Miss Matilda Waren, her heart pounding with anticipation, tiptoed into the dimly lit library. Dust motes danced in the sunbeams that filtered the tall windows and the scent of old leather-bound books lingered at every corner.
She ran her fingers across the books until she found what she was looking for. Its cover leather and its writing faded. The yellow pages crackled as she opened it revealing ancient tests and illustrations of the Majestic Moonflower. Her eyes darted around when the sound of footsteps echoed through the library. Her shoulders relaxed when a servant came into view and not Miss Cleo. She bowed politely Matilda inquired about the horse rides that they offered at the hotel. After thanking her she raced out and down the hallway the precious book clutched to her chest.
"Madam!"
"Madam! Wake up!"
Cleoratas eyes sprung open and she jumped up in shock. A paper stuck to her face and once she had peeled it off embarrassed she looked up at Lizzy the oldest servant who looked at her with anticipation yet agitation. "Yes my dear?" she asked rubbing her hair out of her face.
"Miss from this morning rumors are spreading around like wildfire about the moonflower that you possess. I fear it might go out of control!"
"Possess of the Moonflower?!" Cleo stood up slamming her hands on her wooden desk. She shook her head.
"But yes, I do think of finding it" she said softly remembering her ill cousin's message about awaiting the majestic flower.
"I do plan to leave now."
"And Breakfast Madam? A change of attire?" Lizzy, watched her mistress with a mix of concern and admiration as she desperately searched through the bookshelves quietly talking to herself.
She walked back to her desk shaking her head in denial."It can't be, It can't possibly be stolen." she mumbled.
"Madam? Is everything alright?"
"The book has been stolen!" Cleo said wide eyed.
"Stolen Madam? How would anyone know of its presence in this library?"
"I do not know dear Lizzy" she whispered back. "Nevertheless I am sure to remember what I have read on Moonflower and we pray it will lead me to it"
Cleo instructed Lizzy to pack a light breakfast and fetch her traveling cloak and leather boots. The morning sun peeked through the window, casting a warm glow on the room. Cleorata adjusted her hairpin, securing the loose strands that framed her face.
As Cleo prepared to leave the hotel,she descended the grand staircases her hand empty of the precious book. With a her heart racing she greeted the mansions opulent and just outside the grand doors Samuel stood ready
His eyes smiled at the sight of seeing her. "Miss Cleo" he said with a low voice."I've heard of your Moonflower quest.May I accompany you?"
"Of course" she said and they both bowed.
Lizzy appeared out of breath at the bottom of the stairs and quickly ran up the up a cool breeze blowing her dress.
"Madam, I have readied two horses" she announced. "I hope you find this majestic flower and I hope your journey to be safe"
"Thank you, my dear"
Soon the two were set and walking on their horses down the cobbled path that led into the forest, their horse's hooves clunking with every step on the sand path.
Samuel rode close, his eyes never leaving Cleorata. Her fine features captivated him.
The river came into view after a pleasant quiet walk, its surface rippling with silver reflections. Cleorata and Samuel led their horses down a small hill where they had demounted them and tied them to a tree.
Cleo knelt by the water's edge, her fingers trailing its cool surface. "It truly is beautiful out here" Samuel said from behind. She looked up and nodded before scanning the area, wondering if the moonflower lay close by.
Cleorata and Samuel had decided to eat breakfast and unrolled a woven mat, its faded colors a testament to countless picnics and adventures. They sat cross-legged, the air fragrant with the promise of twilight.
Samuel produced a small wicker basket, its contents wrapped in delicate linen. "A Victorian snack for our Victorian souls," he said smiling. He revealed buttered scones, slices of aged cheddar, and a jar of raspberry jam. Cleo's eyes sparkled as she reached for a scone, the flaky layers crumbling in her hands.
As they nibbled on their treats, a sudden rustle interrupted their quiet moment. A horse, riderless and wild-eyed, galloped toward them. Its hooves pounded the earth, and Cleo's heart raced in tandem. They both stood up at once.Samuel waving his hands to calm the horse down.
The horse finally stopped,bowing his head down. Cleo approached it cautiously, her fingers rubbing its nose while SAmuel patted his long slender neck."What happened to your rider, my friend?" she whispered. The horse nuzzled her palm, eyes wide with fear.
Samuel scanned the surrounding forest. "No sign of anyone," he said. "Perhaps they were thrown during a chase."
Cleo's gaze shifted to the river, its surface shimmering like liquid silver. "His one of our horses. I wonder what happened."
After they tied the horse next to his friends. Cleo knelt walked back to the picnic mat and sat down along side Samuel who spread jam on his scones with her pocket knife.
Cleo sighed and locked her eyes with Samuels.We'll find it," he whispered."Don't you worry"
Cleo nodded when suddenly, a soft fragrance enveloped herâa sweet, intoxicating scent. Cleo's heart raced. She sat up at once and grabbed onto Samuels arm
What?" Samual asked licking jam from his fingers.
They looked up to see two yellow birds singing happily . The trees swayed with the breeze and insects buzzed away.
"Where is the majestic Moonflower?" she asked to the birds who had now perched on a low branch.
They tweeted back and flew with speed and excitement over the middle of the gently moving pond. 'Isn't that it?" Samuel shook Cleo's arm gently. They both turned to see a huge green water lilly and on it something glowed in the sunlight.
"Is that it?" Cleo asked eagerly.
"I think so" Samuel answered quietly.
"The majestic Moonflower?" A cold dry voice echoed.
They both turned around. A figure in a black cloak stood ontop of the hill,face hidden.
"Y-yes" Cleo stuttered embracing Samuels' close movement of putting his hand on her back.
"Where is it?" Samuel demanded
The figure in black laughed and with fear-wrapped tight around their hearts, darkness soon embraced them...