Post by narumei on Mar 12, 2008 3:21:44 GMT -5
“Hello, pet, I’m Lady Maxine, but all my girls call me Ma. Only in the main house though, you understand.” Abigail refrained from crying out the things she so desperately wanted to say. She settled instead for thinking them, Stupid old bat! I’ll never ever be your girl and I shan’t call you Ma either. Instead she said politely,
“Oh, of course, Milady. I shall call you that in the house only.” She smiled prettily up at Maxine. Maxine smiled back. “My things are still upstairs. I trust that the two footmen you brought can bring them down for me.”
“Now, just a minute, Abigail. You knew about the footmen. And about the horses and carriage! You are up to something, I know it!” her father said, rather roughly, she thought. She ignored him. “Answer my question, Abigail!”
“I wasn’t aware you had asked any…” she said lightly.
“What were you up to this morning!?” he exploded.
“I told you already, Father that I had personal matters to attend to. I can’t see that it makes much of a difference now, seeing as I’m here as you wish me to be.” Her father stared at her and tried to splutter out an answer but was beaten to it by Victoria.
“How dare you! You cannot speak that way to your parents!” she spat out harshly. Lady Maxine looked up in surprise.
“Why, she hardly did you wrong, Lord Bryan.” She started, “I assure you that her speaking out like that is hardly a “wild” streak. By the sounds of it, she is just repeating herself and is bored of it.” Victoria’s eyes widened in shock at Maxine’s words but she could not, for the life of her, think of a reply.
“Of course that is not her “wild” side, Maxine,” her father replied, “she is usually a lot more harsh and feral, I don’t know what’s got into her to make her behave so well.” Abigail glanced away to hide her grin at the word ‘feral’. She had never heard it used on another human before and thought it suited her nicely. When she turned her still cold gaze towards her parents again, she saw them staring at her intently.
“Now Abigail, this new attitude must stick. I don’t want you pulling any shenanigans when you’ve left us. You must behave for Lady Maxine. Do you understand?” John asked her.
“Yes, father. I understand.” She said back, quietly.
“Well, it’s settled then. Abigail, dear, you can come with me now, in the carriage. Bruce and Antonio will gather your things from your room now.” She turned her attention to Abigail’s parents, “I’ll have Abigail fill out the proper forms when we reach the Academy, and I’ll have the necessary one’s sent to you.” She started walking out and the abruptly stopped, as if she forgot something. “Oh, yes, Abigail, I forgot. We need to discuss with your parents how long you’ll be staying at the Academy for.” Abigail looked at her in surprise.
“I’m not sure. I’m afraid I don’t know anything at all about the time allocated there or how long I should stay.” She turned to her father, “What do you think?”
“Well, to be honest, I’m not sure either. I haven’t even looked into this properly. Maxine, how long do people of Abigail’s...persuasion.... take at the Academy usually?” John Bryan asked her.
“Well, usually about four years, for someone truly reckless,” Abigail’s mind reeled, Four years?! Four whole years?! Shut up in a dreary school learning how to sew? No. I can’t. She snapped back to reality just as Lady Maxine was finishing her sentence.
“Well, Abigail? What do you think of that?” Her father asked her.
“Sorry, could you repeat what you said?” Lady Maxine smiled at her again and said,
“I was saying, pet, that four years is the usual time for someone your age, but now that I’ve met you, two years should be sufficient.” Abigail sighed at the promise of her four years sentenced reduced.
“That should be fine. I know that it’s terribly rude of me to ask this, but I’m quite curious. How does one pay for the Academy?” She asked, genuinely curious.
“Well, it’s a total of one thousand pounds, for tuition. But there are also added expenses, such as clothes, food, trips and general things like that.” Abigail was stunned. She forgot to think her words, and blurted them out.
“One thousand pounds?! Are you being quite serious Madam? One thousand, for two years?” They all stared at her with mingled expressions. John looked saddened, Victoria looked bored and Maxine looked at her like she had lost her mind.
