Blog #7 Melissa Davis

This is another excerpt from the retelling of Cupid and Psyche I am writing. Enid’s experiences at the beginning of the story are very sensory. She sees and feels everything for what she thinks is the first time while slowly becoming aware that she has been here before.

“Mistress, did you enjoy your sojourn?” a soft voice startled her and she whirled around. There stood an older man, dressed all in black. He waited patiently for her reply. In his hand he held a china cup and saucer. She could tell that the cup held a hot liquid from the steam and she thought she smelled Earl Grey tea.

“Yes, thank you…” she stammered trying to find his name.

“William, Mistress. I am the butler here at Camara.” William’s voice was deep and wispy, like he took shallow breaths between syllables.

She reached for the cup, but he motioned for her to follow him before she could grasp it. She shivered and realized it had been chilly outside. They walked down the left corridor and she was awed at the large number of canvas paintings. Each appeared, at a glance, to be originals, and each was in exquisite condition.

William stopped and turned to face her; he ushered her into a sitting room.

Plush, leather chairs and a large sofa invited her to sit and read from the bookshelves that dominated every wall in the room. A large fire crackled in the ornate marble fireplace and various lamps illuminated the room, creating a soft glow instead of the harsh light in the hall and foyer. Next to a chair was a tea cart, complete with a large ornate teapot and plate of tea biscuits. The smell of Earl Grey and vanilla filled the room. She walked over and sat down.

William handed her the cup of tea and smiled. Enid took a sip and an immediate warmth filled her as she tasted the wonderful mixture of bergamot and citrus. It was her favorite tea.

“Dinner will be served in an hour. Meghan laid out a gown. She is unpacking your trunk and will come for you before dinner. Is there anything else?” He never looked at her; he was always focused his glance over her left shoulder. She shook her head and he departed.

She wandered around the room sipping tea and feeling the warmth return. She had many questions. She passed a mirror and was astounded to realize she did not recognize her reflection. She studied her face for any familiar sign. Her face was oval with angular cheek bones and bright blue eyes. Her lips were full and pink. Her hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, the color as black as midnight. It amazed her that she did not even know her face. This caused not fear, but sadness within her. A single tear fell and she quickly moved on to the bookshelves.

She fingered the books on the shelves, pulling out a few here and there. Some were new with crisp dust jackets and unmarred pages, while others were so old that the cover illustrations were barely visible. Glancing at the titles, she remembered reading them at sometime or other. They seemed to be all her favorite titles. Random memories flooded her mind of school desks, childhood bedrooms, and parks with shady trees. None matched this house or this apparent life she lived now.