Colorless: Julia Maplewood

Chapter I

To Parker Jones, from Julie...

It was noon that Saturday when we had an unusual visitor. Though we were not of a high rank, money was no issue, at least not for my eldest brother. Richardson was to inherit it all. He was indeed a good lad, a loving brother, and a well behaved son. Nevertheless, it was worrisome to accept that a boy of only three and twenty, a man with no engagement or knowledge on how to be a landowner was in such a position. It is no secret that I would've been better choice to take over, but my sex contradicted their plans... if only I were born a man. That being so, I was soon set off to find a sutor. One of both honor and wealth... I believe not even outside of England there is such a man!

I thought it was quite ludicrous to believe that I shall be forced into accepting such outrageous requests, but no matter what, it is needed. That Saturday, we were gathered in the parlor. I had the pleasure of enjoying some lavender tea accompanied by a delicious scone with some berry jam. Mother conversed with Mrs. Dayvens about the "marvelous" stay she had in London. I sat quietly near them, I wonder if they thought I was listening. My mind was somewhere else to be completely honest.

"Has the pain lessened, dear?" My mother inquired nearly giving me a fright. She noticed my surprise. "Why dear, I nearly scared the soul out of you!" She said chuckling. I smiled rather ill. I was recovering from a small sickness; I tend to have them during stressful situations. Doctor Levinstein believes it to be non to worry, a common illness in women.

Anna Maria Dayvens ran into the room unannounced. Her mother eyed her disapprovingly before returning to her gossip. The little girl, unaware of her mother, walked past the ladies to head my direction. "May you play for us, Lorraine?" I had grown a liking to Anna Maria, she was a sweet child, nearly nine yet very courteous and social.

"You have to ask your mama first." I said with a teasing smirk. The small girl grinned widely before rushing to her mother's side. "Oh mama, you ought to allow Lorraine to play. Oh, please do!" A high pitched tone increased in her voice. It was amusing to witness how a child finds the simplest things delightful and joyful. We ought to learn to live as them, rather than waste a lifetime in pursuit of unrealistic perfection.

"Must certainly. I'm sure we would all enjoy some music." She said to her child. Her eyes shifted into my direction in the corner by the window. "Miss Sinclair, would you please?"

I nodded and took a stand. The large and well maintained piano belonged to me. Perhaps the only item that did in our house. It was a gift from my father when he arrived from —shire. I learned to play at the age of seven. Ever since I touched the delicate keys for the very first time, I knew my true passion. I have spent most years playing; my soul craves the sound that comes from each note when I part too long from it.

The room stood quiet as my fingers danced in the instrument in a nostalgic rhythm. My eyes looked up from the keys without difficulty. Right next to me stood the astonished child. Her eyes glowing as mine once did. It had been years since I've felt that excitement and eagerness. Life was fading quickly at such a young age. I was not yet twenty, nonetheless, time had shown me that you need not to be older in order to lose interest in life. How I longed for adventure, even danger.

"I told you she is extraordinarily talented." I stopped as I heard the well known voice.

"Papa!" I exclaimed standing up. I was eager to rush into an embrace, it had been months since he left. I was stopped as I noticed he had company. We all stood and stared at him, the man that stood with an erect posture and a blank stare.

Father cleared his throat noticing our rude reaction. "This is Mr. Clarke. We've met in America."

"Is he here to kill our soldiers!" Exclaimed little Anna Maria.

"Do keep your mouth shut child!" Her mother called out. "I'm sure Mr. Sinclair would never bring a threat into his own estate."