I decide to unpack my things, and lift the heavy bag onto the bed to open the clasps.
On the top is my brush and ribbons. I set them on the other table I didn’t notice in the corner. This one must be where I’m meant to sit and do my hair because there’s a large mirror on it.
Then I pull out my nightgown and put it in the top drawer of the cupboard.
I’m working on pulling my other dresses out, as well as my blouses and skirts when the door opens.
“Oh, Miss Lydia. Allow me.” A young lady with blonde hair comes in, shutting the door behind her. I set my clothes down.
“Miss?”
She smiles, her green eyes bright. “I’m sorry. Is, miss, not okay to call you?”
I furrow my eyebrows and then shake my head. “No. It’s fine if that’s what you do here. You see, I’m not from here.”
“Yes. You’re from Nebraska, right? That’s what Lady Harris told me.”
“Yes. But I’m also not used to…well, this way of life I guess. I come from a farm.”
She smiles. “That’s why you seemed so shocked when I came in. I’m Jane by the way.” She moves to pick up my neatly folded clothing. “I’ll put these in your drawers, all right?”
I nod, sitting down on the bed. This is very odd. I suppose I’ll have to get used to it.
“So, let’s first start with one of your dresses. We’ll get you out of that one for now.”
“Which one should I wear?”
Jane smiles, pulling out a pink one. “I think this one would look nice. Let’s get you out of this one first then.”
I feel myself stiffen as she comes over and begins to undo my dress. Is this what they do in big cities?
I remind myself that Oliver’s family did not have this sort of service.
I figure this lady knows more than I do about the way of life here, so I go along with it.
Soon, I’m dressed in the pink dress, and she guides me over to the table with the mirror. I sit down, and she pulls a necklace with a silver chain and pink gem out of her apron.
She puts it around my neck. “Lady Harris asked me to give you this necklace. She’s very happy you’re here.”
“It’s lovely.”
“All right. I will just pull some of your hair back for tonight. Unless you have some other request.”
“Yeah. Just do whatever is normal here.”
Jane smiles as she begins to brush my hair. “This is very different from where you’re from?”
“Very much. I lived in a house that was the size of the downstairs sitting room. And I didn’t have servants helping me to get ready.”
She nods, beginning to sweep some of my hair up. “This is common for wealthy families like the Harris family. In big cities, there are many households like this. Sir Harris inherited a lot of money from his father. However, Mrs. Harris married into the family. I suppose she was rather like you before.”
I look at my hair. It’s brushed into a neat half up-half down look. I feel better having my hair brushed.
“The meal will be served in about an hour. Would you like to go down now?”
“Actually, Jane, I promised my sister I’d write her a letter as soon as I was settled. Do you know where I could get some paper?”
She smiles. “I’ll go and get you some, miss.”
When she leaves, I move over to the table with lots of room for me to write. I pull out the information Pa gave me from my small bag to write to them. Abigale wrote hers underneath.
Yes. This will work nicely. I’ll write the letters, and then go down for supper.
Jane returns and sets a few pieces of paper on the table as well as some ink.
“I will come fetch you when it’s time to eat.”
I wait until she leaves the room, and as soon as the door shuts, I turn to face the paper.
I’ve got a lot to tell Hazel and my whole family of what’s happened since I last saw them.
Chapter 14
I’ve finished the letter to my family now, and I found some envelopes in a drawer under the table.
I explained the train ride, what happened when I arrived, and how I’m now in a huge house with servants and everything.
I also wrote a shorter letter to Abigale, telling her the trouble I faced after she left. And how I’m settled now.
The door opens again. “Miss Lydia? It’s time to come down.”
“All right. Thank you, Jane. And do you know where I can post these letters?”
She smiles. “Just leave them there, and I can collect them in the morning. I will post them for you. Now come with me. I’ll show you where the dining hall is.”
I follow Jane down the corridor and head down the stairs. I must admit it’s easier going down the stairs, than up.
She must know every inch of this place, the way she walks down corridors and through other rooms. Every time we walk through a door, I figure we must be there.
Eventually we enter a room with a long, dark brown table and matching chairs. Above the table hangs a large crystal chandelier.
Everyone is already seated. Anna motions for me to come and sit on the chair beside her, so I hesitantly walk across the room. I turn my head back to see Jane, but she’s already gone off somewhere.
“Did you find the room to your pleasing?” Anna asks.
I sit down and look up at her. “The room? Yes. It’s wonderful.”
Sir Harris is sitting at the head of the table. He lets out an audible breath. “Did Jane help you with everything?”
“Yes. She was…more than helpful.”
The man who’d greeted me at the door, Mr. Owens comes into the room with a tray balanced on his arm.
He leans around and holds the tray by Sir Harris, who in turn, picks up the two forks on the tray to move a few of the vegetables onto his plate.
I watch the others do the same when Mr. Owens comes.
Eventually it’s my turn. The tray is right beside me, and Mr. Owens says, “Miss.”
