It was a dark stormy morning in April of 1895. The library was lit by candles and it contrasted with the soft colors that Tessa had grown to love over the past years. The institute was as lively as ever with children running a muck. Tessa Herondale née Gray grew accustomed to reading on stormy nights in the library. Her fingers slid among the mahogany tables as her eyes flickered searchingly through the shelves. It took only a moment to find where her favorite book was placed among the vast amount of novels. A Tale of Two Cities was left on the desk by the window. Tessa lifted it gently off the desk, examining the cover softly before opening it. The first thing she saw was Will's note he had left her that seemed so long ago. A small smile tugged the corner of her mouth. Her mind swirled with memories of Will. She remembered the balcony at the Lightwood's party, which was embarrassing at the time but now, was a fond memory. Only the soft creak of the library door stirred her from her thoughts.
A young girl, about five, stood by the door. Thick brown hair tumbled to her shoulders and her eyes were an impossible blue, like Will's. The little girl edged toward her, peering up at her with wide innocent eyes. She tugged on Tessa's skirt, her thumb absentmindedly making its way to her mouth.
"What's wrong, darling?" Tessa cooed, bending down and sweeping the little girl in her arms. Thunder sounded loudly outside, and the small girl clung to Tessa until the rumbling ceased.
"I can't sleep mummy." The little girl mumbled, her face pressed against Tessa's neck to hide from the raging storm outside.
"It's okay, Lucie. It is only a storm. It'll pass." Tessa murmured softly before walking toward the opposite side of the room. She gently eased herself down into a chair, taking the frightened young girl down with her. Tessa read a small bit to Lucie, who was content in staying in the safety of her mother's arms.
"Did you know there is a Lucie in this story too?" Tessa asked her small daughter, whose eyes glittered in the dark at the idea.
"Is she like me, mummy?" Lucie asked. Her eyes rounded with excitement and wonder. Tessa smiled lovingly at her daughter and brushed a brown lock behind her ear.
"She is intelligent and brave, just like you Lucie." Tessa said while gently tapping Lucie's nose eliciting a giggle from the five year old.
"Read to me mummy, please?" Lucie pleaded with wide eyes. They were so much like Will's she caved and began to read.
She read until the storm ceased and to her surprise, Lucie had fallen asleep in her arms. Quietly, she set the book down on the mahogany table and cradled her daughter, walking down the hall to her bedroom. She soundlessly slid the young girl into her bed and kissed her forehead. Tessa blew out the candle that was previously lit before Lucie had fled to find her mother. As Tessa reached to close the door behind her Lucie stirred, turning over on her side to face her mother.
"Mummy, I want to be just like you." She breathed sleepily, her eyelids drooping. She was asleep in a matter of moments. Smiling, Tessa gently shut the bedroom door.