Secrets of the Realm

by Bev Stout

  Annie groaned as she reached under her shirt, wiggled a bit and then unraveled the cloth flattening her breasts. With the rag in her hand, she looked around the shop wondering where to put it.

  "Do you wish to keep…that?" the shopkeeper asked.

  Annie blankly stared back at her.

  The shopkeeper called to one of the girls, "Christine." She pointed to the cloth. "Dispose of that, please."

  The girl put down the feather duster and scrunched up her nose. With her arm outstretched, she carried the wadded material to the gutter outside. Abigail lifted her finger in the air. "I wish to have a moment with my friend."

  "Certainly." The shopkeeper walked discretely to a shelf of fabric where she began straightening the rolls of material.

  Abigail looked dreamily into space. "I could not wait to tell you. Mr. Montgomery is the most extraordinary man I have ever met. I could get lost in those beautiful green eyes of his. He is not simply handsome, but he is witty and intelligent, as well." Abigail gushed.

  "This is like old times," Annie said. "Only this time, I am actually interested in your love interest. Mr. Montgomery is quite the catch, Abigail. I only hope he knows what he is getting into."

  "Ahem," the shopkeeper uttered, bringing Abigail down from the clouds.

  "I suppose we should look at some fabric," Abigail said, patting Annie's shoulder, "Where can my friend freshen up?"

  "Victoria, take the young lady to the back room."

  Victoria curtsied to the shopkeeper. "Yes, ma'am." She led Annie to a white pitcher and washbowl decorated with a pink flower motif. Victoria looked over Annie's shoulder.

  While Annie poured water into the bowl, she said, "I am quite capable of washing myself."

  The shop girl left in a huff while Annie washed her face and hands. At the last second, she reached under her shirt and dabbed at her armpits.

  Abigail delighted in the results when Annie returned from the back room. "You look almost presentable."

  After taking Annie's measurements, the shopkeeper showed her fabrics of varying textures and color. Overwhelmed with the numerous selections, Annie finally made her decision. "White," she said.

  Abigail could not contain her frustration with Annie. "White? There are reds and blues, greens and bold prints. Why would you choose a color so boring as white?"

  "I disagree," the shopkeeper said. "A white dress will be a lovely contrast with the young lady's complexion. I can show her some lovely silk brocades."

  Annie could not help but grin. "See, Abigail, I know all about fashion."

  Lost in thought, the shopkeeper stood back, her finger tapping her right cheek as she studied Annie. "A blue embroidered stomacher will bring out the color in your eyes. You will look absolutely stunning." She then mumbled to herself, "Lace on the shift, a low-cut bodice on the dress. Perfect."

  Once Annie and the shopkeeper agreed on the fabric, Christine tallied the cost.

  "My friend will need the dress by this afternoon," Abigail said.

  "Impossible," the shopkeeper said. "The earliest will be sometime next week,"

  "That is completely unacceptable." Abigail scanned the empty shop. "You don't appear busy."

  "Wednesdays are our slow days. However, we have orders ahead of your friend's. And as you can see, I have a small staff."

  Abigail opened the captain's drawstring purse, took out four gold coins and laid them on the counter in a straight line. "I am certain you will have it ready this afternoon. And if we are completely satisfied with the dress, I will give you and your girls each another gold coin."

  Annie thought the shopkeeper's eyes were going to pop right out of her head.

  "Milady is indeed generous!" she exclaimed.

  "No, Captain Hawke is indeed generous," Annie said.

  "Yes, we can have the dress ready by this afternoon. I won't be able to have any embroidery done on the stomacher, however. But I can add some nice beading to it."

  Abigail laid another gold coin on the counter. "I am confident you can provide my friend with undergarments."

  "By all means, and the young lady will need shoes. There is a cobbler two blocks away, just south of us," the shopkeeper said. She clapped her hands at the shop girls. "Victoria, Christine, we have work to do!"

  Abigail glanced out the window. "I wonder what Mr. Montgomery and Robert are chatting about."

  "They are probably talking about you, Abigail. I cannot think of a more fascinating subject. Can you?"