“No, my dear,” She started, “it’s one thousand per year.” Abigail almost fainted. Were her parent’s really that rich? She always assumed that they could afford it she supposed, but how could everyone else that went to the Academy? Although she was almost oblivious to exactly how rich the Bryan’s were, she did know that her family was very well off. “My academy, Abigail, is not to be taken lightly. It is not merely a school, but it is a teaching...bastion, if you will, for people highest in society, we are the best. We have the best teachers, facilities and housing. And all that doesn’t come cheap. If we are to change young ladies to become better people, we need the proper...equipment.” She finished, at a loss for a better word to say with out scaring Abigail. Abigail’s mind flashed with images of torture chambers and punishments crueller than death. She felt the blood drain from her face as her imagination ran wild.
“Abigail? Abigail?! Dear Lord, what in Heaven’s name is the matter with you?” Her father was shaking her.
“Nothing is the matter, Father.” She turned to Maxine, “I’m so sorry, I’m extremely tired, as I didn’t get quite a full nights sleep last night, and I suppose I’m feeling the effects of it now.” Maxine’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled at Abigail.
“Oh, my dear, it is no problem at all, I completely understand how you feel.” She looked at the clock in the sitting room and exclaimed loudly. “Oh, dear! Is that the time? This took a bit longer than expected. Sorry, Abigail, but we really must hurry.” She led the way out the door to the startling white carriage at the end of the drive.
“Abigail, wait.” Her father called from behind her. He pulled her into a warm embrace and said, “I’m so sorry, Abigail, but it’s for the best. Good luck, darling.” Instead of the warmth and happiness those words should have brought her, Abigail felt nothing but cold despair and disgust. Her father calling her ‘darling’ changed nothing between them and she was quick to let him know it. She placed both her hands on his arms that were still wrapped around her and pushed hard. Not hard enough to send him sprawling on the floor but enough to let him know he wasn’t wanted. She accompanied the push with a quick tightening of her grip so that her nails dug painfully into his flesh. He jumped back with a quiet yelp and gazed hatefully at his daughter. Although his gaze was fearful and hating, it was no match for the searing blue gaze he got in return from his daughter. Her eyes bore into him so deeply that it hurt and for a millisecond she let all the pain and suffering she felt show on her eyes, so that he would see what he had done. He gasped at the intense hurt in her eyes, but looked away. Her mother hadn’t bothered coming out to say goodbye, for which Abigail was infinitely grateful, not wishing to here another annoying word from her. She noticed that her luggage was stored safely at the back of the carriage and realised that Amelia must have used the servant’s stairs to take down the luggage. She heard Lady Maxine talking to one of the footmen, but only picked up the latter of the conversation.
“Where is he?” Abigail heard her ask. The footman looked around worriedly from his perch atop the carriage driver seat.
“I’m not sure milady. He was here moments ago with that maid.” Abigail slowly raised an eyebrow, gathering from the words that the other footman had gone missing. She walked over to the footman and said politely,
“I’m sorry, but I overheard what you were saying. Did the maid have a light blue dress on with brown hair in a braid down the side?” She asked him. He looked immensely relieved and told her that she did. “That would be Amelia, she’s my personal maid. She must have helped bring down the luggage, but its all here. Where could they have gone?” Maxine turned to Abigail and looked heavenward.
“She’s off with Antonio. Antonio has a habit of disappearing with the maids when we visit somewhere. This will be his last time out for a while I think. Do you know where they could have gone?” Maxine asked Abigail, fretfully.
“I think I may. If you would please care to wait here a moment, I shall be back promptly.” And with that she hurried around the corner or the house, lifting her hem slightly, in what appeared to be an attempt to save it from the dirt, but was actually so that she could walk more easily. She continued down the side of the house and out the back finally reaching the large barn out the back. She knew, from years of such a close relationship, that Amelia’s favourite place to go was the barn. She often went there in her spare time to read or to just escape the busy day that she had either finished or had ahead of her. The barn was not used anymore, except by a few stable hands if they needed to stay the night. It was full of hay, and had a few beds on the upper floor. She very quietly opened the side door and slid in. She heard rustles and heavy breathing from the upper floor. Wanting to scare and embarrass both servants as punishment, she steeled herself against what she might see and slowly crept up the ladder, slipping on her dress only once. When she got to the top she saw Amelia, and who she assumed to be Antonio kissing quite passionately against the far wall. She looked away, reddening at the sight, and feeling slightly nauseous. She coughed very lightly, to alert them of her presence but they didn’t notice. They moved closer to each other and their kiss became deeper. Abigail glared at Antonio, from what Lady Maxine had said, this was a regular occurrence for Antonio, and she knew how hurt Amelia would be if she found out. She coughed louder, but yet again, they did not hear her. She sighed slowly and yelled
“OY!” Antonio and Amelia sprang apart as if they had been burnt. They looked about wildly for the source of interruption. When Amelia spotted Abigail, her cheeks reddened even further than they already were, until her face was deep scarlet. When Antonio saw Abigail, however, he simply grinned wolfishly and brushed back the lock of hair that had fallen into his black eyes. “What do you think you are doing? Amelia, I’m ashamed of you! You have made Lady Maxine and myself late. And you, I assume you are the infamous Antonio?” She put to him.