I carefully pick up the two forks. There are a large assortment of vegetables, some I don’t even recognize. I decide to play it safe and only take the ones I know. I take a few carrots and some peas.
I set the forks down. “Thank you.”
Looking up, I realize another man dressed the same as Mr. Owens has come in. He’s holding a tray of what looks to be meat and is holding it beside Josephine for her to take some.
Eventually after a long process of each of us dishing our food off the trays that the men bring around, we’re settled to eat.
I watch how Anna cuts into her meat, and I do the same.
“So, Lydia, what’s Nebraska like?” Sadie smiles, lifting her glass up to her mouth.
“Oh. It’s nice. Much the same as here really.”
Josephine tucks a strand of her neatly combed hair behind her ear. “Where did you live there?”
“Well it was in an area much smaller than Northwood. I lived on a farm with my family.”
“How did you get supplies then? You just lived in a house in the middle of nowhere?” Sadie looks shocked, her eyes wide.
“Well, my family grew a lot of our food, but there’s a town only a few miles from the farm. It’s called Riverbend. It’s a lot smaller than here, though. Only a hundred people probably.”
“It must’ve been a rough time living there.” Sadie frowns at me.
I raise my eyebrows. “No, it’s actually quite nice. I shared a room with my four sisters and we’re really close.”
“I couldn’t imagine having to share a room with her.” She looks over to Josephine.
I remind myself that Sadie doesn’t understand because she was born into this wealth. How is she supposed to understand a different lifestyle?
I suppose it’s the same for me, feeling uncomfortable here. I mean it’s nice, but definitely different.
Anna sets her knife down. “So, tell me about your sisters? Your mother always talked about you girls when she wrote letters to me.”
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“Well, Darlene is married now and has two kids. Actually, there’s another baby on the way. Adeline is married too and has twins. Genevieve also married. And Hazel is still at home.”
“You know, Lydia, I received the letter from your mother and was very upset to hear what was happening. She and I wrote to each other even when she moved away. And it was hard not knowing whether you’d choose to come or not.”
I nod, my eyes meeting hers. “Of course I chose to come. It was my ma’s last wish for me.”
The rest of the meal, Sir Harris discusses someone coming to stay here in a few months, and Russell whines that he wants to leave the table.
When we’re all done eating, I stand and set my cutlery onto my plate, then reach for Anna’s.
Mr. Owens rushes over. “No, Miss Lydia. I can clear that up for you.”
“Oh no, it’s all right. I can help you carry them. You can’t carry all these dishes.” I smile. I might as well help out while I’m here.
Anna touches my arm softly. “Lydia dear, this is their job. Why don’t you just head up to your room for the night? I’m sure you’re exhausted, and then tomorrow we can discuss what your plans are while you’re here.”
I set the plate down and look up. Sir Harris is staring at me, his eyebrows furrowed, and Sadie’s giggling behind her gloved hands. Josephine is looking up at me, her eyes soft.
I realize the mistake I’ve made. I’d been too excited at the chance to be of use, that I forgot that in this household, we don’t do anything.
I walk with my head held high out of the dining hall and shut the door behind me. I then run through the corridors I recall Jane taking me through until I’m dashing up the stairs to my bedroom.
Flopping down on the bed, I let out a sigh. Looking to the letter I wrote to Hazel, I smile. I must tell her everything.
I make my way over to the table and take the letter out of the envelope. At the bottom of the page I write:
Oh, another thing, is that these people don’t do the dishes. Not one. They have servants who do it for them. I must admit it’s rather odd. Now, I’m going to head to sleep. Also, if you ever run low on pillows, I’ll mail one of the ones on this bed to you. This bed has six pillows on it. Where will there be room for me? Love you all.
I pull my nightgown out of the drawer and put it on. Then hang the pink dress back up, along with the others Jane has arranged in the closet.
Sitting down at the desk with the mirror, I pull the ribbon out of my hair and let out a breath. I can do this. I’m safe now.
I begin moving some of the pillows off the bed to make some room for me. I keep two on, and the rest are piled neatly on the floor.
Pulling the covers up, I crawl in. It’s very comfy, I will admit. And the blankets are thick and heavier than I’m used to.
I cautiously turn the gas lighting down the way Jane showed me and realize I forgot to close the curtains. Oh well. I can see out the window from here and the sight is mesmerizing.
The lights from all the buildings stretch for miles it seems. It’s almost peaceful out there.
I smile, rolling onto my side. Maybe this won’t be so bad.
I know it’s a little different way of living than what I’m used to, but it’s only going to be for a few months anyway. And maybe after ten years of doing dishes for a large family, a few months break could be nice.
I’m still awake when the door opens, it’s Anna.
Sitting up, she takes another step in.
“Did I wake you?”
“No. I was looking out the window. It’s rather beautiful.”
She smiles and moves to sit down on the edge of the bed. “You remind me of your mother. I thought what you offered to do this evening was very generous. Now the servants will like you for sure. No one has ever offered to help them.”
“I realized my mistake as soon as I did it. This is all so much different than what I’m used to.”
