Je Volonté Attendre Pour Vous A Sequel to the Secret Garden Based on the Characters by Frances Hodgson Burnett Written By Karissa Elizabeth Ann Lowell Chapter One; Part One: The Death of Lord Archibald Craven. Lady Mary Lennox looked out from her window from the prestigious La Francais Académie for Young Women where she had spent the last twelve years of her life. She had been sent to La Francais Académie to obtain a proper education for young women of her social status. She had been sent there by her Uncle, legal guardian, Lord Archibald Craven of Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire, England. Mary came to be in England after both of her parents had died of cholera epidemic in India in 1911. Most the government officials including Colonel Albert Lennox and his socialite wife, Rose, had succumb to cholera. This left Mary an orphan. The British government under HRH King George the Fifth processed those children left an orphan, had all the children who did not succumb to cholera transported back to England to live with surviving relatives. Mary’s only surviving relative was her uncle, Archibald Craven, whose wife was Mary’s twin sister, Lily, who died ten years before. Mary arrived back in England in late winter of 1911 she was accompanied by Mrs. Crawford whose husband had obtained passage aboard the same ship that all the children were aboard. 2 The ship arrived in the Port at Liverpool in late winter of 1911. There she was met by her Uncle’s housekeeper Mrs. Metlock, who was to take her back to Misselthwaite Manor where she was to live. When she first arrived at Misselthwaite Manor she was left on her own to take care of herself, but she made friends with Martha Sowerby, one of Lord Craven’s servants, Martha’s brother, Dickon, who played outside on the English Moors. It was late spring she finally found out about her cousin, Collin, who was exactly her age. They had tried to keep them from finding out about each other but Mary and he got along very well. It was almost impossible to separate them. Collin made it very clear that he wanted to see his cousin Mary, and if anyone tried to prevent them from seeing each other they would be sorry. It was Mary who finally got Collin to leave his room, go into his late mother’s garden who restored him to health and vitality. When Collin was restored to health and vitality, it also brought Lord Craven back to life. He started to live again after ten years of mourning his late wife, Lily, who died in giving birth to Collin. Lord Craven had a dream of Lily standing in her garden calling out to him, “Archie, Archie, I am in the garden, I am in the garden with Collin, with Collin, at the time of this dream he was s staying in a Chateau in France. Lord Craven woke up, called for the garçon asked for his bill. He had to leave immediately return to England. When he came back he found that Collin was not in his bed, but outdoors in his late mother’s garden that Mary, Ben, and Dickon had restored to life and beauty. Dickon, Mary watched as Collin went up to him as they were playing blind man’s tag. He walked up, started to feel his father’s face, lifted up the scarf around his eyes said, “The magic worked you came.” Lord Archibald was so happy; Collin wanted to show him around the garden. Mary thought no one wanted her like no one wanted the garden, but she was wrong. Collin pointed out to Lord Archibald where Mary was sitting alone crying, he came up to her asked what she was doing out of the garden by herself. Mary said, “It wasn’t wanted.” Lord Craven asked Mary, “What wasn’t wanted? Mary cried, “The garden.” Lord Craven replied, “You are right I never wanted to see it again.” “You never wanted to see Collin.” Mary cried. “Mary you have done something I thought one could do. You brought us back to life.” Lord Craven said, “Don’t worry I will not lock up the garden again.” Lord Craven opened up his arms, heart to Mary, they hugged each other, after that they called Collin over to join them, and they played together in the garden before they headed back for Misselthwaite Manor. Where everyone except, Ben, Martha, Dickon see Collin walking back to the manor with Mary and his father, Lord Craven. Many of the servants were surprised to see Master Collin up, walking. It had been twelve years since all of that had happened at Misselthwaite Manor. Both Lord Collin, Lady Mary had grown up, were both nearing 23 years of age. Lord Collin had been sent to Oxford University to obtain an education, however when the Great War broke up, Collin enlisted in HRH King George’s Royal Army, he did a two year tour of duty as well as being stationed in France. Once the Great War was officially ended in 1918, Collin tried to go back to Oxford University, however, the courses he was taking were dry, uninterested, he just didn’t the aptitude to continue at Oxford University. Lord Craven tried to have him enroll in another prestigious university, but still Collin had no interest in studies. This disappointed Lord Craven. Many hundreds of miles away stuck in Zurich, Switzerland were his cousin, Lady Mary Lennox who had been sent to La Francais Finishing Académie to obtain the appropriate education, other classes in deportment she