Secrets Downtown

Chapter 4

Six days passed since I spoke to Grayson Lewis. When we returned home that night, our father was outraged. I lied and told him we went the 'Open 24/7 Bakery' in the middle class. We weren't given any breakfast but a single banana then.

Florence's hair was soft in my hands when I brushed it. We were in her room. She was sitting by her desk reading a book. I stood behind her brushing her hair as she read. My stomach felt uneasy to the thought of Grayson refusing to write back to me, or that I might never see him again.

I tried to get my mind off him and focus on something else in Florence's room. I noticed the dandelions she had bought at the markets that day in a nice glass blue vase. It was beside the desk mirror in front of her that sat peacefully against the wall.
"You seem to be taking very well care of those flowers," I commented. Florence hesitated and looked up at the mirror, her eyes slowly moving towards the vase. She cracked a small grin.
"Yes... I'm very fond of them if I do say so myself," Florence responded, then returning back to her book. I smiled along with her, continuing to brush her hair. I liked this. It was peaceful. I wish I could stay like this forever.

There was a gentle knock on the door bedroom door which disturbed our silence. "I'll get that," I assured and went to open the door. Before me was the one of the household's servants: Ariel. She was holding a creased envelope and passed it over to me.
"It's for you," Ariel says. I cautiously take the envelope and look at it in my hands.

To Lorinda Richmond

"Thank you, Ariel. You are dismissed," I thanked. Ariel bowed and closed the door behind her. I remained where I stood and opened the envelope. My eyes darted to the bottom of the letter before reading it.

Sincerely, Grayson Lewis

My heart raced as I read his name. A wave of relief and joy fell over me, but I didn't let it show on my face.
"Who's it from?" Florence spoke from her book. I gulped. "Just another suitor sending love letters," I lied. I sighed to put on a convincing act. Florence laughed and faced me through the mirror. "Is it from Mr. Jeremy Diggs again? Now that's the third time this week!" Florence turned around in her chair, not suspecting a thing. I paused and didn't answer her, staring at Grayson's name on the letter.
"I will be back," was all I said before leaving the room. I didn't wait for my sister's response. I couldn't risk Florence peeking over and seeing whatever Grayson has in store for me. I remained outside Florence's room and leaned on the door, keeping the letter close to my face.

Dear Lorinda Richmond,

Well, how absurd it is for a beauty like you to be asking letters from a poor man like me. I don't have an anchor or land or an army to lead. My father died, my mother left. I was all by my helpless self. Though, it seems that you still see some potential in me.

All I have is my friends and courage as I return to Esterin. I never realised I had so much work to do here. Slum wages have decreased and people are being taxed twice the amount from before. My old friend, Sim has been jailed and our freedom has been ripped away from us.

I'm curious about you, Lorinda. Perhaps I could learn about you more. Maybe you could even help me guide the revolution. You're an interesting girl, I can tell. If you ever have time, visit me in the slums. It'd be nice to talk to you again.

Take care

Sincerely, Grayson Lewis

My grin was as wide from ear to ear. I pressed the letter against my chest, feeling my heart pounding lightly through the paper. What do I do now? Do I write back? Do I go talk to him? Should I show Florence the letter?

I swallowed. No. I can't show this to Florence. She warned me about meeting about going into the slums. If I showed her she'd just keep nagging me and how I was going to get in trouble. Yeah, Florence wasn't really a rebel type.

I stepped back into the room. Florence was sitting and waiting for me. I knew she could tell something was up.

"It's not from Mr Diggs. Is it?" Florence narrowed her eyes in suspicion. I shook my head and remained still.

"No, it is. It's not a big deal," I shrugged, holding up my act. Florence let her face relax, but she didn't say anything. There was a short pause that left the room tense.

"I'm going to bed early," I claimed, avoiding her gaze as I began to leave.

"It's only sundown, however," my younger sister reminded. She turned to face the orange sea of the warm sky through the window behind her. "Goodnight, Florence," I shook my head and left. Florence did not say another word.

I did not plan to go to sleep. Instead, I wandered down the hallway to the library and sat in a chair accompanied by a quill and a jar of ink. I pulled open a drawer underneath the desk, which had empty spare papers loose in the box. One lucky spare paper would become my return letter to Grayson. I lay the sheet of paper in front of me and went with the flow as I wrote.

Dear Grayson Lewis,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I too will admit that I am curious about you. Perhaps soon I will come and visit you. I'd love to know more about the slums and their way of living.

Here's a secret for only your eyes to read: I praise the revolution. I'm in love with the sense of freedom and equal rights people like you fight for. I must agree, the monarchy's ways are very unpleasing, despite the Richmond family being a good ally with the royal family.

It's only me in my family who encourages the revolution. If my mother, father, my sisters or anyone else know about my opinion, I'd be looked down upon and be a shame to the Richmond family, especially being the eldest sister.

I shall resist myself from helping you assist in the revolution, though I would dearly like to come and observe the protesting in the slums. I hope to see you soon, Grayson.

Sincerely,

Lorinda Richmond