Page 27 of Hawthorne

My hand has a mind of its own, placing the letter with Camilla’s name on the desk and going for the paper inside instead. This one has my name right at the top, with the whole letter written by hand.

Sitting back down on the chair behind my desk, I unfold it and start reading.

Dear Vincent,

If this letter has reached you, it means I have passed away, my boy.

I know we haven’t seen each other in a few years. Ever since your father passed away, you’ve distanced yourself from everyone. While it saddens me greatly, I understand your need for isolation. Grief does mess up with our hearts, and everyone feels it and acts on it differently.

As you know, I didn’t have children of my own. This also means you are my official heir. This is nothing new since Henry probably agave you the contents of my last will.

Now, finally, all of the businesses and properties that were divided by my father are together in your name. Despite being my obvious heir by blood, I am also proud to leave everything to you, knowing the kind of man you’ve become, that your father taught you to be.

You—and Camilla—are the closest I had to the children experience. My best and happiest days were watching you running around the orchard and the manor. You were both so carefree. It was heartwarming.

Don’t think you can’t fill your father’s shoes. That’s not what he wanted you to be, my dear. Know you are your own man, and he wanted the best for you, regardless of the weight of the responsibilities and the legacy.

You are meant to do great things. I am sure of that.

Still, be aware. With responsibilities and power, enemies come out of the shadows. And more often than not, from where we least expect. Watch your back. But most of all, find someone you can fully trust, someone you can hold onto when hard times come.

Last but not least, I hope you’re not mad about my unorthodox request to keep Camilla’s job and allow her to live on the property.

She’s the sweetest and most caring soul I’ve met in my life. A pure heart indeed. Unfortunately, she no longer has any family left in this world. I was all she had. Sure, I was her boss, but there was much more than that. She treated me like a mother, and I reciprocated. She was the daughter I never had.

Camilla made sure I never felt alone. She made sure all doctors did whatever was necessary for me to be in the best health possible and comfortable. I know she’ll take care of me until my last breath.

And in those decades, we’ve grown deeply attached. And this manor is all she’s known. Even though it is not hers legally, it is the home she was born and grew up in—her safe place.

I hope you’ll find the house big enough for both of you, and who knows, rekindle that beautiful friendship you had in your childhood.

I remember so well how you’d do her bidding quite often, and it was quite entertaining to watch. But more than that, now that you’re in such a powerful place, I also think she’d be a good ally in this world of greed and façades. Someone genuine to keep in your life.

Take care of her, and I am sure she’ll take care of you.

With love,

Elizabeth Hawthorne

9

Camilla White

Atragedy almost happened last night, and I am glad he didn’t try to follow me after that almost kiss.

Without any courage to face him, I’ve been keeping myself busy with all of the big and small tasks I can find.

Checking cleanings on the ground floor, dividing mail and handing out the ones to be given to the duke, as well as making sure the vineyards and the stable workers are on time…I’ve done it all, and now, I am checking with the cook what’s to be made for lunch.

I am not usually this hands-on because people have been working here for years and they know what to do, but today, I’ve been using every excuse possible in the book to avoid the manor and stay away from the duke’s chambers and office.

I just hope it’ll work for the next few days.

There’s no way I'll be able to face him after what transpired yesterday.

What even came over me?

I’m not like that! And yet, every time he’s around, it’s like this new side of me awakens and takes over. My body acts way before my brain registers what’s happening.

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