The following morning, Clara found Margaret waiting in the garden.
A small wooden box rested on the table between them.
It was old, with faded carvings along its edges and a tiny brass lock that had clearly seen better days.
Clara approached, her curiosity growing.
"Is that what you wanted me to see?"
Margaret smiled.
"Sit down first."
Clara pulled out a chair.
"You're making this sound terribly mysterious."
"Your grandmother would have approved."
Clara laughed softly.
"Where did you find it?"
"In the old storage room. I was helping Isabelle organize some of the belongings that hadn't been catalogued yet."
Margaret pushed the box toward her.
"It was hidden inside a drawer beneath a false wooden panel."
Clara examined the carvings.
There was a small flower engraved on the lid.
A lily.
Her expression changed.
"Do you think this belonged to Grandma?"
"I'm certain of it."
Clara gently opened the brass lock.
