The Duke's Daughter (Editing)

Chapter Eighteen

    "Goodbye Anna." I said as I drew Anna in for a hug. Tears strayed down her face.

     "Are you sure you want to leave?" She asked worried.

     I pondered her question for a moment before I answered, "I'm not quite sure, but I do know one thing: It's the right thing to do." Anna nodded her her head slowly not looking at my eyes. 

      "Take care of yourself darling, don't hurt yourself." said Aunt Henrietta patting my hand. Olivia gave me a quick smile and looked away.

       "You be a good girl and don't be trouble to Miss Elisa," Grandmother Maude pointed at me sternly then gave me a quick smile and hugged me, "Be good."

         "Thank you Grandmother, I'll miss you." I smiled warmly.

         I walked towards Frank who stood near the door. His face was expressionless as he said, "You're just like your father, always have to go on adventures."

         "I hardly call nursing men back to health an adventure." I giggled softly.

         "Be careful, Miss Lenora." Frank gave a slight smile.

          A tear slowly made its way down to my cheek as I wrapped my arms around Frank, "I'm going to miss you so much, Frank." I whispered. I heard him give a heavy sigh as I let go, "Please send word to Gil for me, please?"

       "Yes, of course." Frank sighed. Ever since Gil left, I never got a letter from him. I was afraid he hadn't forgiven me for ignoring him and didn't want to hear from. 

     "It's time we go, Lenora," said Elisa behind me. I walked towards the carriage and got inside. Looking outside to see my life in Livingstone Abbey disappear before my eyes, I waved goodbye. "I'm glad you decided to come with me to France." Elisa grinned, "You won't regret it for a moment."

         "I hope." I sighed. After good time thinking about it, I decided I would take on Elisa's offer on going to France with her. I'd never imagined myself becoming a nurse, but there I was reading to go onto a boat to France in the battlefield. We wouldn't be two hours away from major battles; the thought scared me at first but I conquered it as I tried to remember that this would be a selfish act of kindness. Elisa trained me on some simple things and promised to have some experienced nurses teach more at the hospital.

           There was a dock not too far away, about an hour carriage ride. The summer days were getting cooler as September would soon join us. It was early morning when we left and my eyes were drooping. Turning to Elisa, I could she was also quite tired herself and was sleeping.

           "Miss Upchurch? Miss Woods?" said our driver, "We're here." I hadn't realized that I was napping as my eyes opened.

            "Oh yes, thank George." Elisa's tired voice answered, "Let's go darling, we don't want to be late."

          George helped us with our bags as we boarded the boat. Elisa gave him a warm smile as the boat left the dock. My body started to shiver as I thought of what I had gotten myself into. I'm not ready for this, why did I do this?   

              "Are you alright, Lenora?" Elisa asked with concerned eyes.

             "I...I don't know if this was a good idea." I stuttered.

             Elisa turned me away from the water, "Lenora, don't let thoughts drive you to think you are weak.   I know you can do this. Don't worry, the first couple of days are rough but that's normal."

           "I can't---"

          "Don't say you can't. Say you can try." Elisa sternly said.