Tour

Edwin approached the opulent gates of the Moretti mansion, his footsteps echoing against the grand stone pathway. The mansion itself was an architectural marvel, with towering columns, intricate wrought-iron railings, and manicured gardens that spoke of old money and long-standing wealth. As he neared the entrance, the imposing doors swung open, and a young maid greeted him with a practiced, though somewhat weary, smile.

"Good evening. You must be Mr. Edwin from the Blackwood family," she said, her tone respectful but tinged with a hint of apprehension.

Edwin gave a courteous nod. "Yes, that's right. I've come to deliver some crates."

The maid's eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself. "Please follow me. Miss Matilda will be here to assist you."

As they walked through the grand hallway, Edwin took in the luxurious surroundings. The floors were polished marble, reflecting the soft glow of crystal chandeliers that hung from the high ceilings. The walls were adorned with priceless art pieces and ornate tapestries, each telling a story of the Moretti family's illustrious history.

The maid led him to a small side door and knocked gently. A moment later, a soft voice called out from inside. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Matilda Moretti, the youngest daughter of the family. She was a striking young woman with a warm, inviting smile and a sparkle of curiosity in her eyes. Her auburn hair cascaded in gentle waves around her shoulders, and her dress, though elegant, was simple enough to convey a down-to-earth charm.

"Hello, Mr. Edwin," she said, her voice carrying a hint of nervous excitement. "I'm Matilda. I’ll be showing you to the wine cellar."

"Good evening, Miss Matilda," Edwin replied, offering a polite smile. "Lead the way."

Matilda guided him through a series of winding corridors, each more lavish than the last. The atmosphere was one of quiet opulence, with every detail meticulously crafted. As they walked, Matilda chattered animatedly, clearly eager to make a good impression.

"So, how have you been finding the city? It must be quite a change from wherever you’re used to," she asked, her voice bright with genuine interest.

Edwin chuckled softly. "It's certainly different. The city's hustle and bustle are quite something."

Matilda nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, it's a world of its own. We Morettis have always been quite fond of the quieter life, but it's fascinating to see how others live."

Their conversation flowed easily as they continued down the hallway. Edwin found Matilda's company pleasant, her curiosity and kindness a stark contrast to the more intimidating members of his own family.

As they reached the entrance to the wine cellar, Matilda paused and turned to him with a slightly shy smile. "I’ve always thought it’s such a privilege to have a wine cellar. There’s something almost magical about it, don’t you think?"

"Indeed," Edwin agreed, glancing around at the heavy wooden door that led to the cellar. "It’s not something you see every day."

Matilda opened the door, and Edwin stepped inside. The cellar was cool and dimly lit, with rows of shelves lined with dusty bottles and barrels. The air was filled with the rich, earthy aroma of aged wine and oak. She motioned for Edwin to place the crates on a large wooden table in the center of the room.

As Edwin set down the crates, Matilda moved closer, her eyes lingering on him with a touch of admiration. "I’ve heard so much about the Blackwood family, but it's nice to finally meet one of you in person."

Edwin looked up, meeting her gaze with a polite smile. "I hope we’ve made a good impression."

"You certainly have," Matilda said, her cheeks flushing slightly. "And I must admit, I didn’t expect you to be so… approachable."

Edwin raised an eyebrow, amused. "What did you expect?"

Matilda laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. "I suppose I imagined someone a bit more... intimidating."

They shared a moment of lighthearted laughter, and for a brief moment, the formality of their positions seemed to melt away. Matilda’s shyness gave way to a more genuine warmth as she continued. "Would you like to see the rest of the mansion? I could show you some of the interesting places we have here."

Edwin glanced at his watch. "I don’t want to impose. I really should be heading back."

Matilda’s eyes widened in surprise, and she took a small step closer. "Oh, please stay a little while longer. I’d love to show you around, and it’ll give me a chance to get to know you better."

Edwin hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, a short tour then."

With Matilda leading the way, Edwin followed her out of the wine cellar and back into the mansion. They wandered through various rooms, each more exquisite than the last. Matilda pointed out family heirlooms, historical artifacts, and even some of her favorite personal touches in the décor.

At one point, they arrived at a large, sunlit room with tall windows overlooking the sprawling estate. "This is one of my favorite spots," Matilda said, gesturing to a grand piano in the corner. "It’s where we have family gatherings and small concerts."

Edwin admired the room, noting the beautiful view of the gardens outside. "It’s a lovely space."

Matilda smiled, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Would you like to see the horse stable next? We have a very special horse that will be competing in the upcoming race match."

"I’d like that," Edwin agreed, intrigued.

They made their way to the stables, which were located a short distance from the mansion. The stable was a well-maintained building with neatly arranged stalls and a pleasant smell of hay and fresh straw. Matilda led him to one of the stalls, where a magnificent horse stood, its coat gleaming in the soft light.

"This is Apollo," Matilda said, her voice filled with pride. "He’s been training hard for the race, and I’m sure he’ll do exceptionally well."

Edwin approached the stall and extended a hand to the horse, who nuzzled him gently. "He’s a beauty," Edwin remarked, admiring the horse’s strong build and elegant demeanor.

Matilda watched with a smile, clearly pleased by his reaction. "He’s very special to us. We’ve had him for years, and he’s been a part of many successful races."

They continued to talk about Apollo and the upcoming race, and Edwin found himself drawn into Matilda’s enthusiasm. She spoke with such genuine affection for the horse and the family’s racing tradition that it was hard not to be captivated by her passion.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the stable, Edwin knew it was time to leave. "I should probably head back now. It’s been a pleasure seeing the mansion and meeting you, Matilda."

Matilda’s face fell slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Thank you for coming. I hope you enjoyed the tour."

"I did," Edwin assured her with a sincere smile. "You’ve been a wonderful guide."

They walked back to the main entrance together, and Edwin paused before stepping out. Matilda stood by the door, her expression a mix of hope and wistfulness. "Perhaps we’ll see each other again soon?"

"I’d like that," Edwin said, offering her a reassuring smile. "Take care, Matilda."

With a final nod, Edwin stepped outside and made his way back to his waiting cab. As he drove away from the Moretti mansion, he reflected on the evening’s events. Matilda’s warmth and genuine interest had been a welcome change from the usual tension and formality he was accustomed to. The mansion itself, with its grandeur and history, had left a lasting impression.

Back at the Blackwood estate, Edwin’s thoughts lingered on Matilda and the Moretti family. The night had been unexpectedly pleasant, and he found himself looking forward to the possibility of future encounters. As he arrived home, the weight of the day’s events seemed lighter, and he couldn’t help but wonder what other surprises awaited him in this new chapter of his life.

"Edwin, where the hell have you been?!"

Suddenly, a sharp male's voice questioned from behind, causing Edwin to turn around swiftly.