would need to have to support her social status in life. The Great War ended finally in 1923, by this time Lord Archibald Craven was nearing 70 years old, he had Mrs. Metlock cable a telegram to both Collin at Elton University, and Mary at La Francais Académie to come back home to Misselthwaite Manor. He instructed the headmaster to first send Collin to Zurich, Switzerland to pick up, escort his cousin, Lady Mary Lennox back to Misselthwaite Manor in Yorkshire, England. Mary was in room looking out of her window when she was a black limousine pull up in front of La Francais. She noticed a good looking young man coming out of the automobile, walking up too and ringing the door bell. An elderly woman opened the door said, “Bonjour Pouvoir Je assister vous.” Collin like the gentleman he was raised to be replied, “Bonjour Je suis ici pour donner Mon cousine, Mademoiselle Mary Lennox.” “Oui Je avoir être attendre pour vous Monsieur Craven.” The dame said. “Volonté vous s'il vous plaît laisser Mon cousine, Mademoiselle Mary savoir Je Suis ici pour donner la.” Collin asked. “Yes most certainly Monsieur Collin, please go into the sitting room, I will call Mademoiselle Mary downstairs.” The dame said. Collin walked into the sitting room, walked over to the window, as Madame Dubois called out, “Mademoiselle Mary, vous avoir une visiteuse elle être une gentilhomme.” Mary came walking down the stairs said, “Madame Je faire ne pas tout gentilhomme ici.” “Je faire penser vous volonté savoir le un e fois vous voir le.” Madame Dubois says. Mary walked into the sitting room said, “Oui comment pouvoir Je assister vous monsieur.” Collin turned around slowly said, “Mary Mon Aimee elle être Je Collin votre cousin.” Mary looked at Collin said, “Être que vraiment vous cousin Collin.” “Yes Mary it is really me. I have come for you to take you back home to Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said, “Madame Dubois did get the telegram telling you that I was coming to pick you up, escort you back home to Misselthwaite Manor.” “Yes we got the telegram from Mrs. Metlock it did not reveal much.” Mary replied. “Let me see you my dear Mary. You have grown to be a true English rose.” Collin said. Mary turned around in a pivot for Collin he had a smile on his face. “This is where our father hid you for twelve years.” Collin said. “Yes Uncle Archibald sent me here to get an education, obtain those social graces I will need to be fulfilling my position in life.” Mary said. “Where have you been since the last time we saw one another?” Mary asked. “Mary we will have plenty of time to catch up with each other. I have been instructed to come pick you up, bring you back home. We have a good two days journey to do before we reach Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said. “I am packed up already. I will go get my bags we can be on our way.” Mary said walking up the stairs to her room to collect her belongings. A few minutes later, Collin, she was packing her bags in the trunk of the limousine that would drive them back to Misselthwaite Manor. Mary stood at the door of La Francais said, “Adieu Madame Dubois.” Madame Dubois said, Adieu Mademoiselle Mary, have a safe journey back to England.” “Thank you Madame Dubois for everything you have done for me.” Mary said. “You are welcome Mademoiselle Mary.” Madame Dubois said, walked up the stairs, watched the limousine drive down the drive way of the Académie and finally out of sight. James, Lord Craven’s driver was driving the limousine back to England that carry Lord Collin and Lady Mary back to England. Collin said, “I tried to get father to give me your address he refused.” “I heard from Mrs. Metlock she told me you did a tour of military duty in HRH King George’s Royal Army. This angered your father very much.” Mary said. “Yes he thought it would be better for me to be a coward rather than defend this great country of ours.” Collin said. “It was very brave but stupid.” Mary said. “I did not do very well at Oxford University.” Collin said, “It was then I decided to enlist in the Royal Army.” “I see did nothing interest you at Oxford. It is a prestigious institution.” Mary said. “No I found it extremely boring.” Collin said, “Father got angry once again because my grades fell below a B average.” “I see so where did you from being in the military.” Mary asks. “Father got me into Elton, another boring university and preparatory college.” Collin said “I see how did you do there?” Mary asked. “I didn’t do very well, so Father got me a flat in Eton.” Collin said. “You had your own flat how exciting.” Mary said. “No not really. I didn’t make many friends; it was very lonely for me.” Collin said. “I am sorry Collin that your life after the garden hadn’t been very exciting or interesting.” Mary said. “What did you do with all that time on your hands?” Mary asked. “I just stayed to myself in my flat. I got out occasionally but when it all came down to it, I was thinking of our garden, you, and me when we were children.” Collin said. “What did you not date other Mademoiselles all of this time.” Mary asked. “I did but when I was with them, my thoughts were with us in the garden.” Collin said. “What about you Mary?” Collin ask “I have been locked away at La Francais for all these years. My only friends I made were with books in the library.” Mary said “You were not allowed to go out.” Collin said. “No it was a very strict environment I am afraid.” Mary said. “They didn’t let you go out at all?” Collin said. “Yes we were allowed to go out on Sundays to attend church services.” Mary said, “We came right back after services were over.” “You have no suitors at this time.” Collin asked. “Collin Craven, we were not allowed to have suitors.” Mary said. “Your life must have been terribly lonely and boring.” Collin said empathically. “My life was lonely. I kept to myself in my room curled up with my only friends which were books.” Mary said. “I am sorry Mary had I known how horrible you life was going to be, I would have found out where you were came to rescue you.” Collin said. “You would have been my damsel in distress, I your knight in shining amour.” Collin said. “It is over with and done with now, why have we been called home?” Mary asked. “I really don’t know Mrs. Metlock’s telegram was very short it just said for me to go directly to La Francais in Zurich, Switzerland, pick you up bring you back to England with me.” Collin said. “Madame Dubois received a telegram from Mrs. Metlock requesting that I be allowed to come home with you.” Mary said, “Both Madame Dubois and I were surprised when the request came.” “Well in two days time we will find out why we have been called home.” Collin said. “Yes we will.” Mary said quietly, looked out the window. “Mary was that you looking out from the window when we drove into La Francais.” Collin asked Mary. “Yes it was me. I am always looking of my window.” Mary said. “I thought that was you. You have grown up to resemble our mothers.” Collin said fondly. Mary said nothing, but smiled. “I have missed our garden, the time we spent together Mary.” Collin said, “I never thought Father would be so cruel as to separate us for the last twelve years. “Collin there is one thing I have learned that life is cruel and very unfair.” Mary says. “I don’t like it.” Collin says, “I never wanted us to be separated.” “Collin, I have never stopped loving you.” Mary says gently, “I often wondered how you doing in England.” “I was living that is all. I was waiting for us.” Collin said. “Je avoir être attendre pour nous pour une long temp.” Mary said. “Tell me Collin do you still love me as you once did when we were children.” Mary asks Collin. “I have never stopped loving you. I kept holding on that the time would come when we would be brought back together for whatever the reason.” Collin said. “Collin looks at Mary says, “I have something to ask you Mary.” “Yes Collin what is that you wish to ask me?” Mary asked. “Mary Lennox will you do me the honor of becoming my wife.” Collin asks Mary. “What will your father say Collin?” Mary asks “I don’t think he will disapprove.” Collin says, “May I have your answer.” Mary looks at Collin as they are traveling back to England says, “Yes Collin I will marry you and become your wife.” “You have made me a happy man this day Mary Lennox.” Collin said taking out a little velvet box, taking Mary’s left hand in his, slipping an engagement ring on her left finger. “This ring once belonged to my late mother. My father gave it to her upon their engagement. I know my dear late mother would want you to have it.” Collin says. “It is beautiful Collin.” Mary said demurely. Mary, Collin sat quietly all the rest of the way back to Misselthwaite Manor until James pulled up in the circular driveway that went to the front door of Misselthwaite Manor. James stopped the car, turned off the ignition, stepped out of the car, to come around open the door for Lady Mary, Lord Collin. Lady Mary stepped out first, followed by Lord Collin said, “It has been a long time since I have been home.” Mrs. Metlock greeted them at the front door said, “Lady Mary, Lord Collin, it is good to see you again.” Good to see you again Metlock.” Collin said, “Isn’t it Mary?” “Yes it is.” Mary said. “Lord Collin, Lady Mary, Lord Craven, Dr. Craven have been waiting for your arrival. They want you to go straight upstairs to your father’s bedroom where he is right now.” Mrs. Metlock said. “What is it Metlock?” Collin asked. “It is not for me to say. Dr. Craven will reveal everything to you.” Mrs. Metlock said. Collin took Mary by the hand, headed upstairs to his father’s bedroom, when Collin and Mary came in; they were much disturbed on Lord Craven’s debilitating condition. “Lord Collin, Lady Mary, I am glad to see that you two have arrived safely from your journey.” Dr. Craven said. “Yes we just arrived, Mrs. Metlock told us to come right up.” Collin said. Lord Craven heard his son’s voice said, “Collin is that you, did you bring Lady Mary with you.” “Yes father it is I your son Collin, Lady Mary is with me.” Collin said. “Come closer my children, I am glad that you arrived safely home.” Lord Craven said. “Father, it is good to see you. I have Lady Mary with me.” Collin said. “Come closer both of you I need to talk to you both.” Lord Craven said. Collin, Mary moved closer to Lord Craven’s bed he said, “Collin, Mary, I am a very sick man. I don’t have much longer to live. I