As the sun rose lazily Lucia gathered her things in anticipation of a quiet morning ride and visit with her parents. She moved about the spacious chamber collecting her books, a decanter of water and some of chef's fresh baked biscuits wrapped neatly in a handkerchief. Dante, her trusted canine companion followed Lucia's every move with his eyes while his tail wagged hopeful to accompany his mistress. She wanted to leave early as the recent days proved extremely hot at midday and the thought of such stifling heat bothered her considering the many layers to her garments. She adjusted the skirts of her dress so as not to step upon nor trip, she had a tendency to be somewhat clumsy at times.
Once the satchel was filled she flashed a big smile to the waiting shepherd. "Ready boy"? Lucia patted her side letting Dante know he was a welcomed addition. Together they made way down the great staircase, a gentle bounce was present in her steps. "Good morning Ester, Carl". Lucia nodded her head to each respectively as they returned her greeting. "Off to the cemetery so early milady"? asked Ester as she arranged a large vase of freshly cut roses and lilies. "Yes, and Dante will be acompanying me as well. I hope to get a nice read in before the heat gets unbearable". She reached down and gave Dante a pat to settle him. He was eager to venture outside and this conversation was preventing him from running free causing him to dance about the slender young woman nearly knocking her over a few times. Ester let a chuckle escape at the antics of the dog.
"Do say hello to your parents for us child, won't you? I do miss them so" asked Ester "and give them these" she extended a bunch of colorful lilies and roses from which she was working. Lucia nodded, taking the bouquet in her free hand and turned upon her heels and headed for the main door. Two hulking solid oak doors adorned with brass handles, she always had trouble opening them but was undeterred in her intentions.
The moment even the tiniest fraction of daylight filtered through as Lucia pushed with all her weight, Dante bolted, shoving the massive blockade aside rousing a laugh from Lucia as she shook her head side to side. He had smelled something that deserved chasing! A small yet quick hare had been eating in the tall grass across the courtyard and was now making fast circles around the very determined Dante. All Lucia could see was a flash of black and brown fur moving left then right and left again. Her attention was caught at the sound of her chestnut Postier Breton mare as it whinnied. The young stable boy who was leading the horse to it's rider removed his cap and lowered his gaze to the ground before stopping before Lucia. "As you requested milady, your horse is all ready fer ya', She has been fed, brushed and I even gave her a nice piece of sassafras, she sure does enjoy that, dontchya' girl" His care for the mare was evident as he stroked her neck and gazed adoringly at her.
"Thank you Charles" Lucia gently took the reigns from the lad and proceeded to mount the beautiful animal. She hated sidesaddle, but when others were around she had to act appropriately. Allowing Dante a few more moments of fun Lucia leaned over and asked Charles for her satchel which he promptly arises to the side of the saddle for her. "have a nice ride milady, twill see you near noon then" the last of his words trailing off as he walked briskly away with a wave. Lucia turned back and placed a slender hand to her cheek hollering to her companion. "ok Dante, tis time to ride!" She gave a quick nudge and turned the horse about as the dog immediately fell into stride beside her.
It was a minor distance away and Lucia make quick time of it. She absorbed the splendor of the early summer morn with the fresh breeze caressing her cheeks, the light mist as the clouds began their ascent to the sapphire sky. The aroma of the flowers slowly opening to greet the day filled her nostrils causing the corners of her mouth to rise into a sweet smile. Soon the great stone entrance to the cemetery came into view. The spire of the cathedral rising up over the lush trees looked like a giant creature in the twilight like light as the sun was still rising. The horse slowed to a walk now as they turned onto the main path that led towards the family mausoleum. Lucia gave a soft tug on the reigns and brought the horse to a stop and dismounted.
