Page 24 of House of Roots and Ruin
I almost wished she had agreed with Alexander’s suggestion. A quiet night spent in such sumptuousness sounded perfect to me but I was here to work. I nodded hastily, seeking her approval.
“I’ll make sure someone unpacks your things while we eat.”
“Thank you. That would be very kind.”
She smiled. At the door to the hallway, Dauphine paused. “It really is wonderful to have you with us, Verity.”
I waited a full minute before moving, crossing to the main door and shutting it tight. Flipping open the lid to my steamer trunk, I pawed through every gown I’d brought with me. My best dress, a jade silk that always made me think of the summer waves of Salann, would have to do, even in its rumpled state.
Salann.
Camille.
The box.
I laid the dress out across the smoke-colored duvet to breathe and wandered into the sitting room to look at the crate.
But instead of Camille’s meticulous copperplate, it was Annaleigh’s swoopy handwriting marked across the slats, making me pause. I’d have to find something to break it open with. There was probably an ornate letter opener buried somewhere in the desk cubbies I could use as a lever but there wasn’t time to look for it now.
I trailed my fingertips over the velvet chaise, wondering what Camille was doing at that exact moment. Had she found the note I’d hastily scrawled for her? Would my impassioned words change anything?
Unlikely.
However childishly, I found myself hoping they would. That they’d somehow eased the sting of my flight and soothed her rage.
I closed my eyes, wanting to sink into the plush comfort of the room. The bed looked unspeakably inviting as the past week caught up with me all in a single crashing moment. I wanted to sleep. I wanted to rest.
I did not want to go downstairs in a wrinkled dress and formally present myself to Gerard Laurent, the twenty-eighth Duke of Bloem.
The clock on the mantel mocked me with its steady beat, counting down the seconds until my appearance would be required.
With a sigh, I trudged back to my trunks and ransacked through them, looking for the kit of toiletries I’d thrown in.
I could do this. I could make myself presentable—no, exceptionable—and go downstairs, ready to dazzle and charm and be exactly who the Laurents thought me, a skilled and worldly portraitist set on capturing their son’s likeness. I would be seen as a credit to my family. Camille would regret her words and see that she could and should have trusted me all along.
But to do that, to do any of that, I’d first need to clean every trace of charcoal stain from my fingers.
Dear Verity,
I hope this letter finds you well and settling into your new quarters in Bloem. I was surprised to hear of your impromptu adventure.
As was Camille…
She was so surprised she came all the way out to Hesperus, just to tell me.
In fact…she told me everything. All that was discussed the night of your departure…
I don’t want to put words to paper that could jeopardize…anything…but know how terribly sorry I am that you found out all of the things you did, the way you did. I always wanted to tell you—you know how much I hate keeping secrets—but you also know how Camille is. Better than most, I suppose.
You can imagine her state of mind when she found out you’d left. I promise I’ll try to smooth things over. I’m sure all of this is nothing more than a little spat between sisters. Ones who do both love each other dearly, whatever they may be feeling now…
Regardless of how it began, I am excited for your first real trip to the mainland. I hope you enjoy your new surroundings and fill up books of new sketches and ideas. I’m sure Duke Laurent’s son’s portrait will be wonderful. You’ve always had an eye for seeing the truths of your subjects and capturing their light.
In case you get homesick, I’m sending along a crate of candles for you. I know how fond of them you are. I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to find anything like them in Bloem, so I’m making sure there’s enough for the whole of your stay…Keep them burning always and try not to miss us too much…
All my love,
Annaleigh