have lived a happy life for the last twelve years thanks to Mary brings us back to life.” “Collin my son, Misselthwaite Manor will pass onto you as soon as I pass away keep it in our family.” Lord Craven asks Collin. “I promise father that nothing will ever happen to Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said. “Good my son, now I have a last request to ask of you. Collin take the Lady Mary unto you to be your wife.” Lord Craven asks Collin. “Father, I have already asked Lady Mary to be my wife. She has given me her consent.” Collin said, “We are already betrothed.” Lord Craven looks up at his son, his niece, said, “I am happy, can die in peace.” Lord Craven said, “Mary come closer I have something to tell you.” Mary walked a little closer to her uncle, Archibald Craven he said, “Mary, in Lily’s room is an oak hope chest inside of this hope chest you will find many things that once belonged to my dear Lily, your Aunt. They are now your property.” “You will also find a picture in a heart shaped photo frame of Lily and your mother Rose taken when we were first married in 1899. I want you to have it.” Lord Craven said “Thank you Uncle.” Mary said. “Collin, Mary, remember I love you. I have instructed Dickon, Ben to tend to all the gardens especially Lily’s garden.” Lord Craven said. Lord Craven started to cough, Dr Craven said, “Collin, Mary, you must go now. Lord Craven needs to rest.” Lord Craven turns around one last time says, “Collin, Mary, I have instruction for Cousin Neville to take care of my entire funeral and interment arranges.” “It will be as you wish Father.” Collin said. “Children I must ask you to leave me. I grow tired.” Lord Craven said, “Collin, Mary if we don’t see each other again remember I love you.” “Father we love you too.” Collin said taking Mary by her hand leading her out of Lord Craven’s bedroom. It would be the last time either Collin or Mary would see Lord Craven alive, because a very minutes later he would lapse into an unconscious state, never wake up from his comma. Neville Craven came out said, “Lord Collin, Lord Craven your father has just passed away on this 19th day of May in the year 1923 at the age of 69.” “You are now Lord of Misselthwaite Manor by right and inheritance.” Neville Craven said. “Neville go call up the household help out to the foyer I wish to tell them myself that father has passed away.” Collin said. “Yes Lord Craven.” Neville said with a bow. Collin walked out with Mary into the foyer said, “This is a sad day for Misselthwaite Manor. My father, Lord Archibald Craven has passed away. I am now by right and inheritance Lord Craven of Misselthwaite Manor and Lady Mary is now the Grand Mistress of Misselthwaite Manor.” “We will have thirty day of mourning starting this day and ending on June 19th, 1923, after which time Lady Mary and I will start to plan our wedding.” Collin said. “We shall adhere to etiquette, wear black during this time of mourning. If any of the servants need a black dress or suit, they are to go to Mrs. Metlock that will see that you are given the appropriate mourning clothes.” Collin said. “Misselthwaite Manor will enter into a new era now.” Collin said, “The new era will begin after the thirty days of mourning for my late father.” “I have spoke all may return to his/her household duties.” Collin said, all the servants returned to their duties. Mary looked at Collin said, “Pardonner ma fiancé Je vouloir aimer pour aller pour ma chambers.” Mary said with a curtsey. Collin walks over to Mary says, “You never need to curtsey to me I am your loving, devoted Collin my Mary.” “My lord you are now Lord of Misselthwaite Manor.” Mary says. “You are the Grand Mistress of Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin replies. “You honor me by such a title.” Mary said with a curtsey. “You are worthy of such an honor.” Collin replies. “You will excuse me my dear Collin, the journey from Switzerland to England has been a long, exhaustive one for me. I am in need of rest.” Mary says. “You are excused my dear Mary to go and rest. Shall I come to you later with tea and scones?” Collin asks. ‘Yes in a few hours.” Mary says curtseying, walking out the door, but not before she turns around, smiles at Collin before she starts her ascend up the stairs to her former compartments. Collin calls “Mary I love you.” Mary turns around says “Je t’ aimé, continues to walk up the stairs. Mrs. Metlock comes out says, “Congratulations Lord Craven on your betrothed to Lady Mary.” “Thank you Mrs. Metlock.” Collin says walking into his late father’s study. “Lord Collin, did Lord Craven die peacefully.” Mrs. Metlock asked. “Yes he lapsed into a comma, died peacefully, he was in no pain.” Collin said, “Dr. Craven will make all the funeral arrangements which will be private.” Collin said, “He wishes to be interned with my late mother Lily, who is buried at the Anglican Church of St. Ann in Thwaite Village.” “It is only fitting that he be laid to rest next to the only woman he ever loved and loved him.” Mrs. Metlock said. “Yes I agree he is now with my mother in a garden paradise.” Collin said. “Your father was a good, honorable man.” Mrs. Metlock said, “It grieved me to see him suffer for the