, touching her cheek then smoothing her elegant fingers down to her jar. In the darkness of the hallway, she looked ghostly white.

“They’ve been drinking, my lady. I would not take what they say with a grain of salt. Even if it is vile.” I tried to reassure her, but I’m sure it’s difficult to hear the things she did in the kitchen.

“I could shut them up easily if that was the issue,” she tutted. “I know you can no more stop a man from talking than you can an ass from braying. The more you push the issue, the more it will become an issue. It’s best to make them fear the unknown.” She then looked at me with a slight smile upon her face. “Why were you even there, Ms. Ellen?”

I did enjoy her smile, but there was something about it that seemed forced. “I was trying to finish my supper. My chore this evening took much longer than me and the other girls planned, so we arrived late when they had already had a few drinks in them. They usually get that bawdy each night.”

“Perhaps I should start watering down the staff wine,” Lady Blythe murmured. She stalled at the foot of the stairs and held her hand out for the kettle.

I took my chance. “I can take it up for you, my lady, if you’d like?”

Her cool eyes looked me over while her smile faded away. There was a chill in the air, a darkness to her eyes that made me pause with slight fear. Something in her gaze was razor edged, but I knew it was sharpened because of my own doing. She pushed her hand out further to me and I offered the kettle. “You know better, Ms. Ellen.” Her tone was frosty, almost maing her breath appear in the air. “Only select staff are allowed beyond the ground floor.”

I nodded while folding my hands together. I kept my head down, a bit ashamed of my behavior. “Yes, I know, my lady.”

Lady Blythe slipped her fingers under my chin and lifted my head. She gave me a smile and I returned it. “There are no notches on the bannister. It was replaced long ago.”

“That was not my reasoning.” My cheeks grew warm from such an intimate touch. “Although, my reasoning was buried in curiosity.”

Her fingers slipped away from mine. Those long elegant digits curled back into her palm and her long nails pressed against her flesh. “There is nothing fascinating about the third floor. It is very much like the staff quarters in the basement, I assure you.” Lady Blythe rose to the first stair. “Go to bed, Ms. Ellen.”

“Good night, my lady.” I walked away, but then stood in a spot where I watched her ascend the stairs. The way the foyer opened up at the ceiling, you could see all the way to the third floor. Above that it was dark, and endless inky black hole. I knew there was a ceiling somewhere up in those shadows, but from where I stood, it felt as though one could get lost forever in such dark.

I saw Lady Blythe walk across the third floor, taking her kettle to her room. Often I watched from this exact spot to catch a glimpse of life up there. But I rarely saw much of anything. The most I saw was that blackness, that void. I would stare up into it wondering if something was watching me back.

A few days later, Lady Blythe left the manor in order to find new workers for the upcoming harvest. The vineyard had expanded during the winter, and now we needed more hands to bring in the remarkable crop. Lady Blythe often left for long periods of time to bring in new employees to the manor, for the vineyard or otherwise. The house felt rather strange without her presence, some took advantage of it, while others kept on like it was normal.

I found myself alone in the library because of this. The other two who were supposed to help me abandoned their posts, claiming as long as the bottom row of books was dusted, no one noticed if all of them were. I took the opportunity to indulge in the quiet and solitude. Rarely were there moments to be alone here.

I dusted the books, taking as much time as I wanted. I skimmed pages, reading what I could understand or glancing through pictures held within. I was barely paying attention to anything around me. The book I held had pictures inside of bats devouring small animals, of insects ripping off their heads of their mates. There was a gruesome illustration of a mountain lion feasting upon a lamb. The black ink on the page turned red in my eyes. The blood of the lamb seeped from it’s sagging carcass, running down into the words below the picture. It’s frightened face, whether alive or dead, looked out beyond the paper, it stared into me. I gazed back into its wide grotesque eyes and I worried that I was looking back at myself.

The red I imagined fluttered in the corner of my eye. I looked up in fright, turning to see there was a man standing in the library. At least, I assume it was a man from the way he was dressed, because his head was covered by a red scarf. He looked up at me, staring at me like I had been that poor lamb. His head tilted to the side.

I gasped in fright and dropped the book which slapped against the ground with a loud slap. The air sucked from the room, going quiet as the book settled. The man bent over to pick up the book, which he looked over.

