The Next Week…
The morning mist was still clinging to the green hills of Carleton when the carriage was loaded. It was a crisp, bright morning, the kind that promised a new beginning.
Aunt Rowena stood on the front steps of the manor. She was wrapped in a thick wool shawl, clutching a handkerchief in one hand. She looked sad to see them go, but her smile was wide and encouraging.
"Goodbye!" Rowena called out, waving the handkerchief frantically. "Don't eat too many cheese! And write to me the moment you land!"
Ines leaned out of the carriage window. She waved back until her arm ached.
"We will, Auntie!" Ines shouted. "Take care of the roses!"
Carcel sat beside her, smiling. He squeezed her hand.
"She will miss us," Carcel said. "But I suspect she is secretly excited to rearrange the furniture in the drawing room again."
The carriage rolled out of the mansion gates.
