Whitefield Hall: Novella

by Nora Covington

  “I shall lock you in your room and feed you nothing.” She had carried out her threat.

  * * * *

  I woke the next morning still dressed in the gown I wore the evening before. Being a prisoner in my room had been disconcerting to say the least. Occasionally throughout the night, I would try the door handle, only to be disappointed it would not budge. Exhausted from emotion, I finally gave up my attempt for freedom and slept soundly for a few hours.

  When I rose, I glanced out the window hoping to see a carriage out front, but the path lay empty. The sunny day I enjoyed the day before had given way to clouds. Sprinkles of rain dotted my windows, which reminded me of the tears I wanted to shed.

  Taking advantage of the few minutes I had to myself, I took off my wrinkled dress and lay it aside. I poured some cold water into a basin and splashed my face. When I looked at myself in the mirror, my eyes were filled with sadness. I struggled to get ready for the day.

  After brushing my hair and changing into a different dress, I glanced out the window again, wondering how long I would have to remain behind a locked door. A second later, a soft knock came, and I swung around anxious to hear life on the other side.

  “Yes?” My voice cracked in response.

  “It’s the chambermaid, Miss Gleadhell,” she announced softly.

  “I am locked inside,” I called back in desperation. “Can you let me…”

  My voice halted as I heard the maid insert the key and turn the doorknob. The door slowly opened to reveal Mildred, who had previously tended to my bedchamber.

  “Oh, Mildred!” I cried. Without thinking, I sprinted toward her and threw my arms around her neck in relief.

  The chambermaid pushed me gently away and gave me a sympathetic but cautious look. “Lady Catherine requests your presence in the dining room, Miss Gleadhell. You best obey.”

  Obey. There was that word again, which governed Whitefield Hall. If it wasn’t her ladyship insisting on obedience, it was Dudley. I tried to temper the anger boiling in my soul because of the disrespectful treatment. Class or no class, I was still a human being.

  “Obey, obey,” I sputtered. “Or what?” I glared at Mildred, knowing very well the poor maid could not answer my question. No one could answer my question.

  Rather than dillydallying over her ladyship’s request, I inhaled a deep breath for fortitude. I would have to play her game wisely after what transpired the evening before. Even though it had been my fault for leaving without permission, I still held Dudley responsible for the ultimate outcome and my punishment. He could have sent someone else to look for me, but he had to come alone and place me in an uncompromising situation that brought upon me the wrath of his mother.

  After taking each step with resolve down the staircase and toward the dining room, I halted at the entrance. Lady Catherine sat at the head of the table. Dudley was absent. For a brief moment, I glowered at her ladyship. Determined not to show weakness, I braced for an encounter.

  “No doubt you are hungry after going without dinner last evening, Miss Gleadhell. Rather than standing there, I suggest you enter, take a plate of food, and have a seat,” Lady Catherine said firmly in an even tone.

  I did as I was told while biting my inner lip to keep myself from spouting my displeasure. After taking an ample portion, I glanced over at the footman who stood rigid like a pillar. It was always the same man, dressed in a uniform fit for a king, but looking as if he were a soulless creature held captive at Whitefield Hall. For a moment, I wondered if he would save me should Lady Catherine decide to stab me at the dining table. I sincerely doubted he would act with such chivalry, opting to preserve his own life instead.

  Her ladyship sipped her tea, appearing to ruminate over her next course of action. As I began to take a bite of toast, she finally gave up her silence.

  “In case you are wondering, Dudley has returned to London and will not be back for at least a week or more.”

  Her ladyship glared at me, challenging me to say something in response. I refused to give her the satisfaction. As I thought about his absence lasting for a week or two, I had a sinking sense of abandonment.

  “As you no doubt have ascertained by now, I was extremely disappointed in your behavior yesterday.”

  “So I noticed by my locked door,” I snidely replied. I kept my eyes on my plate but felt my heart pounding in my throat over my brazen response. The discussion I dreaded arrived.

