She stepped into the small room, slowly shutting the door behind her and pressing her back up against the wood, her eyes wandering around the room once again. The walls were surprisingly plain for being part of such a luxurious home, as was the decor. The only items adorning the room were the eggshell claw-footed bathtub that rested against the wall, and the flushable… thing that resided in the corner.
Gia walked forward, narrowing her eyes at the patterned porcelain. Lucie had claimed that this was basically an oversized, indoor chamber pot that carried waste away without pouring out the basin, or covering it with dirt. It didn’t make sense, though. Gia could see that there was some sort of cylindrical object that went from the porcelain to the wall, but it did not make any noise! She expected it to sound like a waterfall or rain or something, but nothing like this immaculate silence that filled the room. The only sound that it emitted was a quick burst of water after she pulled that odd chain that dangled from the box that sat half a meter above the circular bowl with the polished wooden seat.
Gia lifted the hem of her skirt and her crinoline enough that she was able to crouch down to get a closer look into the bowl. It was filled with water and, when she pulled the chain, emptied before refilling back to the midway point with fresh water. She shook her head and stood up, turning around and lifting her dress, and positioning herself over the porcelain. Lucie had instructed her to use this “toilet” in the same way that she would a normal chamber pot: lift her dress over the bowl, squat down so the slit in her pantalets would spread apart, and go. It took Gia several minutes, however, before she was comfortable enough to do so but, with nature screaming at her, Gia had no choice but to comply.
Once Gia had finished her business, she quickly stood back up and righted her layers, stepping away from the porcelain and pulling the chain before going to the basin near the door and rinsing her hands, using the homemade lavender bar of soap that Lucie had shown her when she had shown Gia the room. She dried her hands on the bit of fabric that hung beneath the basin and went back out into the hallway, walking to the dining room where Lucie was waiting for her, two plates of thick, light brown bread, three bunches of grapes, and a hard-boiled egg in front of her. Gia made a please sound as she sat down and began to eat. She smiled at Lucie.
Minutes after Gia sat down, the butler came back into the room, a rectangular gold-and-white piece of paper in his hand. “You have a gentleman caller, Madam,” the man said, placing a hand behind his back and bowing before holding the card out to Lucie.
“Thank you, Miles. Tell him to come in, please.”
Miles did as he was asked, bowing his head with his hands behind his back before crispy turning on his heel and walking out of the room. Solomon entered the room, a look of fury still residual in his eyes.
“Are you ready to depart?” Solomon asked, his words tight as he focused his eyes on the wall behind Lucie, refusing to look directly at her.
Lucie took a sip of her tea before wiping at her mouth with her napkin. “Solomon, do join us in our meal. I will have Maggie bring out another plate for you.” She opened her mouth to call for the maid in question, but was silenced when Solomon interrupted her.
“I will do no such thing, Luciana,” he ground out, his eyes flashing as he finally looked down to her. “We are on a timed schedule, and if you expect to make your train, we must leave as quickly as possible.” He, too, turned on his heel, storming out of the room. Lucie sighed as he slammed the door shut behind him.
“I suppose we better get going, then,” she said, pushing the chair back and standing up. Gia did the same, following Lucie out of the room and down the steps that lead to the front pathway, where Solomon was pacing next to a horse-drawn carriage, mumbling nonsense at the horses and gesturing angrily with his hands as he impatiently waited for his fiancée and his past-ward to finally come out.
Gia cocked her head as Lucie and she approached the horses. She reached out and patted one on the neck, letting her fingers tangle in the black mane that rested against the horse’s chestnut neck. “Your horses are beautiful,” Gia said, kissing its neck. “These are different than the ones that you used to bring us over here, right?”
