Dear readers, I have a knack for, when writing a narrative, drawing it out as long as possible, including every detail, and in the end, writing a 50 page story when the teacher actually only asked for 5 pages. I have been told that a good writer is actually a person who can write a short story, and still get the point across and include as many details as needed, yet within the maximum amount of pages. So I have decided to periodically take a painting, and write a short story for it. I hope you enjoy.
The Admirer (cliche title, I know)
Camille set down the boxes upon boxes of hats and clothes on the small table near the door as was the tradition. Later, a servant would come along, take the boxes and carry them up to the large walk-in closet attached to her room. Because, of course, Camille couldn't do so.
She was a lady of high class, not some dirty maid!
Camille peeled her gloves from her hands and tossed them over her shoulder, not caring where they landed. A servant could pick them up.
"Ma'am, you received some letters today," a servant bobbed in front of her before holding out a packet of mail. "And a gift," she added, taking a bouquet of roses out from where she was hiding them behind her back.
Camille snatched the letters and began hastily searching them. A Bill, another Bill, another Bill ....ah! Here was what looked like a letter from a gentleman. The same gentleman who had sent her the flowers.
And what beautiful flowers they were also! Full of life and color... Camille sliced through the seal and quickly began reading the letter. Who could her admirer be? What was his name? Did she know him, or was he one of those gentlemen, who preferred to admire ladies from afar? Was he rich? Well of course he was, look at the lovely flowers! A rich gentleman sounded like a very good deal indeed!
Hmm, maybe he was one of those lords... perhaps even a handsome lord! A strong jaw, a piercing gaze.... Camille almost swooned at the thought.
Her eyes eagerly scanned the letter.
Dear Miss Camille Keatenly,
I regret to inform you, especially in letter form, that your dear father, Sir Keatenly, has passed away, God rest his soul. I have read his will, and it has informed me that all his fortune will be donated to several orphanages he specifically listed.I am sorry, but you will need to sell your home, property and possessions in order to earn enough money to support yourself, since Sir Keatenly has left next to nothing for you except for a small bag of money, stating clearly in his letter that you have been alienated from him since a very young age, caring for no one but yourself. I am sorry to have to bear such harsh words for you, therefore I am also sending some flowers as a comfort in your time of mourning.
Sincerely, Mr. Arlington, Lawyer of Sir Keatenly
Camille stood as if in a trance. Her father, dead? She faintly remembered hearing something about him having a disease.... but that wasn't the worst part! She was now a poor, lowly, girl! What was she to do? She was now in the same station as the same girl who had just handed her the letters!
Bitterly, Camille turned, stooped down, and picked up the gloves she had flung to the floor.
