I do not have any ownership to the Gemma Doyle trilogy
Chapter 3: The Attempt
"Goodbye, Gemma, dear. Do take care, I shall see you soon," Celia had said when I rode away in a bleak carriage with a light snowfall surrounding us. I had given her a shaky hug and smiled, but I am sure from the look on her face she did not believe it. Once inside, I sat like a stone with the other college girls as we headed toward various stops. Of course, I was left alone since my ride was to take me to the Huntington Port. As luck would have it, I could see white caps hitting the sides of the ships and rocking them more than usual.
"Thank, you, sir," I commended the driver who nodded and followed me with my luggage. Upon approaching the ship I was greeted by the captain who showed us were our rooms were to be. At that same time a young servant took my luggage from the driver and bade me to follow him.
Light freckles dusted this man's face and I assumed with the controlled fiery red hair that he was of Irish descent. Inside, I was delighted to see someone with as many or even more freckles than me. It did not take long to find my lovely room and I sat upon my long couch before handing the servant a tip for his assistance.
"We shall have a maid sent to your room at your request so she can help you prepare, madam," he promised and left my room.
Already, as I set my gloves aside on the vanity and stared at the sullen reflection staring back at me, I wished the voyage was over. I decided to sleep the rest of the day to rest my mind and body. If anyone were to ask, I had an upset stomach and felt unwell. Many would accept this excuse as truth, and others would gossip. I did not care. So, I took care to release my mountain of hair from pins before untying my corset and lying on the bed. I wondered if the days of voyage would go by faster if I slept them away…
Instead, each day went by very slow as I became a small hermit reading books in my room to pass the time. A serving girl brought me small meals at least three times a day and asked if the seasickness had passed. As usual I lightly chattered with her before apologizing about having to be such a burden with my weak stomach.
"Lady Doyle, good morning. The ship will be pulling into port in a few hours. I suggest you get ready," said the serving girl, whom I had learned was called Hattie.
"Thank you, Hattie. I shall get dressed, then. Sorry I had to be served so often. Hopefully my next voyage is better," I spoke gently, as she nodded and walked out of the room with a smile. Taking my time I dressed in a soft brown dress that flared from an empire waist with a red sash. Looking out the window near my small bed I could see land a small ways off. Soon I would be with Ann and Felicity to celebrate the joys of Christmas…and hopefully more.
"Thank you," I said again as a man different from the original one that assisted me onto the vessel.
"You're welcome, come again, my lady," he said, watching around and then giving me an obvious wink. I of course felt flustered as he set down my things and blushed furiously while he bowed to me and smiled toothily before regaining a serious composure.
"Oh, uh, perhaps," I said, a blush still burning my cheeks as a carriage drew towards me. He flashed another genial smile before leaving me red-faced and speaking to a man looking as if today was going horribly for him. Solemnly he grasped my trunk and placing it atop the carriage before signaling me into the carriage.
"So, madam, where shall I be taking you today?" he asked while staring at the somewhat dark sky.
"I need to go to 478 Flesham Avenue. How long will the travel take?" I asked, clasping my purse towards my waist.
"About thirty minutes. Would you like me to go up to the door to announce your arrival or will you just go yourself?" he asked me, gazing into my eyes with a tired expression. I thought I was a gloomy figure…what was his problem?
"I will go to the door. However, I will still need assistance with the luggage. I shall pay you upon arrival, sir," I spoke, climbing into the carriage and away from his melancholy face.
"Yes, madam," he said, before leaping into his seat. The trip through London's streets was short as I spent much time looking at familiar scenery dappled with fresh snowfall. Many of the buildings we passed were apartments scrunched in tight spaces, but suddenly we broke through the clustered area to open country land. I had not realized Ann lived outside of London's busy area. Soon, we came to a gravel road and I saw Ann's home.
Snow lay in a beautiful blanket on the landscape without interruption except for tracks by carriages. Trees were random throughout and a forest was behind the humble abode of Ann. Her humble abode was, however, a small mansion. Fresh, red bricks laid out the house with white pillars displaying a large entrance door framed by cement stairs. On to the side was another building of similar style but much smaller size. Green wreathes were hung at each window and door as well as candles. Lastly, a red and white ribbon was laced throughout the second floor porch that wrapped all the way around.
"Here we are, Miss," shouted the driver.
"Thank you, sir. I shall go the door first before I pay," I said and saw him look cross in annoyance. At the oak entrance I did see 478 carved in a plaque beside the door before using a brass knocker. Then, I waited.
It did not take long for the door to burst open and for arms to entrap me in a warm hug.
"Oh, Gemma! How we've missed you! How are you?" cried the warm voice that I easily recognized as my other Realms friend came out of the house smiling. Gently, I pulled away.
"I am doing fine, Felicity, and how are you?" I asked eagerly. Felicity stood tall and proud, still shorter than I, with her blonde hair pulled into a very lax bun with strands hanging to the sides. She wore an alluring dress of blood red that hugged tightly to her body with a sheer green shawl wrapped around her shoulders.
"Glorious! I can't wait to tell you my stories of Parisian life!" Felicity shouted with glee before gazing behind me.
"Ahem…madam, I believe this is all," stated the driver weakly. My trunk and bag sat beside the door and I thanked him generously before paying. He still left with the saddest look on his face.
