Days turned into weeks, and Charlotte's lessons with Madam Janice grew more intense. Each night, the piano room felt alive with the sound of their music. The two women, bonded by a shared love for the piano, spent countless hours together, their laughter and music echoing through the manor's quiet halls.
But one evening, as Charlotte arrived at the piano room, she found Janice sitting on the edge of the chair, her hand resting gently on the keys. Her face was pale, her usually radiant skin looking drawn and weary. There was something wrong, something Charlotte couldn't quite place.
"Madam Janice?" Charlotte asked softly, stepping closer, her heart beginning to race.
Janice's smile was faint, a shadow of its usual warmth. "I'm afraid I'm not feeling well tonight, Charlotte," she said, her voice weak. "I might need to rest."
Charlotte knelt beside her, her concern deepening. "You've been ill for a few days now, haven't you?" She reached out, gently touching Janice's hand. "Shouldn't we call for the doctor?"
Janice shook her head, a tired smile flickering at her lips. "It's nothing serious, I'm sure. Just a bit of fatigue. I've been pushing myself too hard lately."
But Charlotte didn't believe her. There was something in Janice's eyes, a weariness that couldn't be hidden. She had known the madam for long enough now to see the subtle signs of distress, the pale complexion, the way her movements had become slower, more deliberate.
The following day, Charlotte's fears were confirmed when the doctor arrived. He was a tall, thin man, his expression serious as he examined Janice. He took her pulse, listened to her chest, and frowned.
"I'm afraid it's an unknown illness, Lady Harper," the doctor said grimly. "Her body is growing weaker by the day. We don't know the cause, but it seems her strength is fading."
Charlotte's heart sank as she looked at Janice, who had closed her eyes in a quiet, accepting way. She had always been strong, always confident and poised. But now, she was fading in front of Charlotte's eyes, her health deteriorating before she could even understand why.
For the first time, Charlotte saw Janice for what she was—fragile, human, vulnerable.
"Madam," Charlotte whispered, tears welling in her eyes, "You can't… you can't leave us like this."
Janice opened her eyes slowly, meeting Charlotte's gaze. There was a depth of understanding in her eyes, a quiet wisdom. "I'm not leaving you, Charlotte," she said, her voice softer than ever before. "But my time is short. I can no longer teach you as I once did."
Charlotte's heart shattered at the words, but Janice raised a hand, urging her to listen.
"I want you to promise me something," Janice said, her voice frail yet firm. "Promise me you will never stop. Never stop playing, never stop pursuing your dreams. You must continue the lessons, even without me."
"But how?" Charlotte cried, her voice cracking. "I need you, Madam. You're the one who believed in me, who taught me how to play… I don't know if I can do it alone."
Janice smiled weakly, her hand resting on Charlotte's. "You've always had it in you, Charlotte. The talent, the passion, the strength to follow your heart. I've seen it. You don't need me to teach you anymore. The music is inside of you now."
Charlotte clutched Janice's hand tightly, her tears falling freely now. "I'll do it. I'll never stop, I promise you."
Janice's eyes closed, her face softening into a peaceful expression. "Good. Never stop, Charlotte. For both of us."
As the days passed, Janice's condition worsened. She could no longer leave her bed, and the manor's once vibrant atmosphere grew heavy with the silence of impending loss. Charlotte continued to visit her, sitting by her bedside, playing the piano in the room to fill the air with the music that Janice had once taught her to love.
Then, one cold morning, as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, Janice passed away quietly in her sleep. The world seemed to stand still in that moment, the air thick with grief. The woman who had given Charlotte the chance to chase her dreams was now gone, leaving behind nothing but memories and a promise.
But Charlotte held on to that promise—her promise to never stop, to continue playing, to live the dream that Janice had once lived and had passed on to her.