  “Mr. Grove advised me of your unauthorized outing,” she said.

  Surprised by the revelation, I swiftly noted never to trust him again. I looked directly at her ladyship, keeping my voice even and civil.

  “I didn’t realize, Lady Catherine, that I needed your permission to take a walk. You were ill with a headache. I was bored. It was a beautiful day, and I could not resist a hearty stroll and a breath of fresh air.” I clenched my jaw and asked a question. “Did you lock me in my room to punish me for a walk or punish me because your son brought me back?”

  It did not take long for Lady Catherine’s eyes to darken. “You know damn well why I locked you in your room, young lady. I have warned you repeatedly not to encourage my son’s affections, yet you have failed to take heed.”

  “Encourage?” I squawked in disbelief. “I have done no such thing.” After inhaling a deep breath, I curtly responded. “It is your son who has been trying to persuade me.”

  “To do what, Miss Gleadhell?” A sly, challenging smile curled her lips. “To succumb to his seduction?” She eyed me with disdain. “I thought you would be different. It appears your morals are no better than the other girls.”

  The anger I suppressed earlier rose to the surface, exploding through my body until I shot up from the chair like a cannon ball about to strike an enemy ship.

  “I find your accusations insulting,” I heaved. “Nothing untoward happened between us yesterday. He merely brought me back after my delayed return due to a broken heel on my shoe.” I gasped for air between my heated words. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have lost my appetite.” I turned to leave but halted when Lady Catherine pounded her fist on the tabletop. The dishes rattled from the jarring, and I jolted over the sound.

  “You will only leave when excused,” she bellowed. “Now sit down!”

  Shocked by her violent eruption, I looked at the chair and back to the door. Something in my soul told me a fate worse than being locked in a room awaited me should I fail to comply. The footman did not flinch over the explosion. No servant dared to enter the dining room to check on my welfare. I slowly returned to my chair and sat down.

  “As you wish, your ladyship,” I contritely replied. No wonder two other companions had come and gone. It had become quite apparent that Lady Catherine’s personality frightened them away in concert with Dudley’s advances. My anger subsided, slowly replaced by grave concern. Perhaps the violent headache her ladyship suffered the day before lingered, causing her short temper. Pain could drive anyone to bad-mannered behavior. However, I knew that I merely made an excuse for her rude outburst.

  “We shall be traveling to Manchester to spend a week with friends,” Lady Catherine abruptly announced.

  “Manchester?”

  “Yes, Manchester. When Dudley leaves, I have my form of entertainment he knows little about.”

  The countenance of Lady Catherine’s face turned into a wicked grin that caught me off guard. I sat quietly pondering our little getaway wondering if it would afford me the opportunity to purchase a train ticket back to London.

  “You may be excused to pack your things. We will be leaving at noon.” Lady Catherine’s firm announcement told me to submit.

  “As you wish.” I cautiously rose from my seat. “May I be excused to tend to that task?” My voice quivered.

  “Yes, you are excused,” she said.

  Quietly, I retreated to my room. The twist in events had thrown my emotions into a tizzy. Perhaps a holiday away from Whitefield Hall would brighten her ladyship’s mood and mend
our relationship. Whom was I fooling? At this point, I sincerely doubted we had any future together. I decided to bide my time until I could discreetly find another position elsewhere.

  A Night Manchester

  The carriage halted, and a moment later the driver opened the door. I exited after Lady Catherine, curious about our location. We arrived at a grand hotel with dazzling décor just beyond the double doors. I glanced up and down the street, amazed at the number of red brick buildings lining the avenue. Industrial smoke stacks in the distance spewed out filth from textile mills marring the pleasant scene.

  My attention to the surroundings ceased when Lady Catherine picked up the hem of her skirt and made her way into the foyer of the hotel. A bellman fetched our luggage. As we approached the desk, the clerk raised his eyes and smiled.

  “Lady Catherine, how good it is to see you again.” He glanced at me and then over to her ladyship. “We have your suite ready for your arrival and the room you requested for the young lady.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Potts,” she replied, scrawling her name in the register.

