Mary had just finished inserting the last pin into my hair. For tonight she had decided to brush out my long tresses so that they hung like shiny waves cascading down my back. She had added a ribbon of sky blue into the braided coronet on the top of my head so it would match my gown. She had laid out one of my older gowns for tonight, one of my more modest ones with a higher neckline and looser sleeves. It was a sky blue color with a dark blue and silver edging along the bottom, and along the neckline. And the bodice was decorated with a series of descending bows made of the same dark blue ribbon as the edging. I paired this with a beautiful silver cross necklace that Giovanni had given me years ago on a visit. The cross was expertly fashioned and even had three small blue stones inlaid at the ends.
I had heard Giovanni's carriage arrive two hours ago, but I had wet freshly washed hair and was only wearing my shift so I could not leave my room to go traipsing around the halls to see him. But when an undermaid came to remove the washing bowl she said that Cardinal Rigali had gone right to my father's study with him after a hasty greeting to my mother.
"How strange" I muse to Mary after the undermaid had left
"I'm sure everything is fine" she soothed me
"I'm sure your right" I murmur back, still doubtful though. Mary continued to thread the ribbon through my braid while I continued my silent musings. Why had Giovanni come with so little warning? And why had he shut himself up with my father immediately upon his arrival? I hope he is not in some sort of trouble. Maybe he just needs to ask my father for a favor or advice. Whatever the answer is I resolved to find it as soon as possible.
When the dinner bell sounded Mary helped me to put on my gloves and then slid my silver bracelet into place and I walked out of the door. As I walked out of the door to my chambers and headed down the hall I heard a door open and close behind me.
"Mistress Forbes" Elijah said with a smile when I turned to see who had come into the hall
"Hello Mr. Mikaelson" I answered smiling. He offered me his arm, and together we descended the stairs.
"You look lovely tonight" he said quietly in my ear just before we entered the sitting room. I was distracted from replying when Giovanni turned to face me from the fireplace. I rushed over and wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Cousin Caroline!" Gio laughed as he spun me around. He set me back on my feet and held me away from him to look at me.
"I do not know where such beauty comes from! Your mother was much too tall and gangly whilst growing up." Gio said, throwing my mother a grin, "But you my dear are a vision!" he declared
"Oh Uncle Gio, please desist" I said with a laugh
"And who is this? Have you gotten betrothed Caroline?" Gio asked, looking over my shoulder and seeing Elijah, and then turned to me for an answer
"What? No of course not!" I said in a high pitched voice
"Giovanni this is my apprentice Elijah Mikaelson" my father stepped forward to save me from my embarrassment. As my father was speaking, Elijah walked next to me to make his bow to Gio.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance Cardinal Rigali" he said respectfully
"The pleasure is all mine Mr. Mikaelson. I am happy William will finally have some help with the business" Gio smiled kindly
"I am very happy to be of assistance. The entire family has been nothing but kind to me" Elijah said with a smile in my direction and then turned to nod at my mother. My mother smiled back and put a hand to her breast.
I walked to the sideboard to pour a drink for myself. Elijah again came up beside me.
"Would you like a drink" I ask him
"Please" he responded. I retrieved another goblet and poured some wine into a glass for him as well.
"So I have been wondering something" he started to say when I handed him his goblet
"Oh?" I asked
"If Cardinal Rigali is your mother's younger brother, wouldn't that make him simply your Uncle? Yet he called you his cousin"
"Oh," I laughed, "When I was a child, my cousins would visit quite often. And since Uncle Giovanni was so close to us in age he would be out romping with us in the fields, instead of sitting inside with the stuffy adults. My grandmother declared that since he could not act as an adult that he was to be considered one of the cousins. Which, truth be told, suited him just fine." I told the story with a laugh remembering that Spring day.
"Ah I see," Elijah said laughing, "so you consider him as close as a cousin yet he's actually your uncle"
"Exactly" I said, smiling over at my uncle and parents. My uncle had always been a handsome and carefree boy, but age and his new responsibilities had matured him. His once golden hair and flushed cheeks had transformed into a slightly darker shade of longer hair and cheeks covered in a fine layer of stubble. He had the same blue eyes as my mother and I, which had frequently been widened in excitement and mischief as a child. But now those blue eyes had slightly dark circles under them. I again wondered what troubles had brought him to our estate.
