Miss Cleo now tired from the night of socializing and dancing with the charming Samuel Pritchart collapsed back on her velvet upholstered chair in the grand library. She pulled her hair bow loose from her hair, gently rubbed at her temples, and closed her eyes. As she sat there, her thoughts drifted to the enchanting dance with Samuel,his soft touch and his beautiful brown eyes sparkled under the twinkling chandelier in the ballroom.
She was waiting for her warm mug of milk before going up to her chamber, hoping for a peaceful sleep.
Suddenly, a soft knock echoed through the. Miss Cleo's eyes sprung open and darted over toward the door at the end of the room. Certainly who would come at this late hour? The maids knew very well to come in without knocking if they were to deliver her night milk. She stood up, patted down her long cream knighting gown, and tucked her long hair behind her ear and made her way quickly towards the brown oak door.
The messenger, Eliza stood her hands cupped at her waist.
"Yes?" Miss Cleo whispered
"Miss Cleorata, a lady is insisting on seeing you" She stepped aside and a woman in her late fifty's stepped in with a wry smile on her wrinkled face, her greying hair tied into a neat bun and her freckled hands clutching tight onto a brown envelope.
"Please come this way" Cleo points out to her desk.
"Miss Cleorata," she said, her voice smooth like honey. "I am Lady Isadora Ravenscroft,I apologize for the late-hour intrusion, for my urgent matters compel me very much"
"Please go ahead on your matters"
"My dear son, oh my boy..." she looks down at her lap and shakes her head. "He has an illness so bad no medicine can cure it. I have heard from an old friend that you possess the moonflower that can cure-"
"I apologize my lady, but I however do not possess this flower, rather it grows wild in the field behind"
"Impossible!" Lady Ravenscroft snapped her voice bouncing off the walls. "This is a very sacred flower that does not grow wild in a field!"
"I apologize. I must be mistaken with another"
"Surely you are!"
"Then for I cannot help you, my Lady"
"Very well, I shall be going"
Cleo nodded stiffly and stood up from her chair her eyes glued onto the envelope still clutched in the woman's hand.
"Is that for me?" She asked finally
Lady Isadora looked up in surprise, her thin eyebrows shooting up. "Ah, yes! I completely forgot. From your dear cousin Farenis." She put the envelope on Cleo's oak desk and just as she was about to leave Cleo stopped her.
"For how do you know my dear cousin?"
Her curious eyes met with Lady Isadora's brown ones. "I visited in hope to find you, my dear"
"Of course,I apologize yet again"
"Thank you"
And with that Cleorata walked Lady Isadora out of her library and greeted her a goodbye
Walking now tiredly back to her chair, Cleo took the brown envelope and opened it at once.
My dearest Cleo
I write the poem from my chamber, as I pen this letter, I find myself in a state most delicate. The physicians have been most attentive, yet I find myself yearning for thee. It is with a hopeful heart that I beseech thee to send for me the moonflower from the grand gardens.This flower, so pure yet delicate is said to possess virtues most healing.
I am inclined my dear cousin to seek comfort in its reputed powers. I trust with all my heart that thee will bring me this nocturnal beauty, that I might find of benefit.
I have composed a few lines that papa has read to me in honor of this majestic flower:
Beneath the full moon's soft silvery glow,
A moonflower blooms, its petals show.
A symbol of healing, pure and bright,
Unfurling its beauty in the night.
With each blossom, a hope is cast,
For wellness and peace to hold fast.
In gardens of dreams, it stands tall,
A beacon of comfort for all.
Though tales of its power may entwine,
Seek wisdom from those who divine.
For nature's gifts, though fair and sweet,
Must be approached with care and discreet.
May this show my deep desire to witness the moonflower's grace. I await its arrival trusting in its capacity to ease this illness that has befallen me.
With the utmost gratitude and anticipation,
Your loving cousin,Farenis
Cleorata looked up from the parchment letter and frowned. Most certainly many required this majestic plant that she did not have possession. I will find this Moonflower for my dear cousin has asked and for I love her very much Cleo had decided. Tomorrow she will start her search .For now her eyes were droopy and her head was pounding...