“Ah, you knew me.” He said smoothly.
“Yes, your reputation has far preceded you I’m afraid.” He saw what she was planning in an instant; however Amelia looked back and forth between them questioningly.
“Sorry, ma’am, but I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about” He said. She raised her eyebrow.
“Do you honestly expect me to believe that you win all these maidens with that frightful accent? Drop the act immediately, Sir, and I may refrain from spreading this indiscretion.” She told him, meaning every word.
“You are smarter than you look, Miss Abigail.” He told her. She raised her other eyebrow.
“If that was meant as a compliment, you failed miserably.” He smiled hungrily at her, and she stepped back in fright. He laughed.
“Yes, much smarter. I would question your sanity if you stayed put after a glare like that.” She scolded herself for being so thick and showing weakness. She glared at him with only half the intensity that she had her father, and it was his turn to step back. “My my, she can play, this one. It’s about time. I’m sick of wailing girls who do nothing but complain. I’m sure your stay at the Academy will be interesting for all Miss.”
“I have no doubt” Abigail returned, “Now, can you manage the walk to the carriage by yourself, Antonio, or do I have to scream for help?” She had no intention of screaming, but judging from the look of Antonio, he valued his job far too greatly to risk being fired.
“I’m capable.” He sneered and jumped down the ladder, then walked out the door towards the front of the house.
“Miss Abigail? What did you mean by infamous?” Amelia asked, so innocently that Abigail didn’t want to tell her. But she had no choice.
“I’m afraid that your dear Antonio does pretty much the same thing at every house he arrives at, seducing the maids there as well. I’m appalled that you were won over so easily. It isn’t proper, the way you two acted. When I said I was ashamed, I meant it.” The words sounded harsh, even to Abigail’s ears, and she regretted them almost instantly. But she wouldn’t apologize, for it was pure recklessness to allow such a man to treat anyone like that. “I expect better when I return from the Academy.” She told her turning towards the ladder.
“As do I.” Amelia returned. Abigail whirled around at the sheer impertinence. She knew that Amelia was referring to the way she acted around her parents, and what she did, but for a maid to say it, it was truly unacceptable.
“Amelia, need I remind you that you are not as high in the ranks a chef or a butler, you are definitely not a relative of mine and you are not a guardian. You are a maid. That is all you are, and all you will ever be. While you may be older than I am, you most sincerely do not have any control over me, nor do you have the right to comment on my actions.”
“Apparently no one does, no matter if they are relative or not!” Amelia was furious. Abigail had never seen her like this, but she had decided that if she was to accept life at the academy, she could not tolerate such behaviour. She needed to become a harder, uncaring person to pursue her plans. Letting a maid get off lightly after such actions only showed weakness, the likes of which she couldn’t afford to possess.
“Amelia. You are to go to you quarters immediately. Pack you’re things and leave. I want you gone by the end of today. I will arrange living quarters for you in the hotel down the street. Your stay there will be paid for only five nights. You have till then to acquire another job. You are not to return to Bryan Mansion. I will make this clear to my father. Leave now.” Amelia glared angrily at Abigail and then turned and fled down the ladder, letting out a sob that almost made Abigail change her mind. She slowly followed Amelia down the ladder and walked to the front of the house, where she saw both footmen and Lady Maxine, who was in the carriage already, waiting for her.
“I am so sorry Lady Maxine. I had a problem I had to solve.” On the word problem, Abigail’s eyes flicked to Antonio, who was staring straight ahead.