Seeing him in the red robes of his new station was also jarring. He had forgone wearing his cap for dinner but the rest of his ensemble was in order. The last time I had seen him he had been halfway through seminary school, and when he had come for a holiday visit he didn't need any uniform. Seeing him now made it all so official.
The butler coming in and announcing dinner distracted me from my memories. And I realized Elijah had been standing next to me for several minutes and I hadn't spoken a word to him.
"Oh I am sorry. I seem to have been too lost in my thoughts to make a very good companion" I said apologetically as I took his offered arm.
"Don't apologize. It must be strange seeing him after so many years" he answered kindly
"Yes, but in a good way" I assured him. We entered the dining room just behind my mother, who had my father on one arm and Giovanni on the other. Elijah pulled out my chair while my father did the same for mother. My Uncle was seated on the other side of my mother and across from Elijah. The first course, a steaming bowl of beef and broth, arrived and our wine glasses were refilled.
"Caroline," Gio said from across the table, "I do hope you plan on performing for us after dinner"
"Oh Uncle I have not performed for an audience in over a year" I said with a blush
"Then we shall be perfect practice for when you go to court next year" he responded
"Caroline dear, your uncle has made a special request to hear you sing again, won't you honor him?" my mother said with feigned sweetness
"Of course mother," I replied, "I would love to sing for you Uncle" I add with a smile at my uncle. My uncle beamed in response and returned to his soup hungrily. My father then asked Elijah a question about the maps he had been studying, which led them into a conversation while my mother asked Giovanni about his recent travels.
He was describing his most recent Papal mission to Portugal. The detail he was using was transporting me. I asked many questions, wanting to know about the people, the king and the court. He answered all of my questions with an indulgent smile and as many details as possible. And then I asked about his favorite thing about Portugal. He got a faraway look in his eyes before answering.
"There is an ancient ruin in Portugal, situated right at the coast, Gloria said it had been there for as long as anyone can remember. There is no record of who built it, but the foundation was so well built that a whole tower still stands and beautiful archways and stonework, unlike any I have seen before."
"That sounds wonderful" I answered wishfully
"Who is Gloria, brother? A local nun?" my mother asked as we finished our main course. I had been too caught up in the stories to eat much, and my fish sat mostly untouched on my plate. However, focusing so closely on Gio and his stories also caused me to notice the look my father shot at him when the name Gloria was mentioned, and then at my mother's question Gio shot my father a panicked look in return.
"She is no one. Simply a local that I befriended" Gio muttered, avoiding eye contact with my mother and I as he took another sip of wine. The mood of the table immediately turned awkward as none of us knew what had happened, nor how to correct it. My mother turned to the footman.
"We shall take desert in the sitting room Thates, thank you" she said
"Yes My Lady" he bowed
My mother signaled for me to rise, and the men all shot to their feet as we exited the room and made our way back to the sitting room.
"What was that about?" I asked my mother as we sat on one of the settees.
"I am not sure. But I am certain we will find out after dinner from your father"
"Of course"
"Caroline I know you feel unpracticed, but if you could sing and play for us tonight, I believe it would correct the awkward situation. And your uncle did have a good point, it will be excellent practice for when you attend court next year" she said smiling
"Oh I cannot wait to attend court! To bow before the princesses will be amazing. I know the court still mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth though" I add sadly
"She was a godly woman, and much loved by her family and country" my mother said sadly
"Did you know her personally mother?" I asked her softly
"We had known each other for a short time when I was at court as a young girl. The court was in turmoil in that time and her marriage to King Henry was the start of such peace for our country" my mother said wistfully, obviously remembering the romance of their story. She looked away, lost in her memories.
After a few moments of silence, both of us lost in our separate thoughts, the door opened again to admit the men after their after dinner drink. Giovanni came and sat on the chair next to me with a smile.
