The sun cast its warm, golden light through the lace drapes of Amelie Huber's room, casting delicate shadows on the wooden floor. Amelie sat at her writing desk, a plate of half-eaten breakfast beside her. The soft sounds of the small master's breathing filled the room as he slept peacefully in his crib after being fed.
Amelie dipped her quill into the inkwell and continued writing the letter to her family, her hand moving with practiced ease across the parchment. "Dearest Mother, Father, and siblings," she began, "I hope this letter finds you all in good health and spirits. I am pleased to report that everything is fine here, and both the children and I are doing better every week."
She paused for a moment, recalling the days when she would run through her family's garden with her brothers, her laughter filling the air. It was remarkable how quickly everything had transformed in such a brief period.
"I regret to inform you that I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting the duke personally and to thank him on your behalf," she wrote, her quill gliding smoothly across the page. "However, I assure you that everyone here has been taking excellent care of me. I have even found a friend in Maggy, who has been most kind in helping me with my duties."
As Amelie wrote, she thought of the garden she had discovered just outside the mansion. It was a place of tranquility and beauty, where she could escape the pressures of her new life and find solace in nature. With the young master in her arms, she would stroll among the fragrant flowers, their vibrant colors painting a vivid tapestry against the backdrop of lush greenery.
"Speaking of gardens," she continued, "I have sent our dear Caroline a most remarkable gift. In my walks with the young master, I happened upon a foreign flower whose beauty and rarity I knew she would appreciate. I trust the seeds will reach her safely and bring her much joy."
Amelie paused again, lost in thought as she imagined her sister's delight at receiving such a treasure. It was moments like these that she missed her family the most – the child in her made her understand them better and brought them even closer together. But she also knew that her new life held its own rewards, and that by embracing the challenges before her, she could make a difference for both herself and those she held dear.
She dipped her quill once more into the inkwell, preparing to continue her letter. The sun had climbed higher in the sky, its light now streaming through the window and bathing her room in a golden glow. The small master stirred in his sleep, but did not wake, and Amelie smiled. Life was full of change, she knew, but there was also a comforting constancy in the world. And as long as her family was safe and well, she would find the strength to face whatever might come next.
The thought of her brother Joseph's safety crossed her mind and clouded her heart.
With renewed determination, Amelie bent over her letter, to ask the question she dreaded the most. I often think of Joseph and pray for his safety in these troubling times of war. Has there been any news of him? And how fare my two beloved younger brothers, George and John? I promise to send them some interesting books as soon as I have the chance to go shopping.
As she wrote, Amelie thought fondly of her siblings, imagining their faces lighting up with curiosity as they delved into the worlds contained within the pages of the books she would send. A wistful smile played on her lips, but her heart grew heavy as she considered another whom she dared not mention in her letters - Edric. The father of her unborn child, whose name she could not sully by revealing their secret. She blinked back tears and steadied her hand before continuing.
"Mother, your last letter touched me deeply, and I am filled with gratitude for the Duke's generosity. Hearing his financial aid has not only saved our family business, but that he also compensated us handsomely for my service here. I cannot express how relieved I am to know that you are all taken care of."
"However, I must confess that I do not need much in the way of material possessions," she wrote. "My quarters are more than comfortable, and the food is nothing short of exquisite. I shall save what I can to purchase new clothing and necessities for my child when the time comes, but rest assured that I shall send the remainder to you, dear Mother, to help ease your burdens."
"Please know that I miss you all dearly, and that my thoughts are always with you. I pray that we may be reunited someday, and until then, I remain your loving daughter, Amelie."
With a final flourish, she signed her name and set aside the quill, allowing the ink to dry before folding the letter carefully and putting it into an envelop. As she gazed upon her handiwork, Amelie couldn't help but imagine her mother's face as she read the words penned from so far away, and she hoped that her message might bring some measure of comfort and joy to those she loved.
Just as she was about to put the letter away, a gentle knock echoed through the room. Anna, ever attentive, entered the room. " Good morning Amelie," she said, her voice soft and respectful. "I have a request for you."
"What is it?" Amelie asked, her curiosity piqued.
"As you know Mr. Scheurer has returned from his travels," Anna informed her, a hint of excitement in her eyes. "He has been working hard with the duke in the office, but he has expressed a desire to join you for luncheon today."
"Mr. Scheurer wishes to dine with me?" Amelie repeated, surprise evident in her tone. She knew of Mr. Scheurer, the duke's closest friend and confidant, but they had yet to meet in person. Has the duke asked him to check on me, she wondered. "Is there a particular motive behind his inquiry?"
Anna hesitated and thought for a moment. "I cannot say for certain, Amelie, but it is not our place to question the intentions of his lordship or his esteemed guests."
"Of course," Amelie agreed, her heart fluttering with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation. She couldn't refuse such an invitation from a man who held such influence within the duke's household, and she found herself looking forward to the prospect of new company. "Please inform Mr. Scheurer that I would be honored to accept his invitation."
"Very well, " Anna replied, before taking her leave Amelie did as she was told and asked Anna to take care of her correspondence. "Anna?" Amelie called softly. "Would you please ensure that this letter is sent to my family as soon as possible?"
"Of course, Amelie," Anna replied, appearing at her side with a smile. "I shall see to it personally."
"Thank you, Anna," Amelie said, handing over the letter with a grateful nod. As the head-maid left the room, Amelie turned her attention back to the small master, who had begun to stir in his sleep. Cradling him gently in her arms, she allowed herself a moment of quiet before getting ready for the luncheon.