Mrs. Dawkins (The Artful Dodger) [TBS]

Part 47

I sweetly hummed a tune as I slowly ran the brush through my long, flowing hair, carefully untangling any knots. My thoughts were filled with the upcoming visit to the hospital to see Jack. I wanted to look my best, so I chose my favourite soft, blue gown and delicately added a matching bow to my hair, creating a sweet and charming look. As I made my final adjustments, the sound of the door opening caught my attention. Miss Hardcastle entered the room, and I greeted her with a warm and friendly smile, eager to show kindness to the visitor.

"Good morning! Come to take me away?" I asked, "I must go and visit the hospital, for I am on death's door I need a doctor so desperately!" I fainted falling back dramatically onto my sofa,

"You need something," Miss Hardcastle glared, "Not sure it's a doctor,"

"Is it time to go?" I cooed,

"No..."

"No?"

"A carriage has arrived,"

"Perfect then we can go," I smiled bolting up from my sofa,

"No... it's not our carriage."

"...Then who's carriage is it?"

The two shared a look a conversation of a thousand words passing between them both within mere seconds,

"No."

"Yes."

"No..."

"Yes."

"...No..."

"Unfortunately, yes,"

"It can't be."

"It is."

"How-"

"You're father sent word,"

"About?"

"about your courtship... and I has arrived."

"Oh no..." I sighed, "May god have mercy on us all," I said,

"Shall I inform her you'll meet with her?"

"... Do I have a choice?"

"Not really."

"Then yes." I sighed,

Miss Hardcastle nodded in acknowledgement and slowly exited the room, her footsteps fading away in the distance.

I couldn't contain my frustration and let out a groan before throwing myself onto my bed. I buried my head into the pillow, the lingering scent of Jack's presence providing a small comfort in the midst of my exasperation. "Curses... Aunt Lisbeth."