Not So Alone ~ Enola Holmes x Viscount Tewksbury

Minley Manor

Notice: This chapter makes Mycroft seem cruel-er than he actually is.

"Tewksbury," I said, grabbing the handles of his wheelchair. "We have to leave. Now."

I quickly pushed him toward the door but I was grabbed by a sturdy hand. "Enola."

"What do you want, Mycroft?"

"Funny to stumble across you here, don't you think? And with a boy as well..."

"He's just a friend."

"When I'm finished with you, he will be much more than that..."

Before I knew it, I was in the back of Mycroft's carriage with Tewky and we were riding off.

"So, Enola... Who is this young man and how did you come to meet him?"

"This is... um... Viscount Tewksbury, Marquess of Basilweather and I met him during my travels to find Mother."

"Did you find Mother?"

"Yes, I most certainly did. But she wishes not to be bothered and I respect her wishes."

"Do you know where she is?"

"No... but she does visit from time to time."

"Extraordinary," he scoffed sarcastically. "Now, back to Viscount Tewksbury. Why are you with my sister?"

"She wants to be as far from you as possible. And I, on the other hand, am escaping from lunatic murderers who want to kill me," Tewky said matter-of-factly.

"Do you know why I brought you two here?" We shook our heads. "You both are here because I'm going to train you –– with the help of some of my friends –– to make you the perfect matches for each other.

I felt like I wanted to slap him right there and then. There was no way I'd go back to Minley after the horrid occurrences that happened the previous time I was there. "No." I sat straight in my seat. "I'm not going back. And I am not going to let you drag Tewksbury along with me."

"Well, you have no choice," Mycroft smirked.

We had arrived.

Minley Manor was composed of two schools. Mrs. Hattie's girls' school and Mr. Gomez's boys' school.

Tewky and I reluctantly said our goodbyes and departed, not knowing when we'll see each other again.

I spent six months at Mrs. Hattie's. I ate a grey slop every day. I wore uncomfortable dresses and corsets. My hair was always tied into a tight bun. I hated it.

The only good part was, we could send letters. Tewksbury and I sent letters to each other whenever we had the chance.

The last one I got looked like this:

Dear Enola,

I cannot wait until I can get out of this hellhole. Yes, I said "hellhole."

Mr. Gomez makes me wear suits and ties. The other boys are a big nuisance, if I may add.

How are you doing? I know it must be much worse over there, especially since you have a bad reputation with Mrs. Hattie.

I hope you are doing well,

Tewksbury

It took me a while to find the perfect reply. But soon, I sent out my own letter.

Dearest Tewksbury,

I guess I'm doing fine. They are now making me eat the slop every day instead of bidaily.

I'm happy your situation is better than mine. But you must be used to all the poking and prodding; remember your grandmother?

I was quite surprised when I read the word "hellhole" but I don't think there is a more explanatory word for this place then "hellhole."

Your friend/acquaintance,

Enola

As soon as Tewksbury got my letter, we both got the best news we could ever hope for.

We were free!