Journal Entry – 25th day of Spring, 1819

I was at breakfast the day after Lord Bishop’s sudden visit when Papa announced that it was time for him to take me for my Debut Season. We sat at the table in the library, our customary place for breakfast, and ate in the warmth of the early sun as it streamed through the tall windows. Papa glanced over his book and declared it, with an air of nonchalance, as if informing me of something as trifling as a trip to town. The delight and confusion that was evident on my face mirrored the feelings inside me. I was now two years past the accepted age one would normally proceed with their Debut Season, and had long ago given up on the chance that he would take me on mine. Not that being paraded around society in uncomfortable shoes and stiff, embroidered clothes had ever been one of my dreams! But…the draw to get out and see more of the world had always captivated me.

I held back my first response to the announcement, which had been a very unladylike urge to bounce up and down in my seat and squeal. To cover my childish excitement, I paused and took a great gulp of tea. It burned its way down my throat. Blinking back tears, I placed my cup back on its saucer. “Oh.” I searched for some intelligent response amongst my ecstatically somersaulting thoughts. “Well that sounds… nice.”

Papa nodded decisively. “Very good. We leave tomorrow. I’ll start making arrangements with the household. Minora will help you pack.” Picking up his spoon, he went back to eating porridge.

“What?!” I adjusted my spectacles to better stare at him across the round breakfast table. “Tomorrow?” Suspicion dampened my excitement as I remembered the previous day’s events. “Isn’t that a bit sudden? We’ll need to make preparations, won’t we? These things take planning… and…er, advance notice, and courtly contacts in the city and…and embroidered gowns… ” I sputtered off into silence, my brief knowledge of one’s first Season exhausted. I stared at my father.

Steam lifted from the rose-patterned teapot between us.

“It’s all been organized.” Papa turned another page in his book. “We leave tomorrow after breakfast. Your packing is all that is left. Don’t pack overly much, you’ll be getting an entirely new wardrobe as we travel.”

I dropped my spoon in shock, dribbling porridge over the cream-colored tablecloth. The only time I had ever had a new dress was for mama’s funeral when I was eight. All the rest of my clothes were remade out of her old gowns. I didn’t mind, as I’d always preferred a good book over a pretty gown and Papa’s income didn’t do much more than support the upkeep of our small estate inherited from his father. Of course, it would stretch to one or two courtly gowns for a Season, but a whole new wardrobe! I narrowed my eyes.

“I don’t understand Papa, you hate doing things without proper planning. Why so sudden?”

Papa gulped the last of his tea and pushed his chair back. “I told you Nixie dear, it has been organized.” He stood, avoiding eye contact. “Don’t worry your pretty head about it. Now finish your breakfast and go start packing. I’ll have a trunk sent up to your room.” He leaned down on his way to the door and planted a quick kiss on my unruly morning hair. “Don’t forget to pack some books for all the traveling.”

I scowled into my half-eaten, now cold bowl of porridge. “Suspicious! That’s what this is!” Tapping my fingers on the table-top, I suppressed a grin. “At least I get to go, even if I have no idea what the real reason for traveling is.” Breakfast was forgotten as I rushed to hurry Minora, our housekeeper, up to my room to pack for the journey.

Late afternoon found me standing at the window of my bedroom on the second floor of the house. I stared at the road and daydreamed about driving down it the next morning. Minora had managed to take all the fun out of packing with her endless, specific instructions and objection to filling all my bags with books. I rolled my eyes as she folded my undergarments and shoved them in the trunk, muttering something about wearing stockings every day.

“I don’t care how hot and stuffy you find them, Miss Nixie, it is improper for a lady to be out in society without them! What if you were to be knocked over by a strong breeze and then everyone would be apprised of your undergarments? Why, it would be simply horrifying!”

I rolled my eyes. “Minora, I would be more horrified at the fact I could be knocked over by a strong breeze. Please stop fussing. I’ll keep the appearance of the most perfect, proper young lady just for you.” I pulled a face at my reflection in the window.

“Mistress Nixie, it would be very helpful of you to stop staring out that dratted window and come pick which gowns to take.” Minora’s voice sounded muffled from her position, digging through my closet.

I sighed. “I guess. I won’t need many so it shouldn’t take too long.” I started to turn away from the window. “Oh,” pausing, I squinted into the distance. “Minora, are we expecting anyone today?”

She pulled her head out of the closet, my most uncomfortable red gown in hand. “What’s that miss?”

“Are we expecting people?” I waved her over. “Or perhaps a delivery? There are two horsemen coming up the road.”

Minora peered out the window with me at the fast approaching figures. “Not that I know of.” The sound of hoof-beats reached our ears as the riders pounded through the open gates, their horses kicking up mud from the afternoon’s spring rain.

“I don’t recognize their colors, but they must be here on behalf of someone.” said Minora, fidgeting with the dress in her hands. “Oh dear, I don’t have time to deal with this right now. So much to do.”

