Caroline

Caroline sat within her childhood home. Reminiscing of the days with her departed sister. Many times they would come to this very library to escape to lands far far away. The library was grand and magnificent with more books than the average person could read in a lifetime. Most of which pass down from generation to generation of the royal bloodline. Bookshelves lined every wall from floor to ceiling, with smaller ones situated elegantly around the room. Each one had intricately hand carved wood and thick ledges. An assortment of over-plush seating speckled the room with a massive wooden desk at the very center. There was not another library like it in the country, maybe not even the whole world.

It had been almost a year now since her sister passed away but the constant ache in her heart still felt fresh as if it was only yesterday. Long gone was not only her sister but her best friend and partner in crime. The sickness took her quickly ravishing her body within days. Her husband was understandably devastated and was left alone to raise two kids. Her father and mother could barely fathom the reality of her passing. She’d hear her mother often crying in her chambers at night.
Caroline reached for a book that she had seen Emma read several times. It was one of her favorites. It was about a little girl who traveled the seas with her family. Rarely seeing dry land or civilization. Caroline caressed the outside filling the smooth cover and indent of the title.
She leave through the book. Imagining Emma sitting in the chair next to her reading like she has so many times.

A small paper falls to the ground. Caroline’s heart leaps with joy. When they were little girls they would write notes to each other.  They would write really small and use a special glass to view it. It is something all the Silverwood children have as it was something their father taught them long ago. It was a way to convey large messages with minimal space, and keep it private. Most could not be read without the special glass. Caroline’s heart leaped at the thought that it could have been a message that she had written many years ago. She pulled out her glass bringing the tiny words to life.

My dearest Caroline, I pray that you find this letter before anybody else does. I have stumbled upon a terrible secret of my husband’s. I cannot discuss the details here, it is far to dangerous. I am not unwell, he is using this as a ploy to isolate me as he is keen to me discovering his activities. Even worse, Father was aware and either participated or turned a blind eye. Your life is in danger as well. Trust no one.

Caroline tucked the tiny paper between her bosom just as the grand door cracked open. “Caroline dear, would you like to go for a ride with me? I need to go to the butcher and hate going alone. Emma used to go with me all the time and I have not quite adjusted to her absence.”
” My dearest apologies Johnathan, I have a prior commitment I must honor. Later this evening would be better or perhaps tomorrow.”

” Prior commitment? I asked your handmaiden this morning and she assured me you were free the whole day.”

” A woman is entitled to a little privacy wouldn’t you say? I don’t tell my handmaiden every detail of my personal life.”

” Very well then, late this evening will do. Good day madam and thank you for accepting my request.”

” What could this be about?” Caroline questioned after he left. Could it be an attempt to get her alone so she could face the same fate as her sister? What could this secret be about? It couldn’t be that bad if Father knew. She wanted to tell Mother but the note instructed to tell no one, did that include Mother also?

Caroline peeked her head out of the library into the long hallway. No one was in sight. With quick and silent feet she hurried to speak with her husband. She found him busily working in his office, preparing for an up and coming meeting with the Duke of Wellesley.

“Caroline dear are you alright? You look disheveled.”

Caroline started to tell her beloved husband everything. The longing for her dead sister that drove her discovery of the hidden note. The fear of Johnathon’s intentions if the note is accurate. The horrible realization that her sister could have been murdered. For a split second she caught a clicker in his eye that made her stop mid-sentence.

“Trust No one.” Her sister’s warning echoed in her head. “ Your life is in danger.”

“Not at all dear. I was just letting you know I was going out for a morning stroll.”

“I thought you were accompanying Johnathon.”
“Later today, yes.”
” Very well I will see you at dinner then?”
“Certainly, if not sooner.”

Caroline hurried to her chambers,feeling as if hidden eyes were watching her all the way. Once inside she packed as much as she could without drawing attention. Hat, jacket, pen and proper, a small blanket, a few slices of bread and cheese. Then she went to the stable and saddled up her horse Sadie, something she had only done a handful of times herself.
She needed a moment to think. A moment to sort through her thoughts and decide what to do. Time was of the essence and it seemed hers was drawing to an end.

I hope you enjoyed my short story. Comment below if you would like a part two.