Manservant

2

'Dear Father,

It's me, Alicia. I'm sitting here by the pond, watching the dragonflies and writing this over my knee. I'm next to the swing where you used to push me when I was a little girl. Do you remember that one time I tried standing on the swing to show off for you, and I fell off and broke my arm? It makes me itch remembering that awful, hideous cast I had to wear for so many weeks.

I also remember how you were yelling at me the whole time the doctor was putting that cast on. Which I completely deserved, I own.

At the time, I hated you for that. For making things worse when I was already in pain and so upset.

But what turned it all around was what you said to me later that same day, when I asked you to take down that swing. Do you remember?

You took my hand, looked me in the eye, and I said I couldn't go around being afraid just because bad things happen sometimes.

You were right, of course. That's no way of living, is it?

You probably won't believe me, but I remember every piece of advice you've ever given me. And there are things you taught me not with words but through actions. Everything I am, I am because of you. Not because of Mother or anyone else.

But it's not enough. Father, I'm only fifteen and she's already drawing up lists of husbands for me. (I'm not exaggerating, she has actual lists – I've seen them).

She says he'll have to be as rich as we are, if not more, and of good standing and character. He'll probably be a lot older. He'll probably expect me to have eighty-six kids before I'm twenty. He'll probably say I shouldn't waste time with all the books I read and the poetry I write.

I don't want this. Please, don't you understand why I need you to come home? You're the only one who can stop this and let me have my own life, if only for a little while longer.

Please come home, Father. I miss you. I need you.

You've done your duty, and now, your family's waiting to welcome you home. Everyone else acts like they've forgotten you, but I haven't given up hope. I'm still here. Waiting. Please come home safe. Please come home and make everything like it once was.

Love you always,

Your daughter

Alicia Lyons

"Alicia!" a voice in the distance was calling to me. "Alicia!"

I flinched, stuffing the letter in the pages of my book just as Mother appeared around the old oak tree I was leaning against. She was slightly out of breath from the walk over.

That was why this was my favorite spot. It was so far from the house, she normally didn't bother coming to look for me here. Usually, she'd send Maia or one of the other girls to fetch me, so I was surprised she had come out after me herself. "Yes, Mother?" I asked, looking up at her.

She heaved a breath, gazing down at me. "I'll never understand why you like sitting out here with all the sun and insects."

"I like the quiet."

"It's practically a half-mile from the house!"

"I know. Good exercise, isn't it?"

"Alright, well, never mind that. I just had the best idea so I just had to come tell you."

My guard immediately went up. "What is it?"

"Well, why wait till we present you at court? It's months away – too long, if you ask me. Then it hit me. We'll just hold a party right here at Myron Hall and invite everyone we know! Tell me that won't set things in motion. If things go really well, you might even have offers before the night is out."