first ten years after Lady Lily passed away after your birth.” “I am glad that Lady Mary was able to restore both of you to good health and happiness.” Mrs. Metlock said. “Lady Mary has many of the same qualities that your late mother had.” Mrs. Metlock said. “Mrs. Metlock you are too instruct the Cook to make tea and scones, bring them up to Lady Mary’s sitting room.” Collin said. “Yes Lord Craven, I will go tell the Cook to do it at once.” Mrs. Metlock said, curtseyed, and left Collin alone in Lord Craven’s study. Lady Mary decided to come back down stairs, Collin looks out of the study said, and “I thought you were going to rest my Mary.” “I could not seem to get to sleep so I decided to come in join you.” Mary said. “Would you like me to have Cook prepare us something light to eat?” Collins said. “Yes please do I am hungry.” Mary said wearing a simple black mourning dress with a white collar and lace at the sleeves. “You look good in black.” Collin says. “I do not like black it reminds me of death and dying.” Mary says. “I don’t care for black myself, but etiquette dictates that we wear black out of respect.” Collin says. “I would never go against the rules of etiquette you know that dear Collin.” Mary said. “I know you wouldn’t neither would I. I tell you one day after the official mourning period is completed for father. We will start to wear spring colors that will cheer us up greatly. We can start to plan our wedding.” Collin said. “Collin ma fiancé I have one request to ask of you concerning our wedding?” Mary says. “Yes what is it Mary, I will give you anything you ask for.” Collin replies. “I want our wedding to be small, formal, and private. Let it be held in our garden.” Mary asks. “It shall be as you wish; our wedding will be private, held in the garden.” Collin says. “Thank you my dear fiancé it means the world to me.” Mary says. “You know I could never refuse you want you ask.” Collin said. Mrs. Metlock comes into the study says, “I have dinner for you both. You have journeyed along way. It is time you eat something.” “Come Mary, let us eat dinner together. It is something we can do until we are lawfully wedded to each other.” Collin says. “My lord fiancé I come to you a maiden. The night of our honeymoon will be special to both of us.” Mary says. “Mary my dearest you know I would never force my intentions on you. I have far too much respect for you.” Collin says. “Thank you my dear Collin, when we are wed I will never deny you that which a man needs so much.” Mary says. “I would never ask you to do anything you didn’t feel like doing.” Collin said, “I am after a gentleman.” Mary, Collin ate dinner together in the study, they listened to music playing on the radio before both went their separate ways to go to sleep. Collin walked Mary to her compartments said, “It grieves me we must be separated again for a short period of time. I have waited this long, I can wait a little longer for you.” Collin said he bends over kisses Mary. She responds to his kiss, places her lips on his mouth. “Bonn Nuit ma fiancé Je volonté pray que vous sommeil bien.” Mary says. “Good night my dear Mary, I will be dreaming about you.” Collin said. “I will be dreaming about you as well.” Mary replies, closes the door behind her. Collin walks back to his compartments but later he walks down the corridor to Mary’s compartments. Collin knocks on Mary’s door, “Mary is you awake?” “No Collin, you may come in. I am just reading.” Mary says Collin walks into Mary’s compartment says, “I remember when I was first able to walk. I found away up to your bedroom. Do you remember?” Collin asks. “Oh yes I remember it, we found photos of Uncle Archie, Aunt Lily while she was pregnant with you.” Mary said, “You said Aunt Lily was beautiful.” “Yes I always thought the pictures of my mother were beautiful. She looked so happy in our garden that was her garden before we had it.” Collin said. “Yes I suspect those were the happiest times in Aunt Lily’s and Uncle Archie’s lives.” Mary said. “I am sorry that Aunt Lily’s life was cut short.” Mary says, “I would have loved to know her.” “My own mother wanted nothing to do with me.” Mary said, “I wasn’t pretty enough for her. I think if she saw me now she may want to have something to do with me.” Mary said. “Uncle Archie gave me the only picture that was taken of Aunt Lily with my mother Rose.” Mary said, “They looked happy enough but I wonder.” “Uncle Archie gave me Aunt Lily’s Hope Chest.” Mary said, “Once we have completed the mourning for Uncle Archie, I will go into Aunt Lily’s room, open up the Hope Chest.” Mary said, “I wonder what was in my late mother’s Hope Chest.” Collin said. “I think women use a Hope Chest to store things of sentiment value.” Mary says. “Mary I wonder what if my late mother’s wedding dress is in that Hope Chest?” Collin asks “Oh that would be something. I would wear it to our wedding.” Mary says. “My late mother and father did have a wedding, but the gown was burned to get rid of the cholera.” Mary said. “We will look through it together once father’s mourning is completed.” Collin said. “Yes let us do it together.” Mary said yawning. “I am keeping you up my Mary. The journey for us has been long. We still have