“Be careful,” he said with a deep but tender voice. “Not with the books, but with yourself.” He held the book up the ladder towards me. “It would be much worse if you fell.”

I climbed down a few rungs and took the book back. “I’m so sorry,” I murmured. “I got startled and I just-” I shook my head. “I’m sorry, it won’t happen again.”

The man chuckled softly. “No need to apologize. I have that effect on people.”

The scarf was wrapped around his head in such a way it hid his whole face. I could see the movement of his mouth when he spoke, but no other features were present. The excess then wrapped around his neck and draped over his shoulders. The color of it matched the red uniforms we wore day in and day out.

“The manor seems quiet today,” he said simply. He opened the book I had been perusing. His gloved fingers smoothed over the pages, turning them slowly before he closed it again.

I stepped off the ladder and bowed to him. “I was almost done here. I can leave if you want some privacy.”

“You’re working, there’s no reason to be chased off.” He held out a gloved hand to me. “I’m sorry, my dear, but what is your name?”

I was afraid to take his hand. I had no clue who this man was or what he was doing here. I simply bowed my head back down. “It is Ellen.”

“Well hello, Ms. Ellen. I’m Edmund Prowd.”

Every hair on my body stood up on end, bristling and tingling with this revelation. I looked back to where his face would be with held breath. “Mr. Prowd! I am so sorry, I did not know who I was speaking to, sir!”

“Now, now, calm down,” he chuckled. “There’s no reason to get so worked up.” Mr. Prowd approached me and took my hand, which he shook. “If I am being honest, I must say I am relieved. It is so lonely here without Lady Blythe.” His head tilted down and his thumb smoothed over the back of my hand. “What beautiful hands you have.”

I was knocked breathless. “Thank you.” His hand was big and warm, and the glove he wore was so soft. I smiled sheepishly, gently pulling my hand away when he released it. “I’m sure she will be back soon. It will probably be easier to find workers for the vineyard than the manor.”

He gently stroked each finger, carefully booking over the back of my hand and palm. “I told her to take her time. She rarely gets any time to herself these days.” Mr. Prowd tilted his head one way. “You remind me of her, actually.”

I smiled shyly. “Really?”

“Tall and willowy, you even have similar eyes.'' He captured my chin between his fingers and I gladly looked up at him as he turned me. “Yes, you look a lot like her when she first came here. She was such a beauty, and so kind. She never failed to steal my breath.”

I picked at the embroidered flower at the top of my apron. I smiled shyly, drinking in the compliment. “I am not the one to steal breaths.”

“I think you are.” His gentle voice rumbled, causing my heart to leap in attention. “You’re also very beautiful, Ms. Ellen.”

My smile forced itself through and the corners of my mouth curled upwards. “No, no,” I shook my head.

“Yes, yes.” he took my chin again. “You’re a lovely young woman. You have such soft skin, beautiful bright eyes, adorable lips.”

My cheeks were set aflame. I’d not been so taken by words like this in such a long time. “Thank you, Mr. Prowd.”

“Please,” he murmured softly, “call me Edmund.”

“Edmund,” I said his name and it tasted like syrup on my tongue.

He chuckled then motioned towards the sofa in front of the fireplace. “If it is not too much of a bother, would you enjoy sitting with me at the fireplace?”

“I shouldn’t.” I said it, but I did wish to join him. All these years I had worked and lived in his home, yet I had barely seen his shadow. “I should be working.”

Edmund placed his finger where his lips should be. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

I smiled excitedly and joined him on the sofa. He sat beside me and sighed heavily. “I know I ask for this solitude, but when Lady Blythe is gone I actually notice it.” He placed his hand over his chest. “If you don’t mind, just a little company is all I ask.”

“I don’t mind at all.” I looked at the scarf around his head, trying to see through it and see something of the man inside. “Is there a reason you want solitude?”

“It is too much for me to explain,” he sighed. “I have my reasons, but I do not wish to take away your smile with them.”

“You do not need to worry about me. I would love to talk to you about anything, sir-I mean, Edmund.” I blushed and worried if I offended him.

Edmund just laughed. “You and Blythe have much in common. But I do think you are cuter than she is.” He touched my hand upon the sofa. “There is an air about you that relaxes me.”