"Well, he what the bloody hell was wrong with him?" cursed Felicity as Ann stood in the wooden walkway smiling.
"I shall ask Virgil to take your things, but do come in from the cold," stated Ann smartly as I entered her large home. Her dull hair had changed into a richer tint with some jewels intertwined nicely into a bun. She wore a white flowing dress that almost touched the floor.
"I have missed both of you so much. Do tell me of your experiences of late?" I asked in wonder as I viewed all of her decorations on the white walls. I followed them into a sitting room where tea and cookies had been placed on nice china. Ann sits gracefully in a large soft, pink chair of great size. Felicity and I sit across from her on a large pink sofa with matching pillows.
"Well, I have been traveling throughout London and other European countries lately to sing. It has gone well. I have met many men through traveling, but I am unsure of their loyalty. A certain Lord Kline tried to woo me, but upon failure was very crude and vindictive," said Ann, a sad look diminishing her beauty for a moment. I saw her finger her sleeves which hid scars from long ago. I sincerely hoped her sadness had not resulted in a return to her bodily harm. Just then, a butler stepped in Ann's sitting room.
He stood tall and proud with bright blonde hair swept to one side to accentuate his sharp features. A small cleft was in his clean shaven chin below thin lips and a somewhat bulbous nose. Most noticeable, however, were his light blue eyes that swept through the room before landing most warmly on Ann. She gazed back at him and blushed ever-so-slightly.
"Virgil, this is my friend Gemma Doyle who will be staying with us for vacation. Would you please take her things upstairs to the green room?" asked Ann kindly as Virgil still looked only upon her.
"Yes, my lady," said Virgil warmly before ripping his gaze from Ann to smile gently at me in a hello. I began to wonder about this new butler as he left the room.
"So, I have decided to wait some time until my next relationship endeavor. However, I am sure Felicity is bursting to share her exotic stories," said Ann quickly, a light blush still staining her plump cheeks.
"Yes, Felicity, do tell," I said eagerly, watching Felicity coyly sip her tea and practically jumping at the chance to share.
"Well, my darlings. I have taken to writing…how shall I say it?...Romance novels of the…sensual sense for women," said Felicity with a wide smile looking at Ann and I gape in surprise.
"What?" I asked astonishment evident in my voice.
"I have decided to write sensual novels. It is partially secret, but I have many avid readers. Although, I have never had a male lover I find myself to still be a decent writer. On that note, I did meet a most wondrous woman named Isabelle in Paris," she said, a bit shy suddenly. "She is from Spain and is working as an artist currently. Mostly, she earns money through modeling, too. I have to survive as well, so I can often be found working in a small café I own named Venus Villa. It is quaint, but lovely. I can speak more on Isabelle, later, but how about you? Any new secret lovers?" On that last sentence she teases me, but I am not of mind to be able to handle that now.
Shamefully….I begin to cry…
"Oh, dear! Gemma, what is it? What is wrong?" shrieks Ann fearfully.
"Oh, no! Gemma, what did I say?" says Felicity, grasping my shoulder.
"I am so sorry…I have not seen you all in so long, but…all I can think about is him, I am so sorry…," I cry, my shoulders shaking as I shamefully hide my face. My dear friends are so happy to see me…but all I want is to get him back to this world with me. What kind of friend am I?
"Who, dear?" asks Felicity, her arm holding me close.
"Kartik…," breathes Ann lightly. She is smart…
"Oh, your Indian boy. That one at…in…," starts Felicity, unsure how to finish. "Remember, though Gemma, you said to me that one day I would love again? That could be true for you, too," she states.
"…But, he is not dead, yet. He lives…in the Realms," I say to her honest statement.
"How? The tree…," began Ann, standing now.
"He lives because of the Winterlands magic…and I believe with both of you helping…we can save him," I state, grasping Felicity's hand.
"We will help you," states Felicity, tightening her hold.
"I am so sorry, we haven't even been together for one day…and I…I'm sorry," I say full of shame again.
"Don't worry, Gemma. We can go and we will. Think of it as an early Christmas present, so mine better be big," jokes Felicity, taking my hand as we walk up large stairs to the second floor with Ann following silently behind.
"Excuse us, Virgil, we must speak with Gemma privately. The door shall be locked and if dinner is ready you may eat before us if we are running late. No disturbances, please," states Ann sternly to Virgil who looks quizzical, but nods.
"Thank you, Virgil," says Ann gratefully as we step into my room where my trunk sits before a large oak bed with a light green canopy. Light green basks the room everywhere. The sheets, comforter, leaning couch, rug, vanity cushion, drapery, pillows, and window seat are decked in a comforting green that is similar to my bright eyes. A warm fire is lit in the fireplace as all three of us sit on the fashionable leaning couch.
"Come, my tall friend, let us go to the Realms," states Felicity as Ann sits on my other side. Both hold my hands as we enter the Realms, once more…
"Good day, Most High," greets a familiar voice and I can't resist a sad smile.
P.S. Sorry, no actual action yet, but SOON! I promise…but it may be some time. I'm trying to write this for all of you as soon as I can…but senior year is busy. Thanks for your patience…
Next Time: Chapter 4: The Tree of All Souls-and Kartik
