*Pamella* 

The trip had taken less than expected, but seeing my home through the window made my stomach hurt. The anxiety of the last couple of days catching up to me as I’d bitten off my nails to the point where they bleed. 

As soon as the carriage came to a stop dozens of thoughts went through my head. Mother would be furious, and father might soon follow considering how long I’d left. It was five months, I’d written to mother nearly every day on that first month, and she never replied. Last letter I sent was the same, so sitting here now as the door is being opened I can’t help worry. 

As soon as I poked my head out, I saw no one. Not a single person was here to greet me back. Mother was truly angry at me. When i got off the carriage left soon after, and I just stood there staring. 

Working up the courage to knock on that door as I dragged my bags felt like it took me forever, yet when the butler opened the door he had an apologetic look on his face. 

“My Lady, I’m glad you’re safe from your trip.” He said, yet stood at the door his eyes downcast. 

“Yes, well… I need to see mother, I have to apologize.”

When i tried to come in grabbed at the door again, “I’m sorry my Lady, but we are under strict orders not to let you in.”

“Not let me in?” I looked past him, seeing my Mother standing at the stairs, “Mother you cant be serious.”

The butler started closing the door as I tried pushing it open, “Mother I’m sorry, i was wrong… Let me in please I was wrong, I can see that now.” My eyes felt like they burned, holding onto the door so tight my fingertips hurt.

I saw my mothers face turn away from me. 

“Father! Please Dad, I’m sorry!” I couldn’t see him anywhere, I just hoped he could hear me. Give me a chance. 

I heard the maids rush over. And felt them pull me off the doors as my eyes stuck to the back of my mothers head. 

“You need to leave Lady Pamella.” The butler said, that’s when I heard him whisper, “I’m very sorry about this.”

The doors were shut, and I felt my heart drop. Most the maids left but one held something in her hands, her head hung low. 

“She burned all your letters Miss, the Baron never had a chance to read them… I’m sorry.”

“Is my father home?”

She shook her head, “I’m afraid we haven’t seen him in days, any news goes directly from the butler to the Baroness.”

Unable to even stand as my legs gave out I pressed my hands together and begged past my sobs, “Please, please just tell my mother I’m sorry, this won’t happen again.” I begged and begged, “I’ll get married to whoever she wants.”

The maid seemed frozen in place. Not moving, not saying a word before she seemed to snap out of it, “I’m sorry.” And she left. 

I don’t recall how long I spent there crying before i was thrown out, I’m not even sure how I made my way to Duke Sables estate. But sitting across from him as he stared me down. 

“Lady Dusa if you have nothing to say I suggest you head on home.”

“I can’t.” 

“Excuse me?”

“Mother threw me out.” I was staring at the desk as I hear him get up. 

“Has she gone mad? That’s -”

“She won’t even speak to me…” Reaching my hand to my mouth, “I don’t know where father even is, I’m hoping you do.”

I could hear him sigh as he walked away from his desk, “Your father wont do much, he has no leverage. Just what is your mother thinking.” he was pacing back and forth. 

“I’m sorry I came here-”

“Don’t be Lady Dusa, you’re a friend of my daughter, you can stay.” Just as he finished saying that there was a knock on the door. 

“Albert it’s me, Lili is here.” I knew that voice, a voice that would make Lili’s eyes roll at the slight sound. 

“Well that’s perfect,” his eyes landed on me, “I’m sure you need a friend right now.” He started his walk to the door, “I’ll be right with her Nora, tell her Lady Dusa is here to see her.”