4
Emma
Emma wanted coffee. Sheneededcoffee. After a quick change of clothes, she left her family in the Indigo Suite and walked toward the staircase. But the stairs were obstructed: A door had been shut and seemingly locked, trapping her in the labyrinthian warren of upstairs rooms. Emma tried the hallway in the opposite direction, but it, too, ended at a door that was locked from the other side.
“The women were kept, like animals,” said a familiar voice behind her: Louisa Freck. Did the woman spend her days lurking around the castle hallways?
“You scared me,” said Emma, hand to her chest.
“The men didn’t want the women and children to get out. It was dangerous beyond the castle walls. Also, they wanted to keep tabs on them.”
“Um, might I be able to get some coffee?” said Emma.
“Breakfast is being served in the Tudor Kitchens.”
“Oh, OK,” said Emma. She wasn’t the least bit hungry, but she followed Louisa to a bookcase. Louisa slid the case aside, unlocked a wooden door with an old metal key, and opened it, revealing adark, round hole. “Go ahead, dear,” she said. “This will take you directly.”
Emma peered down the hole, making out the rungs of a wooden ladder in the dim light. “Can I just take the staircase?” she said.
“It’s much less direct,” said Louisa.
“That’s fine,” said Emma. As she followed Louisa, she asked, “Do you…live here?”
“Oh, no!” said Louisa. “No, I’m a commoner. I reside in town, but I help Simon’s father keep track of his pills and make sure everything’s ready for visitors.”
“I haven’t met him yet.”
“All will come with time,” said Louisa. Nothing about what she said was creepy, yet Emma felt a chill of foreboding.
5
Sylvie & Simon
Welcome, one and all! We are so thankful you are here. Please find a wedding weekend schedule attached (organized by the lovely Louisa Freck, Mumberton Castle Librarian and Social Media Correspondent and a great help to us over the last few weeks). Hope you enjoy these Kendal Mint Cakes (a local treat). We can’t wait to see you all and celebrate together!
Love,
Sylvie & Simon
DAY ONE
Arrival
Breakfast and light lunch served in the Tudor Kitchens
4 to 6 p.m.
Welcome Reception, Great Lawn
Dress as a Tudor Experience and Family Portrait with Owls
DAY TWO
SIMON’S SURPRISE ADVENTURE
6 p.m.
Rehearsal Dinner, Great Hall