My nose pressed up on the glass. I attempted to get a better view of the visitors as they moved to the front entrance. “Do you want me to go make sure Gerard answers the door?” I asked, desperate to see who they were but not wishing to appear too nosy.

More dresses were being pulled out of the closet and tossed on the bed as Minora gave me an absentminded nod. I was down the stairs and through the hallway just as Gerard, our butler, was greeting the two strangers at the door. Over Gerard’s shoulder, I could see the face of an older man, his tidy grey beard trimmed short. He had a courteous smile on his face, but his eyes were shifty, avoiding Gerard’s face. A door leading to the kitchen entrance was open to my left so I slipped in before he caught sight of me. Shutting it to just a crack, I pressed my eye against the opening. Gerard moved slightly, revealing the other man. He was young, tall, and broad-shouldered, with brown eyes that matched his hair.

He frowned as he spoke to Gerard. “But sir, I assure you, Master Scriven is expecting us. Just tell him his travel escort has arrived.”

Gerard’s gravelly voice replied. “Master Scriven was not expecting anyone until tomorrow morning, when he plans to leave. You can return then, at the proper time.”

I held back a snort of laughter. Gerard always was a stickler for detail. The younger man gave a quick nod. “Yes I am sure you are right, my good man. But you see, we are from out of town and have no place to stay for the night. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, we would appreciate some place to sleep and perhaps some supper.”

Gerard begrudgingly agreed and sent them out to stable their horses. I quietly shut the door with a click and leaned on it, pondering what I had just heard. A traveling escort for our journey, one that was made up of two very capable looking men – possibly soldiers (were those swords I saw at their belts?) – didn’t seem like a normal first Season trip. “The plot thickens.” I muttered ominously to myself. Turning around to go back to my room by way of the kitchen, I jumped at the sight of Annet, our maid, staring at me.

“Oh.” I jumped out of the way and opened the door for her. “Sorry for the wait.” She gave me a bemused smile as I motioned her past and then shut the door.

I spent the rest of the day trying to convince Minora to let me ‘accidentally’ meet our guests, who were sharing a room in the servant’s quarters, but she insisted on having me help finish packing. Papa dined with the strangers, leaving me to eat a quick supper in my room in-between picking which shoes to take on the journey. This consisted of me telling Minora I’d rather take books than shoes and to stop fussing so much.

It’s now a few hours before we leave. By a few hours I mean early morning – the birds aren’t even awake. I was too excited to sleep, so I got up, lit a candle and decided to write everything down to keep all the details clear in my mind while I try to decipher what Papa’s secret is. I feel like I’m no closer to discovering what it might be, but everything is becoming much more interesting! Now just to sneak a few more books before Minora wakes up and I’ll be all ready to go.

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Journal Entry – 23rd Day of Spring, 1819

Today was just a regular Tuesday, and who should show up for tea but the High Lord Bishop of Covantrise!? You’d think it was an everyday occurrence for the head of the whole country’s church to pop in for tea by the cool way he knocked on the door, wished our man-servant good-day, and walked in to find my father.

Belying his manner, it is a very uncommon occurrence. Imagine my horror when he came upon me, instead of my father in the library, dressed in an old gown, legs propped over the arm of the chair. I had just finished reading my favourite book for the sixty-seventh time (yes, I have counted.) I dropped it in my lap to push my glasses further up my nose, to better see who had entered the room.

“Oh hello!” I said, sounding more startled than welcoming to the strange man in my house. “And who are you?” My mother would have turned in her grave if she knew I had spoken to the High Lord Bishop in this manner, although he took it well in stride.

“My good lady, so sorry to intrude. I happen to be looking for Sagirus Scriven, the village scribe and owner of this lovely estate. Could you point me in his direction?”

Before I could open my mouth to answer, Papa’s voice came from behind me. “Lord Bishop Aidren?”

With a thud I fell from my seat (note to self – don’t sit with legs over the chair arm anymore). Papa – ignoring my distressed scrambling on the ground – hurried forward to greet our guest. “My Lord, I had no news you were coming. What brings you here?”

The Lord Bishop greeted him with a firm handshake. “Well, my dear Sagirus, I was in the neighbourhood and I felt like a spot of tea. Any chance I could join you for a cup?”

“Yes, of course. Let me send for some tea.” Papa said. The knowing look in his eyes made me feel as if there was more to this rather unusual visit than was spoken by their polite exchange.

I took this chance to make my leave, before I embarrassed myself again. “Oh Papa, do let me organize the tea for you. I’ll have it brought to your study shortly.” The way I sped out of the room must have been alarming to a gentleman such as the Lord Bishop, but what can a girl do after a moment like that?