To get through 29 days of mourning, father’s Requiem Mass, internment service.” Collin says. Collin stops says, “Je désirer que Je pouvoir sommeil avec vous Ma Mary.” Collin says, “Je long pour faire rapports sexuel avec vous.” “My dear beloved Collin, we have waited this long. We can wait a little longer. I want us to faire rapports sexuel on our wedding night.” Mary says. “I ache for you my Mary.” Collin says. “You must be brave, strong my fiancé.” Mary says, “I ache too but I will come to you a maiden, you will be the first and only man I will ever faire rapports sexuel too.” Mary says. “I would never force my intentions on you Mary. What kind of a man would I be that forces me on my fiancée?” Collin says. “I know you would never force yourself upon me.” Mary says, “It is the one thing I love about you the most.” “Well My Mary, I will leave you to sleep alone in your bed, I go to my bed alone but it will not keep me from dreaming about us faire rapports sexuel.” Collin says. “Bonn nuit encore ma fiancé I will see you tomorrow.” Mary says, once again walks Collin to the door, see him out, walk down the corridor to his bedroom. She closes the door. She pulls down the sheet to her bed, get between the sheets, and covers herself up with quilt and blankets that are left to her to stay warm. Mary falls into a peaceful sleep after a long journey comes to an end. The next morning Mary is woken up by the door opening, she looks up much too her delight it is Martha. Mary jumps out of bed says, “Is that really you Martha.” Mary says hugging her chambermaid. “Yes Ma’am, it is me Martha Sowerby. I heard Lord Craven and you got back from your journey.” Martha said putting down a tray of tea and scones for Mary. “Yes Lord Archibald passed away.” Mary said sadly. “Lord Collin is now Lord Craven.” “I hear Lord Craven and you are engaged to be wed Lady Mary.” Martha says “Yes Martha, Lord Craven and I are engaged to be married as soon as we complete Lord Archibald’s mourning period.” Mary says. “I have missed you Martha, how is your brother Dickon?” Mary asks. “Dickon is still helping Ben to take care of the gardens Lady Mary.” Martha says. “I see you have brought some new flock’s home with you. My but they are pretty. Did you get them in Zurich?” Martha asked. “Yes most of them, some of them were presents for my birthdays.” Mary said, ‘If you see one or two that you like by all means take them. I will not wear them. They will suit you to wear on Sundays for church.” “You don’t like the flocks.” Martha asked. “No they are much to gaudy and decorative for me.” Mary says, “I like my dress to be simple.” “I have an extra black dress you may have. It will be suitable to wear for the mourning period.” Mary tells Martha giving her the black dress with white lace trim around the collar, cuffs, and hem of the dress. “Thank you Lady Mary. I would take the rose and green print dresses if it is alright with you.” Martha says. “Take them they are yours. I plan to buy some new dresses at the Dry Goods Store in Thwaite Village.” Mary says. “Lady Mary when is Lord Craven’s funeral and burial.” Martha asks. “Dr. Craven is making all the arrangements now. It will be a private interment for Lord Archibald Craven.” Mary said, “That is what he wished for.” “He will be buried at The Anglican Church of St. Ann’s next to his dear wife, My Aunt Lily.” Mary said. “Lady Mary did Lord Craven suffer much before he died.” Martha asked. “No he lapsed into a comma and never came out of it. He died in his sleep.” Mary said, “He suffers no pain.” “I am glad that Lord Craven died peacefully in his sleep.” Martha said. “We have 29 days of mourning to get through, his interment at St. Ann’s.” Mary said. “How is Lord Collin holding up?” Martha asks Mary. “Lord Collin is holding up very well. I expect he will not let us know how he really feels.” Mary said. “Lord Collin is taking his father’s death as well as he can. He now has huge responsibility.” Mary said to Martha. “When will ye two be married?” Martha asked. “We will not start planning our wedding until after the mourning period is over with.” Mary says, “Our wedding will be private, formal, held in our garden.” “Well Lady Mary, I think Mrs. Metlock will start to look for me soon. I better be on my way back to the kitchen.” Martha says. “If Metlock asks where you have been tell her you have been with Lady Mary.” Mary said. “I will tell Lady Mary.” Martha said, curtseyed, and walked out the room where Mary was staying. A few minutes later, Mary hears someone knocking at her door says, “Come in Collin who else would be knocking at my door.” “Good Morning My Mary how did you sleep last night.” Collin asks Mary. “I slept very well Collin. Martha has brought us some tea and scones. Would you like some?” Mary asked. “Yes I would love to have some tea and scones with you.” Collin said. “Well go sit down at the table, I will pour you some tea and give you some of these fine buttered scones.” Mary says. “I saw Cousin Craven he has all the funeral arrangements taken care of.” Collin said. “I see so when is the Requiem Mass and internment.” Mary asks. “It will be in two days time May 20, 1923 at 10 AM at The Anglican Church of St. Ann in Thwaite Village.” Collin