Solomon nodded, answering with a curt, “Yes.” He helped Lucie and Gia into the carriage before going back into the house, returning a few minutes later with the small trunk that Lucie had packed for the journey. He climbed into the front seat after making sure that the doors on either side of Lucie and Gia were clamped tightly shut, ensuring their safety. As the carriage started to move, Gia focused her attention on the window, falling prey to her thoughts as she remembered the last time that Owen had taken her on an outing in a carriage.
It was a beautiful morning in late summer the last time that Owen and she had taken a carriage ride. The sun was shining, the flowers were in full bloom, and the breeze was blowing lightly enough that it was simply air brushing against Gia’s face, not the dust and dirt that the wind normally picked up this time of year. Owen looked dashing in beige trousers and a dark blue waist coat, his light brown hair ruffled ever so slightly from running his hands through it nervously every few minutes. He had told Gia that he would not be in contact for several months that he was going to work as hard as he could, as often as he could, so that he could finally have enough money to buy her freedom. He wanted one last joyous day with his love before he lost contact. However, he was obviously nervous that something would happen that would disallow his desires for her to pull through.
As the sun was rising, Leander had delivered Gia to Owen’s hotel himself, which was a rarity. Leander normally had one of his men take care of all of his business when it came to transactions, even if it was for one of his luxury girls. Owen had made it very clear when he requested Gia that he was getting close to having enough money, and that a conversation with Leander was necessary so that plans could be properly made. Gia had waited in the hotel lobby when Leander and Owen went up to the room to talk, Leander storming out only minutes later. Owen followed him out, straightening his waistcoat and clearing his throat, his eyes holding an unusual glint. Gia was unable to tell what it was.
“Ready?” Owen asked, his voice tight. He held his hand out to Gia, who took it and stood, leaning in to place a swift kiss to Owen’s cheek. He sighed and embraced her, pulling her close to his chest. He rested his cheek against the top of her head. “I am going to miss this over the next few months while I earn enough to make you mine,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head. Gia nodded against him, the rough fabric of the waistcoat irritating the side of her face.
“I will, too,” she responded just as softly, hugging him tighter. Owen sighed in response, tightening his arms as well.
The couple continued to embrace for a moment longer before Owen pulled away, leaning down to kiss Gia gently. “I love you,” he murmured against her lips, moving his hands to gently caress the bare skin of her forearms.
Gia scoffed, her heart sinking. How could Owen truly love a woman such as herself? Sure, men fell for her good looks night after night but, when the night was over, she was truly just another whore slinking around the streets. Owen could have any woman that he could ever want, so why would he ever choose used goods like her?
Owen pulled back, his icy blue eyes locking with Gia’s grey orbs. “Gia, I am serious. You are so beautiful, and I have loved every minute that I have been lucky enough to spend with you. Yes, it started out as a business arrangement, but you are so much more than that now. I want to make you my wife, the mother to my future children. Do you understand?”
The sincerity and gentleness in Owen’s voice choked Gia up, filling her with more emotion. She leaned her head against his chest again, breathing in his scent. She took a deep breath before whispering, “I love you…” Her heart began to pound. She had never said the words aloud before.
Owen kissed the top of her head again. “I love you too, my beautiful Georgiana.” He pulled back and smiled at her before turning and holding his arm out.
“Now, my love, if you please, I have planned a carriage ride and a picnic in the park for us.”
Gia came back to herself when the carriage hit a rock, jostling Gia and making her bounce in her seat. She glanced up to see that they had reached the station, the towering windows glistening as the sun bounced off the glass. The roof of the building formed an arc, bending high into the sky. There was a large sign welcoming the trio to St. Pancras Station. A wave of butterflies filled Gia’s stomach, and she blanched at the sight of tracks exiting the station beneath a gaping archway. Solomon unloaded the trunk and took it inside, checking it in while Lucie and Gia waited in the carriage. He returned a few moments later, sliding back into his seat.
Lucie noticed her apprehension. “Hey, Gia, are you all right?” she asked, cocking her head at Gia, who had begun to dig her nails into the seat of the carriage, her knuckles turning white with the force of her nerves. Gia nodded, but remained silent. Lucie’s face softened as realization hit her. “Oh. You have never been on a train before, have you?”
