The Letter - Chapter 46

I stepped out of the tub and drained the water.  I toweled dry and wrapped myself in the thick, terrycloth robe that was hanging on the door.  I started to blow dry my wet hair when I heard someone knock on the bedroom door.  I turned off the hair dryer and heard the door unlock.

“Good morning, Jennifer.  Is it all right if I come in?”

I walked back into the bedroom and saw my mother looking in through the partially open door.  

“Sure.  It’s your house.  Do whatever you want.”  I didn’t care if she knew I was upset.  She came into the room and closed the door.  “So, how long do you intend to hold me captive in your castle?”

My mother was dressed like she was going to some country club to lunch with similarly situated wives.  Her dress was utterly fashionable and her hair was perfectly coiffed. 

“I’m sorry, dear.  I thought it best for your safety.  I didn’t want you to have an accident wandering around in unfamiliar territory.”

“Yeah, whatever.  How soon can Henry the Henchman take me home?”

“Oh, don’t be unkind, Jennifer.  I know bringing you here like I did was a bit bizarre, but I wanted you to see what it will be like to live here – so you can have a more balanced opinion so to speak.”

I sat down on the small bench in front of the vanity and brushed my hair.  As I looked in the mirror, I saw my mother standing behind me.  “Balanced?  So if the judge asks me where I prefer to live, I can compare living in your luxurious mansion to sleeping on a bed of straw in Dad’s hovel – something like that?”

“Jennifer.  She put a hand on my shoulder.  “I just want you to give me a chance.  I know I didn’t do right by you when I left to be with Richard.  But Richard’s been good for me, and I think you’ll like him.”

“Does he approve of your kidnapping me and holding me prisoner?”

“Be nice to me, dear.  I am your mother after all.  Actually, Richard is in California for a few days preparing for a trial in Los Angeles.  He should be back by next weekend.”

I turned around to face her.  “So he doesn’t know about this?”

She sat down on the edge of the bed.  “One thing he’s always admired about me is how I take matters into my own hands.”

I decided not to press the point.  “Mother, I need to get home.  I have school tomorrow.  And I’m sure Dad is worried about me.  I hope you’re not planning to keep me here under lock and key.”

“No, dear.  You are now free to move about the cabin.”  She smiled at her attempt at humor.  “I should warn you, however.  Richard’s dogs roam the grounds and they are trained to attack intruders.  Since they don’t know you, they would consider you an intruder.  In other words, don’t think you can just walk out the front door and head for the gate.  You need to stay inside where it’s safe.”

That sounded ominous.  I stood up.  “Well, I’d better get dressed.” 

“I hope the clothes I picked out are to your liking, Jennifer.  As far as your schooling goes, I’ve enrolled you at the Academy.  I’ve asked the housemaid to iron your school uniform.  You’ll start there tomorrow morning.  And don’t worry about your father.  I’m sure he’s enjoying a little alone time.  It’s been unfair of me to have burdened him with all your care for the past few years.”

I decided it was useless to try to argue with her.  Maybe if I give the appearance of cooperating, she’ll be more willing to loosen my shackles.  “All right, Mother.  Let me get dressed so I can explore my new home.”  I smiled at her.  She stood up and patted my arm.

“Now that’s the right attitude, dear.  I actually have a luncheon appointment, so I’ll leave you to enjoy your new surroundings.  Mr. Hughes can help with any questions you might have, and Mrs. Tomlinson will fix you a tasty lunch.”

“Perhaps I’ll explore the libraries while you’re gone.  I’m interested to see what you have in your collection.”

“Again, Mr. Hughes can be helpful.  He is very familiar with what is on the shelves.”

“And maybe, I’ll work on my pool shooting.”  I tried to sound chipper.

“Sounds like fun.  I’ll check to see how you’re doing when I get back.”

My mother left the room.  I noticed that she didn’t lock the door.  That’s a start anyhow.  Now, I’ll get dressed and start exploring.  Every puzzle has a solution and every chain has a weak link.  I won’t discover it sitting in here and moping about my predicament.  My best chance was to be friendly with the servants to gain their trust while looking for a way out of here.