Not wanting to miss a minute more than I had to of what must be a very interesting conversation, I ordered tea, changed into my best gown and fixed my hair. Giving myself one last glance of approval in the mirror, I hurried towards the study in hopes of intercepting the maid with the tea and therefore having a reason for interrupting. The last corner before the study was where I met her, taking the tray from her hands and winking. I tiptoed to the study door. The sound of my father’s voice stopped me before I could knock.

“But what can I do, my Lord Aidren? I don’t understand why you have come to me about this matter.” I know my father well enough to know by the tone he used that something was wrong.

I unashamedly leaned my ear close to the shut door to hear the Lord Bishop’s reply.

“Don’t you see Sagirus? You’re just the man we need for the job. You know exactly what you’re looking for from your previous work with us and, forgive me for saying this, you would be completely unrecognizable, as your status is not well known throughout the country. Everyone else who worked this closely with us is either too well known, or too old for this task. Truly you may be the only one who can help us.” There was a long pause and then he continued. “This is much to ask of you, and the journey is not free from danger, I’ll be the first to admit! But we need you Sagirus. Your country needs you.”

Papa spoke in low, solemn tones. “I see.” There was another long silence. “I will do whatever I can Lord Bishop. You have a plan?”

“Yes.” Relief was evident in Lord Bishop Aidren’s voice. “You will be given everything you need to assume the disguise of a rich traveling lord, and will go speedily from town to town, giving as much attention to yourself as possible and advertising the fact you are a collector of the rarest ancient books and scrolls, willing to pay any price to obtain them. That should get the right people’s attention. I assume you know how important this is. If the object falls into the wrong hands…it could change everything. Lives, countries, the whole world if the worst occurred…” His voice lowered. “We must hope and pray they know not what they hold. You must move with speed and purpose, Sagirus. And stay cautious at all times. We don’t yet know who it is we face.”

The tea tray in my hands had grown heavy as I stood frozen at the door. I pressed it against my body to stop the cups and saucers clattering as my muscles trembled. Not sure what I had just heard, but knowing I most definitely was not meant to hear it, I slowly backed away down the hallway. Before I could disappear around the corner, the study door swung open. Dropping my head and pretending to rearrange the sugar jar on the tray, I strolled forward towards them. When I looked up I feigned cheerfulness. “Just popping up with the tea Papa. Did you still want it in the study?”

The two men exchanged looks quickly before Papa patted me on the head. “Sorry dear, Bishop Aidren has to be off now. If you take the tea into the study I’ll have some after I see the Bishop to the door.”

Lord Bishop gave me a smile and a nod as Papa led him away. Disappointed I wouldn’t have a chance to dig up any more clues, I strode into the study and plonked the tray on Papa’s desk. A scroll sitting on the desk edge narrowly missed being crushed by the tray, and at my touch, fell to the ground. I sighed and picked it up. It unrolled slightly in my hands and I stood motionless as I read the words at the top of the page.

The handwriting was untidy and obviously written in a hurry. It read, ‘Sagirus Scriven – Retrieval Instructions.’ And in smaller letters below that – ‘please burn after reading.’ I gulped. I wanted to read it, more than anything. Every part of me craved to be part of this mysterious venture Papa seemed to be undertaking. I bit my lip and started unrolling it.

“Nixie?”

I jumped at the sound of Papa calling my name. The scroll fell from my hands. Footsteps came from the hall and then his face popped around the door.

“There you are.” He smiled as I dumped sugar into an empty cup and stirred it. He saw the scroll on the floor and moved to scoop it up, tucking it into his tunic pocket. “That’s where that old thing went.” Attempting nonchalance, he nodded towards my frantic stirring. “Is that cup for me?”

Heart still pounding, I nodded and shoved it into his hands. He looked down and chuckled.  “Am I being punished for something? Sugar but no tea is all I get now?”

I gave a nervous laugh. “Oh yes, tea.” I picked up the pot and tipped some into both our cups. “So, did you have a nice visit with the Lord Bishop?”

He nodded and picked up a spoon to stir his drink. “Yes. Yes I did. He’s an old friend. Nice to see him again.”

I swirled the tea in my own cup and opened my mouth to ask him more questions. He stood abruptly, tea in hand, and headed for the library. “I need to do some reading, dear.”

I sighed and dropped back onto a seat. His voice came back to me from the other room. “Ugh, this tea is cold.”

I sipped my own and pulled a face. Ice cold. Good thing I didn’t serve that to the Bishop Aidren. I gulped it down, grimacing. I was determined to find out what the mysterious meeting was about.

Now, evening-time, I still have not gotten another word out of Papa on the subject. He has been elusive all day and at supper he hardly said a word. He looks worried and I am frustrated. If only I had been able to see what else was on that scroll! I’ll have to do some more searching into the matter tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be amazing if it was something like a real adventure and I could record everything, and someday people could read it and see how Papa and I saved the country? I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep tonight! It’s all too exciting.

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