Eighteen year old Elinor Holbrook was traveling to her grandmother, the Grand Duchess’ summer palace in Edinburg. She was being accompanied by her dearest friend, the family butler, Mr. Bowett. Her parents had allowed this summer break so she could decide on her current suitor, Anton Rowe’s proposal.
Elinor had enjoyed getting to know Anton. He was a kind young man, charming, polite yet there was one problem. Elinor wasn’t truly in love with him. All she saw in Anton was a very dear friend. The only reason she had been courting him was to gain her parents’ approval. Which definitely had not been a wise decision.
Grandmama and Mr. Bowett had become close friends during this very difficult time in Elinor’s life. Elinor was happy that Grandmama wanted her at the palace for the summer.
“Miss Ellie we’re here,” Mr. Bowett declared.
He took Elinor’s hand and escorted her off the train. Grandmama’s carriage was ready for them.
“Welcome dear Elinor please make yourself at home,” Grandmama said.
“Thank you, Mr. Bowett, will you bring me tea?” Elinor asked.
“Of course little Miss Ellie,” Mr. Bowett replied.
After some calming tea. Elinor went for a stroll in the countryside of Grandmama’s estate. She saw men working in the fields and stopped to have a look.
“Hello there, who are you?” A handsome young man with a fine set of sideburns asked.
“I’m Lady Elinor, daughter of the Grand Duchess Amelia,” She replied.
The man bowed and kissed her hand.
“Your ladyship welcome to Edinburg I hope you have a lovely stay,”
Elinor smiled.
Later that afternoon Elinor sat gazing out the library window.
“Is everything alright Miss Ellie?” Mr. Bowett asked.
“Oh yes I had a delightful walk earlier today,”
“That’s good, you should take on every day to get fresh air, it will do you good,”
Grandmama entered.
“Elinor there is a young man here to see you,”
She went to see who her caller was. The young man from the fields. He was now dressed in the frock of a vicar. Elinor curtsied to him.
“Uncle Humprhey?”
“Why my dear nephew Tommy, how are you?”
“Mr. Bowett, you know this man?” Elinor asked.
“Oh yes Miss Ellie please meet my nephew Thomas Winn, this is my employer’s daughter,”
Elinor and Tommy smiled at each other.
A few days later Elinor had hidden herself in her room. Mr. Bowett came up at tea time. He lit candles and made sure she was comfortable.
“What has you troubled Miss Ellie?” He asked.
“I like your nephew… but my parents will want me to marry Anton,” Elinor sighed.
“Miss Ellie the only who can decide what’s best for your life is you,”
“Really?”
“Yes if you think you would be much happier with Tommy than Anton then do it,
Elinor smiled.
“Cheers Miss Ellie,” Mr Bowett said.
“Cheers Mr. Bowett,” She replied.
Wandering Inkwells 