  Abigail flashed a smile at Annie. "A more fascinating subject than me? Of course, not."

  Annie chuckled. "You have not changed one bit since I have been gone."

  "But you certainly have," Abigail said. "I cannot wait to get you out of those ugly clothes"

  "I like these clothes," Annie said. She watched Abigail's eyebrow jut upward just like she had seen Captain Hawke's do so many times before. Hers, Annie thought, is annoying while the captain's is intriguing.

  CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

  "What an exciting day this has been," Abigail said to Annie while the carriage bounced on the cobble stone street.

  Annie ran her finger along the curved heel of a silk brocade shoe she held on her lap. "Exciting for you, not so much for me," she said. "Do I really have to wear these? They are terribly uncomfortable."

  "Just be thankful the woman was late in returning for her shoes and the cobbler was easily bribed," Abigail said as she dangled Captain Hawke's drawstring purse in front of Annie's nose. "But you know I am not talking about our jaunt to the cobbler as being exciting. I am talking about our foray to Will's. What a splendid idea Mr. Montgomery had in suggesting we go to the coffeehouse in Covent Garden. All the times I have been to London and I didn't know a place like that existed."

  Annie smiled. "Yes, Will's was quite an experience."

  "It was so brave of you to bring me there," Abigail said to Mr. Montgomery.

  "My pleasure," Mr. Montgomery replied. "I find it ridiculous that women are not allowed in coffeehouses. If women want to sip coffee while discussing politics or philosophy, then so be it."

  Abigail fluttered her eyelashes at him. "You are such a rebel, Mr. Montgomery. And you Annie, what you said to that gentleman was priceless."

  "His jaw dropped so low when he saw you walk in, Abigail, I had to say something." Annie dropped her voice. "You should close your mouth, sir, don't want to swallow a fly, now do we."

  Mr. Montgomery roared with laughter. "I can assure you, they will be talking a long time about the lady who came to Will's."

  "Little did they know you were accompanied by two ladies," Abigail said.

  "No, Mr. Montgomery is correct," Annie said. "There was only one lady in Will's today."

  Abigail patted Annie's hand. "We are having a good time today. We can have more days like this if you want to."

  Annie was not willing to commit to anything more than: "Perhaps."

  CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

  The shopkeeper greeted Annie back at the dress shop. "Hello, Miss Annie. Christine just finished sewing the blue panel to the bodice of your dress."

  With the dress and undergarments draped over her arm, she led Annie to the dressing screen. "Victoria will assist you."

  "That will not be necessary," Annie said.

  "I am certain the young lady knows what she is doing," Abigail said.

  "I would rather you join me."

  "I would like that, too." Abigail turned to the shopkeeper. "Do you mind?"

  The amiable shopkeeper simply smiled and nodded.

  Annie disappeared with Abigail behind the screen. With her back to Abigail, she unbuttoned her shirt letting it fall to the floor. While her trousers rested on her hips, Annie revealed the faint scars traveling down her back. "I didn't wish to shock the girl," she said.

  "You were ten when I first saw those scars, one of the times you stayed overnight. Do you remember I wanted to tell my parents, but you wouldn't let me. I should have told them. I will never forgive myself.
"

  "You have no reason to feel guilty. You knew Aunt Mary had threatened me, that if I told anyone, she would never let me see you again."

  Abigail stroked Annie's arm. "You were afraid of never seeing me again. Why is it so different today?"

  "Because today, I am not the same person. So much has happened."

  When Annie looked away, Abigail sighed and grabbed the corset perched on a chair. "I know your scars don't hurt anymore, but this certainly will."

  Annie raised her hands in lighthearted protest. "I refuse to wear that hideous thing."

  "Oh, yes you will. All fashionable ladies wear them."

  "I recall you calling them torture devises."

  "They are," Abigail said cheerfully. "But if I must suffer, so will you. Now, let's get your shift on."

  Annie pulled the knee-length undergarment, with lace at the neckline and at the bottom of its sleeves, over her head.

  Abigail then wrapped the corset around Annie's waist and pulled the strings tight. "It's like old times, isn't it?"