“Oh, no problem, dear, but now we truly must hurry.” Maxine said through the carriage window.
“Yes, of course, but I must have a quick last word with my father.” She hurried to where her father still stood, as if too hurt to move. “Father, I have just fired Amelia. I have no time to explain her mishap but it is not important. You must take my word for it that she must be let go. I do not wish for her return to this household. I told her that you would set up a five day stay at the hotel down the road, and she has until then to find another job. I will be sorely disappointed, if when I return I find that she has been rehired. Have I been clear?” She gazed at him neutrally.
“Yes, Abigail. That’s fine.” He said, and then turned to go inside the house. The other footman, who she deducted must have been Bruce, jumped down and offered his hand, with a smile, to help her in the carriage. Bruce was a stunningly handsome man, but with Abigails restricted encounters with men who weren’t related, she hardly noticed and just smiled politely back.
“Thank you Bruce, dear.” Lady Maxine said to him, after Abigail was seated across from her. Bruce smiled and returned to his place in the driver’s seat. “Isn’t he dreamy, dear? That’s the only reason I hired him. He’s a bit slow to tell you the truth.” She whispered to Abigail as the carriage set off. Abigail smiled at her and leaned back in the seat. The carriage was not only extravagant on the outside but was detailed and intricate on the inside. The seats were soft and red, with tiny silver buttons in the middle. The candle holders on either side of Abigail were also silver and held brand new thin, white candles. There were red roses in a vase to the side of Lady Maxine and the doors had white frames with carvings of flowers embedded into them. Abigail looked out the window and saw fields and they sped past. She gripped the underside of the seat both for strength and stability. Lady Maxine, misinterpreting the gesture was quick to reassure her.
“Oh don’t worry, Abigail, my footmen are some of the best around, there’s no need to worry.” Abigail managed a weak smile and closed her eyes, feeling the full weight of the situation upon her at last. She felt trapped, betrayed and lonely, confused about why she turned out like she did, why she couldn’t be a normal daughter, with hopes of a fine engagement and a family and house. She cursed her mind for the tricks it played on her, when everyone else was satisfied with less, why was it that she needed more? She didn’t need more riches, or dresses or love. But she yearned for adventure and escape, a chance to see and live her dreams. A yearning that she now knew would never be satisfied.
cont to chapter 3! ^_^
“Oh, of course, Milady. I shall call you that in the house only.” She smiled prettily up at Maxine. Maxine smiled back. “My things are still upstairs. I trust that the two footmen you brought can bring them down for me.”
“Now, just a minute, Abigail. You knew about the footmen. And about the horses and carriage! You are up to something, I know it!” her father said, rather roughly, she thought. She ignored him. “Answer my question, Abigail!”
“I wasn’t aware you had asked any…” she said lightly.
“What were you up to this morning!?” he exploded.
“I told you already, Father that I had personal matters to attend to. I can’t see that it makes much of a difference now, seeing as I’m here as you wish me to be.” Her father stared at her and tried to splutter out an answer but was beaten to it by Victoria.
“How dare you! You cannot speak that way to your parents!” she spat out harshly. Lady Maxine looked up in surprise.
“Why, she hardly did you wrong, Lord Bryan.” She started, “I assure you that her speaking out like that is hardly a “wild” streak. By the sounds of it, she is just repeating herself and is bored of it.” Victoria’s eyes widened in shock at Maxine’s words but she could not, for the life of her, think of a reply.
“Of course that is not her “wild” side, Maxine,” her father replied, “she is usually a lot more harsh and feral, I don’t know what’s got into her to make her behave so well.” Abigail glanced away to hide her grin at the word ‘feral’. She had never heard it used on another human before and thought it suited her nicely. When she turned her still cold gaze towards her parents again, she saw them staring at her intently.
“Now Abigail, this new attitude must stick. I don’t want you pulling any shenanigans when you’ve left us. You must behave for Lady Maxine. Do you understand?” John asked her.
“Yes, father. I understand.” She said back, quietly.
“Well, it’s settled then. Abigail, dear, you can come with me now, in the carriage. Bruce and Antonio will gather your things from your room now.” She turned her attention to Abigail’s parents, “I’ll have Abigail fill out the proper forms when we reach the Academy, and I’ll have the necessary one’s sent to you.” She started walking out and the abruptly stopped, as if she forgot something. “Oh, yes, Abigail, I forgot. We need to discuss with your parents how long you’ll be staying at the Academy for.” Abigail looked at her in surprise.
