Ravenwood by Margaux Gillis

Author:Margaux Gillis [Gillis, Margaux]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Castalian Springs
Published: 2015-10-11T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

Elinore was quite surprised the next morning at breakfast when Mrs. Thistlewaite not only brought out her normal meal, but also handed her an envelope with a wrapped parcel - a book, if Elinore was to guess.

“What is this?” Elinore asked, taking the smooth, creamy parchment and package from Mrs. Thistlewaite.

“One of the stable hands was in Haleton yesterday running errands and this was given to him. For you,” Mrs. Thistlewaite answered, her eyes lit up.

Placing the wrapped book on the table, Elinore turned the letter over in her hands. It was too thin to be from Charlotte and there was no address on it. Her eyes traced over the deep red wax seal - ravens and wolves. The seal of the manor. She cracked it open.

“Oh! It’s from Caleb! Is he back?”

Mrs. Thistlewaite laughed. “Well, don’t ask me, read your letter.” She patted Elinore on the shoulder and then left her alone in the dining room. Her food momentarily forgotten, Elinore sat back in her chair to read.

Elinore,

Please forgive me for being away so long from Ravenwood and allow me to express my hope that this letter finds you well. I have been delayed for a few days longer than expected in and around Haleton, visiting friends of my parents and seeking their council on a matter close to my heart. When I saw young Theo from the stables in town, I bade him wait long enough for me to write you a short letter. I know the staff at Ravenwood takes great care of all its inhabitants, but I’m sorry to be so long away from you.

Elinore wondered if she would suffer any long-term effects from her heart continually beating madly in fits and starts, as had been the case since her arrival at Ravenwood. She traced the cursive edges of Caleb’s script with her fingertip. His penmanship was not so fine as to be all swirls and whorls, nor so stark to be like that of a chicken scratching at the ground. She rather thought it was quite like the man himself - somewhat understated, but quite handsome.

I trust Mrs. Davenport has been seeing to your bandages and that Mrs. Thistlewaite is keeping you well fed. I hope you have been able to meet the remainder of the household. I’m sure you have charmed them well with your kindness and bright smile. I find myself quite bereft of it for having known it such a short time.

Although it may sound strange, please try not to wander too far from the manor. Jonah and the other men are still on the hunt for the feral wolf, even in my absence. And I’m sure my uncle is as well. I’m sure you will find more than enough books to keep you busy in the library, but if not, I’ve sent one along with Theo that I thought you’d rather enjoy.

Warmest regards, Caleb.

Elinore pressed the letter against her chest, feeling the wideness of her smile and the warmth of a blush staining across her cheeks.

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