Chapter 18 ~ Which Coven Do You Belong To? ~

• ~ Which Coven Do You Belong To? ~
• Elegant tables and chairs welcomed guests with an array of food. From meat to fresh fruit, everything was available in a buffet spread, allowing guests to indulge in a feast of flavours.
• "Welcome to Lancashire Mansion," The five maids greeted everyone. Making sure they felt welcomed. Dashing around the area with a smile on their faces. Ensuring that the guests were well taken care of. Lady Mother nodded in approval when the maids answered the guests' questions promptly with a smile. With the buzzing of excitement, it was hard not to engage in the festivities.
• Rosa stepped into the room, her footsteps barely making a sound, yet a few heads instinctively turned in her direction. Some rolled their eyes, noting that Rosa had not once tried to befriend them. No different than before, Rosa ignored the glances; she had no intention of striking up a conversation with them.
• 'If you think I am a snob now, you should catch me on a bad day!' Internally, Rosa was laughing.
• Rosa scanned the space until her gaze landed on an older lady nestled comfortably in a chair by the fireplace. A flicker of recognition sparked in her mind, compelling her to take a second look as if she were sure she had crossed paths with this woman before.
• Rosa directed her feet toward the older lady, “Would I be wrong to assume you are Mrs Lancashire?” Rosa maintained eye contact.
• Her eyes widened for a split second, then returned to character. “You are bold!” Lady Mother eyed the contestant up and down. "And you would be assuming correctly! I am Lady Mother! Hostess of the contest!" She eyed her several times. "I have to say, you have a remarkable likeness to my youngest daughter, Isabella!" she softly spoke. "By chance are you related to anyone in Ireland?"
• "Technically, yes!" Rosa cleared her throat. “I was born Niamh Rosa Lancashire, but I changed my name a few years back to Rosa Lee Erickson.” She stuck her hand out to greet the woman sitting in an antique chair.
• Showing her dominance, she did not greet Rosa in the same fashion. “I knew you were a Lancashire ... the moment you stepped in front of me.” Her tone was flat. Lady Mother watched as Rosa retracted her hand.
• "Even with the oceans dividing us, the dominating features still are strong. It is the eyes! My grandmother told me once you can tell a true Lancashire by their eyes. It would stop the devil in his tracks and make him think twice before causing trouble."
• Lady mother motioned her hand for Rosa to sit down, “this chair is normally reserved for my son, but he isn’t here. Join me!” She took a sip of the contents of her cup. “What do you think about my home?" She watched as Rosa took the seat beside her.
• "I have a lot of fond memories from the last time I was here, ten years ago." Rosa scanned the location. "The contestants will be nothing short of gathering evidance of paranormal activity, that I am sure of!" She turned her head to see that Lady Mother was watching her every move.
• Lady Mother pointed to the witch's mark, "What coven are you with?" She maintained a pleasant tone.
• "Ah, this!" Rosa picked it up with her hands. "I am not. It is my Auntie who is actually part of the Witchs Coven back home. She insists that I wear it to keep the demons away. Her words, not mine. I would leave this ridiculous thing at home if it were not for the fact she seems to know when I lie about wearing it. A drama I prefer not to deal with. So ... I humour her and wear it. I know it will not protect me, in the sense she speaks of, but it will stop the ear full I would receive if I did not!" Rosa forced a smile. "Besides ... what harm could it cause!?"
• Her thought bounced loudly in her mind. 'Oh dear child, you have no idea what trouble your Auntie has just created!' Lady Mother forced a pleasant smile, "Witchs have a habit of holding on to myths and making them a reality!" Raising her hand up in the air, "Bridget dear, get Miss Erickson a plate of food would you!" Her tone was covered in fake sweetness.