Chapter 33
After Usher left, Eleanor lived each day waiting only for the newspaper to be delivered. She devoured both the morning and evening editions—so obsessively that anyone might have mistaken her for someone working in a newsroom.
“Here’s the paper, ma’am.”
The story of Eleanor pacing around the front door every morning to get the newspaper had already spread among the servants. So George made sure to always deliver a copy to her.
“Thank you.”
Eleanor thanked George and walked up the stairs with the newspaper in hand. Once inside her room, the first section she flipped to was always the obituary column.
There were a few names listed in that tragic section again today. Fortunately, neither Usher Fitzmon nor Logan Clavern were among them.
“That’s a relief.”
Eleanor checked the names several times, then gave a faint smile. Of course, she had received a letter from Usher a week ago, and George’s expression as he handed over the newspaper hadn’t hinted at anything grave. These were all positive signs. But she still couldn’t relax until she saw it with her own eyes.
As far as compulsions went, this was already an improvement. A year ago, right after Usher had left, everyone worried she was on the verge of paranoia.
“Eleanor, can I come in?”
“You can, Olivia.”
Only after a couple of light knocks and Eleanor’s permission did Olivia open the door. Two years had passed since the autumn when Logan left, and now spring had returned. Olivia had grown in that time. Watching her, Eleanor felt a maternal pride, as if she had raised her own child.
“There’s a letter from Logan.”
“Really?”
Logan’s letters had now become something Eleanor also looked forward to. Ever since Usher had joined Logan’s unit, he often shared stories about him. It was likely a thoughtful gesture meant for Eleanor, knowing she would read the letters aloud to Olivia.
“But Olivia, you can read on your own now.”
Though she wasn’t yet used to writing, Olivia had become quite good at reading. She had grown up fast, reading and rereading Logan’s letters.
“Still, I want to read it with you.”
Grinning with a missing front tooth, Olivia didn’t quite have the face of a well-bred young lady—but she was adorable nonetheless. Eleanor gave in and gestured to the empty chair.
“Read it for me.”
Olivia slid the envelope across the table. Eleanor opened it carefully with a letter opener and pulled out the letter.
“To Miss Olivia, age ten.”
Logan had left, and now Olivia was already ten years old.
“I wonder how much you’ve grown.”
He had missed so many moments in the ever-changing life of a growing child. Reading those words stirred an odd feeling. Logan would surely regret missing those years.
“I met a twelve-year-old who lied and said he was fifteen to enlist as a boy soldier. He had a sturdy build for his age. Hearing that made me think of you again.
Olivia, you’re ten now. Given the Clavern genes, I imagine you’re quite tall. I wonder how much you’ve grown. It saddens me that I couldn’t be there to see it.
Usher has taken charge of that boy’s training. He was concerned because the kid was close to your age. He wanted to send him home right away, but with rumors that the war may end soon through a peace agreement with the Kiel and Louen royal families, he’s keeping him around for now.
Maybe we’ll be able to come back soon. Until then, stay healthy.Always worrying about you,
Your brother,
Logan Clavern”
The letter, warm and gentle, carried a hopeful message. And since it came from Logan—a military officer no less—it was trustworthy. Without realizing it, Eleanor smiled as she read.
“His Grace might be coming home soon, Olivia.”
“Logan’s coming back?”
“He just might.”
Eleanor’s face lit up as she spoke, and Olivia’s eyes sparkled in response. Her little nose twitched with excitement. Eleanor wanted to remind her to act like a proper young lady since she’d recently started etiquette lessons, but she couldn’t bring herself to say it—her own expression probably wasn’t much different.
“Eeeek!”
In the end, Olivia jumped up from her seat with a squeal. Eleanor laughed aloud as she watched her.
Indeed, Logan’s words had not been false. Soon after, an article appeared: Kiel had sat down at the table to sign the end-of-war agreement. Eleanor made sure to relay the joyous news to the Fitzmon estate.
“The Duke of Clavern said that?”
