Hello lovely readers,
I have been feeling really good about my writing, getting a lot of typing done and writing future scenes but I finally typed up to the point that initially got me stuck in my writing and I feared that I wouldn't be able to get through my block. I have read different blogs and articles that say one way to get over writer's block is to change the point of view. I wasn't sure how I was going to this and then I saw this writing prompt on Pinterest and I knew I could use it in my scene...
The scene below is from Mattie returning from London to Cranston Court after attending the wedding of her cousin. In London she met Leopold Brashware and meeting him has made Mattie question her feelings towards Kelby.
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He waited for her, Mrs. Banks had
informed the whole household that Master Parker was to return and he brought
the Miss Harringtons with him. Mrs. Banks had written to Miss Mattie about how
ill Lady Welford was and she had been highly disappointed to know she had not
come sooner. Everyone at Cranston Court knew Miss Mattie held a special place
in the house, for she was almost the true daughter of Cranston. They all knew
Lady Welford regarded her as a daughter figure and they all knew in the summer
when she had been ill what joy Miss Mattie brought to her. No one could explain
it, but they all accepted it. However, it was not for those reasons Kelby had
volunteered to meet Master Parker at the train station. Poole, Lady Welford's
maid, had started rumors down in the servants hall that Master Parker and Miss
Daphne were soon to be engage. Everyone was excited for the announcement and
they felt their arrival together would make it official. Kelby would not let
his brother meet the train. and knowing Shane's vindication risk his position
at Cranston. More importantly to him he had to see Miss Mathilda for himself.
Shane had talked about how Miss Daphne had changed after being in London and
though Kelby was confident Miss
Mathilda, his Mattie, would never change, Shane's words still plagued him.
Kelby was very eager to volunteer to pick up Master Parker and the Miss
Harringtons and fortunately for Kelby Mr. Doyle, the butler, had Shane go into Buxton to fetch some medicine
for her ladyship.
He
waited for her, he paced a bit in anticipation, the local train was running a
bit delayed and in a mix excitement and nervousness he walked the length o the
platform and back playing in his mind what he was to say to her. He had to be
formal, "Miss Mattie" sounded to juvenile for the woman he had hold
and danced with only a month ago. He would never admit it out loud but that
dance had changed everything, he had seen her flip over the bicycle and worried
the worst fate for her, though she must not have remembered anything from that
day. He knew she would remember the dance her looks told him everything he
needed to know. Miss Mathilda Elizabeth Rose Harrington was his dearest friend
but there was something more behind that look of her, something of sweet and
dear love.
"Miss
Mathilda, I hope you are well," No "Miss
Mathilda, I hope London suited you," No
"Miss Mathilda, I am very glad you are back."
The
train began to pull in and Kelby took his position Mr. Doyle had informed him
where the first class cars usually stepped and Kelby should be there to welcome
his future master. Kelby had know Parker his whole life, though in recent years
Cranston had not seen much of him, he was becoming a gentlemen of the world, as
Mrs. Foster put it. In his younger years Kelby had gotten away with Master
Parker, just Parker, at least in the solitude of being alone though now felt
changed. They were no longer the children who played in the back woods, they no
longer shared their dreams and hopes together, and Kelby would only be right to
follow the rules of society.
"Lord
Parker," Kelby said stoutly when he saw them.
"My
God, Kelby I would not have recognized you." It was friendly enough for
Lord Parker, Kelby thought.
Kelby
then greeted with a slight nod and said that it was good to see them all, his
words were to everyone he particularly directed them to Miss Mathilda, and he
hoped she would notice.
There
was nothing but warmth and happiness in her smile, nevertheless he noticed a
look of pain behind her eyes. He could tell she was happy to see him and yet
sad to leave London. Maybe Shane was right, London did change country girls.
His mind went to hurtful thoughts of her finding a man, a man of wealth and
position, one who could offer everything he could not. He tried to brush those
thoughts aside as he had no truth behind him and he had to act civil, any other
behavior could have severe consequences. He told himself it was all in his
head, Miss Mathilda was happy to be home to be sure but sad under the
circumstances of Lady Welford's health, he did have truth to that.
