"Young miss!" Millie ran through the door, bellowing throughout the silence. "Your letter has arrived!" She exclaimed, waving the yellowed paper in hand. As she uttered those words, I immediately sprung up from my bed in pure joy and relief. Although within the midst of my excitement, I placed pressure upon my foot, therefore making my ankle lite with the pain that was becoming hackneyed to me. Millie saw what I was doing and rushed to my side, easing me back onto my bed. "Millie, please do hand me the letter." I asked as she finished placing my foot upon a pillow.
"Of course, here, young miss." Handing over the letter, she took a seat next to my bed.
"My gratitude is yours, Millie." Thanked I, showing her my smile of gratefulness as she was by my side in the moments that were my worst. Inspecting the letter further, there was no wax seal or envelope insight. I did not matter, all that I wanted was to see his words and hear them within my head, picturing that Edward was safe and sound.
Dear Elaine,
I knew it was a bad idea to go down to the stream, you should listen more. I was worried about you as you did not come to me in the morning. Please do not worry about me, I will be sure to see you again.
Till next time,
Edward
As my eyes ran over the letters, many errors and awful handwriting was to be found. I dare not think it made him less of a human being, but it was saddening to see that Edward had not received any schooling of such. "Young miss, may I know what he has written?" Millie suddenly asked, bringing a halt to her knitting. Quickly thinking of a synopsis, I explained to Millie who was very much intrigued. "Edward said he was worried, and also instructed I not to worry further." Said I. Millie suddenly became glum, her knitting becoming more interesting than the letter in my hand.
"To think I thought of him a mendicant and useless due to his indigence, he has proved himself to be quite the special one." Confessed Millie, making me smile as she has finally understood.
"He is and shall always be."
The morning passed as swiftly as a fox being hunted by bloodthirsty hounds. The afternoon sun shone across the lands with its bright, yet mellow evening light. I had considered taking a short nap after lunch, and that I did; sleeping for more hours than expected. Awoken once more, I was practising my beloved harp. With strings of gut and nylon, the sound it produced reminded me of the heavens above. Resonating throughout my hollow room, I let the music take over my mind, my fingers now having a mind of their own. Performing the remaining notes, something hitting my window continuously enjoined me to halt playing and check what it was. Arriving at the window and sliding it open, I looked down below, nearly to be hit with a small stone. It was Edward that had been close to injuring me! Gazing down once more, I saw how he covered his mouth with his hand as he seemed to gasp in shock.
"Edward, as much as I am glad to see you, do watch where you aim!" Yelled I, laughing at his overexerted apologies that could not be heard from up here. "Wait right there! I will get Millie to help you!" Rushing out of my window seat with haste, I ran to the door and opened it with force, slamming it shut.
"Millie!" I called for her, but she must not be around as her response was not heard or seen, although I had an idea float into my head; she must be enjoying some tea within the servant's room. Trotting down the halls, I made sure to be as agile as one could possibly be; making sure to check the hallways for any family member that chose to lurk in these caliginous halls.
"Elaine, what trouble have you been causing now?" A voice spoke behind my figure, the monotonous voice that belonged to my father.
I thought I had been cautious enough, yet every move I make, my father would be right behind me as he observed like a hawk, ready to pounce on my mistakes. "F-Father, I heard dinner was being prepared, so I ought to fetch Millie." Uttered I, fumbling in my words as I was my body. He stared at me questioningly as I tugged onto the hem of my nightgown for dear life. "Next time you walk these halls, walk them in modest clothing. I for one certainly wish not to witness you within your nightgown." Father commanded, giving me looks of petulance before he turned around and walked the way he had come. The unexpected encounter had left me enervated; I truly did think that I was soon to be exposed with little protection. I was left with feelings of foreboding, for he was not to be trusted.
Alas, I could not keep Edward waiting, I must find Millie as soon as possible. Finding my way to the servant's room, I discovered Millie enjoying a cup of tea with another maid. "Millie," Called I, to which her focus was now on me. "Edward has come to see me, please escort him to my room." Bidding her friend farewell, she came and ushered me out of the room.
"Of course, young miss. Please return to your room and he shall be right there shortly." She confirmed, pushing me in the direction of my room. I understood, hastily running off once more to return to my room that able us inviolate.
Once I had entered, I made my way to the window seat and looked out with a heavy heart. Thankfully God had heard my silent prayers and Edward was still waiting by some lone shrubbery.
"Edward! Millie shall retrieve you and direct you to my room. I will see you very soon!" I yelled, making sure Edward had heard me loud and clear. He looked up and smiled, his snow-white hair and pale features highlighted by the light of the evening sun and pinioned thy. As I saw him at that moment, I realised how my heart pumped for him, how my mind would always think of him and prostrate me to do so. Albeit, I was scared, scared he would not know of these affections and cast me down. Repudiating the frivolous thoughts, I went to prepare my slate and other educational tools for him.