“Really?” I asked shyly.

“Hold still,” he then whispered with urgency. I did as told and his finger brushed against my cheek. The touch was so soft. “There was an eyelash.”

I watched him, barely able to breathe.

Edmund held his finger out to me. “You get to make a wish.”

I smiled, pursing my lips as I thought of the wish that was growing in my heart. I blew the eyelash away and a chill crept up my spine.

I met him in that library each day while Lady Blythe was away. At first we just talked, or I listened due to my shy nerves. As a few days passed by, I got over that. I would sit closer to Edmund, I would touch him freely.

“Do you mind if I hold you?” He asked.

My heart ran freely in my chest and I gazed up at him, marveled and enraptured. “If you’d like.”

“It’s been so long,” he chuckled nervously. “I know it must be a strange and sudden request. But a hug is all I really need.”

“It’s okay.” I turned to face him and I opened my arms to him. He came closer and I accepted him in, wrapping my arms around him as his enveloped me. “There now, is that better?”

“Yes, thank you,” he breathed. “That feels so much better.”

“I’m glad, Edmund.” I rubbed his back reassuringly and I felt a quickening in my pulse.

When we parted and I went down the hall, I saw someone standing at the other end. Fearing I would be caught, I went the other way. I came into the kitchen which was dark and empty, but if I left through the dining hall I could bypass the hallway. I was nearing the second door when the first opened. Someone came through and I rushed, running out the door and into the dining hall. I hid under the table.

I held my breath as the door opened. The shadowy figure from before stood there as still as a statue. They then moved, walking around the table. Their strides were long and silent. I only heard the dullest thud of the hill as it hit the floor. A chill seeped through the air, aching my fingers the closer it came.

The figure stood at the end of the table for the longest time, long enough that the chill caused my breath to spill white from my lips. Once it felt like eternity had passed, they left. I heard the door shut and I exhaled in relief. I laid my head in palms and my fingers felt like ice. I started to leave from under the table, slowly pulling myself out. Just as I was on my knees, something grabbed my ankle and pulled me back under.

I screamed in fright as I was pulled into a shadow. The space under the table was much darker than before and I couldn’t see anything. The light from betweens the chairs shone much brighter and I scrambled to try and reach it, all the while the hand pulled me deeper and deeper below. I kicked free, knocking over chairs as I clawed my way out.

I looked back in fright, seeing the table and only the table. There was no darkness, no bright engulfing light. I stared in disbelief and quickly ran, leaving the chairs toppled as I made my way back to my quarters.

The others were already in bed, so I had to be quiet. I took off my clothes and slipped into bed. My heart was still pounding, my skin clammy from fear. I could still feel the pressure of the hand that held my ankle. I closed my eyes, imagining Edmund and his embrace. As I fell into his arms a hand came down over my mouth.

My eyes flashed open, seeing a man standing over me. He had blonde hair that hung ragged and filthy around his face. The hand that gripped over my mouth was cold and rough and it felt like there was a finger missing. The cold wrapped around me, gripping me tightly so that my blanket was powerless against it.

“Leave. Him. Alone.” The man’s voice was stilted and quiet. He took in deep, raspy breaths and choked on the air. “Do. Not. Return.”

I was paralyzed with fear, unable to move or make a sound. I worried about the other girls in the room with me. I prayed they didn’t wake. I prayed they were even still alive.

“Leave. Him. Alone.” His voice choked like there was something lodged in his throat. “This. Place,” he took a long drawn out breath. “Not. Safe.” He removed his hand and I remained frozen. I didn’t move until morning when the others began to rise. I shivered and shook the rest of the day, jumping at voices that came from behind me.

It wasn’t until I was back with Edmund that I felt as though I could relax. Once again he held me and I felt a mixture of fear and excitement. It bubbled up in my chest then flowed through my body. I knew this was wrong, but I didn’t want to let go of him.

“Ellen,” he murmured close to my ear. “I don’t want to let go of you.”

“Then don’t,” I breathed. “Hold me as long as you need.”

Edmund’s arms tightened. “It’s not right.”

“No one can see us. Keep holding me, Edmund. Please.” I dug my fingers into his back, grasping his jacket while I felt his face bury into the curve of my neck.

“I shouldn't but...Ellen, I need you.”

