The Countess And Her Knight

May 19, 1835

A few days had passed without any word from the Count. He didn't join Caroline during mealtime again, despite Sir Elton's presence. He spent most if not all of his time held up in his office. So Caroline carried on with her daily routine.

"My Lady, how would you like your hair today?" Elisheva asked.

“I really liked the bun you did with the braid the other day. What was it called again?”

“A lace braided bun?”

“Yes, that.”

Caroline had given Milly a few days off to rest, after the incident, so Elisheva, and Winnie took turns taking over her duties. The estate was severely understaffed so neither of the two were able to stay with Caroline all day as Milly normally had. This meant that Caroline could freely explore the manor, while they were away. Being the curious girl that she is, Caroline took full advantage of this new found freedom.

"My lady, your hair is done."

"Thank you."

"I'm afraid that I must go now. Would you like me to escort you to the dining room on my way out?"

"No, I don't want to keep you. I can find my way there just fine." Caroline says, smiling brightly at Elisheva.

"I'll see you later then." Elisheva courtesies, "good day, my lady." She walks out of the room, and closes the door behind her, leaving Caroline alone.

"10. 9. 8." Elisheva's footsteps can be heard, as she walks down the hall. "7. 6. 5." As she gets further down the steps get fainter. "4. 3. 2." After ten, they are no longer audible. "1."

Caroline springs up from her chair and carefully cracks open the door; to not make any noise, just enough for her head through. She peaks her head out, and looks around, after making sure that the coast is clear, she fully opens the door and walks out of the room. She closes the door behind her; before turning down the hall to her right.

Caroline walks down the unfamiliar hall, as she walks further down, she approaches two grand windows to her right, a curtain is draped over them; light floods through the cracks, allowing her to see around the hall clearly. The hall was rather big compared to most; signaling that it was probably constructed later than the rest, three doors line the left side of the hall; the first door was manufactured with the finest oak wood, detailing is carved all around the leaded windows. The second is built from first; that once surrounded the estate, it's gold plated, and arched glass stained windows lye in the center of both sides to the door. The last door is constructed from black iron, with double glazed emerald windows taking up the entirety of both sides; copper detailing is spireled over the windows.

Footsteps. The sound of maple hitting the wooden flooring echoes through the hall. Unable to make it back to her room in time, Caroline walks over to the second door, grabs the golden knob, opens the door, and quickly goes inside.

A loud creak comes from the doorway, startling her. She falls back onto a shelf, causing a small leather bound book to topple over into her ŀȧp, and alerting whoever entered the library. The book is quite different from the others, the pages yellow, and worn. The sound of footfall induces panic in Caroline, something tells her to hide this book from whoever's coming her way. She stands up, grabs two larger books, and places the smaller in between. Then pretends to be looking at the other titles on the shelf.

"What are you doing here?" A low dead voice asks. Caroline looks up; to see the voice's owner, the Count.

"Sorry, my lord. Am I not allowed to be here? I got lost, and found this place. I love to read, so I thought that I'd look around." Caroline says, innocently.

"No this is my-"

"Lady Boushley! Lady Boushley!" Winnie can be heard calling out to Caroline from down the hall.

"Nevermind. Go and see what she wants."

"Yes, my lord." Caroline corsets and begins to walk away. The Count calls out to her, stopping her in her tracks. "Oh, and Lady Boushley."

"Yes?"

"Make sure to return those when you're done."

"Ah yes, thank you."

He nods in responses, and walks down the row.

Caroline let's out a sigh as she leaves the room. "Lady Boushley!" Winnie yells, as she runs over to her. "Yes?-"

"What were you doing in the Counts personal library?!" Winnie asks.

"I got lost, and stumbled upon it. The Count said to return them once I've completed them, so I think that he's fine with me going there."

Winnie looks bewildered. "That's weird the Count doesn't let anyone in there."

"What-"

"Ah I almost forgot, it's time for your meeting with the shoemaker. He's in the drawing room!" Winnie grabs Caroline's hand, and begins speed walking down the hall. "My lady, we must make haste."

Caroline's meeting with the shoemaker went well. She decided on a pair of ivory slippers for the wedding.

Having not eaten all day, Caroline decides to have super early in the garden. On her way to the garden she comes across Sir Elton.

"Good Afternoon Lady Boushley," Sir Elton bows politely.

"Afternoon. My apologies for not coming to breakfast this morning. I wasn't feeling well."

"Are you better now?"

"Yes, I was actually on my way to have supper in the garden, would you like to join me?"

"I'm afraid I still have work to do-"

"Please, I insist."

Sir Elton is quiet for a moment, and appears to be deep in thought before giving a reply. "If you insist, I suppose that it wouldn't hurt to join you for a few minutes."

Caroline smiles brightly, as Sir Elton holds out his hand to escort her. She takes it, and the two go to the garden hand in hand.

"Are you enjoying your time in the country? Or do you prefer the Capital?" Caroline asks, before taking a sip of her tea.

"There are pros and cons to both. Which do you prefer?"

"I only stayed in the capital briefly but I enjoyed my time there." Caroline smiles remissly, "I mostly miss the people. I don't know many people in the country, so it's nice to have you staying here."

"I'm sorry I can't stay longer. I'm afraid I'll only be here for a month or so."

"That's understandable, I know that you're quite busy. If you come to the country again, please stop by."

"Do you not plan on living in the capital?" Sir Elton asks, taking a final bite of his fish.

"No, i'm afraid the Count prefers the country to the capital."

Elton places his napkin on his plate. "I'm sorry but I'm afraid that I have work to attend to." He says, "would you like me to escort you back to your quarters?"

"No, I think that I'll stay out here for a while, but thank you Sir Elton."

"It's my pŀėȧsurė." He kisses the back of Caroline's hand. "And I'll be staying here for a while, so please just call me Elton."

"Then you may call me by first name as well." She says, her cheeks turning red.

"Then I'll be off.. I'll see you at dinner Caroline."