said. “It wouldn’t seem the same without Uncle Archibald around now.” Mary says. “I know Mary it has to think of father not being in his study.” Collin said. “He died peacefully, in no pain.” Mary says. Yes I am glad he went in peace.” Collin said, “I guess I always thought my father would be alive for a long time.” “Collin we are both nearly 24, Uncle Archie was nearing 70.” Mary said. “Yes it does seem like he was an old man now.” Collin said. “Collin Craven, Uncle Archie was not that old.” Mary said, “One day you may reach that age how would you like it if your children called you an old man.” Mary asked. “You have something there.” Collin said in agreement. Mary said nothing but sipped her tea, ate her scones that Martha had brought up to her. Mary gets up; walks over to the window that looks out into the court yard, from there you can see the path that leads into the garden. Mary smiles a little when she thinks of the garden, how much she missed it all the time when she was away at La Francais. La Francais had a back yard court yard, and some formal gardens that one could walk around in. Sometimes she would take her book outside, read it in the garden. Collin looks at Mary says, “What are you looking at My Mary?” “Rein.” Mary said Je suis simplement penser de le jardin.” Mary said “”Ah yes I noticed you looking out the window, from the window you can see the path that leads into the garden.” Collin said. “Yes I was just thinking about the garden. I know it would inappropriate go out into the garden during the mourning period.” Mary says. “I don’t see how it would be you are showing no respect towards father if you do.” Collin said, “He gave you the garden.” “I must be seen in black all during this period.” Mary said, “I do detest it so.” “There is nothing we can do about the mourning colors.” Collin says, “It is proper etiquette that we wear black out of respect for my father.” “Yes I will honor the request because I understand it fit and proper to do so, but as soon as the mourning period is over, I will put on a lighter color.” Mary says. “You many wear whatever color you want to after the mourning period.” Collin said. “I will go in to Thwaite Village into the Dry Good store buy me some new dresses in brighter colors.” Mary said. “What you don’t have enough flocks to do wear.” Collin asks “I would not wear any of them they are much to gaudy.” Mary said, “I prefer the simpler dresses.” Collin just looks at Mary smiles, “You are simple Mary that is one of the reasons I love you so much.” Thank you Monsieur I appreciate that.” Mary replies. “Life will be so different now that Uncle Archie has passed away.” Mary replies. “Father is at peace now. We have each other My Mary.” Collin said. “Yes we do, we have our garden waiting for us.” Mary says. Mary hears a knock at her door, it is Mrs. Metlock, “Excuse me Lord Collin; Dr. Craven is in the study he would like to see you.” Mrs. Metlock said. “Tell my cousin Mary and I will be down in a few moments.” Collin said. Yes Lord Collin, I will go give him your message immediately.” Mrs. Metlock said. “Come Mary, we must not keep Cousin Craven waiting.” Collin says taking Mary by the hand, they walk down the stairs, enter the study. “You asked to see me.” Collin asked. “Yes Lord Collin, I have finalized your father’s funeral and internment services with the Vicar of St. Ann’s.” Dr. Craven said. “We will have a private service tomorrow with the internment.” Dr. Craven said. “I want to thank you cousin for taking care of the funeral arrangements.” Collin said. “I was carrying out your late father’s last request.” Dr. Craven said. “We are grateful for your assistance.” Collin said, Mary said nothing. “I hear Lady Mary and you are engaged to marry my hearty congratulations on your upcoming marriage.” Dr Craven said. “Thank you cousin, we will not start planning it until after the thirty days of mourning for father is completed.” Collin said, “We have agreed that we want it in our garden.” “A garden wedding in Lily’s garden it is appropriate that her son and niece be married in the garden you all love so much.” Cousin Craven said. Mary just looked out the window as Collin and his cousin talked to each other. “Pardonner ma aimé Je volonté aller pour ma chambers.” Mary says. Collin turns around and said, “I will be up later to check on you My Mary. I know you are tired.” Mary curtseys, walks out of the room, heads back upstairs to her compartments that are safe and private. She closes the door, walks over to her bed, and lies down in it. She closes her eyes, drifts off to sleep. Dr. Craven said, “Lady Mary is very tired from her journey I see.” “Yes Mary did not sleep much from Switzerland to England in the car.” Collin said, “I am afraid she is taking father’s death hard.” “It is to be expected. Lord Archibald had been her guardian for the last 12 years they got very close.” Dr. Craven said. “Lady Mary just needs some peace and quiet, and rest.” Collin said. “She has turned quite into the young woman, and a classic beauty.” Dr. Craven said. “Yes she reminds me of Aunt Rose and mother.” Collin said. “She does resemble Lily and Rose very much.” Dr. Craven said. “Father gave her a picture of Aunt Rose and Mother