“I’m not sure. I’m afraid I don’t know anything at all about the time allocated there or how long I should stay.” She turned to her father, “What do you think?”
“Well, to be honest, I’m not sure either. I haven’t even looked into this properly. Maxine, how long do people of Abigail’s...persuasion.... take at the Academy usually?” John Bryan asked her.
“Well, usually about four years, for someone truly reckless,” Abigail’s mind reeled, Four years?! Four whole years?! Shut up in a dreary school learning how to sew? No. I can’t. She snapped back to reality just as Lady Maxine was finishing her sentence.
“Well, Abigail? What do you think of that?” Her father asked her.
“Sorry, could you repeat what you said?” Lady Maxine smiled at her again and said,
“I was saying, pet, that four years is the usual time for someone your age, but now that I’ve met you, two years should be sufficient.” Abigail sighed at the promise of her four years sentenced reduced.
“That should be fine. I know that it’s terribly rude of me to ask this, but I’m quite curious. How does one pay for the Academy?” She asked, genuinely curious.
“Well, it’s a total of one thousand pounds, for tuition. But there are also added expenses, such as clothes, food, trips and general things like that.” Abigail was stunned. She forgot to think her words, and blurted them out.
“One thousand pounds?! Are you being quite serious Madam? One thousand, for two years?” They all stared at her with mingled expressions. John looked saddened, Victoria looked bored and Maxine looked at her like she had lost her mind.
“No, my dear,” She started, “it’s one thousand per year.” Abigail almost fainted. Were her parent’s really that rich? She always assumed that they could afford it she supposed, but how could everyone else that went to the Academy? Although she was almost oblivious to exactly how rich the Bryan’s were, she did know that her family was very well off. “My academy, Abigail, is not to be taken lightly. It is not merely a school, but it is a teaching...bastion, if you will, for people highest in society, we are the best. We have the best teachers, facilities and housing. And all that doesn’t come cheap. If we are to change young ladies to become better people, we need the proper...equipment.” She finished, at a loss for a better word to say with out scaring Abigail. Abigail’s mind flashed with images of torture chambers and punishments crueller than death. She felt the blood drain from her face as her imagination ran wild.
“Abigail? Abigail?! Dear Lord, what in Heaven’s name is the matter with you?” Her father was shaking her.
“Nothing is the matter, Father.” She turned to Maxine, “I’m so sorry, I’m extremely tired, as I didn’t get quite a full nights sleep last night, and I suppose I’m feeling the effects of it now.” Maxine’s eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled at Abigail.
“Oh, my dear, it is no problem at all, I completely understand how you feel.” She looked at the clock in the sitting room and exclaimed loudly. “Oh, dear! Is that the time? This took a bit longer than expected. Sorry, Abigail, but we really must hurry.” She led the way out the door to the startling white carriage at the end of the drive.
“Abigail, wait.” Her father called from behind her. He pulled her into a warm embrace and said, “I’m so sorry, Abigail, but it’s for the best. Good luck, darling.” Instead of the warmth and happiness those words should have brought her, Abigail felt nothing but cold despair and disgust. Her father calling her ‘darling’ changed nothing between them and she was quick to let him know it. She placed both her hands on his arms that were still wrapped around her and pushed hard. Not hard enough to send him sprawling on the floor but enough to let him know he wasn’t wanted. She accompanied the push with a quick tightening of her grip so that her nails dug painfully into his flesh. He jumped back with a quiet yelp and gazed hatefully at his daughter. Although his gaze was fearful and hating, it was no match for the searing blue gaze he got in return from his daughter. Her eyes bore into him so deeply that it hurt and for a millisecond she let all the pain and suffering she felt show on her eyes, so that he would see what he had done. He gasped at the intense hurt in her eyes, but looked away. Her mother hadn’t bothered coming out to say goodbye, for which Abigail was infinitely grateful, not wishing to here another annoying word from her. She noticed that her luggage was stored safely at the back of the carriage and realised that Amelia must have used the servant’s stairs to take down the luggage. She heard Lady Maxine talking to one of the footmen, but only picked up the latter of the conversation.
