by Jenni James
Prince Adrian’s voice whispered behind her. “I will be here tomorrow. Please come.” When she looked around, he was gone.
CHAPTER FOUR:
As Adeline ignored the fine bed and climbed into her cot in the large room all to herself, she wondered if she had dreamed meeting the prince. Perhaps she was very tired and her imagination invented the man to explain away the odd sounds she had been hearing. It was the most logical thought she had had all evening.
With a great yawn and the covers tucked under her chin, Adeline drifted off to sleep only to be rudely awoken some hours later by a shriek.
“What is the meaning of this?” Coralie was clearly in one of her moods. Thankfully, she was alone. “Why have the servants implied that we are to move into this horrid room? Where is the view of the lake and floral gardens? Where is the nicer furniture? Where are the two separate beds? Are Marianna and I supposed to sleep together on this thing?”
Adeline rubbed at her blurry eyes and slowly looked about her. Indeed, the room was not as grand as the other. However, she had been able to sleep all night, so the moaning must not have been heard. “What are you speaking of?” she asked to be clear she understood everything.
Coralie threw her hands in the air and then walked over to the bed. “Look at it!” she screeched. “We will have to sleep together on this monstrosity.”
“Hush!” Adeline attempted. “Do you wish Lady Middlesong to hear you?”
“I do not care if she does! What hostess would treat me and my sister in such a way?”
“Yes, but it is not becoming to act so. The other guests will hear you. Surely you do not want to upset the house over such a trivial thing. Would it not be best to speak of this with the butler personally? I could do so if you wish.”
“You?” She sneered. “You? I hear it was you who insisted we move rooms. I said nothing about that, only that I wanted the confounded wailing to stop so I could sleep.”
The image of the handsome Prince Adrian flashed through Adeline’s mind. “I am sorry. It was a misunderstanding to be sure—the butler merely wanted us all to sleep well. I do not think he meant to put you out.”
“Well, you can have this awful place. I am not budging an inch from my room.”
“But you know we cannot take up two rooms. That has been the problem from the beginning. The rest of Lady Middlesong’s guests are to arrive today. We must remain together.”
She shook her head. “No. Companion or not, you will not be sleeping in our room again. You did not like it in there, so you may stay here or go sleep in the cinders, for all I care! Little Sooty Cinder-Adeline. You are the stupidest, most imprudent of females I have ever known, which is precisely why you deserve to sleep elsewhere. I will not have you ruining my holiday again.” With that, she stomped from the room in a huff.
Lady Attlepate-Moses had not come on this trip. At first, Adeline was happy that her stepmother chose to stay home. Now, she sensed the first fissure of doubt at the woman’s rashness in sending her daughters on without a way to keep them sensible. The young women would rather step in the mire than to follow any advice Adeline gave them.
She let out a long breath and then tossed her legs over the edge of the cot. She should have insisted on not changing rooms when the butler first had the idea. Now, she was in quite a mess. Where would she sleep? As quickly as possible, she folded up the blankets and then put one dress on. The servants had hung both of her dresses nicely in the wardrobe. The other, Adeline folded and put into her small bag that had been under the cot. A few moments later, her stockings were up and her boots were tied. Then she clutched her bonnet and traveling cloak and waited.
Her nervous feet tapped upon the wooden floor as her mind raced over what she should do. If her stepsisters insisted on forcing her out of their room and the invited guests would begin arriving soon, she needed another place to stay. Nothing grand, of course, but somewhere small—just large enough for a cot.
Oh, why had she come to this place? It should have been her stepmother here, not her. This was a summer party with dances, musicals, games, and socializing. These people were too fine, too elegant for her ever to feel truly comfortable here.
She clenched her hands together and wondered if the maids had a small spot for her somewhere. She did not know what was worse—being forced to seek out shelter, or admitting to someone just how helpless her lot in life was.
After a few more minutes of fretting, Adeline finally got enough pluck to move forward. She opened her door and beckoned to a servant. “Could you please send for the butler? I am at a loss on what to do.”
The younger girl looked her over and then curtsied. “Yes, miss.”
Not five minutes later, an older woman came bustling into the room. She placed her hands upon her hips and said, “I am the housekeeper, Mrs. Humphries. I hear you wish to speak to Mr. Oughtly. He is currently too busy to be summoned by the guests. What do you need help with?”
“I beg your pardon. I did not mean to upset him—or anyone, for that matter. ’Tis only that I wish to seek a place to stay.”
The woman looked at her as if she had gone mad. “Is this room not impressive enough for you, then? Are you turning your nose up at it?”
Oh, dear. Adeline’s hands began to tremble. “No. It is a fine room. Too nice for the likes of me, actually. I came as a companion to Miss Attlepate and Miss Marianna. There was some confusion last night when I spoke with the butler—er, Mr. Oughtly. He assumed we wished to move rooms and put us all in here. My stepsisters have changed their minds and wish to remain in the other room.”
“Very well, then, what is your issue? Would you like one of the servants to place the cot back in the other room?”
“No. I am afraid I am no longer welcome with them.” Adeline did not meet the woman’s eyes.