Lady Jane Fitzmon, who anxiously awaited Usher every single day, was no different. She asked again, as if she couldn’t believe it.
“Oh my. If only the war really ends…”
It had been a year since she last saw even a single strand of her son’s hair. Perhaps her constant prayers had worked—Usher had remained safe.
“When Usher returns, we’ll hold the wedding right away, Eleanor.”
Jane had prayed desperately, asking only for Usher to be returned safely—and promising she’d give him whatever he wanted. And surely, marrying Eleanor was one of the things he wanted most.
“You’ve suffered just as much waiting for him. I’m sorry, and thankful. I always feel that way.”
Jane held Eleanor’s hand gently as she spoke. That year had given her plenty of time to observe Eleanor. At first, she hadn’t been fond of her—but over time, she realized what a decent woman Eleanor truly was.
“I don’t think I’ve suffered that much.”
“Waiting for a fiancé you can’t even see—that’s no easy thing. Your feelings could’ve changed, too.”
People changed more easily than they thought. All it took was someone whispering in their ear. Loneliness, especially, could shake even the strongest resolve.
“Hearing you say that makes me feel like I’ve done something great.”
“You have—at least for Usher and our family.”
Jane smiled softly. It was a smile Eleanor had become quite familiar with.
“Be careful on your way home. And if there’s any more news, let me know right away.”
Eleanor left the Fitzmon estate with a bright heart, warmly bid farewell by Jane. Just thinking that Usher would return soon made the world shine.
“Extra! Extra!”
She was walking to catch a carriage when a boy on a bicycle scattered newspapers on the street. People rushed to grab them like ants. Eleanor picked up one that fluttered toward her.
“…”
“Desperate Final Act by the Louen Royal Family — Bombing at the Kiel Border Peace Table.”
It wasn’t good news. Eleanor, throat dry with anxiety, quickly scanned the article. There had been a surprise air raid by Louen’s royal family—but thankfully, there were no reported casualties. She exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding and relaxed her tense shoulders.
Surely the next extra edition would bring joyful news. Eleanor folded the paper and tossed it into the bin.
Within a few days, the Louen royal family, who dared oppose the free citizens and democracy, completely collapsed. Kiel, who had used the Louen royals to try to absorb the region, finally gave in and signed the peace agreement. The war, which had dragged on for nearly two and a half years, ended anticlimactically.
“His Grace will be home soon, Olivia.”
And Usher too. Eleanor laughed as she played with Olivia, who clung to her waist. Today was the long-awaited day when soldiers returned from the battlefield. It was the day families had counted down for.
“His Grace is truly amazing.”
At the murmuring of the servants, the secretary Jeffrey puffed his chest in pride. Eleanor quietly turned her gaze to the main gate. She had wanted to wait for Usher at the Fitzmon estate, but right now, she was on duty as a servant of the Clavern household. She had to stay in her role.
“They’re here!”
The gate opened, and a carriage carrying Logan pulled in. Everyone’s eyes locked onto it.
“Welcome home, Your Grace!”
The carriage came to a stop. Not long after, Logan stepped out, dressed neatly. Though he looked thinner and worn, it was clear he had returned safely.
“Logan!”
Olivia, who had been fidgeting beside Eleanor, finally couldn’t hold back and ran forward before Eleanor could stop her. Cindy gave Eleanor a side-eye for failing to hold her back and followed Olivia.
“Logan. I’m so happy you returned safely.”
“Thanks to you, ma’am.”
Logan lifted Olivia up in his arms, replying politely.
“You’ve grown so much, Olivia.”
“I missed you!”
“You missed me?”
“Uh-huh!”
Olivia nodded and wrapped her arms tightly around Logan’s neck. As he comforted the clingy child, Logan’s gaze met Eleanor’s. She bowed with heartfelt joy, truly glad he had returned alive—and then lifted her head.
“…”
Which is why… she couldn’t understand why he was looking at her with eyes that couldn’t hide their sorrow.