"And how have you been, dear Cousin?" he asked affectionately
"Good. These past weeks have been quite exciting actually"
"Yes I heard of your carriage accident and the heroic rescue of your servant. That was wonderfully done Caroline. I could not have been prouder of you when I heard the news". I smiled with pleasure at the pride in his voice.
"It was quite a sight to see. To come upon a small lady battling the wind and rain, carrying a man twice her size down a road. With an injury herself" Elijah said, taking a seat opposite me on the other bench
"I am not even that surprised" Giovanni said laughing, "She's been known to rescue stray animals, defend the local children and feed the poor"
"Giovanni please!" I beg of him to stop praising me, my cheeks flaming
"I apologize, I'll stop. But only if you agree to sing for us" he said mischievously
"Oh very well" I say with a sigh and rise from my seat and walk to the pianoforte in the corner.
I take a seat at the bench in front of the keys. My foot presses down on the pedal while my hands hover over the keys and I take a breath to steady myself. And then I start to sing. After the first line I find my stride and let the music surround me. I had forgotten the thrill of singing for an audience, of taking others on a journey with me through my song. My voice rises and falls with the melody of the tune and before I even realize it, I am singing the last note.
I open my eyes and look to the group watching me. My mother had a peaceful smile on her face, genuine warmth radiating, while my father had a similar expression. Gio had his eyes closed and was resting his head on the back of his chair with a smile on his face. And then my eyes found Elijah's. His eyes were burning into mine with an intensity I had never felt before. It was as if everything but his face faded and dimmed, and a lightness spread through my chest and up to my head, giving me the impression of floating. Neither of us seemed able to break the contact.
"Caroline, play just one more I beg of you" Gio murmured peacefully from his seat, his eyes still closed.
"Oh yes dear, one more" my mother agreed
"Alright" I answered quietly, finally breaking my eye contact with Elijah to flip through the books of notes to find a new song. While I was flipping to the proper page a maid came in and delivered a tray of deserts and tea to the sideboard, but no one seemed to notice so I nodded in thanks and she quickly exited. Once I had selected a song I once again pushed my foot down on the pedal and had my hands hovering over the keys.
"Will you allow me to turn the pages for you?" a quiet voice murmured from right behind me. I jumped slightly in surprise and turned my face to find his inches from mine. He looked above my head to meet my father's gaze. Apparently he received a nod of consent because Elijah then perched himself on the bench very close to me.
"Whenever you are ready Caroline" he murmured to me. I nodded and again hovered my hands over the keys while my foot found the pedal. I had never been this nervous of performing before. I could feel Elijah's thigh pressed against my own and the body heat from his arm was radiating through my gown. I found myself breathless before even beginning. But I took a deep breath and began.
I had chosen a love song. It sang of two young lovers, brought together by love but pulled apart by duty and family. I took the notes slowly, my lungs filling with passion that I expressed through the lyrics. The story continued on with their ultimate reconciliation and eternal happiness. Elijah dutifully turned the pages as I played, and each time he leaned forward I could feel his breath on my neck and smell his cologne. I met his heated gaze each time he leaned forward and by the time the final notes were played out both Elijah and I were out of breath.
My Uncle rushed to his feet and started clapping, while my mother and father stayed seated but did the same. I smiled in pleasure, especially when Elijah's hands joined theirs.
"Unbelievable!" my Uncle exclaimed, "I have never met a young lady with a voice like yours Caroline. So pure, as if you pull every word from your very soul". Elijah rose from the bench and I did the same. He walked to the side table and retrieved my forgotten glass of wine, I thanked him and gratefully took a large sip. After a few minutes of conversation, seated back among the chairs and thankfully not at the center of the talk, Elijah stood from his chair.
"If you will all excuse me, I must retire, I have an early morning errand to see to tomorrow" he said
"Oh right!" my father said, "I had forgotten about that. Take my secretary with you. Hope's Hollow is only half a day's ride away, and with him assisting you it should not take long"
"Thank you sir, and it was a pleasure meeting you Cardinal Rigali" Elijah bowed respectfully in his direction. "Ladies, goodnight" he said with a smile to my mother and me
"Goodnight" we said in unison. He turned and walked through the door, and his footsteps could be heard across the hall and to the foot of the stairs.
