The Critchfield Locket by Sheila M. Rogers Page A

stoic when she looked at him. “Again, I thank you for everything, but now, I must return home. There are arrangements to be made, and estate business to deal with.”
    Nicholas felt cold where her warm body had been. He took a moment to collect himself before responding. “I understand. In the morning, I shall have Mr. Thompson ready the carriage and have Mrs. Thompson assist you with your things.”
    They stood staring at each other a few moments before Kate returned to her room. She crawled back into the bed without ever waking Margaret.
    She felt a light touch on her arm and woke to find Margaret standing over her. “Good morning, Ms. Katherine. Are you feeling better today?”
    “A little I suppose.”
    “I am sad to see you go Miss. It has been a pleasure knowing ya. And don’t go worrying about Stormy – I’ll see to it that he’s cared for.”
    “ Thank you Margaret, for being so kind to me.” She pulled the girl into a hug. “I will miss you.”
    Mrs. Thompson arrived and helped Kate pack the few belongings she had. She escorted her down stairs and to the front door where Nicholas was waiting. A slight nod of his head sent all the staff members scurrying away. “Before you go, might you take a turn about the garden with me?”
    “I would like that.” Kate placed her hand through his arm as they traveled in silence. When they neared a bench, he guided her to take a seat before sitting down as well.
    “Katherine, over the last few weeks, I have come to feel things that I had thought were no longer possible for me. I know that you must return home, but I would be remiss if I did not declare myself to you first. I am not sure of when my feelings began to change, but change they have , for I now find myself in love.” He took her hands in his, kissed one, then the other. “Katherine, I love you. Do you think that in time, you may one day return my affections?”
    Kate took a moment before she answered. “Nicholas, I don’t know what to say. I had dared to hope that you felt the same as I do, but it seemed foolish to do so. We barely know each other.”
    “Yet I know that I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
    “And I you.”
    He leaned in and kissed her on the lips. “I have something for you.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a square wood box made of cherry wood and handed it to her.
    Excited, Kate opened the box and found a locket inside. Though beautiful, it wasn’t what she had expected. She looked at him as he got up, taking the locket from the box. When he secured it around her neck, he told her this was an early wedding present, that he would get her an engagement ring soon. He then instructed her to open the locket. Kate enthusiastically slid her thumbnail into the crevice and pushed it open.
     
    Kate felt a little lightheaded as tears slowly slid down her cheeks. A hand gently squeezed her arm. “Miss, are you OK?”
    Kate opened her eyes and found herself looking into the eyes of an older woman. Wait, I know this woman… she’s the shopkeeper.   Sensing something in her hands, she lowered her gaze and saw the opened locket. “I’m fine, I just…” she shook her head as if to clear it. “I guess I must have gotten a little caught up in your story behind this locket.” She took a deep breath and tried to clear her thoughts as the shopkeeper smiled and rang her sale through the register.
    The bell on the shop door jingled as a man made his way to where the women were standing. Kate was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t even notice him until he began to speak. Something about his voice seemed familiar to her. “Good afternoon, Ma’am. I’m hoping you can help me. I’m looking for a piece you recently purchased at an estate auction. It’s a locket with…” His words trailed away as Kate held out her hands towards him. He looked at the locket then turned his eyes to her face. When their eyes met, they stood motionless for a few moments. Kate broke