Chapter 28 - Twenty Two - DONT UNLOCK

Valencia had become just as hard to meet with as Cecile. She had been given complete control over the affairs of the Countess; until Caroline had been deemed ready to take over, whenever that may be.

Caroline was quite confused by this dibocial since she had already been given some training by Vivian; the Viscountess, and Valencia had not started training Caroline in any of the Countess' duties; which would be the logical next step. It had begun to seem as though Valencia would be running the estate forever. Rumors of her being the Counts' lover quickly spread from the estate to the capital. They seemed observed at first, but they now no longer seemed as baseless as when they had first reached Caroline's ear.

In truth Caroline had no problem with the Count having a lover, their marriage had been arranged. She didn't expect love, but flaunting one's lover, and holding her above one's wife, is out of the question. And if it wasn't for her blatant ignorance, and passive personality she might have confronted the two about; about the affair. She did not. Instead she chose to stay out of sight, out of mind, lying comfortably in luxuriously.

Caroline hadn't completely given up all hope, at least at first, she did try to reach out.

September 9, 1835

"My lady!" Milly yells out, as she runs over to the Sir. Elton, and Caroline in the garden. They both turn to look in her direction. "Yes?"

"Lady Castilla is out of the study!"

Caroline abruptly stands up. "Elton, I'll be back in but a moment."

"Ah yes I'll be here-" Before Sir. Elton can finish his sentence Caroline's already off. She quickly makes her way back to the manor. Inside she encounters Valencia.

"I've been trying to get a hold of you, although it's seemed nearly impossible too, as of late." Caroline says, "I was hoping that we could discuss my duties."

"I apologise, Lady Allen, but I'm afraid that I have things to attend to. Could we discuss this at supper." Valencia asks, opening the door.

"Yes that would be perfect-" Valencia walks inside her study, and slams the door shut.

Caroline let's out a sigh, she feels a tap on her shoulder as she turns around to leave.

"My lady," Milly says, holding out a few flowers. "I got the samples you asked for." She hands her the samples, and Caroline picks some to decorate the manor with.

After Caroline has tea with Sir. Elton before supper.

She anxiously awaits Valencia in the dining room, for half an hour before super is ready.

"Your supper my lady." Caroline looked up to see Winnie's smiling face, as she placed a bowl in front of her.

"Thank you, but you forgot to set out another plate. Lady Castilla is set to join me this evening."

"No, no it's fine. He is not to be disturbed, he's our guest after all." Caroline flashes her a half-turned smile.

"Of course." Winnie corseties respectively. "Ring if you need anything." She turns to leave the room; Caroline stops her.

"One more thing."

"Yes, my lady?"

"I thought that we agreed to put peonies on the tables, for a centerpiece."

"W-We'll Lady Castilla's opinion differ from yours." Winnie becomes visibly anxious. "I don't mean to speak out of turn but my lady, is she not running the estate?"

"Yes, you're right." Caroline picks up her spoon. "Thank you Ms. Uruso you may go now."

After this event, Caroline quickly came to realize that she was truly only Countess in name; having no real power in the estate nor outside it. But what was a woman stuck in such an unjustice world to do?