Chapter 14: What was left behind
"Ruelle, isn't it stunning?!" Caroline's voice rose in excitement as her reflection in the mirror gleamed with the promise of the future in her ivory gown.
Ruelle, standing in the seamstress' shop, smiled softly. She watched her sister fondly, a warmth filling her voice as she responded, "You look beautiful, Caroline. Truly."
"Miss Caroline, if you would just hold still for a moment," Mrs. Seymour warned gently, adjusting pins with practiced precision. "The dress won't fit right if you keep moving."
"Oh, pardon me, Mrs. Seymour. I just can't help it!" Caroline's laughter filled the shop.
The seamstress glanced at Ruelle with an observant eye and remarked, "It looks like life at Sexton has been kind to you, Miss Ruelle."
Ruelle's smile tightened ever so slightly. "It is certainly a world of its own," she admitted. She then made a request, her tone hesitant. "Mrs. Seymour, do you think I could borrow some wool threads you no longer have any use for?"
Mrs. Seymour nodded warmly. "Of course, dear. There's plenty in the backroom."
As the conversation about the architecture of Sexton continued, Caroline, who had been watching Ruelle's reflection in the mirror rather than listening, interrupted impatiently, "Mrs. Seymour, the veil? You promised it would be ready," she added, brushing aside their conversation as if swatting at an insignificant fly.
After spending three more hours in the seamstress' shop, assisting Caroline with wedding preparations, Ruelle finally embarked on her journey back to Sexton. Clutching the coins for the local carriage fare, she navigated through the village's cobblestone streets.
Upon arriving, she stepped down from the carriage, her breath misting in the cool afternoon air.
Before Ruelle could cross the heart of Sexton, she spotted someone—Lucian, perched on the parapet next to a towering pillar.