DEAR KATHERINE

The day was dazzling; a beautiful sun loomed over the bright blue. A beautiful young lady glanced at the morning sky, her eyes gleaming. Tears rolled down her face; delicately, almost in slow motion. Her blonde hair was tucked behind her in a bow and was moving slightly in the gentle breeze. Lightly in her hand, she held a letter. She rose it to her view, grasping it with her pale fingers. It read: 

My Dear Daughter, 

I am so sorry you had to be brought into the world you way you were. But please forgive me. I am a troubled lady, and not fit to be a mother; but I love you entirely, and I think of you every day. You were such a beautiful baby, and I will never forget those charming blue eyes. Try and forgive me, I hope you understand one day. 

Love, Ana. 

Her eyebrows were wrinkled, her mouth slightly parted. She got up off the step outside of her new home, and walked inside. For her, everything felt in slow motion, she couldn’t comprehend anything. She was now a governess, a charming, mindful young soul who had always been so positive. Her new darling caught her eye. This was a beautiful day for her, but it was clouded. She was so beautiful, similar looking to herself. 

“Katherine!” cried the young girl, with pretty hair that glistened when the sun embraced it. She said no more, but grabbed Katherine’s hand and guided her up the stairwell. Katherine glanced at Mrs Grose, and smiled softly as she tucked her letter into her dress and tried to wipe away the tears that stained her cheeks. 

Young Flora ran ahead of Katherine, excitedly. Katherine did not want to rush, for fear it would look unprofessional; so she walked speedily and skipped every now and again with laughter at the young lady running ahead of her. It was a beautiful estate. Handsomely lit, and she could not help but admire the morning sun - she almost felt like being inside was sinful on a day like today, and longed to take the young lady out onto the lake to read a novella. 

“Now close your eyes, you mustn’t look!” said Flora, covering Katherine’s eyes with a bright smile. They were now both outside a small door at the end of the corridor, it was less well lit, but still beautiful in its decor. 

“Is this to be my room Flora?” asked Katherine, sparkling down at the young child. 

“Shhh! Just close your eyes and you’ll find out” smiled Flora, as she took the silk scarf from around her neck and tied it around Katherine's eyes. Once Katherine was  free of light, Flora opened the door and rushed into the room. Katherine felt for the door frame, guiding herself in. Through the silk scarf, she could see the room was filled with light; she could hear Flora speaking to someone, laughing and gossiping. 

“Is someone with you Flora?” Katherine said, smiling happily, thinking it was one of the servants to greet her. She felt Flora, behind her, releasing her from the silk scarf. The room was beautiful; a bay window lit up the whole room, the bed look superbly opulent; but Katherine was confused. She span in a circle quickly observing every corner - but she could see no one. She was confused, frazzled. 

“Flora, was there someone with you? I heard voices” she looked at the young girl with a slight frown. Flora smiled sweetly and her eyes drifted from Katherine to her background. 

“Look at these flowers I made you. Myself and the servants got up early and picked them from the garden ourselves”. Behind Flora was a vase filled with beautiful, vibrant flowers. Katherine could not help but beam with wonder and happiness that someone took the effort to do this for her.
“And don’t worry about the voices Katherine.” said Flora with a smile, “Ana is happy to see you”.