From dinner to war

Marie: When you are a child, a birthday seems to be something special. You are so impatient to get a present that you can hardly wait. But then everything changes. On that day I was only feeling anger that I wanted to spill out.

Task: Find an unknown item in the children’s room in «Ghosts» mode.

Lynette: Sit straight, Marie, today we’re not having dinner alone.

Marie: With who, I wonder.

Lynette: Actually it was supposed to be a surprise, but if you are so eager to spoil it, than fine. It will be Caleb Allford. His father was an old friend of your own late father.

Marie: Is it the same Caleb who is said to be a fool and a squanderer?

Lynette: Marie! Don’t you dare speak of mister Caleb in such a manner.

Marie: Ah, right, I’ve nearly forgotten we should thank his misfortune at cards for the fact that you can afford to keep servants and expand your wardrobe.

There’s cold steel in Lynnette’s voice.

Lynette: Another remark in this manner, lady, and even the fact that today is your birthday will not save you.

Caleb: Madam, I am happy to see you.

Caleb walked in suddenly, but it seems like he didn’t hear their conversation. Or at least he didn’t show it.

Lynette: Good day, Caleb. And where is your father?

Caleb: Alas, the doctor has prescribed Stephen bed regime. Changing of weather cause strong aches in his bones.

Lynette: How awful. Please tell him we’re praying for him to get better as soon as possible. Allford family members are old friends of our family. Stephen has helped Samuel out on several occasions, when he was still alive.

Lynette: Yes, please meet my stepdaughter Marie, the daughter of late Samuel.

Caleb: Marie, you are as beautiful… as your stepmother.

Lynette: You’re flattering, Caleb.

Marie: He certainly is. Although for her age of sixty three my stepmother withstood the ravages of time surprisingly well. And three layers of powder have nothing to do with it.

Lynette: Marie!

Caleb: Ha, what a good joke! Lynette, your stepdaughter is not the one to be trifled with. But today is her birthday, so she could be allowed everything!

Marie: You guessed right. I have turned 16.

Caleb: You are so young and beautiful, lady Marie! I hope this pearl necklace will make you even more irresistible!

Caleb bended in a bow and offered her a small box.

Lynette: Oh, what a generous gift! Marie?..

Marie: I suppose it would fit my stepmother well, sir Allford.

Caleb: Please, just call me Caleb.

Marie: If you don’t mind, I will call you sir Allford nevertheless.

Silence falls in the room, accenting the uncomfortable situation even more.

Lynette: Well, let’s have some tea. Today it’s black with lemon and sugar…

You completed Marie’s task and received some points of freedom and some tokens

Marie: Of course, madam has scolded me afterwards and didn’t allow me to leave my bedroom for three weeks. But I didn’t regret what I’ve done. On the opposite, when I was under that house arrest, I felt more free than ever. For if it wasn’t a victory in the war, it was at least a victory in a key battle. And that is usually followed by a turning point.