“The two young misses have implied that you must find sleeping arrangements elsewhere?” Mrs. Humphries looked a bit stunned.
“Yes, I am afraid so.”
CHAPTER FIVE:
The older woman closed her eyes and let out a deep breath. “Very well, let me think on this a minute.”
“I would more than happily stay here, but I know your numbers for this house party are great and you need every single room.”
“Yes, if the Attlepates wish to remain in the room they are in, yet not offer you a place there, then we are short on accommodations. I would have gladly let you stay here else.” She tapped her mouth with her finger. “It is a dashed nuisance that such silliness as this must happen.”
Adeline felt terrible. “Forgive me. I had no idea this would occur.” She looked around the room, as if that would provide an answer. “I have no problem staying with the maids, if you think they will let me.”
The housekeeper folder her arms. “In the attic? You, a companion, would stay there willingly?”
“I am usually in the attic at home, and I do not wish to put you or anyone out. I cannot imagine what you have had to face putting this whole house party together. The food, rooms, linens …”
“It has been a veritable nightmare, for sure.” She shook her head. “And there is nowhere else you would rather go now that they do not require your assistance as a companion?”
“I . . . uh, I had not thought of that. I suppose they are implying that I am not needed.” She thought of her stepmother’s rage if she were to come home without her stepsisters, leaving them unchaperoned on the travel back. “Please, I would love to stay here and help. Perhaps I can do something in the kitchen. I’m rather good at baking, or I could be useful with the washing and cleaning.”
The housekeeper looked as though a mouse had just run across her shoe. “Are you suggesting that I put a companion to work? Never. Why, you would not be worth your weight in grain!”
Adeline’s face fell. “Whatever work you give me will be ten times easier than what I do at home. I promise you.”
“How do you know? This castle is on a tight schedule. We work long hours.”
She gave a rueful grin. “Because you have a house full of servants. At home, the brunt of the work is left to me.”
Mrs. Humphries gave her a look of admiration. “I am beginning to see what your life must be like. No wonder you wish to stay here for the duration of the party.” She dusted her hands. “Very well, I will have you place your things in my rooms for the time being until we figure out what to do with you tonight. Will that work?”
“Yes, please.” Adeline smiled. “Thank you.”
“Aye, do not worry over it. We shall get you sorted. Follow me.”
The round woman headed out of the bedroom and down the hall, and the maids scurried away when she came past. Adeline followed her down a maze of smaller passages the servants used.
Mrs. Humphries only stopped once to tell a footman to bring the cot down into her rooms. Finally, they wound their way behind the kitchen to the servants’ eating area. She opened a door to a neat set of rooms that were made up of a cozy drawing room and bedroom. The drawing room had a weathered circular rug, two overstuffed chairs, and a rocking chair. In between the two larger chairs was a table, and a footstool sat off to the edge near a small fireplace. She had some pictures hung upon the wall and thick curtains at the windows. Beyond the drawing room was a bedroom and large closet area, each decorated charmingly.
“This is such a lovely place,” Adeline said.
“Thank you.” The housekeeper looked around as if seeing it through Adeline’s eyes. “It certainly suits me just fine. The Middlesongs are good employers. Allowed me to have all of this from their attics to set my home up nice.”
She gestured to the back of the living room. “Place your things over here. We’ll have Geoff bring your cot in here too. If all else fails, we’ll have you set it up near the fireplace there and let it keep you warm tonight.”
“You would allow me to sleep here in your quarters?” Adeline was touched by the gesture. “Surely there is room with the servants. I do not wish to intrude.”
Mrs. Humphries waved her hand. “We will have plenty of time to discuss this all later. Let us not argue the point now. Instead, I think we shall have some tea brought in and get to know one another for a quick minute. If I am to guess, I would say you are famished.”
Adeline blushed. “Thank you. I am.”
“Good. Now sit down on one of the chairs.” The older woman bustled out of the room and returned a bit later with a pot of tea and two cups and saucers. “The girls will be bringing in sandwiches and other finger foods in a bit. We shall eat, and then I need to get back to work.”
Adeline was overwhelmed. “I could have helped.”
“Yes, I know. But sometimes it is good to relax too.”
She shook her head. “It feels like that is all I have been doing since I arrived here.”
Mrs. Humphries suddenly smiled down upon her and said, “I believe things are going to begin to change very shortly for you, my dear.” She patted her hand. “Pour the tea like a lady. You will need to learn all of these things soon.”
CHAPTER SIX:
A half hour later, Adeline was still thinking over Mrs. Humphries’ odd remark. She had not the heart to tell her that she already knew how to pour tea like a lady. Instead, she let the older woman prattle on about manners and give all sorts of needless advice. The woman was a sweetheart under her gruff exterior and seemed to care deeply about her.
“Now that I have talked your ear off, I must shoo you away. It is time to put on your best dress and begin mingling with the guests.”
Adeline blanched. First off, both she and Mrs. Humphries knew that companions were meant to be silent and in the background, rarely seen or heard. They were to be used as an extra to fill a seat at a cards game or something of that nature, not to mingle about as if they had been particularly invited as well. “I do not believe it would be proper. Besides, I only have two dresses.”