  The clerk grabbed a set of keys from the board behind him and handed one to her ladyship. Afterward, he found another and offered it to me.

  “Your keys, miss. The bellman will show you to your quarters and deliver your suitcase,” he said.

  “My suite of rooms is on the upper floor,” Lady Catherine announced. Her voice sounded cold and impersonal. “Your room is on the third. I do not allow my companions to stay with me while in Manchester. You will receive word from me when you are required to accompany me on my outings. Otherwise, I expect you to remain in your room until summoned.”

  The clerk flashed a quirky smile as if he had heard the instructions before. “As you wish,” I replied, giving a quick curtsy.

  “Follow me, miss,” the bellman offered, “and I’ll show you to your room.” He turned around and headed for the staircase, and I followed clutching my purse tightly. The situation felt unsettling. If her ladyship did not wish my companionship, why had she invited me to Manchester only to be at her beckoned call? It appeared I would be abandoned to a hotel room for the entire week stewing over the situation. I wanted to ask the bellman for directions to the train station but decided to keep the thought to myself.

  We came to the third-floor landing. A long corridor of rooms stretched before us, and we walked to the end of the hall.

  “Your room, miss,” he announced, opening the door. He put down my suitcase at the foot of the bed. “Lady Catherine’s suite is number sixty-five located on the sixth floor. It can be reached by the stairs outside your door.”

  I shoved my hand in my purse, retrieved a coin, and offered it to the bellman. He snatched it into his white gloves, tipped his hat, exited, and closed the door behind him.

  Afterward, I glanced around the modest surroundings. The small room reeked of stale cigar smoke. I walked to the window and glanced out to see that the room overlooked the alley. Another brick building only a few yards away obscured any view of the city. The horrid location reduced my comfort, reminding me of my status. I plopped on the bed, and it creaked. A lumpy mattress met my bottom, and a chill ran down my spine from the dampness in the room.

  “Her ladyship should have locked me in a castle tower and been done with it,” I grumbled. Heaving a sigh, I stood to my feet and laid my suitcase upon the bed. I might as well do something besides sulk while waiting for a summons to appear.

  After a few hours, someone slipped an envelope underneath my door, which I assumed arrived by the hotel courier. I recognized the handwriting as Lady Catherine’s and swiftly read the contents.

  “I require your presence at six o’clock at my suite. Wear an evening gown for the festivities ahead.”

  “Festivities?” I grumbled, thinking the entire situation ludicrous. “She acts as if this is some fine vacation for me as her companion.” The thought of finding my way to the train station instead ran through my mind, teasing me to flee. Nevertheless, my curiosity about Lady Catherine’s affairs in Manchester won over my hesitation. Remaining might afford me the opportunity to gain secrets, which I could use against her in the future.

  When I realized I had begun to plan wickedly for my attainment, I shuddered. The position turned me into a conniving woman for the sake of preservation. Soon I would have to make the choice to stay and make the best of my peculiar employment or leave and find work elsewhere. I glanced at the clock over the fireplace and decided to get ready for whatever lay ahead. Hopefully, it would hold some pleasure.

  * * * *

  I stood anxiously in front of Lady Catherine’s suite and knocked on the door. Miss Wade answered, which surprised me. She must have arrived separately, and I wondered what room she had been relegated to in the hotel.

  “Miss Gleadhell,” she said, showing no emotion. “Please come in.”

  She opened the door, and I warily entered glancing around at my surroundings. The expansive suite of my employer opened into a large parlor with tall picture windows facing the street. Lady Catherine sauntered out from her bedchamber dressed in a stunning evening dress of dark blue with gold trim. A gaudy necklace of jewels and dangling earrings accentuated the picture. I had never seen her dressed so flamboyantly.

  “Come here and let me look at you,” she said in a civil tone.

  I obliged her request and stood in front of her with my eyes admiring the jewels around Lady Catherine’s neck.

