Hearts Call

Chapter 1 (Return to Misselthwaite)

Mary's carriage bumped and creaked as it moved across the road. She stared out of the fogging window. The moor was so beautiful. She had almost forgotten its magnificence. The sun slowly peaked out from the gray moor clouds. Just by looking at the green grass and heather spread out across the moor one could see that summer had arrived at Misselthwaite.

It had been so long since she had visited her only home. Much to her dismay her uncle had sent her to Miss Minchin's Select Seminary for young ladies. Her Uncle, Lord Archibald Craven, had sent her there when she was 13. It had been Medlock's idea "She is now old enough to know her responsibilities to society. A child her age should not go running about getting herself all muddy." The old dragon had said. Naturally, she also thought that Colin should go to become "A brilliant gentleman" This was much to Colin's delight since he had wanted to be a man of science since he was ten.

The day Miss Mary had to leave Misselthwaite could only be described as a nightmare. Not just in the sense that Colin and Mary would be away from the manor for many years, but the fit Mary had thrown was worse than the fits Colin used to throw when he was a child. The 13 year old was kicking and screaming as though it was the end of the world. The entire week, Mary had behaved properly hoping that they would change their minds about sending her off to London. But when the morning came and they roused her early since she had to leave, the little devil inside her emerge once more.

The entire morning at the manor was filled with screams, kicks and Mrs. Medlock's curses. Everyone was terrified of coming near her. Not even Dickon, Martha or Colin dared approach her. She eventually wore out and went on the journey to London half-asleep with a headache and a sore throat.

Although Mary had been in the seminary for only four years, her uncle had insisted that she and Colin travel the world and see what was "out there" They had accompanied him to Australia, various parts of Asia, Africa and when the World War broke out they had been in America. Mary could see the large manor slowly looming ahead of her. It was then that Mary wondered…how different would it be at Misselthwaite after 5 years?

As Mary's carriage neared the Manor all the inhabitants were running about giving the old house it's final touches for Mary's return. Food was prepared and set, the gardens were all trimmed, and the Mistresses' bedroom was fixed the way she liked it by Martha.

"I can see them! I can see them!" called Colin who was slid down the banister of the grand staircase. When he reached the bottom he ran straight for the door, almost knocking Martha off her feet since he had gone so fast. "Master Colin! That is no way for a young man to behave!" cried Mrs. Medlock who ran after him scolding him event though Colin wasn't listening to what she was saying. Martha followed them towards the door, but before leaving she took a glance around and let out a great sigh "Oh, Dickon…" She shook her head as she left the manor and watched as the carriage moved up the driveway.

All the help had gathered in front to great Mary when she stepped out of the carriage. Five years had caused Colin to grow immensely. The once sickly boy looked as though he was never confined to his bed for the first ten years of his life. He had grown very tall and his dark hair was cut closely around his head making him look more mature than he really was. His big grey eyes twinkled with delight as he rubbed his hands together to await Mary's return. Colin was handsome, and he was very, very aware that he was.

When Mary's carriage came to a stop in front of the Manor it was as if the world was at a standstill. It could easily be agreed that when Mary stepped out of her carriage that she looked like her mother. Her yellow hair was tied up in the latest fashion and her dress showed of how much she had changed. Her smile remained the same; it was as welcoming as it was when she left. She was no longer "Mistress Mary Quite Contrary" but now Ms. Mary Lennox. Before she had time to great everyone Colin had pulled her into his bear hug and yelled "Oh, Mary! How nice it is to see you again!"

"Come off now, Master Colin! That is no way for a grown man to behave when greeting a proper lady." Said . She then turned to "Welcome back Lord Craven" Archibald Craven smiled has he was lowered into his wheel chair and said "It's good to be back, Mrs. Medlock." Colin had released her and began talking about "How wonderful it was that they were both back at the manor" Mary approached Martha and took her hand as she said "Oh, Martha how nice it is to see you again Colin says that you have children of your own" Martha grinned and patted her small pregnant belly as she said "Aye, miss. And 'nother 'un on th' way." Mary's smile grew larger as she turned to Mrs. Medlock and said "May I be excused to my room before breakfast?"

Medlock looked taken aback by Mary's polite tone as she said "You may Mary." Mary curtsied to her and arm in arm with Martha they made their way to Mary's room. Once the pair were at the door, Medlock moved closer to Lord Craven and said to him "How queer this all is" Lord Craven looked up at her and asked "Why so?" Medlock smiled as she walked beside Lord Craven as she said "It is as though you've returned with a brand new Mary Lennox"

Before breakfast Mary was in her room, unpacking her things as she chatted gaily with Martha. They talked of Martha's husband, Brent Cooper, and their two little girls. Martha patted her belly and said "Brent's hoping tha' this 'un's a lad" Mary told her stories about all the animals she had seen in Africa and Australia and all the different people she had met. Though, there were many times Mary had said when her heart asked to see the glorious moor that she had come to absolutely loved.

"Was it hard, Miss? Livin' away from th' moor for so long?" Martha asked as she hung one of Mary's gowns "I canna imagine meself away from th' moor for so long."

Mary smiled as she answered "Yes, Martha. It was. But I was always comforted by the fact that I would soon return."

Mrs. Medlock knocked on the door and asked Mary to come down for breakfast and Martha would continue to unpack for her. As Mary left her room, she stopped at her door and glanced around at her windows over looking the moor. Yes, she thought, I am finally home.

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