Cougar Ridge

The sun shone brightly, cascading lace shadows across the patterned quilt folded neatly on the made bed. Even the birds singing their songs outside her window and the beautiful morning promised by the light warm breeze could not bring a smile to her face. For today she was leaving, returning home for good. As she snapped the latch on the last of her bags she glanced about the small but tidy room that she has called home during her time at the university, making sure nothing has been forgotten. She then approached the mirror on the washstand, placed her peacock blue headpiece on her hair and secured it with a silver hat pin. The flower encased hat had wide blue ribbons which she tied beneath her chin, slightly off to the right. After another long glance, she informed the footman that she was ready. Yes she was ready. For today, Claire Marie Cooliage of Boston Massachusetts will be returning home as a certified teacher. Today she had graduated with her class. Alone she accepted her diploma, as no member of her family attended her ceremony. She was not surprised. Her father thought it was a grand waste of his time and his resources since she will be wed and need to be a wife to an upstanding member of the society, not a meager school teacher. Her mother was not one to go against father’s wishes, no matter how ridiculous they were. None the less, Claire was proud of her certification. She will miss the professors and the few friends that she had made while learning here. The footman approached and picked up the last of her bags and followed Claire from the room. He couldn’t help but stare. This young lady sure was a sight to behold. He doubted that she was even aware of how truly beautiful she looked. He could see the immense breeding instilled into her as she walked ahead of him. The way her back was straight, her head held high, the natural sway to her hips making a soft swishing sound by her blue traveling gowns. Those blue gowns were trimmed ever so slightly with small embroidered flowers along the cuffs and hem of her dress, and down the front of the matching tunic. Together with her matching blue head piece, Miss Cooliage was a true beauty. Once out in the sunlight, the footman corrected his previous thoughts. Not a simple beauty. No. Miss Cooliage was a goddess! Her gorgeous red hair set ever so perfect, with just a hint of soft wispy ringlets escaping from beneath her headpiece and framing her face beautifully. A perfectly shaped alabaster white face, and naturally rose red lips. But it was the eyes. Yes, the eyes he would remember always, and dream forever of. For her eyes were emerald green and so clear and shiny they would make the finest jewels fade in comparison. Her eyes were bright and curious. She was a gem. The footman handed the last of the baggage to the sharply dressed gentleman loading the personal carriage. The carriage was just as formable as the lady being helped inside. Black as the darkest night and highly polished. You could see a perfect reflection. Dust would not dare land on something so fine, the footman thought. The opened windows had red velvet curtains trimmed with gold brocade that could be lowered to keep the sun and the weather out while protecting all that’s valuable inside. The footman handed Miss Cooliage her small carpet bag that must be very personable as she insisted it ride inside with her. It was there he noticed how remarkable the inside of this carriage was as well. The floors were polished to the highest shine, the wood slats gleamed, and the seat cushions were of the same red velvet, so very thick the passengers surely would never feel the rough roads. There were even lanterns attached to the inside of the walls for a comfortable travel experience. Indeed this lady was made for such finery. As he closed the door and bid Miss Colliage good-bye, the footman took note of the two pure white stallions in blinding contrast to the carriage, standing ever so regal, waiting to carry the precious passenger inside. The coachman himself sat atop the rear storage compartment of the carriage adorn in his best grey finery with a top hat, red feather and all. Regal.