The conversation continued, mostly about the state of the realm now that our Queen had been mourned. It was unclear if King Henry planned to remarry, but there were many willing candidates from all of the surrounding countries. As the conversation went on I could feel my eyes getting heavy and apparently my father noticed too because he reached over and placed his hand on my knee.
"Why don't you go on up to your chambers now?" he said gently. I open my mouth to protest that I am not tired, but it falls on deaf ears. "Caroline, Giovanni will still be here all day tomorrow. In fact there is something that we need to discuss as a family tomorrow which you will need to be well rested for."
"Oh alright," I sigh as I stand from my seat, "Goodnight everyone" I say and I kiss everyone on their cheeks and make my way to the door. But once I am just outside of the door I hear Giovanni say to my father, "Is it really wise to tell her everything?" To which I could hear my father answer, "I am not sure, but we are going to do it anyway. We couldn't keep something like this a secret". I smile at finally being included in family decisions and discussions. I continue to walk up the stairs, confident that tomorrow would be a very important day.
Once I reach the upstairs hall I make my way down it and reach the door to my chambers. But before I can turn the handle I feel a hand at my waist and shoulder. I turn quickly to find Elijah standing over me in the dim light of the hall.
"Elijah, what..?" I whisper. He just shakes his head and moves closer to me so that I am truly pressed between my door and his body. He brings his hand to my cheek and I close my eyes at the contact, and a gasp escapes my lips as he runs his thumb over them softly. I am once again surrounded by the comforting heat of his body and the enticing smell of masculinity from his cologne. He brings his forehead down to mine and I can hear him breathing heavily, fighting for control. I bring my hands up hesitantly, not knowing what to do, but desperate to feel his chest under my fingers. I let my hands fall lightly on his stomach and run them slowly up until they are resting on his shoulders. I felt him shudder against me as his breathing became uneven and he brought his other hand to grip my waist. He pulled my body even tighter against his and I felt the strangest ache of longing in my lower belly and couldn't stop a quiet moan of anticipation from escaping. The hand at my cheek moved down to my neck and then over to gather in my hair. I opened my eyes to see that Elijah had his eyes closed and slightly clenched. I knew that he was going to kiss me. I brought one of my hands up from his shoulder to lay it on his cheek, and at my touch his eyes opened. His face was slightly hidden by shadows so I couldn't see his beautiful brown eyes, but then he started to lean his face toward mine. I closed my eyes and waited for his lips to meet mine. But just when his lips were a breath away from mine we both paused and listened, a faint sound was coming from a bedroom at the end of the hall. I opened my eyes and Elijah turned his head down the hall, listening.
"Is that…?" he asked me
"It sounds like a baby crying" I whisper in return, completely dumbfounded. We hadn't had a baby in this house since my youngest cousin had come for a visit. And as we listened, frozen in place, the wailing got louder and louder. Was this what the family discussion tomorrow was about?
Before we could fully break apart the door opened and a pretty young woman came walking down the hallway toward us. She froze when she realized we were standing there, and in a slightly compromising position. We quickly released each other and he took a step back. After a moment of silence I took a few steps closer to her to get a better look. She was dressed in a simple dress, but in a style I had never seen before and in beautiful bright colors of orange and cream and pink. She also had a strange hood covering her hair, but from what I could see it was black and curly. And it was hard to tell in the dim light, but her skin looked much tanner than any gentry' girl I had seen before. But the most shocking thing about her appearance was the whimpering baby in her arms. Elijah walked next to me and put his hand on my back to stall me in my movements.
"Hello" I say as kindly as I can, because judging by her scared expression she had no idea who we were. And from her confused expression I got in return I was guessing she also did not speak English.
"Quel est votre nom?" I try asking her name in French, which doesn't work. Then Elijah tries.
"Não tenha medo. Qual é o seu nome?" he says to her in perfect Portuguese. Her face lights up and she opens her mouth to answer when a voice speaks from behind us, Giovanni's voice.
"Ah, I see you have met Gloria… And my daughter Maria"