Mother appeared at the door of the library while I read. Baroness McEllister starred at her daughter who seemed to be happier than she had ever been. She wondered why but could find no solution. The small Baroness glided over to her daughter and watched her perfect breathes go in and out. She despised her daughter. Mostly because she was more beautiful than Baroness McEllister had ever been, but because she also had smarts. She could easily read a few books during the day without any thought while it took the Baroness several weeks to finish a small article. All of this was her husband's doing. They never had any sons, so they figured they should teach Brenna how to be like a man somewhat. But women weren't supposed to know how to read like men or think like men.
This angered the Baroness, but somehow, she was able to keep it underneath her skin where she hid many things about her life and anger. The only way it showed was through how strict she was with Brenna, but even that was just the tip of the iceberg.
"Brenna, I just spoke with Beckett." My mother said behind me.
I only shrugged my shoulders and read on.
"He said you were gone for a very long time in the middle of the evening. Supposedly you were in the ladies' room, but Beckett found Commodore James Norrington on a veranda by himself…in the dark of night…at the same time you were away."
My face became hot. I thanked god she couldn't see my face. "I don't know who you're talking about."
"Don't play stupid with me! The man on the balcony at your sixteenth birthday party? You were on the veranda last night, weren't you?" Mother slivered over to face me. I kept everything on the inside. My eyes even bore no expression. It was becoming a talent of mine to lie.
"Honestly, I don't know what you are talking about. I wanted to make myself look absolutely exquisite for Beckett so he could show me off. I don't know what Commodore Norrington was doing on a veranda by himself, but I was not with him. You can even ask Lady Copley." I said without lifting and eye from my book. My eyes continued to scan the pages.
Mother seemed to accept my explanation. She left the room without so much as a goodbye and closed the door. I put the book down and pulled out his letter from beneath my skirts. The letter had just arrived before mother came into the room, so I had to hide it quickly. But now the room was safe and I knew no one would bother me, so I opened the letter without any other thought.
Dear Brenna,
I want to thank you for coming to the ball last night. I'm sorry I haven't written, but with all balls come the consequences of throwing them. I could not stop thinking about our meeting and I have decided that we should meet more often than by chance, if that is alright with you. I was wondering if you could accompany me for a stroll on the gardens at your old governess' house. I would be pleased to have the honor to be in your company so please reply as soon as you can.
Commodore James Norrington
I burst with glee. He was inviting me to come take a stroll with him! I already formed a plan in my head and sent the letter off the next half hour saying I would attend. I wrote another letter telling mother that I was at a friend's house. I explained how she was helping me pick flower designs for the wedding. I prayed that she would buy the lie as I stepped into the carriage which sped off towards Anna Copley's mansion.