The clouds in the sky had started to weep. Trotting hooves boomed over the crashing rain. Scarlett buttoned up their outer coat. Its tan fabric was dyed grey by the shadows. The carriage’s wheels yanked upright as they hit another hole in the road. Alexander’s eyes twitched. He clung to the seat like his life depended on it.

“So.. are you-” His frustration-ridden voice was drowned out by thunder. “How in god’s name does it rain this quickly?!”

Scarlett looked at the window. “It was cloudy this morning.” They stated. Watching the rain soothed something inside of them that they didn’t even know was roused. “To be honest though, Alexander, I have not kept an eye on the weather.”

“Neither have I.” Alex sighed. Thunder rumbled again.

“We should be arriving soon, so worry not.”

“How long have we been on the trail anyway?”

“Probably about an hour.”

“Well on the way back you had better get some shut eye.”

“I need this time. Do understand that I have little time to think.”

The carriage stopped bumping so much, that was for sure. The blur that was the one or two trees by the road turned into a thousand. “Well then. We should be here any second now.” Scarlett said, a wee bit of joy crackling through to their voice. “Will you be coming inside?”

“I’ll do it now in a minute.”

“Alright.”

The trees went still. The door swung open. The little bit or warmth is the carriage was killed by the cold. A young man who looked like even the slightest breeze could blow him away held out his hand. “Madame.” He huffed, holding onto his hat.

“Thank you, Combe.” Scarlett took his hand.

They stepped off the carriage. The gravel crunched. They lifted their skirt just below the ankle with their right hand and went on their way. Combe nodded. He wore a polite grin. The sky’s tears dripped down his face just as it did the carriage windows. Scarlett whipped out their umbrella and laid it over their shoulder. “Help Plymouth out please.”

“Yes, yes, of course.” He said in a quick breath. Scarlett began on their way inside. They swore to themself that the rain had to be at least the size of a golf ball—not only that, but made of pure ice as well.

It blundered right through the tree leaves which blocked the sky above. Limbs stuck out, some barley touched the top of the umbrella. Leaf after leaf was brushed over. Water poured down like it fell from a tipped bucket. Shrubs practically swallowed the gravel. Grass stuck out through any crack it could. The gravel crunched behind them. They glanced over their shoulder, only to see Alex speed-walking over.

He walked just by their side. He held out his arm, which Scarlett took. “Thank you very much.” They said in a murmur.

He helped them onto the stairs. Scarlett’s foot almost slipped right off the edge. Alex just glared at the door. He was horribly tense. They yanked themself up onto the other stair. They swore those steps were as high as their knees. Alex pulled Scarlett over to the door. He knocked gently. Scarlett shut their umbrella.

The door swung open.

“Scarlett, it is a pleasure to see you again.” A woman with a a heavy Parisian accent cooed, her voice was sweeter than honey. “Is there anything I could help you with?”

“Good evening, madame.” Scarlett formally replied. “I have come to visit.”

“Come in.”

Alex looked at Scarlett, who nodded. He held out his arm again. They took it. The two followed the woman inside. Alexander grinned and shut the door behind the two. “Come, sit down.” She said with delight as she rested her hands on Scarlett’s shoulders. She helped them over to the sofa and sat them down. “You look just as young as you did.. how many years ago?”

Scarlett smiled slightly. “Aw, Mrs. Lavigne-Barerre, no need.” They softly replied. The woman grinned with cheer.

“Did I mention I love the color red on you?” She said as she took Scarlett’s hand, admiring the lace details of their sleeves. “You look wonderful.”

Alexander stood at the side of the sofa. He held his hands tightly behind his back. Scarlett chuckled. The sight of this woman’s face seemed to light up their entire world, even if it was for just two seconds. “it is good seeing you again.”

“I agree, Scarlett. You haven’t come to visit me in.. a few months.”

“I do apologize.” Scarlett lowered their head. The very thought of how time flew reemerged in their mind.

“No worries.” The woman still sounded as lighthearted as ever. “I just find it odd that you’ve not sent a card. Is something wrong?”

Her happy demeanor melted. Her shoulders drooped. “Still..?” She asked, gazing at Scarlett.

“I cannot stop.” Scarlett said as calmly as they could. It felt almost as if their heart was being twisted. They couldn’t imagine how she felt. “I do not mean to reopen these wounds for you.”

“I told you I would do anything in my power to help you find my son.” The woman sat down.

She rested her hand on Scarlett’s shoulder. Little pops blanketed the silence as the fire burnt. The woman stood up and made her way over to the fireplace. “Is it too hot in here for you?”

“No, madame.”

“Okay.” She huffed as she kneeled. “Anyway, I’ve got a caretaker for Alcide.”

“That is wonderful news, Mrs.”

“Yes, indeed.” The woman said with delight. “Her name is Anne.”

“Is she here?”

“Indeed. Alcide is off with his mother. Usually.. uh, Wednesdays, she’s not busy.”

“I see.”

“She did mention something about living with Jack’s mother.”

Scarlett furrowed their brows a bit. “Could we meet with her?”

“Of course.” The woman chirped. “One moment.” She skipped up the stairs. Scarlett turned to Alexander, who watched like a hawk.

The woman rushed back down the stairs, followed by another. The second was around Scarlett’s age. Her brunette hair was tied back in a ponytail. She wore a a similar dress to Mrs. Lavigne-Barerre. It was plain and simple. The one thing different was that hers was deep blue while Lavigne-Barerre’s was black.

Mrs. Lavigne took the woman’s hand and pulled her over. The woman’s lips pulled into a wide grin. Her eyes weren’t smiling. “This is Scarlett Hughes, Anne. I’m sure you’ve heard me mention them.”

“Good evening, Hughes.” The woman said politely. Scarlett leaned forward. “How would you like me to refer to you?”

“Any honorific will do.” Scarlett calmly replied.

“Well then, my name is Anne.”

There it was. The same accent was at least somewhat present in this woman’s voice. Alex flashed Anne a tight-lipped smile. Anne cleared her throat. “Have I seen you somewhere?”