“Where is he?” Abigail heard her ask. The footman looked around worriedly from his perch atop the carriage driver seat.
“I’m not sure milady. He was here moments ago with that maid.” Abigail slowly raised an eyebrow, gathering from the words that the other footman had gone missing. She walked over to the footman and said politely,
“I’m sorry, but I overheard what you were saying. Did the maid have a light blue dress on with brown hair in a braid down the side?” She asked him. He looked immensely relieved and told her that she did. “That would be Amelia, she’s my personal maid. She must have helped bring down the luggage, but its all here. Where could they have gone?” Maxine turned to Abigail and looked heavenward.
“She’s off with Antonio. Antonio has a habit of disappearing with the maids when we visit somewhere. This will be his last time out for a while I think. Do you know where they could have gone?” Maxine asked Abigail, fretfully.
“I think I may. If you would please care to wait here a moment, I shall be back promptly.” And with that she hurried around the corner or the house, lifting her hem slightly, in what appeared to be an attempt to save it from the dirt, but was actually so that she could walk more easily. She continued down the side of the house and out the back finally reaching the large barn out the back. She knew, from years of such a close relationship, that Amelia’s favourite place to go was the barn. She often went there in her spare time to read or to just escape the busy day that she had either finished or had ahead of her. The barn was not used anymore, except by a few stable hands if they needed to stay the night. It was full of hay, and had a few beds on the upper floor. She very quietly opened the side door and slid in. She heard rustles and heavy breathing from the upper floor. Wanting to scare and embarrass both servants as punishment, she steeled herself against what she might see and slowly crept up the ladder, slipping on her dress only once. When she got to the top she saw Amelia, and who she assumed to be Antonio kissing quite passionately against the far wall. She looked away, reddening at the sight, and feeling slightly nauseous. She coughed very lightly, to alert them of her presence but they didn’t notice. They moved closer to each other and their kiss became deeper. Abigail glared at Antonio, from what Lady Maxine had said, this was a regular occurrence for Antonio, and she knew how hurt Amelia would be if she found out. She coughed louder, but yet again, they did not hear her. She sighed slowly and yelled
“OY!” Antonio and Amelia sprang apart as if they had been burnt. They looked about wildly for the source of interruption. When Amelia spotted Abigail, her cheeks reddened even further than they already were, until her face was deep scarlet. When Antonio saw Abigail, however, he simply grinned wolfishly and brushed back the lock of hair that had fallen into his black eyes. “What do you think you are doing? Amelia, I’m ashamed of you! You have made Lady Maxine and myself late. And you, I assume you are the infamous Antonio?” She put to him.
“Ah, you knew me.” He said smoothly.
“Yes, your reputation has far preceded you I’m afraid.” He saw what she was planning in an instant; however Amelia looked back and forth between them questioningly.
“Sorry, ma’am, but I don’t know what you’re talkin’ about” He said. She raised her eyebrow.
“Do you honestly expect me to believe that you win all these maidens with that frightful accent? Drop the act immediately, Sir, and I may refrain from spreading this indiscretion.” She told him, meaning every word.
“You are smarter than you look, Miss Abigail.” He told her. She raised her other eyebrow.
“If that was meant as a compliment, you failed miserably.” He smiled hungrily at her, and she stepped back in fright. He laughed.
“Yes, much smarter. I would question your sanity if you stayed put after a glare like that.” She scolded herself for being so thick and showing weakness. She glared at him with only half the intensity that she had her father, and it was his turn to step back. “My my, she can play, this one. It’s about time. I’m sick of wailing girls who do nothing but complain. I’m sure your stay at the Academy will be interesting for all Miss.”
“I have no doubt” Abigail returned, “Now, can you manage the walk to the carriage by yourself, Antonio, or do I have to scream for help?” She had no intention of screaming, but judging from the look of Antonio, he valued his job far too greatly to risk being fired.
“I’m capable.” He sneered and jumped down the ladder, then walked out the door towards the front of the house.
“Miss Abigail? What did you mean by infamous?” Amelia asked, so innocently that Abigail didn’t want to tell her. But she had no choice.
