Falling Petals

Chapter One

It is October 11th, 1886, at exactly eight o'clock in the morning. Sun was shining down onto a particular mansion, more commonly known at the time as the Anderson Manor. Through the open windows, if you stood in the garden you could smell the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the gentle breeze. And if you stood at another angle, you would be hit with an aroma of roses, as there were plenty of those around this building.

In this early morning, a young noblewoman stood in front of a large mirror, admiring the soft yellow gown that fit snuggly against her thin frame. Her blond hair was pulled upward into an elegant bun with curls hanging on either side of her face. The sunlight shining in through the window and off the mirror reflected in her pale blue eyes as they wandered over her image, taking in what she looked like.

Her name is Sophia Anderson, daughter of Lady Elise and Lord Maverick Anderson and younger sister to Johnathan Anderson. Lord Maverick, her father, passed just a few years ago due to a sickness no one seemed to have a cure for. Her mother, Lady Elise, swirled into a deep depression after her husband passed. This caused Sophia and Johnathan both to step up and care for their estranged mother who wouldn't leave her room to eat. She'd barely sleep.

But for the past two months, Sophia's mind has been elsewhere. The fourteen-year-old had recently been forced into an engagement by her mother, who was not well enough to do anything of the sort. So for two months, Sophia and her fiance have been exchanging letters back and forth. Today, however, is the first day they are meeting face to face.

A soft sigh escaped Sophia's lips as she turned her gaze from her reflection to a piece of folded parchment that rested on her bed. This paper is the most recent letter from him, but she has yet to read it.

She reasons with herself that it would be best to read it before she goes today, as it could contain some information that would prove useful in conversation during lunch. So with another sigh, she lifts the paper and delicately unfolds it to read its contents.

Dear Sophia,

I thank you sincerely for keeping in touch with me over these few months. It has been a pleasure getting to know some simple things about you.

I'm looking forward to meeting you in a few days. And I hope that we will get along fine together. Forgive me for this letter being so short, but I am terribly busy.

Sincerely, Damon Larson.

Staring at the writing, Sophia didn't hear the man enter her room. She had been so focused on her thoughts that she only realized he was there when a strong hand gripped her shoulder.

With a startled cry, she spun around only to stare into the face of Johnathan, her elder brother who was looking down at her with a worried look. "Sophia? I didn't mean to startle you, you seemed troubled." He spoke softly, pulling his younger sibling into a firm hug.

"John. I'm fine." She whispered as she wrapped her arms around her brother, placing her head against his chest.

She and John have been close for as long as she could remember. No matter what he'd always been right there for her, to protect her. He always promised that whenever she needs him he'll be there. It was a promise that means more to her than anything else in the world because she knows she needs him.

John responds with a nod before smiling at the young lady. "I wanted to make sure you were ready to go and to give you a small snack. Especially since you won't get breakfast and won't arrive at Lord Larson's mansion until near lunch." He removed a small, carefully wrapped package from his navy blue suit pocket.

Sophia gratefully took it from him, and unfolding the handkerchief she revealed a raspberry tart. Her favorite flavor. A wide smile crossed her soft features and she hugs her brother tight. "Oh, John. I'm so nervous. My stomach is in knots. I do wish you could come with me."

He chuckles deeply, looking into her soft blue eyes with his own. "As do I. But today is something you must do on your own. Besides, Carmen will be there."

Sophia nodded sadly, knowing he was correct. Carmen would be there though. She has been Sophia's handmaiden for the past six years, so they've grown to trust one another. Carmen was probably the closest thing she really had to a friend, other than her brother.

A soft knock interrupted the comfortable silence and Sophia looked to her door as the red headed maid poked her head into the room. "Lady Sophia? Your carriage and driver are ready." She said quietly, opening the door fully and standing in the threshold.

"Oh...thank you, Carmen." The young lady nods and wraps the handkerchief back around the tart. Not as neatly as her brother had, but it would have to do for now. Tucking it into her dress pocket, she turns around to face her older sibling with a sad smile. "I'll miss you, Johnathan. I'll see you when I return home."

After saying her farewells to him and hugging him tightly, she silently exited the room with Carmen following right behind her.

Carmen watched her lady walk, watching the yellow dress flow gracefully around her feet as she moved. She looked at the way she had her hands folded neatly in front of her, and the way her hair was pulled up into such a sophisticated look.

With a small shake of her head, she hurried to catch up. Down the stairs, through a large, grand hallway, down another small flight of stairs. She remembers when she first started working here. It took quite a while for her to get used to which hall and staircase led where. But now she could draw anyone a map of the whole building.

As they neared the front door, Carmen cut in front of her and smiled politely. "Allow me, My Lady." She gripped the brass door handle and pulled the heavy door open, allowing Sophia to step outside into the cool Autumn air.

After thanking her handmaid, Sophia looks to the carriage waiting for her. It was tall and black, with two brown horses hooked to the front which looked as tired as she felt. The poor beasts. But, it was still early after all.

With a very soft sigh, she steps into the already open carriage door and sat on the leather interior. Nervously she looked to Carmen, who looked back at her with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry My Lady." She says gently. "I'm sure everything will be just fine." She then shut the carriage door, leaving Sophia to herself.

Sophia only nodded as she watched the heavy door thud shut. She then turned her eyes towards the window and out into the garden of her home, placing a gentle hand on the glass pane. "I'll be home soon," she whispers before leaning back to hopefully get a small bit of rest on the long journey.