She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I know. I used to live like you have. And while it wasn’t easy, it was a way of life I miss. But when you love someone, sometimes you have to change your ways.”
“Do you know where my ma’s childhood home is?”
“Is that the first thing on your list?”
“You know about the list?”
Anna nods. “Your mother explained how she’d given you a list of things to do while you’re here. I just didn’t know what those things were. And yes, I do know. I can go with you tomorrow. Unless you’d prefer to go alone.”
“Heavens no. I’m still a little nervous in this city.”
“You’ll get used to it.” She pauses, standing up. “I’ll let you get some sleep. Breakfast will be served at eight tomorrow morning. I told Jane to not come up tonight. I knew you would know how to get ready for bed. Normally she would’ve helped you.”
“Thank you, Anna.”
“You’re welcome.” She steps toward the door but then turns back smiling. “Oh, I scolded my family this evening for making you feel bad for offering to help. Josephine said that you are very kind.”
I nod, and she shuts the door behind her.
As I begin to fall asleep, I think about my family back home. I can see the moon out the window. I wonder if any of my family is looking at it right now too. I miss them greatly.
I soon feel myself beginning to fall into a dark place I know is nothing other than sleep.
Chapter 15
I’m getting ready to go and see my ma’s childhood home with Anna, and also Josephine, who asked if she could come.
I’ve already eaten a delicious breakfast, and now the chauffeur is helping us into the carriage. It’s rather plain from the outside, compared to other ones I’ve seen. But on the inside, it’s beautiful. Dark purple, velvet seats and matching sheer purple curtains on the small window.
I’m sitting on the seat beside Josephine, and I rather like her. She’s quiet like me and hasn’t made me feel bad about where I come from.
After a short trip, the carriage stops, and the door opens. I get out first and look at the building in front of us. It’s a small, white, one story house with a big window in the front.
There’s a big tree beside it too.
“My ma grew up here?” I ask Anna, who’s now standing beside me.
“She did. I met her when we were ten. I used to walk here almost every day because her ma baked the best cookies. My old house is only a few houses away from this one.”
I look up at it again, tears welling up in my eyes. She lived here. She played here with her siblings. She was here.
Josephine gives me a sad smile.
“I wish I could go in.”
“I know,” Anna says sadly.
I watch, my eyebrows raised as Josephine walks down the path toward the house. She turns back. “Well come on. You’ve come all this way to see where your ma grew up. It can’t hurt to ask.”
“Josephine…” Anna starts, but then stops herself.
I follow after her down the path, looking back to Anna helplessly. Josephine knocks on the door, and I realize she may be quiet like me, but she’s definitely much braver.
The door opens, revealing an older woman with an apron tied around her waist.
“Good day, ma’am.” Josephine smiles. “We were just wondering if we could ask a favor of you?”
“And what’s that?”
“Well you see, my friend, Lydia, has come from Nebraska to see Northwood. Her ma grew up here but passed away a few years ago. Lydia wants to understand where her ma spent her childhood. And this used to be the house she lived in. Could she perhaps just see the main room?”
The lady smiles. “Why of course. I’m sorry to hear you lost your mother, dear. Come on in.”
Josephine steps back. “We’ll be in the carriage when you’re done.”
I widen my eyes, silently urging her to come in with me as she shuts the door.
Telling myself to stay calm, I look around. I’m standing
in a large room. There’s a fireplace on the far side of the room. And a stove a few steps away from the door.
The floor is a light brown wood and the walls are a pale yellow. There’s a hallway to the right of the small table and chairs.
“You can come look around. I’ll show you where I think her room was.”
The lady dries her hands on a towel and hobbles down the hallway. I slowly walk after her, being sure to take in all that I’m seeing.
We pass a door and she opens the next one.
It’s a small room with only a few boxes in it. The floor is the same as the main room, and the walls a pale green.
She smiles. “I live here by myself. I’m Mrs. Evanson.”
“Thank you for letting me look around. You could’ve said no.”
“Well, why would I do that? You seemed like a nice girl and anyone who’s trying to understand where they came from deserves to learn.”
I try to smile, a tear running down my cheek. My ma slept here. She walked around in here. Laughing, crying, smiling. She lived here. I can’t seem to get over this fact.
“My ma, she died when I was thirteen.” I look to Mrs. Evanson, figuring since she let me look around her house, I should tell her about Ma.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Here, come have a slice of pie before you go out. I just made it.” She heads down the hall.
I sit down at the table, and she sets a plate of pie in front of me. “Thank you.”
It’s soft and warm. It’s really nice, and I realize it’s apple.
After I’ve finished every last crumb of pie, I stand. “Thank you for letting me look around.”
“You’re welcome, dear.” She smiles, walking to open the door for me.
I give her a quick wave before walking down the path where the chauffeur helps me into the carriage.
“How was that?” Anna asks.
I give a small smile. “It was wonderful.”
And as we drive, I keep picturing every part of the house, wanting to remember everything about it to tell my sisters.
The Letter (Carter Sisters Series Book 4) Page 6
