~Hey, everyone. This is my new historical story. Enjoy!~
Winter, 1806
A clear water droplet trickled down the window panel. The faster it came down to the windowsill, the other droplets followed. The window was getting wetter in the inside but icy cold to the touch on the outside. The temperature during the season was frigid and lakes were frozen solid.
The wind was growing harsher with every passing moment. The howling sound of the wind spooked the horses that were inside the barn. Snow was falling heavily, showering the earth with snowflakes of different patterns, not one ever being the same as the other.
The people in the house were trying to get warm due to the cold temperature outside. The fireplace in every room was lit and white candles were put out to replace the cold. An eerie, orange glow vibrated off the brown walls, showing dark figures passing by.
Servants and maids quickly scampered by, getting ready for the departure of the owners of the house. Voices of the young and old bounced throughout the halls of the Ridgeway household.
A young girl, around the age of eight, was leaning by the window, her hot breath gliding onto the glass. She took her wool shawl in her hands and lifted her hand up on the window, making circles. After she was done, she gently pulled her small hand back, wrapping her arms around herself.
She lifted herself up on her toes and peered out the window. It looks really cold out there. I wish mama and papa didn't have to go.
Amelia didn't noticed the creaking of the floorboard as someone was lightly pressing their feet upon the wooden floor, “Amelia?” The childish voice frightened the young girl as she dropped down on her feet.
Amelia saw her close friend by her side shivering to death. “Emma? What's the matter?”
“I'm really cold. Why doesn't spring come?” Emma's innocent voice was dropping lower to a whisper.
“I don't know, Emma.” Amelia gently placed her arm around Emma's back, pulling her in closer. “Come in closer, Emma. So we can both make each other warm.”
Emma's light pink lips curved up a half a inch, showing her attempt at a smile. “Okay.” Her voice was small as a whisper.
The two girls waited in the cold for a second then noticed a elderly woman came up the chestnut, boarded steps. Emma immediately pulled away from Amelia and ran to the lady. “Mama!” Her mother gave her only daughter a tight hug as Amelia came by them.
They glanced at Amelia and Emma's mama offered her into the hug. I know they always care for me. Amelia's pink lips curved up into a bold smile as the other two wrapped their arms around her. I can always feel safe when I'm around them. A second went by and Amelia pulled back. She then looked up at Emma's mama and asked, “Why does mama and papa have to go to the ball?”
When she was about to speak one of Lady Gray's blond curl fell into her painted face and lightly placed them back where they were. She sighed at Amelia's question. Amelia had asked everybody why her parents were leaving. “Amelia, dear.” Lady Gray's voice was comforting but concerned. “You know your father got into the party because of his job and it would be rude not to go. He does such a wonderful job that his boss would like to place him in a higher position. So you see, Amelia it is very important that your parents go tonight. And if tonight goes well...” Lady Gray's voice drifted off into something the girls couldn't hear.
Emma tugged on her mother's evening gown. “Mama, where's Nat?”
Lady Gray snapped the conversation away from her thoughts, “Emma, he's downstairs. And why don't we all go downstairs and see Amelia's parents before they go.”
“Yes, mama!” Emma's sad smile turned upside down. She gave Amelia and her mother a huge, bright smile knowing her brother was in the house. “Come on, Amelia! Nat's here.”
“Coming, Emma.” Except Emma didn't hear because she was already halfway down the stairs.
“Come, Amelia. Let's say goodbye to your mama and papa.”
Amelia followed her friend's mother down the stairs and walked into the front lobby. The first people, Amelia saw were her parents. “Mama! Papa!” Amelia rushed up to her parents as they were about to leave.
Her mother turned around, “Amelia. We have to go now.” Lady Ridgeway told her only child.
“Why, mama?”
“Amelia, I'm not going to discuss this right now. We have to go or we'll be late.” She said, sliding her other white glove on.
“Coming, dear?” Amelia's papa asked. “Amelia, we'll see you tomorrow morning.” Her father placed a cheery smile on to brighten his daughter's spirits.
“Yes.” Amelia's mother turned to friend.
“Lady Gray, I thank you so much for looking after Amelia for us.”
“It's a pleasure to watch her. But you'd better go before the snow builds up.” She gave a thankful smile and pulled Amelia into a motherly hug. She tighten her slender arms around Amelia as she whispered in her ear, “I'll miss you.”
She then pulled back and gave that same cheery smile as her husbands, “See you in the morning dear.” Oh, I wish mama and papa could stay home. They don't have to go to that party.
“Bye, bye, mama.” Amelia spoke softly as she was on the verge of tears. I don't want them to go. I want them to stay with me. A house servant gave the Ridgeways their coats, opened the door and Amelia's parents disappeared into the snowy night.
“No.” At the corner of her eye, a tear dropped down her cheek. “Mama! Papa! Don't go!” Amelia hiccuped as the salty tears flowed down her soft, pink face. Please come back.
Suddenly a hand touched her shoulder, “Don't worry, Amelia. They'll come home.” She turned around to the happy voice of Nathaniel.
“Yes, Amelia. They'll come home.” Emma echoed her brother's words.
She wiped her tears away with the back of her hand, “Okay.”
Nathaniel and Emma, then took Amelia's hands and lead her upstairs. I will miss you and please come home soon. Her thoughts soon died off as they walked up the steps in the Ridgeway household.
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