Chapter 451
Alexander and Lily slept well at the Lodge family manor. However, he awoke to a commotion downstairs at dawn. Though not a morning person, he was a light sleeper, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Any noise roused him, so he rose and went to the window. The rain had stopped, and the front yard was clear of snow. The Lodge family was already up and engaged in their morning training routine—a vigorous jog, despite the cold. Strangely, Alexander felt heat radiating from them as they ran; the cold seemed to have no effect.
A knock came at the door. Alexander opened it to find his wife, yawning. "You're awake?" she asked.
"Just got up," Alexander replied. "Let me wash, and then we'll go down."
"Okay," Lily agreed, rubbing her sleepy eyes. She longed to return to bed but knew sleep wouldn't come easily in this unfamiliar place.
After washing and dressing, they went downstairs and found the housekeepers busy preparing breakfast. The Lodge family's rigorous morning routine necessitated a substantial breakfast, explaining the housekeepers' flurry of activity.
Justin entered the room. "You're up early," he commented, now wearing a thin wool sweater after his training.
"Always was," Lily replied. "Where's Grandpa?" She remembered her grandfather always rising first. Wilfred's age and discipline meant no one ever complained. She wanted to say goodbye before their planned departure that day. Being back felt oddly uncomfortable, a feeling exacerbated by her extended absence. With the snow gone, leaving sooner seemed best.
Justin checked his watch. He understood her unspoken question. "Grandpa isn't himself lately," he explained. "He's having trouble sleeping; his body can't keep up with his usual routine."
Lily recalled seeing her grandfather's fatigue yesterday—his usual vigor absent, his eyes lacking their spark. She hadn't suspected insomnia. 'Is it his age? Is that why his condition is worsening?' she wondered.
"Let's eat before we talk more," Justin suggested, accepting a napkin from a housekeeper. "Leaving today?" He'd guessed their intentions correctly. Lily nodded. "Yes, the snow's stopped, and we have things to attend to"
"Fine. I'll tell Grandpa when he wakes," Justin agreed readily.
"No, I'll wait and tell him myself," Lily insisted. Leaving without saying goodbye felt wrong, despite her past hasty departure. Living at the Lodge manor hadn't been unbearable; it had its harsh moments, but also warmth. And now, she knew her grandfather's health was failing.
"Suit yourself," Justin said, joining the dining table. The housekeepers served breakfast. Lily and Alexander joined him. Silence reigned, broken only by the clinking of cutlery. Alexander remained silent; Lily had reminded him of the Lodge family's rule against talking at the table—a rule that didn't apply when dining out, but was strictly enforced at home.