Gia shook her head. She was too nauseous to speak. Solomon clicked his tongue at the horses as he pulled their reigns tightly, the carriage stopping near the visitor’s entrance. He turned and looked at the girls, still saying nothing.
Suddenly, the ground began to shake beneath the carriage, and a loud rumble filled the air. Gia could see the glass of the windows shaking as some sort of great black beast burst through the station, grinding to a stop just as it passed through the archway. It screeched with some sort of whistle, a great burst of steam erupting from its top like water from a whale’s blowhole. “What is that?” Gia whispered, leaning over to Lucie. Her eyes were wide, and her voice was quivering as she stared at the creature. Her heart raced and her breath quickened as she waited for Lucie to respond.
Lucie looked back and forth between Gia and the train before chuckling. “Gia, that’s the train. That is what we are getting on,” she said, her amusement growing as Gia shook her head. She laughed and nodded. “Yes, Gia, that is a train. Haven’t you ever seen one?”
Gia shook her head. “I have only traveled by horse.” Gia had heard of trains, sure. They were traveling to her town. It was just she had never had the opportunity or need to get near the train station. Leander kept his girls as far away as possible, so that they would not get any ideas of trying to leave the town. She had never imagined that it would be nearly this big.
“You will be fine,” Lucie assured her. “I have done this at least fifty times, and I am still here, aren’t I?” Gia nodded stiffly. Lucie smiled back. “See? It will not be so bad.”
“I guess.”
Solomon jumped down from the front of the carriage, coming by and opening the door for the girls. He helped Lucie and Gia step down. Once they were safely on the ground, Solomon handed them their tickets. He kissed Lucie on the cheek and nodded at Gia before getting back in the carriage and leaving the station.
“Well, come on, then, let’s get inside.” Gia followed Lucie into the station, her hands growing damp. She anxiously wiped them on her dress, her butterflies getting worse.
The girls had barely stepped inside when they were approached by a young man with curly sandy blonde hair, light hazel eyes, and a lot of freckles. He was wearing tan trousers, a light green shirt, a tan vest, and a tweed cabbie hat, and looked to be no older than twenty two or twenty three, at the oldest. He bowed to the girls. “Hello. You must be Luciana Dickens and Georgiana Fletcher, am I correct?”
“Yes…?” Lucie answered, narrowing her eyes. “And you are…?”
The man bowed again. “My name is Oliver Harding, ma’am. I was asked by your betrothed to look after you during your journey to Leeds. I work for the train, you see, but I am to keep a special eye on you.” He held his arms out. “May I accompany you to your seats?”
Lucie nodded and took the boy’s arm. Gia took the other. He led them to the steps and stood on the second step, bending down and holding his hand out to help pull them up. Once both girls were in the compartment, he led them to a set of seats next to a window. He smiled at them before saying, “Can I help either of you with anything else before I go back to my other customers?”
After both girls shook their heads, Oliver nodded and bowed again before leaving the compartment to go and help more passengers. Gia looked at Lucie as she settled into her seat, still trembling slightly with nerves. She wondered how long it would take before the train left the station and propelled Gia to what could very well be her death. No, you mustn’t think like that, Gia scolded herself. People travel like this all the time, and they all make it to their destination alive.
It did not take long. Gia’s stomach dropped as the train gave its first lurch, the whistle blowing again. Gia blew out a breath before dropping her head on the back of the seat, closing her eyes. I hope this ends soon.
***
Two hours later, Gia opened her eyes when the train jolted to a stop. Startled, Gia jumped and fell out of her seat, falling to the ground in a heap.
Lucie began to laugh, her eyes flickering down to her companion. “Are you all right there?”
Gia made a face at her before pushing herself into a sitting position so she was leaning against the seat. She rubbed at her face before pushing her hair back from where it had fallen during her start. “Where are we?”
