The sun shone brightly through the bedroom windows, it’s cheerful radiance belying the sad disposition of the rooms’ inhabitant.
Alexia sat on the side of the bed her heart a painful lump in her throat. Today would be her mother’s memorial service and she never felt more like crawling back into bed then she did now. Her eyes misted over and she sniffled. She had to be strong today. She had to get through this. Something told her that if she could get through today then she would be alright.
Standing she went to her wardrobe to dress. She wouldn’t call Lucy to come help her. She would be in the kitchen preparing for the guests. Secretly Alexia hoped no one would come. She wanted to get through this day as quickly as possible. Glancing at her unmade bed, she longed silently to crawl back beneath the covers and lose herself in sleep.
Coming out of her reverie she quickly dressed and went downstairs, leaving her bed unmade behind her.
Alexia smiled wanly and nodded to the arriving mourners as they entered the small chapel. Lady Montague greeted her with a slightly teary eyed smile and a hug, her daughter trailing quietly behind her. She knew Lady Montague and her mother were close friends and she was glad the woman could attend; despite any objections her husband might have given. She only hoped the bruises marring the woman’s’ face were not caused by this day and would heal in time.
She was surprised to see that Lord and Lady Briton, had also attended. Her mother hadn’t known the couple very well. In fact Lady Briton had blatantly snubbed her mother on more then one occasion, invitations to her teas and social gatherings seeming to get “lost in the mail”. Still Alexia smiled and was polite. She herself didn’t particularly like the Lady Briton and her uppity ways and Lord Britons eyes on her made her shiver in disgust.
Glancing at them from across the room she wondered, not for the first time what ulterior motives they could possibly have for attending.
Her thoughts were interrupted as her Uncle walked in to stand in front of the altar. Clearing his throat he indicated that all should be seated.
Alexia sat beside lady Briton. She knew the Duchess would be pleased by this. Although her intentions were unknown, Alexia had a feeling she should befriend the Lady, as if it were for her own good and prosperity.
Turning her attention to her Uncle, she sat quietly, her tears held behind a thin veil of calm. He spoke of her mothers love for her and her always smiling disposition. The way she always tried to make someone happy and smile even when she herself was feeling down, which was not often.
Glancing sideways, Alexia saw Lady Montague sniffling quite a lot, her daughter patting her hand consolingly.
After the ceremony, they all went outside where Lady Katherine Donovan was put to rest under her favorite tree, where she would often sit with her daughter as a child and read stories or talk about the future.
Seeing her mothers final resting place broke the veil and Alexia broke down and wept.
The small group began to break up as Lord Donovan announced refreshments would be served in the dining room.
Maryanne stayed behind a moment to speak quietly with Alexia, her sweet demeanor and kind words of comfort, helping to ease her sadness. Then together they departed to leave Lord Donovan alone to say a quiet good bye to his sister.
Back inside the light repast was quiet. Alexia looked around at those assembled and offered her thanks for there kindness and support.
Soon enough they all made their various goodbyes and departed, leaving the small family alone.
Though still quite early, Alexia made her way to the bathing chamber and after filling the tub with steaming water, she sat and soaked for a long while her tears mingling with the water as it ran down her face.
Her best friend and confidante. Her dear mother, was gone. She felt so very
alone.
Staring out her bedroom window she could see the shadow of the tree. “Our tree.” She thought to herself.
Memories too painful to bear crowded her mind and she sighed as she crawled into her bed closing her eyes tightly and wishing it were all a dream. But she knew that no matter how she wished or prayed, her mother would still be gone. “If only”. She thought silently, tears spilling out the corners of her eyes to wet the pillow.
“If only, my life weren’t so empty without you.”
Her grief gave way to exhaustion and she slept a deep dreamless sleep, not even waking when her Uncle came in to gently tuck her in, watching as she sniffled in her sleep.
————————————————————————————–
Dimitri stared blankly at the letter lying on the table. He’d known this day would come. Ever since the news of his family’s death had come to him, He’d known. A loyal servant to the crown, he had made his fortune honorably serving in his majesties army and through good investments. His mother had left him a small inheritance and the house in which he lived and through his service to his uncle he had increased his lands and acquired the title of Earl. His Uncle, the King had made plans to move the Royal family to the smaller district after an outbreak of Plague had swept the countryside. Wanting to start new, he had dubbed the lands New Cornwall and allowed only a select few to settle there. Dimitri had been across seas for the past four months overseeing the shipment of materials needed to build the new Castle.
A castle that he would now be expected to reside in.
Turning from the window he headed downstairs, his thoughts in turmoil. He knew what he must do.
Last night he’d prayed fervently for guidance.
At first when he’d entered the chapel he’d been at a loss.
He hadn’t prayed since that fateful night his parent’s had died. He’d prayed then for them to not be gone. To somehow be returned to him. When his prayers hadn’t been answered he’d fled into the countryside only to fall into the pond. Though his prayers for his parents lives went unanswered, the silent one for his own were.
His prayers this time were not for anyone else but him this time. He prayed for guidance. For strength. He knew for a fact that he would need it. Now more then ever.
Shaking off his reverie he entered the dining room, smirking slightly when he saw Lewen was already there, helping himself to a hot breakfast of omelets.
Sitting himself down he scooped a fluffy omelet onto his plate and dug in.
“So, are you done with your childish tantrum this morning?” Lewen muttered through a mouthful of egg looking at his friend amusement twinkling in his eyes.
Dimitri snorted softly and swallowed before answering.
“Aye that I have. Lot’s to think about and no time for childish ways you know.”
Lewen shook his head and went back to his breakfast.
“Of course,” Dimitri continued through a mouthful of egg. “If I were to become a King, I would need a Queen.”
Lewen grunted softly and barely glanced at him.
Laughing Dimitri shoveled in another mouthful of egg.
