Difference

The rays of sunshine rained inside her bedroom. As the morning breeze fluttered with the wind, Catherine woke up with a smile. Remembering that the volunteer work is today, she hurriedly got off the bed, took a quick bath, and grabbed an apple from the fruit bowl, yet before she could go outside, plastered to her door was a note in her brother's handwriting.

'There are some matters that need my attention, so I'll be going. Bye.' -- Dreux

Catherine just sighed and looked at the sofa, particularly at the blanket her brother used these past weeks. After a moment, she went out, locked the door and left.

Inside the cab, she was in deep thought. She was actually a bit thankful for her brother, her apartment was a bit lively due to top their unceasing banter, but now that he left, she missed those times. However, things were never the same as today, she left and had her own life and those things are now considered memories. To be reminisced with.

Arriving at the hospital, she got off the cab and paid the driver. With a little bit of gloomy feeling, she walked towards a group of people standing at the side of the entrance. She greeted them with a half-smile and they respond with a nod as acknowledgement. After a few minutes, a familiar voice was heard.

"Is everyone here?" It was Lord Zachary who had just come out from the building.

"Not yet sir. Doctor Luke and Nurse Michael are still inside. They went to get some additional supplies. The list given to us had a minor problem, so they went in and settled it." replied a nurse in the back.

"I see. Then while waiting for them, let's check everything one last time and do a head count." Lord Zachary suggested.

The other members started checking the things once more while some helped on checking some lists and taking attendance. Catherine approached a nurse close to her and ask if she needed a hand, but the nurse politely decline saying she can handle the rest, unable to render help, she just stayed in a corner silently while waiting for them to finish, so as to not disturb them.

Seeing that Catherine is only standing on the corner looking rather pitiful, a woman donned in a white coat, looking in her mid 40's approaches her to initiate conversation.

"Cathy, Why are you standing here alone and looking rather pitiful? Is everything alright?"

"Doctor Helene it's been a while."Catherine smiled shyly at the doctor.

"It seems like everyone is busy preparing for the mission," she added.

"Well, we do strive for perfection." Doctor Helene rebutted.

"It's a good thing, isn't it?" Catherine inquired. The doctor looked at her for a while before answering.

"You seem pretty naive for someone who comes from a noble family."

"Huh?" Catherine looked at the Doctor with questioning eyes.

"Whatever do you mean, Doctor?"

"Nothing. It is a good thing that you have a pure heart. Keep it that way." Maybe out of respect for her profession or simply because of Catherine, Doctor Helene abruptly end the conversation and walked away.

Catherine did not mind. Together with the silence, she waited for the others to finish packing. It did not take a long time for them to start travelling.

Riding on a first-class train, was a first-time experience for Catherine. She keeps looking at either side and at the windows on the side too. Both Lord Zachary and Doctor Helene were amused by her and were very willing to answer all her questions and queries.

"So, you mean to say, trains have sleeping quarters?" Catherine asked when she heard about the sleeping cabins on the train.

"Yes. It was Invented for the passenger's convenience since some of the trips would usually take days. Have you never boarded a train before, Catherine?" Doctor Helene asked in surprise.

"Well… I never boarded a train. Even when I was studying medicine back in France, I always use a Carriage. This is my first time. " Catherine smiled sheepishly. Both Lord Zachary and Doctor Helene nodded in acknowledgement.

Faucigny Estate - Living Room

"I'm back." As soon as he stepped out of the carriage, Hendrix greeted his worried mother with a smile.

"Where did you go in this whole ordeal? I was worried. The coachmen wouldn't speak about your location, saying it was your order. Did you even think about me worrying you?" Lady Isabella lightly slaps Hendrix's back while walking alongside him inside the mansion.

"I'm fine, Mom. As for where I have been, we'll talk about that later. Is Dad around?" Hendrix Inquired when he didn't see his father in the living room.

"He has been very busy these past few days. He's also been suppressing the news about your health state. The Gazette actually released a news article about you being dead at that ambush. Your father gave a statement that you are safe and recovering, but without your presence, only half of the public believed and acknowledge your father's statement." After replying, Lady Isabella paused for a bit as if she had something to say but dared not utter it. Zachary noticed this and before speaking, he leads his mother to the sofa.

"Catherine is okay. In these past weeks, I was with her at her new residence. Although it is a bit small, she is living in a good condition. You need not worry."

"I'm glad she's okay. But you did say small? Is the House she's living really that small? How many rooms are there? Her foods and necessities?" Lady Isabella inquired.

Zachary was a bit lost. He didn't know what to say to his mother. He just couldn't say that his sister is living in a shabby apartment the exact size of her bedroom at the mansion, surely his mom would be frantic and insist on getting Catherine back.

"It's not that bad. She has her own bedroom, a study and a connecting living room and kitchen. She seems to enjoy her life compared to when she is still here in the mansion. Mom, let her be. Don't worry, I'm also looking out for her." Zachary assured his mother.

"I see.I just couldn't get over the fact that Catherine is not with us anymore." Lady Isabella tearfully said while walking away leaving Hendrix alone in the living room. Hendrix only sighed and looked at the windows with uncertain emotion.

Catherine, who was the subject of the conversation between the mother and son pair, had no idea about it at all. It wasn't until they arrived at the Village that Catherine realized how taxing it is to ride a train for a day. There was already someone waiting for them at the station. After confirming that they are the doctors from London, the staff took their luggage to put in a cargo carriage while guiding them to another carriage for travel.