Those words sang through my body with triumph. “I’m yours, Edmund.”

He sat up and cupped his hand around my mouth. “Be careful what you say. Should you say such words again, I might fall for you even faster than I already have.”

I could cry. This was dangerous, so very dangerous, but I wanted it to happen regardless. I held his wrist and he moved his hand away. “Do you mean it?”

“Yes,” he breathed. Edmund turned and looked around the room before focusing upon me again. I bit back my excitement as he lowered down closer to me. “Blythe will return soon, come to the third floor tonight and wait at the top of the stairs for me.”

My heart was soaring with so much awe and excitement. “Really?” I gasped.

“Yes. But do not move from that spot until I come for you.” His finger smoothed across my lips. “Promise me.”

I nodded. “I promise, Edmund. I promise.”

“You really are precious, Ellen,” he whispered into my ear. “I cannot wait to see you tonight and hold you until my soul is full.”

I wrapped my arms around him again. I went to place my hand upon the back of his head, but he quickly pulled away, taking my hands and kissing the palms and wrists through the scarf. My heart swelled, but I felt I owed him an answer to something heavy in my heart.

“Leave. Him. Alone.” The choked voice rattled in my head and I grew deathly cold again.

“But-” I murmured unsurely.

Edmund lifted his head. “What is it?”

I looked away, feeling doubt grow in my chest. “I have a fear,” I confessed. I clutched my hand over my chest. I wasn’t sure how to put it into words. The man I saw last night, his hand, the unbearable cold. “I care so deeply for Lady Blythe, I owe her my life.”

“I owe her mine as well,” Edmund stroked his finger down my cheek. “But I cannot deny my desire for you. It is a need I wish I could forget, but it gnaws at my bones, it rips at my flesh.”

I remembered the images from that book; the bat ripping the neck of the rabbit open, the insects devouring their mates. That poor terrified lamb. I slowly lifted my head to look at Edmund and the red that surrounded him.

Edmund touched my face. “I want you. I want to taste you upon my lips because that is all that matters. You and you alone.”

“I do too, Edmund.” I knew I should have minded my fear, but he made it so easy to ignore. “I want to taste you too.”

“Such sweet words,” he moaned. “Remember. Stay at the top of the stairs. Do not go anywhere else.”

“I promise.” I stood. “I should return to work. I’ll see you tonight, my darling.”

“Save those words for tonight.” Edmund pressed his finger over where his lips would be. “Do not waste them when I cannot enjoy them.”

I smiled brightly, blowing him a kiss as I left the library.

Come evening I waited for everyone to be asleep before I made my way to the stairs. I looked up at them and held my breath. Edmund was waiting for me and so that gave me the courage to ascend. I came to the second floor, which had red carpeting and paintings of the vineyard along the walls. I had never been here, so I lingered a moment to look. There was an open hallway with a table down the center. I had heard they had wine tastings here. Then, the walls were lined with doors and paintings. I figured this was where guests stayed overnight.

The cold crept over me again and there came a knock from one of the doors. In my fright, I returned to the stairs, going up to the third floor. I stopped at the top like I was asked. I waited for Edmund to arrive, scanning the darkness to see what was there. No one except Lady Blythe and Edmund were even allowed up here, so all I had ever heard were theories and rumors that had been tossed around by the rest of the staff.

It was so dark though I could barely make out any details. I could see down a narrow hallway, and then to my left I could see the banister that looked down over the foyer. This was the bannister where supposedly the previous owners had hanged themselves. I left my spot, going over to the bannister to look at it for myself.

Lady Blythe said it had been replaced a long time ago and that no notches were there. But as I went closer, I noticed markings in the wood.I touched them, feeling divots there where rope must have dug in. I suppose Lady Blythe had made up that lie so no one would talk about it anymore. I ran my fingers over the notches one last time but then arms grabbed me from behind. I screamed and a hand cupped around my mouth.

“Ellen,” Edmund whispered.

I relaxed only slightly, but Edmund had still scared my heart from my chest.

Edmund pressed even coser against my back. “I told you to wait at the top of the stairs. You promised me.” He moved his hand away.

“You frightened me!” I whined.

Edmund’s hand wrapped around my jaw, holding my head in place so I couldn't move. “What about your promise?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t go very far.”

