The rhythmic sway of the carriage and the soft drumming of the horses' hooves on the packed earth road had lulled Suzy into a light slumber. She leaned against the velvet upholstery, her wide-brimmed traveling hat tilted slightly, a book lying open and forgotten in her lap. They were on their way from Carleton, heading towards the familiar tranquility of the Chateau Valeré, where the final, bustling preparations for the orphanage jubilee were in full swing.
Suddenly, the carriage gave a violent lurch as one of the wheels struck a sizeable, unseen rock embedded in the road. Suzy was jolted awake, her head cracking sharply against the wooden side panel of the carriage before she could brace herself.
"Ouch!!!" she exclaimed, her eyes flying open as she instinctively brought a hand to her throbbing temple. The pain was sharp and immediate, making her wince.
