Chapter 20 #2
"Mary," Seraphine said, kneeling beside the trunk, "would you be so good as to fetch another length of ribbon from the dressing table?"
The maid bobbed a curtsy before hurrying to obey. "At once, my lady."
Seraphine offered a distracted smile in gratitude. "Thank you. I fear I am making dreadful work of packing."
The maid glanced around the room with gentle concern but wisely asked no questions.
Seraphine crossed swiftly to the writing desk.
She pulled out a sheet of stationery and dipped the pen into the inkpot, forcing herself to write despite the slight tremble in her hand.
Every word felt heavier than the last. She could not tell Rosaline the truth, not yet.
Her sister would be heavy with worry. Seraphine would not burden her with that.
Dearest Rosaline, she wrote. Forgive my sudden departure. Matters have arisen which require my immediate return to London. Please do not be anxious for me, though I know you shall be regardless. Give little Annie all my love. I shall write properly once I am settled. Your devoted sister, Seraphine.
She folded the letter carefully before sealing it with wax.
For a lingering moment she rested her fingertips upon the envelope, wishing circumstances had allowed her to say so much more.
How desperately she wanted to confess everything, William's ultimatum, the Abbey, Damien, the stolen kisses that had left her heart in hopeless confusion.
Instead, the letter concealed more than it revealed.
It was yet another burden she would carry alone.
The maid returned carrying the ribbon just as a footman knocked upon the open door.
"My lady," he said politely, inclining his head, "shall we collect your trunk?"
Seraphine straightened at once. "Yes, please," she replied, forcing steadiness into her voice as she gestured towards the luggage. "Would you see that it is taken to Lady Kane's carriage immediately?"
The servant bowed. "Certainly, my lady."
She added quietly, "Thank you for your assistance."
As the footmen lifted the trunk between them, Seraphine glanced around the chamber one final time.
The bed remained perfectly made, the curtains stirred gently in the summer breeze, and sunlight pooled across the polished floorboards.
She had imagined spending one last peaceful evening here with Rosaline before everyone returned to London.
Instead she was fleeing like someone pursued.
She swallowed the painful knot rising in her throat before following the servants downstairs.
The house remained alive with cheerful conversation entirely untouched by her private catastrophe.
Laughter drifted from the morning room while somewhere deeper within Amberhall a gentleman called triumphantly that he had discovered another clue from the treasure hunt.
Servants hurried past carrying trays of refreshments as though nothing extraordinary had occurred.
The normality of it all felt almost cruel.
The world had continued without noticing hers had fallen apart.
She found Thalia standing in the drawing room speaking with two ladies about the afternoon's entertainment. Summoning what remained of her composure, Seraphine crossed the room and touched her hostess lightly upon the sleeve.
"Thalia," she said softly, "might I borrow you for a moment?"
Thalia looked pleasantly surprised before excusing herself with an apologetic smile. "Of course," she replied, following Seraphine into the quiet corridor. "Whatever is the matter?"
Once they were alone, Seraphine clasped her hands tightly before her. "I have come to bid farewell," she said, her smile wavering despite every effort to steady it. "Lady Kane has very kindly agreed to take me back to London."
Thalia blinked in astonishment. "Today?" she exclaimed, searching Seraphine's face. "But everyone departs tomorrow."
"I know," Seraphine answered gently, lowering her eyes for a brief moment before looking back up.
"I am dreadfully sorry for leaving so abruptly.
" She reached forward and squeezed Thalia's hands affectionately.
"You have been the most generous hostess.
I cannot thank you enough for your hospitality.
" Her voice softened. "These past days have meant a great deal to me. "
Thalia frowned with obvious concern. "Has something happened?" she asked, studying Seraphine carefully. "Have we offended you in some fashion?"
She shook her head almost immediately. "No, that’s not..."
Stepping closer, she added, "Stay until tomorrow, at least. One more evening will make no difference." Thalia’s smile turned hopeful. "I promise I shall not allow anyone to monopolize your time."
A sharp ache settled in Seraphine's chest. If only it were that simple.
"I wish I could," she admitted quietly, giving Thalia's hands another gentle squeeze before letting them fall.
"But I truly must return today." She forced a brighter expression that felt entirely false.
"Please do not be cross with me." Her lips curved faintly.
"Some matters simply cannot wait. Would you do one thing for me?
Please tell Rosaline that I have left a letter for her in my room.
" Her voice caught almost imperceptibly.
"She will understand... or at least I hope she shall. "
"I will tell her of course but why are you…" Thalia said.
But Seraphine cut her off, “I have already kept Lady Kane waiting too long. Goodbye.”
With one final smile, Seraphine stepped away before her resolve could crumble. She curtsied gracefully, then turned and walked through the entrance hall without looking back.
Outside, Lady Kane's carriage stood waiting beneath the afternoon sun, her trunk already secured behind it.
The coachman adjusted the reins while a footman opened the carriage door. Drawing one deep, steadying breath, Seraphine climbed inside, knowing that with the closing of that carriage door, she was leaving far more than Amberhall Manor behind.
My innocence… and him.