Van Deloney: To My Dearest Emma [[BOOK ONE]]

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑰

A PHENOMENAL ENIGMA AMIDST THE GRENSWOOD

October 27, 1879

          PERCHED UPON the third story of the stately manor of the distinguished House of Van Deloney, a young lady sat beside the elegant window, busily engaged in the art of sketching. Enraptured by the breathtaking spectacle of the picturesque landscape, she often lost herself in a world of dreams, as her skillful brush created beautiful images that reflected the beauty of the countryside.

Unlike her brother and sister, who preferred outdoor activities, the fair maiden always took delight in the comforts and pleasures of indoor pursuits, particularly in the artistic sphere. However, despite the sparkling beauty that adorned her features, which exceeded those of her sister, the young lady from the esteemed Van Deloney family was to be chosen to be the bride of the Prince of Luxtonia. Though this was something that most girls would dream of, it was not the same for this damsel.

Her heart was filled with a yearning for the creative arts, particularly in the domain of sketching, and she had always hoped to make this her profession. Alas, her dreams were dashed when her parents did not approve her rejection of the marriage proposal, causing her to shed tears upon her sketches.

As the maiden sat in the corner of her chamber, mourning her unfortunate predicament, she was summoned by a knock at the door. "Mí lady Charlotte, the breakfast is ready," a servant girl uttered, as she responded with a hollow "Come in." With tears still stinging her eyes, she tried to wipe them away, but the heart-wrenching thoughts of having to part with her dreams of becoming an artist had her tears flowing like a river.

Charlotte proceeds to do her sketches, as the young maidservant entered the room, bearing a silver cart overflowing with breakfast treats. "Mademoiselle, your Croque Monsieur is served, accompanied with a combination of Darjeeling tea," the servant confidently announced, as she prepared the breakfast table with fine silverware and delicate porcelain.

As the young maidservant was preparing the breakfast with her silver cart and setting the table, Charlotte, having put down her sketchbook, turned towards her with a wistful look. "Helena," she asked, "Have you ever considered fleeing from one's chains, even if it would break the heart of others?" She inquired, her brows furrowing and her emotions stirring, as she wondered about the what-if scenario of her future aspirations being hindered due to the pressure and weight of her royal status.

Helena, the young maidservant, was caught off-guard by the question posed by Charlotte, and could only manage a rather simple response. "Well, mí lady," she relayed, as she served the breakfast to Charlotte. "All I can say is if you truly desire to pursue the path your heart leads, you must take that journey, no matter if it leads to regret or not." She continued with her reply, as she placed the breakfast on the small breakfast table.

Charlotte let out a deep sigh, seemingly full of desperation and sorrow, Helena, the wise young maidservant, suddenly shifted the topic to something unrelated. "By the way mí lady," Charlotte heard her voice calling her attention, "Have you heard about the latest happening in the Grenswood?" she remarked, a curious look on her face as she regarded Charlotte.

"The Grenswood incident?" Charlotte echoed in response to Helena's question, her curiosity piqued by the news. "Yes, my lady," Helena explained with an air of excitement as she stood next to Charlotte who was devouring her breakfast. "The whole news of the Grenswood incident had already spread not only in the countryside of Albiana but even here in Normaine." She continued; her voice tinged with fervor as her thoughts turned to the recent events in the Grenswood.

"But that seems like a world-shaking news to me," Charlotte remarked, her curiosity still strong within her as she tried to learn more details about the recent Grenswood incident. "Do they already have an idea of who the victim is? Because if the news spreads to other countries, there's a possibility that it may involve some well-known person." She continued, a look of intense curiosity on her face as she questioned Helena, the maidservant, further.