Chapter Eleven
The Viscountess had gone to meet with the Count over an hour ago, but there was no word from her since. It was, to say the least, very odd. Both the Count, and the Viscountess were very brief and organized. Neither would have a meeting run that long. Perhaps they 're catching up. Yes, it must be because they 're catching up. Caroline thought this in an attempt to settle her wandering mind. Her eyelids slowly droop down, and without realizing, she falls asleep.
Caroline’s slumber is short due to Milly’s interruption. She gently shakes Caroline awake. “Milly?” Caroline asks as she sits up, rubbing her eyes until her vision focuses. “Where have you been all day-” Milly frantically interrupts her, “My Lady, the Viscountess is leaving!”
“What?!” Caroline asks, jumping up from her bed. “Why is she leaving?”
“I’m not sure. She suddenly announced her departure after her meeting with the Count, so I came to help prepare you-”
“There's no need, my clothes are just fine. Where is she?”Caroline asks in a commanding tone. She just now takes a real look at Milly. She seemed more nervous than she usually had been; her red hair was strangely disheveled, and her right hand was bandaged. “What happened to your hand?”
“Oh that,” Milly glances down at her hand, “it’s nothing really. I just broke a vase earlier and cut my hand.” Caroline eyes the young maid up and down. Something was off. “Then why do you appear to be in so much pain?”
“It’s nothing, you should tend to the Viscountess.”
“Do not lie to me.” Caroline sends Milly a cold look.
“I’m sorry, my lady, I didn’t wish to upset you.” Milly looks sincere and tries her best to give Caroline a reassuring smile. “I committed a grievance, so I was rightfully punished for my actions.”
“Punished? How?!” Caroline asks in an uproar.
“Twelve lashing, but it’s standard procedure, I assure you.” Milly avoids eye contact.
“Standard procedure? That’s barbaric!”
"My lady, we don't have time for this! You must go to the Viscountess." Milly raises her voice, talking Caroline aback. She reluctantly agrees after seeing how passionate Milly is about it.
"Fine, I will. However, you must go to your quarters for at least the remainder of the night and rest." Milly attempts to interject, "But my lady, I'm perfectly fine-"
"This isn't up for debate. I expect you out of my bed chamber and off your feet before I come back." With that, Caroline leaves the room before Milly can get out another word. Caroline swiftly sprints down the hall to the Viscountess’ bed chamber. She knocks at the door; there is no answer. “Viscountess? Are you there?” She asks, desperation seeping from her vocal cords. “Please don’t-” The door opens. Caroline looks up with hopeful eyes, but the face she’s met with is not the Viscountess’ but a maid. “The Viscountess is downstairs; we’re loading her carriage now.”
“Thank you!” Caroline shouts as she dashes down the hall. She makes a sharp turn down the stairway into the foyer, where the Viscountess’ is packed to leave. “Please wait!” The Viscountess’ swirls round to face her. Caroline runs down the stairs over to her. “Why are you leaving so soon? I thought you might stay for the wedding. We were doing so well-”
The Viscountess lets out a heavy sigh. “I must go. I have a household to attend to, and I’ve been away for far too long-” The Viscountess stops upon seeing the tears welding in the corner of Caroline’s eyes. “After you’ve been wed, I will come back for a visit to see how you’re doing.” The Viscountess smiles. “And Lady Boushley, when I do return, you may call me Vivan. Afterall, we are no longer teacher and student-” Before she can finish her sentence Caroline pulls her into an embrace. “I’ll miss you-” The Viscountess cuts her off. She pulls her closer and whispers in Caroline’s ear. “That man is not the Count.” And with that she pulls away, leaving Caroline in disarray.
The Viscountess stays calm. She grabs her coat and calls for her maid, who had come to fetch her. “Ophelia, I’ll wait in the carriage!” The maid curtsies politely before following the Viscountess out. Caroline stands there in disbelief for quite some time before being called for supper.
“Lady Boushley, the Count would like to see you for dinner now,” Edmond announces.
“I’ll be right there.”