together in the garden.” Collin says, “I see her looking at the picture from time to time.” “I remember that photo. It was taken right before Rose and Albert Lennox was transferred to India in that was in 1899.” Dr. Craven said. ” Rose, Albert came to say good- bye to Lily, Archie; they would never to see each other again.” Dr. Craven said. “Why?” Collin said. “Well your dear mother died in 1901, after you were born.” Dr. Craven said, “Your father went into mourning until 1911.” Collin listened to his cousin but had many questions on his mind. “Cousin Neville what happened between Lily and Aunt Rose?” Collin asked. “Rose couldn’t believe that Lily loved Archie.” Neville said, “She told Lily she would never see her after she married. I think the picture is taken before Lord Craven and Lily were actually married. There are no more pictures taken of them together.” Neville said, “It broke her heart to see that her sister would have nothing more to do with each other.” “Colonel Lennox and Rose married were transferred under HRH majesty’s government to The Government House in India in 1899. The last letter Archie, Lily, received from Rose was in 1900, she was pregnant.” Neville said, she said her baby was due in July of 1901.” “Your dear mother found she was pregnant with you in late 1900, you were to be born in early of 1901, near Christmas time. She had an accident in the garden, it brought on her labor to soon. She held on long enough to give birth to you, passed away shortly thereafter.”’ Neville said, “You were 3months too soon in September of 1901.” “None of us thought you would live, but personally Lord Collin I am glad you have grown up to live.” Neville said, “I am sure Lady Mary and you will be happy.” “Mary and I have come to realize that we are each other‘s destinée.” Collin said, “I could and never would love another woman.” “When we drove in La Francais I noticed this young woman looking out of her balcony window, I looked up, she was exquisite.” Collin said,” I found out that it was Mary looking out of her balcony window she was dressed in a simple white dress.” “I saw her walking down the stairs of the académie she looked so beautiful spoke in French that she did not know any gentlemen.” Collin said. “I turned around said, Mary it is Collin.” Collin said to Cousin Craven “She was very surprised to see me after twelve years of being separated from each other.” Collin said. Mary came walking through the door said, Bonjour être vous parlant environ me.” Collin stood up, walked to the door said, “Comment est ma belle fiancée aujourd’hui pouvoir Je demander?” Collin asks Mary “Je suis faire bien pour quoi faire vous demander.” Mary asks. Je demander vous parce que Je amour vous que est pour quoi Je demander.” Collin said. “Est la tout tea pour nous pour avoir.” Mary asks. “I will have Metlock order the Cook to brew us a pot of tea and bring u s some scones.” Collin said. “Merci j’espère Je Suis pas être une problème.” Mary said to Collin. “No my dear Mary you are not being a problem.” Collin replied. “Si Je suis être une problème pour vous Je vouloir retourner pour La Francais.” Mary says. “I would never allow you to return to Zurich, Switzerland.” Collin said. “Que vous vouloir retenir me ici contre ma désir être ceci que vous appeler amour Monsieur.” Mary asks. “Mary I would never hold you against your will. I love you.” Collin said. Mary smiles, walks over to the table where Martha has brought in some fresh tea and scones, Mary is dressed in a simple black mourning dress, with a black bonnet covering her head it has a veil coming down from the bonnet. “Lady Mary you dress very simply in a nice black dress, bonnet.” Dr. Craven said. “Thank you Dr. Craven.” Mary says, “Lord Collin is lucky to have you.” Collin says, “I am blessed to have my Mary by my side.” “Merci mon fiancée pour dire que vous avoir dire environ me.” Mary says. Mary pours two cups of tea, gives one to Dr. Craven, the other too Collin, says, “No more talk about morbid things.” Mary then goes over pours herself a cup of tea, and placed two scones on her plate sat down next Collin. Dr. Craven, Mary, and Collin spent a quiet day in Lord Craven’s study. They decided it was the best way to remember Lord Craven before his Requiem Mass and interment. “Collin, ma fiancée did Mrs. Metlock get everyone appropriate attired for Uncle Archie’s Requiem Mass and interment tomorrow.” Mary asks Yes all the female servants are wearing a simple black dress with a white apron over it and the male servants are wearing black pants, white shirts, and black blazers.” Collin said. “I am glad Mrs. Metlock is so efficient.” Mary says sipping her tea. “Yes she is very efficient when it comes to running the household.” Collin said, “Of course you my love are the Grand Mistress of Misselthwaite Manor, you have final say over the household help.” Collin said, “I leave it in your capable hands.” “You honor me “Mary says, “I am not sure I am worthy of such an honor but thank you.” “You are worthy of the honor.” Collin said, “I wouldn’t bestow the honor on any other woman.” Mary bows her head, smiles, but remains quiet for the rest of the day. _____________________________________________________________________