18

Carlos Santiago

"This is my life now isn't it, I get dressed in one beautiful gown to take it off to put another on, I never thought I would be sick of the sight of wonderful clothing."

"Miss Thorn, you seem a little down since returning from master Louis, I hope he didn't upset you too much." She finished buttoning the back of the long black lace dress and brushed my shoulders.

"You were right about him."

"I was?"

"Yes, he isn't as mean as he appears."

"Oh, so the meeting went well?"

"It's difficult to tell, but I learned a few things."

"This cut for you is beyond beautiful, the way the fishtail bottom suits your curves and the sweetheart neckline is exquisite. Let's leave your hair down like this it complements the gown. Oh, and you have your necklace back on, it is such a petite pretty piece of jewelry."

"Which reminds me, here." I undid the clasp and reached for her hand. "I need you to do me a favor please Lorna, I need you to keep this safe for me just for tonight, could you do that." I dropped the necklace into her palm and closed her hand.

"I do not understand."

"Trust me, it's best you don't."

"Ok Miss Thorn, I promise to guard it with my life."

"Thank you. Now would you like to try one of these dresses on, I bet ever since you have been here you have been dying to."

"Oh no I wouldn't dream of it, if Master Louis found out, I am afraid of what he may do."

"Oh come on, he never needs to know, besides he is not due here until at least another half an hour. I think you should try this one. The orange would look stunning on your Olive skin." I reached for the wardrobe and held it up to her body. "See I was right, look how beautiful you look." Her lips drew into a thin line as she closed her eyes.

"And I think that is enough, I don't see the point in trying this on as I would never get to show it off."

"Lorna, you remind me so much of my sister."

"You have a sister?" Her eyes smiled as she placed the dress back into the wardrobe. "What is her name?"

"Jessica, or I used to call her mouse."

"How old is she?"

"She would have been sixteen Christmas Eve."

"Would have Miss Thorn?"

"Yes, she died."

"Oh Miss Thorn, I am terribly sorry, that is awful."

"It was only the other night she took her life, Lorna. She couldn't bare to be alone. I can't help but blame myself for all of this, she was my baby sister, I should have done more."

"How could you have even known, tragic things happen in life and sadly this is one of those tragedies."

"Thank you for listening to me, you have been nothing but kind since I came here, you are a wonderful person, Lorna." I took her hand and kissed it. "Now, please put that necklace on."

"Yes miss."

"Eleanor, there has been a slight change of plan." Louis tapped on the door and peered around.

"Ok, what has changed?"

"Mr. Santiago has decided he would rather not have dinner tonight."

"He's not coming?" I breathed a sigh of relief, which was to be short-lived.