“No worry, we are just at another station. The train will start up again in a moment.” Gia nodded and moved so she was settled back in her seat. She looked out the window, thankful that they were on the same side as the station. She sat up straighter when she saw something weird. “Lucie, isn’t there a lot of people getting off the train?”
Lucie looked out the window. “Yeah, there is. I wonder why so many people are getting off here.” Gia shrugged, continuing to stare out the window. Lucie turned back to her knitting. Gia looked at it in confusion before realizing that she must have pulled it out of her reticule while Gia was resting her eyes.
Gia looked over as the car door opened. It was Oliver. He smiled at Gia before walking over. “Hello again, ladies,” he said, tipping his cap. “It seems that our train has run into a bit of trouble, and needs to be moved off the tracks. All our passengers have to get off here in Leicester and wait until our next train comes in. I must tell the other passengers, but if you will wait a moment, I will be gladly assist you out of the car.” He went to the other customers before heading to the stairs leading out of the train.
Lucie deflated as she stood, her face falling. Gia looked at her. “Is everything all right?” she asked.
Lucie shrugged. “I will never get to Simona on time if we keep having to make stops like this,” she said dejectedly.
Gia moved forward and gave her a quick hug. “Hey, don’t talk like that. Everything will be all right. We will find her.” She pulled back, flipping her head towards the door. “Come on. We do not have any choice but to go.” Gia linked arms with the blonde.
Lucie glanced over and pursed her lips, nodding sadly. Together, they made their way to the stairs, where Oliver was waiting just below. Lucie went down first. Gia followed close behind. Her dress caught on the second step, and she lunged forward, falling straight into Oliver’s arms. “Whoa, hey there, be careful,” he said, lifting her the rest of the way down until her feet hit the ground.”
“Thanks,” Gia responded, letting out a breath as she righted her skirt.
“Not a problem.” He winked. “You really should be watching your step, Miss Fletcher. Wouldn’t want you falling for the wrong sort of guy, now.” He chuckled and grinned, sticking the tip of his tongue out between his teeth.
Gia rolled her eyes before smiling as well. “I will keep that in mind,” she joked back, shaking her head at him. She laughed. “Thanks.”
Oliver bowed. “Have a good visit in Leicester, Miss.”
Gia chuckled again as she walked away, throwing a glance over her shoulder as she made her way the few steps over to Lucie. “Nice misstep,” Lucie teased, lau
ghing. Gia rolled her eyes and ignored the girl. Gia’s mind flickered back to Simona as the light came back into Lucie’s eyes for a moment. How long would that light be there? Would Gia actually be able to save Simona from the wretchedness of Leander’s grasp?
Depending on how strong Simona was, she could very well be dead by now, especially if she refused to break. It was not very often that the girls were brave enough not to submit to Leander or his men, but it did happen. Simona was young enough, though, and at that impressionable age… she likely gave in by the end of the first night. Or at least Gia hoped that she had.
Gia saw a store near the station. “We have an hour until we have to be back here, so how about we take a look around?”
Lucie nodded, and the two made their way over and went inside. It was a small store, not much bigger than a shack. It sold knickknacks and candies. Lucie wandered over the back of the room, while Gia went to the knickknacks. She lifted up several different things, flipping them over to look at them from all angles. The first thing she picked up was a silver brush. It had thick white bristles that were coated in dust. Gia made a face as she put the brush down, wiping the dust on her skirt. Closer examination of the other objects proved that they were all coated with dust as well. These must not be looked at very often, Gia thought, coughing slightly as the dust swirled up into her lungs.
“Are you alright, miss?” came a voice from her right. Gia turned to see a young boy of fourteen or fifteen. He was wearing a forced smile and a polite voice, but it was clear to Gia that he was only at the store because he had to be.
Saving Simona (Alone In The World Trilogy) Page 9
