Chapter 1
Mary was coming home. It was the end of her final term at the finishing school her dear uncle had sent her to, but she felt no excitement because this was not the only reason she was coming home. Her uncle, Archibald Craven, was dead. He had not lived very long life, or a very happy one, but she had loved him and now he was gone. Tears rolled silently down her cheeks just like the rain outside the window. The rain reminded her of the first time she had come to Misselthwaite Manor, both times after deaths happening to people close to her, but this was the first time it had mattered. Since Colin had not married yet, she was the lady of the house and she would be expected to see to the details of Uncle's funeral. But for now, she just let herself cry.
As the train neared Thwaite Station, she dried her tears and tried to look like a dignified young lady. She was still trying to hold back the tears when she dismounted the stairs and saw Ms. Medlock waiting for her. She smiled a little, because Mrs. Medlock still looked the same as she had all those years ago when she had been a sallow, disagreeable nine year old.
"Good morning Miss Mary. The carriage is this way." That was all the greeting she would get from Mrs. Medlock.
The carriage ride back reintroduced her to the wonders of the moor in early summer and she felt her breath catch at its beauty. Another few tears escaped at the memories the view brought back, but Mrs. Medlock decided to ignore these.
"The Manor hasn't changed very much while you've been away, and the garden has been taken care of by Phil Sowerby." Mrs. Medlock was saying.
Mary interrupted her here, "Phil? But what about Dickon? I mean, not that Phil probably isn't doing a good job but…"
Mrs. Medlock gave her a kindly smile. "Dickon has started to work as the veterinarian in town, since so many people brought their animals to him anyway. He asked Phil to take over since Phil has the same green thumb and was Mr. Weatherstaff's assistant for a few years before he died."
"That's right. Of course Dickon should take that opportunity."
The rest of the ride across the moor passed in a similar manner until the carriage drew to a halt in front of the Manor. Mary took a moment before she opened the door and went around to face the crowd. She was home.
Colin gave his cousin a weary smile as she came around the side of the carriage. These past few weeks had been hard. He was just glad that she had gotten home safe. He opened his arms to give her a hug. "It's good to see you Mary." Then he pulled back a bit into his new role. "Would you like to see your room first, or be served? Supper will be served at your convenience."
Mary was a little surprised at how formal he was acting, but since she could see the effects of the strain and grief she decided to play along. "I will view my rooms and be ready for supper in a half an hour if that is agreeable."
Colin gave a short nod. "It shall be done." At a signal, some of the servants started to carry Mary's bags upstairs to whatever room she would be occupying. She hoped it wasn't her old one. There were too many memories there, and she wasn't ready for that yet.