“You are a very pretty young lady. You can just as easily sit out there with the other guests as you can in here. Besides, I need to be moving along and making sure the servants have been doing their part. The latest guests will begin arriving within a quarter of an hour. Go ahead and walk amongst those who are already here.”
“But what of my stepsisters? What if they notice me?”
“Oh, they will be fine. They would not dare to cause a scene amongst the company, so do not worry about them. All will be well. Now, let me see the other dress you brought, for this one will not do.”
Adeline laughed. “If you do not like this one, you certainly will not like the other. I am a companion. What else am I supposed to wear?”
Mrs. Humphries picked up the bag and pulled out the serviceable brown muslin gown. “I have no words,” she said. Then she threw it into the fireplace. Thankfully, the fire was not going.
“Wait.” Alarmed, Adeline moved toward her. “You cannot burn the dress. I need it.”
The older woman shook her head. “No, you do not. You need to feel beautiful, not like an old maid.”
Whatever was this housekeeper on about? “But I will most likely be an old maid. Why not prepare myself now?”
Mrs. Humphries placed her hands on her hips. “Miss . . . what is your name, dearie? Apparently I have not even asked you that.”
“I am Miss Adeline Moses.”
“Oh, good. That is a very fine name.” She clapped her hands. “Now, Adeline, I will have just the thing for you when you return. You will have to go out in what you have now. It cannot be helped, and I am too busy to begin something else.”
“Begin what? Return from where?” Adeline truly felt out of place.
“Goodness, you ask a lot of questions. I cannot answer them all now.” Mrs. Humphries pulled a necklace from beneath her pinafore. At the end was a small watch. “It is time for the garden games to begin. Put on your bonnet there on the chair. Now go and find yourself a seat, or wander the grounds. Get out into the sunshine for a bit.” She waved her hands toward the door. “Go now. Shoo.”
Adeline chuckled as she picked up her bonnet and walked out of the small set of rooms, down the corridor, and into the bustling kitchen. “Pardon me,” she said to a girl carrying a basket of fruit. “What is the quickest way outside?”
“’Tis through there, miss.” The younger girl nodded toward a side door.
Adeline thanked her and made short work of opening it up and stepping out into the unusual sunshine. She placed her tatty bonnet upon her head and decided to focus on how beautiful her surroundings were instead of how dowdy she felt.
Years ago, she wore the latest fashions and had scores of lovely bonnets and gowns to her name. Her boots were from the finest London stores, and her wraps, gloves, and pelisses were exceptional. Now, however, she had not been shopping in ages. In fact, she had nearly forgotten what the inside of a modiste’s shop looked like. Her stepmother did not take her to the stores her daughters frequented. She most likely did not even think about Adeline needing pretty clothes.
Why would she? Adeline was a mere companion, after all.
She took a few steps toward the grass so she could get her bearings. Adeline had watched from the bedroom window the past few days. It had been raining quite heavily and so did not allow her an opportunity to explore the grounds when her stepsisters had not needed her.
Rounding a corner, she could hear what sounded like a lively party near the east wing of the castle. She followed the sound and then stopped several yards away as she watched the young men and women mingle. They were a sea of elegant white day dresses and pastel superfine suits.
Adeline glanced down at her shabby gray frock and took a few steps backward. Perhaps now would be a good time to explore the west and south sides of the castle, for she was positive it would be impossible for her to blend in with such a crowd.
It took but a moment to retrace her steps and then go beyond. She soon found herself within an exceptionally pretty flower garden. The hedges grew tall enough that it would seem as if she were com
pletely cut off from the world and all alone in such an enchanted place. The blooms were extra large, no doubt from the excessive rain, and they complemented the statues and benches nestled along the cobbled path quite nicely. When she followed the stones to a more secluded spot, she marveled at the charming swing hidden inside.
Without hesitation, Adeline hurried to the pretty thing and sat upon it, her feet eagerly beginning to push against the lawn and glide herself slowly into the air.
“’Tis one of my favorite spots in the whole of the gardens too,” said a very distinct voice. “I am not surprised to find you here.”
“Prince Adrian?” Adeline turned to stare at the handsome phantom as he moved out from under an apple tree and began to glide toward her.
CHAPTER SEVEN:
“Yet I have to ask,” Prince Adrian said as he approached her. “Why are you not mingling with the other guests?”
“You too?” Adeline put her foot down to stop the swing. “You and Mrs. Humphries seem to think alike.”
“So you have met the remarkable woman, have you?” He grinned. “She is the only one but you who can see me. And she is extremely clever.”
“She can see you as well? How wonderful. I think she is the kindest woman.” The swing teetered to a stop.
“Aye, she is very kind. Like a loving grandmama, I suppose.” He tilted his head. “And would meeting her have anything to do with a certain two stepsisters who now officially despise your existence?”
“Goodness! Have they begun to allow the rumors to fly?”
“No, though this morning I got an earful when they were discussing it before heading down to the party.”
Adeline’s jaw dropped. “You went into their room?”
“Only for a moment. I was searching for you. I had decided I could not wait until tonight to see you again, so I came to say hello.”
