Revelations in Letters Part: Two

Hugh and Matilda exchanged a subtle look. Butler Locksley left the parlor to check on the breakfast preparations.

Hugh cleared his throat. "Ahem, what did the envelope contain?" He reluctantly asked the question, fearing the answer.

Before Clementine could answer, though, the butler reappeared. "Breakfast is nearly ready," he announced.

Hugh stood and bowed his head to the ladies. "If you will excuse me momentarily . . . " He retrieved his jacket and left the parlor. He walked passed the staircase, moving beneath the upstairs balcony to another pair of glass double doors. The doors swung open from both directions and revealed the mansion's formal dining room.

Matilda opted for the other direction. When the ladies left the sitting room, she gently tugged Clementine's arm, pulling her to the right.

"What is with all of his questions?"

Clementine asked, stomping her foot at Matilda.

When they reached the library, Clementine's eyes grew wide. "This collection might be as big as my father's," she said excitedly and spun around to comprehend the enormity of the collection of books.

Matilda smiled indulgently. "It is bigger, but not by that much." Then Matilda led Clementine to the chalkboard. "You asked why? This is why." She pounded her finger against the chalkboard.

"What is all this?" Clementine cried out in alarm, as her eyes searched the chalkboard before her, and spied her own name.

Matilda's attention traveled to newly added words. "Apparently we have new information."

"No, the chalkboard itself, what are you using it for?" Clementine backed away.

"It is Hugh's and my thinking cap. We have used it at times for learning an area of study. Now it seems we are using it to understand this incident as a whole."

"What incident?" Clementine stared with wide eyes. "My trouble only started yesterday!"

Matilda whipped around, grabbing Clementine and shaking her shoulders lightly. "Do you not see that our events could be connected?"

"How can that be and to what incident are you referring?" Clementine glazed, lost for a moment, struggling for comprehension.

"Mine and yours." Matilda released

Clementine. "Are you daft?" Clementine narrowed her eyes. "How could you possibly have experienced what I have?" She marched straight toward the library double doors and was about to leave in a huff.

Matilda felt a surge of angry emotion. Her lips frowned as her cheeks flushed in a brilliant hue. Her voice seemed to rise an octave. "The letter, you have it!" She sputtered out, trying not to let her bitterness seep through.

Clementine whipped back around, pulling the envelope from her purse, her hand visibly shaking to hold it. "Just do not go to the constable. I cannot worry my father. He is not well, you know." Then Clementine hesitated. "I do not know why I am trusting you with this, Matilda."

Matilda raced over to her friend and accepted the envelope.

Clementine abruptly marched from the room.

Hugh pushed through the swinging double doors and immediately caught sight of an infuriated Clementine.

"Good day!" she shouted to him as she stormed away.

Hugh tilted his head, narrowing his eyes. "Today is definitely one of those days," he thought as he walked across the foyer to the library.

Matilda looked over the envelope. What could it be that has Clementine in such a tizzy, she thought. She slowly turned the envelope around and peeked inside to see a letter and a balled up mass of blond hair curls. She removed the note and placed the envelope of curls on the table beside Hugh's chair.

Matilda's eyes continued to scan the letter, over and over again. Watching her work slightly amused Hugh. "What is with everyone today, Matilda. Everyone seems to be fraught with emotion."

Matilda glanced up to acknowledge him, then immediately turned her attention back to the letter. It read, "A curl of golden locks died red." Just one line . . . one very cryptic line. Matilda's thoughts ran rampant. The spelling of the word "died" is probably not an accidental error, but rather intentional. A hidden meaning is probably located in that somehow. Could it insinuate death? Could "golden locks" be a reference to Clementine? The greeting on the envelope was very clear, "To My Dear Miss Clementine Christenson." Is this note a threat?

Hugh slowly approached her, attempting to interrupt her concentration. "Matilda, breakfast will be setting out soon, getting cold."

"Hmm, go away Hugh! I am busy!" Matilda frowned at another interruption.

"I can see the beast is rearing its ugly head," Hugh teased her lightly.

"What beast, Hugh. I see no creature," Matilda huffed.

"The beast is definitely you, when you do not have your breakfast." Hugh grinned as his eyes sparkled. Laughter lines formed around the edges of his eyes and mouth.

Matilda narrowed her eyes again, clenching the paper tighter.

Hugh's grin widened devilishly.

She lowered the letter. "I am not, nor have I ever been a beast."

"Matilda, Matilda." He shook his head and moved closer to her. Then suddenly squinting his eyes and forming a deliberate fist, he proceeded to not so politely expunge bodily gas.

"Hugh!" Matilda squealed with displeasure. "That was so immature. And you called ME a beast!"

Hugh took delight in her outrage, laughing loudly.

The sudden voice of Locksley interrupted the moment. "Sir Brandy has returned." he announced. Then he added with disdain, "Should I open a window?"