He sighed and grip grew tighter. “It’s disappointing, Ellen. There are rules here I maintain. Rules that must be followed.”

“I’m sorry,” I whimpered again. “I won’t do it again, I promise. I just want to spend my evening alone with you.”

Edmund chuckled, and there was a sharp edge to it. “Then promise you’ll do what I say from here on out.” He released me then kept his hands upon my shoulders. “Close your eyes.”

I nodded, shutting them tight. He then moved me, turning me and pushing me forward. “Go inside,” he breathed. “Keep walking forward.”

Following his command, I walked forward, but I grew afraid and peeked open my eyes slightly. I could see the dark room before me and I stopped just before the door. “It feels cold.”

“Go inside,” Edmund urged again.

I turned around to look at him, but he was standing with his back towards me. I took a step towards him. “Edmund, I-” His arm whipped back, grabbing me around the throat. I begin to choke and struggle against his hand. The other came back, grabbing me around the throat as well. He shook me, and began to laugh.

“Bad girl!” A voice that doesn’t sound familiar comes from the red scarf. “Bad girl!” It cackled, both wicked and deep. “Bad, bad, bad girl!”

My knees grew weak, and I gagged as his grip tightened. He threw me through the door and walked backwards to chase after me. I couldn’t scream, so all I could do was run from him. I scrambled through the dark room, tripping while he continued to rush backward at me with ease and speed.

“I like when they’re bad!” He grabbed me again, picking me up off the floor and holding me in the air. I kicked and struggled, clawing at his arm and hand, but it wouldn’t let go. I then grabbed the scarf, pulling hard on it, tightening it around his throat. He threw me again, dropping me and the scarf went with me.

I looked up, seeing a face in the shadows at the back of his head.

“So very, very bad,” the awful little face grinned. “Because then they’re mine!” He lunged at me but no scream would leave my throat.

---------------------------------------------------

The body was left in the fireplace like it always was. Parts of it were missing, I knew the hands were gone, and when I saw who it was, I did mourn for a moment. I left the corpse there, going to bed where Edmund lay in the dried blood from his feeding. He was still in his clothes, but his hood and gloves were removed. His hands were an unseamly white, so pale and covered in coarse silver hair with thick knuckles. I placed my hand over my eyes and I gently woke him, rubbing his shoulder until he stirred.

“Don’t look, Blythe,” he whimpered.

“I’m not. Put the pillowcase on.” I sat down on the bed while he did so. He moved my hand away once it was safe.

“I liked her,” I told him.

“I’m sorry, Blythe, but she was so good.” Prowd put his hands upon my face. “I smelled her and I knew I needed her.”

“It’s okay. I don’t bring anyone here with the intention of keeping them.” I held his hands and gave him a smile. “You missed me, didn’t you?”

Prowd nodded. “Yes. I get lonely and then I get hungry.”

I kissed him through the pillowcase, all these years and he can still be so sweet. “I’m home now.”

Prowd wrapped his arms around me, hugging me in such a tight embrace. I held him back, careful not to touch the back of his head. “It’s so loud in this place when you’re not here, Blythe.”

“I know, but these things must be done, and you still have urges I cannot satisfy.” I cupped his cheek in my hand. “I won’t have to go again until later when we go into production.”

“Did you find some more good workers?” He asked.

I nodded, standing back up from the bed to search for his gloves. “I also found some staff for the house too. Which will be needed now that Ellen has decided to leave us.” I saw her hand clutching one of his gloves under the bed. Once I found the other glove, I placed them back upon his hands. “We need to clean up,” I told him softly, and got ready for the day.

Prowd nodded. “Can I keep her for tonight?”

I glanced towards the fireplace. “Are they still hungry?”

“Yes, especially for her.”

I turned back to him. “Fine, just one more night. Now, help me change the bed.” I took hold of his hand as he stood. “Once that’s done, I’ll tell you all about the new workers I got for the vineyard. I found a very lively bunch.”

Prowd rubbed his hand across his chest. “I’ll reward you tonight, like always.”

A shiver went through my body and I began to smile. “Like always,” I whispered.

“In the dark,” he whispered close to my ear. “I want you naked tonight and on your knees, waiting for me.”

I grinned from ear to ear. “I’ll do whatever you tell me to, my darling.”