The Forgotten Room--A Sequel to Frances Hodgson Burnett's 'The Secret Garden' by Stacie Morrell

Author:Stacie Morrell
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Francis Burnett, Secret Garden, England, Historical fiction, british, moors, Yorkshire, orphan
Publisher: Stacie Morrell
Published: 2019-11-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

An Unexpected Loss

The next morning Mary woke in the Forgotten Room, the book still open on her lap. Her lamp had snuffed itself out during the night, but the room was already bright with the new morning light. Mary was alarmed, fearing she had slept too late and would be tardy for lessons. Quickly she returned the book to its shelf and picked up her lamp. After easing the door open the smallest bit and peeking carefully out from behind the curtain to make certain the hall was empty, Mary hurried back to her room. The house was awake now. She could hear servants hurrying about their tasks downstairs as she followed the hallways back. The Forgotten Room was in a neglected area of the house, so Mary did not meet anyone on her return until she was nearly to her rooms.

Just as she turned the last corner, she saw Mrs. Medlock hurrying toward her, a scowl on her face. Mary began to wonder if Mrs. Medlock was angry at Mary for leaving her room during the night.

“Mary, there you are! You are up at quite an early hour, I must say!” Mrs. Medlock said as she drew to a quick stop in front of Mary. Her skirts settled into stillness.

“Were you looking for me, Mrs. Medlock?” Mary asked, hoping the woman would not ask about the lamp Mary held in her hand.

“Indeed, I was,” she answered, holding her hands tightly together in front of her. “Miss Edmonds received word this morning that there has been some kind of trouble at her home in London and she must return there immediately, so there will not be any lessons today.”

“She will return, won’t she?” Mary asked, alarmed and upset at the unexpected departure.

“As soon as events allow, I would suspect, but I don’t know anything for certain. Master Craven is going to accompany her to Thwaite Station and get the details as much as he can. The poor woman is beside herself with worry. The post she received had little information.” Mrs. Medlock smoothed her skirts and jingled the chains of keys hanging from her belt, her nerves also showing wear.

“It’s going to be all right, isn't it?” Mary asked, her voice small even to her own ears. “Miss Edmonds will return and things will be all right with her home, won’t they?”

“How should I know? I don’t even know what’s happened.” Mrs. Medlock sharply replied, and then looked at the worried young face before her. “Miss Edmonds is not the kind of woman to run off for good and ignore her duties to her young charges,” Mrs. Medlock added, belatedly trying to soften the blow, but softness was not something that came naturally or easily to her. “I’m sure time will work everything out,” she continued briskly. “I must go and arrange the carriage and Miss Edmonds’ luggage.”

Mrs. Medlock hurried away, leaving Mary feeling very sad and small in the very large manor. After a few moments, Mary gathered herself together and hurried to say goodbye to her governess.

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