The Skeleton Key

PT.10

Bordeaux, France

In the early morning hours, on the docks of the port, the shuffling of people headed for the ships, that were about to depart, was hurried. Some were passenger ships, some clipper ships with cargo headed for the states. Slowly a fancy carriage approached.

The voice inside spoke deeply, but firmly. "Pierre? You have my instructions for the staff. My trip stateside… Well, my return is undetermined."

"Yes, Sir." Pierre answered the elderly gentleman. "I will handle everything as you wish." Nodding his head. "Have a safe trip, Sir."

As the elderly gentleman exited the carriage, he was a tall figure of a man, slender but solid, white hair and gray eyes, with a softness about them. Strong jaw bone and he carried himself well in his silk suit and walking stick as he headed up the walkway of the ship.

Standing on the deck of the ship, looking out over the side at what had been his home for decades. The family business was profitable, furs, wine and champagne. But he felt he needed to personally find out what was happening in the states, what he was hearing through the grapevine, well. Upsetting to say the least. Not the way he raised his family.

LaRouge Manor

Kitty couldn't sleep. Slowly, she slipped out of bed. Grabbing her robe, she walked to the door that was adjoining hers, not the one that held Matt's things. This door was on the other side, there was a high back wing chair place in front of it. Puzzled, Kitty remembered that chair always being there but as a child she could enter any time she wanted into her mother's room. But now it was locked as was the door in the hall. But why? And by whom? Kitty made her way down the hall. Seeing a light under Constance's door, she tapped lightly, whispering in a soft tone, "Grandmother? It's me, Kathleen, are you awake?"

"Yes, Dear, come in." As Kitty entered, "Kathleen, you should be getting your rest, Dear."

"Oh, I couldn't sleep. Grandmother, I need to know something. Mother's room. Why…"

Smiling and stopping her. "Is it locked? That is what you're wanting to know, right?" Now softening her expression, "Yes, Kathleen, I locked the room but it's alright, Dear. Go. You can enter and see and do whatever you want. It's your mother's room. All of your answers are there. Everything you will need is there."

"But, Grandmother…"

"Kathleen, you and Matthew hold the keys to it all. Just remember, keep them with you, close."

Then Kitty thought about that. Yeah, she remembered Constance saying something about giving Matt a letter or something important. Nodding, "Alright, I'm not sure what's going on here but it's late. I'll say good night, Grandmother. I'll see you in the morning?"

"Yes, Dear."

Standing, and kissing her on the forehead, Kitty left, still puzzled.

Matt woke wondering where Kitty disappeared to. Now looking around when Kitty entered the room. "Kit? Are you okay?"

"Oh, yeah. I couldn't sleep. I went to Grandmother's room. We had a talk." She answered, still looking confused. "Cowboy?"

"What is it, Honey? You look confused."

"Yeah, does that surprise you?"

"Honey, what did she say?"

"Matt, this letter she gave you… Tell me about it."

Ah, Kit now? It's late."

"MATT!"

"Oh, alright. Something tells me we're not going to get any sleep anyway." He reached into his bag. "Well, here it is."

She read the letter. "Ok, nothing unusual here. Much like mine."

Then Matt showed her the one he didn't open. "Here, Honey. This was with it." He said, handing her the second envelope.

It was thick, lumpy. As she opened it a key fell out, a skeleton key. It was old, brass but shiny. "Matt?" Kitty looked surprised. Then she began to read the letter:

Matthew,

I know this letter is highly unusual but I needed to make sure you would be with Kathleen by her side when she used this. I know my granddaughter. She's too proud to ask for... Well, anyway, by the time you need to use this Kathleen will have learned some news that will be quite upsetting, some family revelations, things that will alter her life in a large way. But I'm not blind to the dangers that come with this revelation. This is where you come in. I need you to protect Kathleen. I know there are people who will try to stop or prevent her from getting what is rightfully hers. There are things that are not known to anyone, I mean anyone, not my father, brother, anyone, that will alter the course of this family and it's future. It will alter legalities. Please, Matthew. Promise me you will help.

Kitty furrowed her brow while reading, shaking her head. "Matt? What… what could she be talking about?"

Matt was now reading over her shoulder, shocked at what he was reading as well."

"Matthew, this key and the medallion I gave Kathleen will give you all the answers you need and all the proof to the questions that may arise and God willing I'm still here, through all of this, I will try and fill you both in on all I can. This key is the beginning. Kathleen, this is your journey, my dear Granddaughter.

Grandmother Constance

Kitty now held the key in her hand. "Cowboy? This key…" They looked at one another and without any words they both headed for the locked door. Matt pulled away the chair, fitting the skeleton key in the lock and turning it. She heard the click then slowly turned the knob, throwing open the door.

Inhaling deeply, with tear filled eyes, Kitty stood frozen.

TBC