Lady Brigsbury's Secrets

It wasn't everytime she got the prompt. Things like this did not happen that often. But this time it did.

It had begin just like any other day. Lily woke up to the sound of the familiar chirping of birds outside her window and the rays of sunlight coming through. It was one of the reasons she had wanted a light curtain. These little things meant a lot to her and helped brighten her otherwise rather monotonouss mornings. This morning hadn't seemed any different from the others.

Getting up, she proceeded to go about the daily routine of getting cleaned and dressed for the day. It was still relatively early. Breakfast would come later.

She briefly went through her schedule of things to-do for the day, a habit she had developed to maximize her days.

'Oh shoot...I've got to see Henry about that place lace today...' she groaned. Seeing Henry wasn't always the highlight of her day but she had no choice. She wanted to see what new offer he had for her. She was searching for a new lace. It was time. She had lived in Florindale long enough. Long enough to see all it had to offer and to realise it was time to move before she replaced those memories with sad ones. Almost like a cycle. Better get out while to the going's still good.

Henry had mentioned that this place was neat and affordable. Not much information but Henry preferred to show than tell.

She wore her sneakers and took a jacket in case it got cold and stepped out of the house.

Driving through the highway, she thought of the past events of that year. What a year she had had.

She had called off her engagement to Eric in May and he had moved on since then. Or so she thought. Their wedding arrangements had been cancelled and everyone has loads of questions. She hoped she didn't run into more people today. It had been a decision of neccesity. She had no regrets. Only peace.

Back to the present. She approached Henry's office and paused, taking a moment to mentally prepare herself for the meeting. He could be difficult sometimes.

He had wanted a relationship with her in the past and she had said no. He didn't take it well. If it wasn't for his work ethics, they probably would have stopped all forms of communication, but he was her agent and a good one too.

Opening the door she greeted him with a smile. He looked good. He always did. Lean and tan. Probably just came back from some holiday in some remote tropical haven. She had liked that about him, his ability to prioritize leisure without jeopardizing his work.

'Hi Lils...(that was his pet name for her).., ready for today's adventure?' he beamed.

' Sure, bring it on!' she replied, summoning as much excitement as she could.

A few minutes later they were parked in front of the most unique and picturesque house Lily has ever seen. Tucked away in the outskirts of Florindale, completely off-grid and hidden out of sight.

She gasped. How had she never noticed it before?

'Lovely isn't it?'

Sensing her shock and awe, Henry took her hand and gently led her into the house.

'You should see what's inside, it's like a dream' he enthused.

He was right too. It's looked like something out of a fairytale. Mystical and yet so modern. It was enchanting. Lily wondered what it was going for on the market. Could she afford it?

'How much is it Henry?' she asked, going slowly from each room to the other; each one more intriguing that the last. Old pictures of artistic quality hung off the walls, left there by previous occupants. It lent the house the unusual feel of a Victorian-era cottage. Why had they been left there? As a gift to new tenants?

' That's the catch pumpkin, it's free' Henry replied. ' You just have to agree to a few terms and it's yours.'

'What!? What are you on about? C'mon Henry, level with me here..noone just gives out a house, least of all, THIS kind of house. What's the catch here? I haven't got time for games.' she retorted.

' I promise, no games. The owner stated their terms. Whoever chooses to take the house gets it for free as long as they agree to the terms.'

' What terms?' her eyes narrowed. She hoped it wasn't a scam or something dubious. Henry could be trusted but she wasn't sure what was going on.

He pulled out an envelope from his briefcase and handed it to her.

'Help yourself. I think you should sit down first. You might need it.' he said.

Lily took the manilla envelope and brought out two full-sized A4 sheets carefully typed and sealed. She read slowly. As she did she felt all color drain from her face and her lips began to tremble. She couldn't believe it.

Dear future tenant,

I know reading this offer might come as a shock to you so I suggest you take your time and carefully consider the terms contained in it. If you are interested in this property, it's as good as yours but you'd have to sign an agreement to the following terms

You see, this is no ordinary house. It belonged to the late Lady Brigsbury of Linora who was the mistress of the Count of Linora. She was hidden from sight as she was considered a scandal and much had been made of her life and affairs. She had brought to the world the current mayor of a famous district in South England and this is known to only a few select people. This house was her safe haven and also the love nest for the illicit couple.

By taking this place you agree to fulfill her dream of having the rest of her short but tragic life enacted daily. You would have access to all she left behind. Everything. You'd have to dress as she did, eat as she did, follow her routines and live out her very life. She is gone on body but remains in essence and wanted her memory preserved this way. She would only let this house to a young woman, single as she was in status, artistic in nature with an appreciation for the little pleasures of life. You are free to explore new possibilities but must remain true to her very nature. Through your life here, hers would be extended.

I hope you'll consider and if best suited to you, you'll take up this challenge. Over the course of the following weeks after your decision (if you accept), packages would arrive for you containing secrets shared by only the late Lady and her noble lover...thought to have been lost but merely hidden. You will be instructed on what to do with them.

I hope you can see the possibilities open to you in this offer and you can give it the effort it deserves. It may seem unconventional but it'll be worth your while. You'll help to finish history while creating lasting memories of your own.

Love,

Henshaw and Henshaw

for Brigsbury

Lily slowly put down the letter and the attached agreement and took a deep breath. It seemed she had been holding it in forever. Wow...what a tale.

She looked at Henry. Her color had returned and she was now flushed.

'Well..? What do you think?' he quizzed . 'crazy isn't it?'

' I've never heard of such a thing before. If i didn't know you better, I'd think it was a prank' she replied.

' Interested?' he pressed, ' it's unusual but so are you. It would be a new experience for you. And honestly I couldn't think of anyone better suited. You're wierd enough.' he wrinkled his nose.

She knew what he meant. She saw things differently from most people. It had always been that way. Perhaps that was what made her...her. She was impulsive but brooding at the same time and it confused people. She was not your run-of-the-mill girl and maybe that's was why she needed to leave town. It was a strange offer though, even for her but she thought...

She had gone through a lot this year, Eric had gone and she was alone. She needed something to jolt her would and give her a new sense of adventure. She couldn't afford to leave the country on a vacation and this was practically free. Of course she wondered about the terms and the clothes she'd have to wear each day, the life she'd live and most of all, the secret packages. What was that about? But she already knew deep down what she was going to do.

There was never really an option. Even though she hadn't expected this, perhaps it had come to her for a reason. She took a deep breath and turned to Henry...

' Where do I sign?'

So much for an ordinary day.