Chapter Thirty-One

Despite Caroline's warning Sir. Elton was still set to leave the following morning. He had promised Caroline that he would be careful, but she could see in his eyes that a small part of him feared that the rumors of the Countess going mad, were in fact truth.

The night came, and went. The sun rose, and a new day began.

September 21, 1835

That morning Caroline had breakfast alone. Sir. Elton was busy preparing for his long journey back to the capital, Valencia was off managing the household, and her husband, the Count, was locked away in his study as perusal. The meal was one full of melancholy, but this was to be her new normal, so she’ll just have to get used to it.

Caroline didn’t eat much that morning. She stirred, and played with her porridge, then returned it to the kitchen half eaten. For how could she stomach food, under the circumstances.

Since the mansion was quite over staffed, most of the staff was focused on preparing Sir. Elton’s carriage. Not wanting to get in the way Caroline resides in her bedchamber for the rest of the morning, reading. Soon supper time comes, so Caroline leaves the chamber, to go to the dining room; on her way there she runs into Ms. Windsor. “My Lady!” Milly calls out to Caroline, stopping her in her tracks. “I was just on my way to fetch you. Sir. Elton is preparing to leave.”

“Already? Before supper?!” Caroline asks.

“Yes, My Lady. You must make haste, the Count is already outside.” Milly takes Caroline to the front of the mansion, where everyone is already waiting. “Elton! You’re leaving already? We haven't even had supper yet.” Caroline asks, running past the Count, over to Sir. Elton.

“Yes, I'm afraid so. I apologize, I have already overstayed my welcome.” He says, poleitly.

“I will miss you.” Caroline wraps her arms around him, embracing him. He is taken aback by her sudden outburst, but returns the hug. She can feel the piercing gaze of her husband, at her back.“Caroline there are people watching.”

“Yes, I’m sorry.” She pulls away.

“Thank you for your hospitality, Countess.” Elton says, turning to enter the carriage.

“Elton.”

“Yes?”

“Remember what I said.”

“...I will.” He enters the carriage. Caroline watches the carriage, till it is out of sight. She goes to enter the mansion but is stopped by Valencia pulling at her sleeve. “What was that display?” She asks, in a harsh tone. Caroline pulls her sleeve away. “It was a friendly goodbye. Nothing more.”