  “The dress is adequate, but you lack refinement.” She paused for a second as if she were thinking of how to rectify the situation. “Remain here. I’ll be right back.”

  Lady Catherine disappeared into her room. Miss Wade stood silently nearby, timidly staring at the floor beneath her feet. Her odd behavior piqued my curiosity when she did not lift her eyes and acknowledge me in any manner. A moment later, her ladyship returned with a ruby necklace and matching earrings.

  “You shall wear these this evening,” she announced, holding out the items to Miss Wade. “Please assist Miss Gleadhell.”

  “Yes, my lady,” she demurely replied. She took the necklace and gently dangled the gems about my neck, clasping them in the back. After rearranging my hair, she stood to my side and attached the earrings to my earlobes.

  “I dislike your hair style,” her ladyship added. “Take two of my jeweled hair combs, Miss Wade, and pull the hair away and up from the side of her face. You may leave her lovely curls down her back as they are now.”

  Miss Wade retreated into the bedchamber and returned with the required items and a brush in her hand. I stood still, afraid to move during the rearrangement of my locks. Lady Catherine surveyed my appearance and stepped forward. She grabbed the bodice of my dress and tugged it downward, revealing the rounding of my bosom. When I glanced at the aftereffect, my cheeks burned hot with a blush, but I did not protest.

  “One more thing and I think we can leave,” she thoughtfully said. “Miss Wade, a dab of my perfume between her breasts should do the trick.”

  She groomed me for the evening ahead, but I did not know whether to be grateful for the accentuation of my appearance or not.

  “Now, go look at yourself,” her ladyship ordered, nodding toward a mirror on the wall.

  Slowly, I stepped forward and gazed at my reflection. For the first time in my life, I beheld a stunning woman. As a little girl, I dreamed what it would be like to wear the jewels of an aristocrat. Now that rubies dangled around my neck, my self-confidence bloomed.

  “Thank you for the jewels, but I shouldn’t be wearing these. They belong to you,” I protested halfheartedly.

  “I cannot have you appearing like an ordinary maid this evening. We are dining and entertaining with distinguished guests. I need you to look your best and behave like a proper young lady throughout the night.”

  The term ordinary maid made me cringe. Miss Wade did not flinch over her comment. She remained with her head lowered and oblivious to the comment as she gazed at the pattern in the carpe
t.

  “I have a busy night planned this evening, Miss Gleadhell. Be prepared, for we shall not return until the early morning hours.” Lady Catherine walked toward the door. “Come along, now, or we will be late for dinner. I don’t wish to keep our guests waiting.”

  Guests? I glanced at Miss Wade, noting her furrowed brow and apprehensive eyes. Before anything further could be conveyed, we departed and headed toward the lobby. Her ladyship remained silent as we traversed the corridors and exited the building to a carriage waiting at the curb. I climbed in after Lady Catherine and sat directly opposite. As we began to traverse the Manchester streets, my hand inched up to the jeweled necklace.

  “I see you are enjoying the jewelry,” her ladyship said. She appeared amused over my fingering of the gems.

  “I have never worn such an expensive piece,” I admitted. “You are too generous to lend it to me.”

  Lady Catherine flicked her hand at me as if it were nothing of consequence. “I have my reasons.” Her countenance turned cold as she turned her head and gazed out of the carriage window. A few minutes later, we stopped in front a building. I could see through the windows the interior of an elegant restaurant, filled with well-dressed patrons. We exited the carriage, and a host greeted us at the door.

  “Welcome, Lady Catherine. Your usual table is waiting,” he announced, picking up four menus and leading us to a table in the center of the room directly under a massive, crystal chandelier. My mind whirled over the opulence, remembering all the social graces I would need to exhibit in such a setting. My usual habit of pulling my shoulders back and checking my posture occurred the moment I sat down at the table. Covered with a white linen cloth and adorned with silver cutlery, crystal flutes, and ornate china pieces, the setting appeared beautiful.