“I’m afraid that your dear Antonio does pretty much the same thing at every house he arrives at, seducing the maids there as well. I’m appalled that you were won over so easily. It isn’t proper, the way you two acted. When I said I was ashamed, I meant it.” The words sounded harsh, even to Abigail’s ears, and she regretted them almost instantly. But she wouldn’t apologize, for it was pure recklessness to allow such a man to treat anyone like that. “I expect better when I return from the Academy.” She told her turning towards the ladder.
“As do I.” Amelia returned. Abigail whirled around at the sheer impertinence. She knew that Amelia was referring to the way she acted around her parents, and what she did, but for a maid to say it, it was truly unacceptable.
“Amelia, need I remind you that you are not as high in the ranks a chef or a butler, you are definitely not a relative of mine and you are not a guardian. You are a maid. That is all you are, and all you will ever be. While you may be older than I am, you most sincerely do not have any control over me, nor do you have the right to comment on my actions.”
“Apparently no one does, no matter if they are relative or not!” Amelia was furious. Abigail had never seen her like this, but she had decided that if she was to accept life at the academy, she could not tolerate such behaviour. She needed to become a harder, uncaring person to pursue her plans. Letting a maid get off lightly after such actions only showed weakness, the likes of which she couldn’t afford to possess.
“Amelia. You are to go to you quarters immediately. Pack you’re things and leave. I want you gone by the end of today. I will arrange living quarters for you in the hotel down the street. Your stay there will be paid for only five nights. You have till then to acquire another job. You are not to return to Bryan Mansion. I will make this clear to my father. Leave now.” Amelia glared angrily at Abigail and then turned and fled down the ladder, letting out a sob that almost made Abigail change her mind. She slowly followed Amelia down the ladder and walked to the front of the house, where she saw both footmen and Lady Maxine, who was in the carriage already, waiting for her.
“I am so sorry Lady Maxine. I had a problem I had to solve.” On the word problem, Abigail’s eyes flicked to Antonio, who was staring straight ahead.
“Oh, no problem, dear, but now we truly must hurry.” Maxine said through the carriage window.
“Yes, of course, but I must have a quick last word with my father.” She hurried to where her father still stood, as if too hurt to move. “Father, I have just fired Amelia. I have no time to explain her mishap but it is not important. You must take my word for it that she must be let go. I do not wish for her return to this household. I told her that you would set up a five day stay at the hotel down the road, and she has until then to find another job. I will be sorely disappointed, if when I return I find that she has been rehired. Have I been clear?” She gazed at him neutrally.
“Yes, Abigail. That’s fine.” He said, and then turned to go inside the house. The other footman, who she deducted must have been Bruce, jumped down and offered his hand, with a smile, to help her in the carriage. Bruce was a stunningly handsome man, but with Abigails restricted encounters with men who weren’t related, she hardly noticed and just smiled politely back.
“Thank you Bruce, dear.” Lady Maxine said to him, after Abigail was seated across from her. Bruce smiled and returned to his place in the driver’s seat. “Isn’t he dreamy, dear? That’s the only reason I hired him. He’s a bit slow to tell you the truth.” She whispered to Abigail as the carriage set off. Abigail smiled at her and leaned back in the seat. The carriage was not only extravagant on the outside but was detailed and intricate on the inside. The seats were soft and red, with tiny silver buttons in the middle. The candle holders on either side of Abigail were also silver and held brand new thin, white candles. There were red roses in a vase to the side of Lady Maxine and the doors had white frames with carvings of flowers embedded into them. Abigail looked out the window and saw fields and they sped past. She gripped the underside of the seat both for strength and stability. Lady Maxine, misinterpreting the gesture was quick to reassure her.
“Oh don’t worry, Abigail, my footmen are some of the best around, there’s no need to worry.” Abigail managed a weak smile and closed her eyes, feeling the full weight of the situation upon her at last. She felt trapped, betrayed and lonely, confused about why she turned out like she did, why she couldn’t be a normal daughter, with hopes of a fine engagement and a family and house. She cursed her mind for the tricks it played on her, when everyone else was satisfied with less, why was it that she needed more? She didn’t need more riches, or dresses or love. But she yearned for adventure and escape, a chance to see and live her dreams. A yearning that she now knew would never be satisfied.
cont to chapter 3! ^_^