How
glad was he had arranged an extra carriage to come for the luggage as he was not
expecting Miss Georgiana and Mrs. Gardner to be a part of the company. He first
got them and their luggage settled them to go to Southerton as they had no
business Cranston. As by design Mattie insisted on sitting on the driver's
bench as she claimed the train had left her feeling ill and the desire for some
fresh air. He hoped that she longed to sit next to him and they could talk,
however when she situated herself she sat on the far edge of the bench to where
she was nearly falling over the railing and barely spoke a word. He sat mindless
not thinking of how to ask more probing questions. Something clearly had
happened in London and she just wasn't willing to say anything.
It
pained Kelby that their only contact was as he helped her in and out of the
carriage when they had been so close barely a month ago. She gave her thanks
when he helped her down from the carriage and then she disappeared behind the
doors of Cranston Court.
This
is where she belonged, he thought as he stepped back from Cranston's main doors
to take in the view. Miss Mathilda and Miss Daphne, they belonged in the world
of estates with fine gentlemen, perchance men with titles, jewelry and an
abundance of gowns. What could he give her? As a girl Miss Mathilda could have
been happy in the rooms above the stable, but she was growing now, one day she
would be presented into society, and a man would have to be a fool not to see
her beauty both inside and out.
He
didn't know what to say to her when she found idly walking through the stables
no doubt to be with Diamond Dust, her chosen horse. It had been a couple of
days since she had returned but he had not seen her from the time she had
entered Cranston's main doors. The last time he saw her, her hair had been
stylishly pulled and twisted up in a manner that was quite becoming. Now her
hair hung in long braid drooped over her right shoulder she aimlessly played
with the loose strands beneath the ribbon. He watched her carefully trying to
get his words correct, he felt he was building up the courage to talk to her. This
was silly, he had known Miss Mathilda her whole life, she had always been easy
for him to read but now all he felt was a great divide. Perhaps Miss Daphne had not changed as Shane had said,
maybe they had just realized the divide between them.
Then
without truly realizing it she looked at him, her eyes were read and her cheeks
flushed, her could tell she had been crying. Now he truly did not what to say
it hurt him to see her so clouded in heartache. Her tender heart was always
something he admired in her, she wore her heart on her sleeves but she had strength
about her, one that he knew she would not be easily crushed, he saw it even if
she did not. When he realized her eyes were still upon him as if she woke from
a dream, they said a short greeting, there was pain in her voice. He quickly
tried to think of conversation to distract her.
"I
fear you will find Derbyshire compared to London." He hoped this would
bring a smile to her face.
"No
I shall not. Many times in London I longed to be back here. London is so
confusing with so many people you hardly know, who to trust and where you
belong. Besides this is my home."
"I
cannot imagine you did not find good company."
"I
did, but what are men to rocks and mountains."
He
teased her that London had not stopped her love of novels, as he had known she
was quoting Jane Austen. She smiled at him and then turned back to look at
Diamond as she petting the horses' nose.
"Do
you know what's wrong with her?"
It
was clear she was not talking about the horse, only he wished she was as he
wanted to keep the tone light and friendly. He was about to make a joke when
she pleaded with him. "Tell me honestly Kelby, I'd rather hear it from you
than Doctor Gibson."
"I
know Miss Mathilda but I hate to be the one tell you. You know the old saying,
don't kill the messenger." He took a gulp. "Dr. Gibson believed it is
her heart, he doesn't know exactly what's wrong but he said it was weak. He recommended
when this term of illness is over that she should go to a clinic in
Cambridge."
She
questioned what he meant by the word "term" and he told her that Lady
Welford's health would always be flocculating though if she rested and did not
strain herself the bouts of illness would be short and spread out. Then his
words turned serious "But they will come, Miss Mathilda, there is nothing
we can do about that."
"I
understand," she said pressing her forehead against the horse and he could
see a tear a roll down her cheek.
"
I am sorry —" he wanted to say 'dearest' but couldn't. "If I could
keep this news from you I would."
She
looked at him and gently placed her hand on his cheek. "No Kelby, I asked
for honesty, I am thankful it came from you."
"I
would protect you from the truth as long as I could."
"I
am fine Kelby, I don't need your protection. I am almost seventeen and far from
my naïve childish ways."
"That
is not what I meant Miss" his voice was soft and compassionate.
