Gemotions

Eliza hummed a little tune as she skipped down the worn path leading to the old family manor. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, painting shifting patterns on her face. Her brother, Thomas, was probably already inside, poring over the will with a frown, but she couldn't help the lightness in her step. This was it – the culmination of years of waiting, of imagining. The solicitor's letter had been so vague, hinting at “substantial assets.”

The heavy oak door creaked open at her touch, revealing a dust-moted hallway. She called out, “Thomas? I’m here!” A moment later, he emerged from the library, face like thunder. He thrust a thick document at her. "Read it," he growled, the paper almost vibrating in his hand.

Eliza took it, a smile still playing on her lips. She began to read and her eyes danced over the clauses. All the land went to Thomas, the business went to Thomas. She got a music box, a tarnished silver locket and the contents of a locked writing desk. “Well,” she said, her voice bright, “At least I get a mystery!”