Opening the shutter on her lantern fully Ilse carefully inspected the desk but only found all the usual correspondence from friends and acquaintances. A locked drawer was simply picked but it had nothing of particular note. More careful examination revealed a possible hidden drawer and some faint marks indicated where it could be opened.
Before opening the drawer Sparrow checked all around for any traps or alarms but nothing could be found so she slipped her knife into the concealed slot and released the drawer.
The drawer sprung open to reveal a heap of letters, the top one was much used so Ilse set it to one side and concentrated on the others. They were all love letters from the Grand duke’s son Johan to Maria, who was now the Duchess. Many discussed what they would do after the war was over, including marriage and where it should be held.
Not sure if it would contain the answer Ilse carefully opened the last letter, it was tear-stained so some of the word were smudged. But she could read
My darling Maria, do not worry that you might be pregnant, as soon as I get back I’ll marry you immediately so there will be no stain on your honour. I hope it will be a boy who will succeed me in due course as Grand Duke, but I’d be just as pleased with a daughter who would be as beautiful as you.
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Just in case anything should happen I enclose a letter you can take to my father and also asked my great friend Igor, Count Vladislav to make sure you are safe.
Your loving Johan
Carefully Ilse replaced the letters in the drawer and carefully closed it so the catch engaged again.
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1 comment:
Enthralling!
A fascinatingly rich character: do you plan to have her in miniature figurine (well, several, given her multiple facets)?
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