  "I'm suffocating." Annie's already small waistline became even smaller.

  Abigail stepped back and admired her handiwork. "Look what you have been hiding under those dirty clothes of yours."

  "My goodness!" Annie exclaimed as she looked down. Even she could appreciate the fuller breasts.

  Abigail helped Annie with her petticoat. "Now the most important part," Abigail said.

  Like a cool breeze, the dress floated down over Annie's shoulders.

  After she slipped each foot into her new shoes, Annie emerged cautiously from behind the screen. Taking wobbly steps in her new shoes, she turned in a circle showing off her dress to Mr. Montgomery, "What do you think, sir?"

  While the bodice was not too revealing, Annie knew it dispelled any lingering doubts that Mr. Montgomery may have had about her.

  "You are indeed a girl!" He exclaimed.

  The shopkeeper stepped in front of Mr. Montgomery, directing Annie to a full-length mirror. "See for yourself what a lovely young woman you are."

  Annie looked at herself from every angle. She touched the lace adorning the sleeves at the elbow. She then ran her fingers through her raven black hair and traced the line of her slender neck. When Annie caught everyone staring at her, she tugged on the sides of the dress. "It will do."

  She then walked to the screen.

  Abigail said, "Where are you going?"

  "I must get my clothes."

  "Victoria, already retrieved them for you," the shopkeeper said as she pointed to the counter where Annie's trousers and shirt, topped with her stockings, boots and Monmouth cap sat.

  "Annie, why on earth do you want those ugly things?" Abigail asked.

  "For when I return to the Realm."

  "You cannot be serious." Abigail turned to Mr. Montgomery, "Talk some sense into her?"

  "Give her time," he said.

  Annie hugged the soiled clothes to her heart, remembering another shopping day, the one she went on with Christopher.

  The bell jangled above the door one last time as Annie left for Spencer Estate.

  CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

  While her hand rested a breath away from Abigail's, Annie peered out the carriage window as the immaculate grounds of Spencer Estate passed by.

  "You have barely spoken since we left London," Abigail said.

  "You and Mr. Montgomery seem to have carried on quite well without me," Annie said looking at Mr. Montgomery sitting across from them.

  Annie turned back to the carriage window and looked at the acres of breathtaking scenery, swans gliding on a lake, manicured shrubs, willow trees, horse paths and the stately three-story manor home up ahead.

  "I almost forgot how beautiful it all is," she said.

  "How does it compare to the ocean?" Abigail asked.

  "The ocean has a beauty all its own," Annie said.

  "I will take your word for it."

  The four high-stepping horses clip clopped on the brick circle at the front of the manor house. The carriage barely rolled to a stop, when Annie bounded out. Assisted by Robert, Mr. Montgomery and Abigail stepped out of the carriage and quickly caught up with Annie on the lawn.

  Unlike the Realm, where each day brought the unexpected, time stood still at Spencer Estate. Beautiful, sedate, predictable, Annie thought.

  She ran up the stone steps leading to the oak paneled door. Annie stepped aside for Abigail to bang the brass door knocker. And then came the wait.

  The Spencer's butler, Gerard, appeared in the arched doorway looking as ancient as the Grecian urn that stood behind him. He mumbled something to Abigail after she introduced Mr. Montgomery to him. He then escorted her, Mr. Montgomery and Annie into the foyer.

  "Annie, please show Mr. Montgomery our ancestral paintings while I go to the library to see Mother and Father."

  "I am anxious to see them, Abigail."

  "I know you are, but I need to talk to them first. Gerard told me they're upset with me," Abigail said.

  "Nothing changes at Spencer Estate," Annie said.

  Abigail set off for the library. Annie followed close behind while Mr. Montgomery yawned at a life-size painting hanging on the wall.

  Standing just outside the library, Annie spied Abigail's parents surrounded by bookshelves rising to the ceiling. Lady Spencer, wearing a red dress with ruffled trumpet sleeves, appeared engrossed in her husband puffing on his clay pipe. He must be really upset, Annie thought, for Lady Spencer to allow him to smoke his pipe inside.

  When Abigail entered, Lady Spencer sprung from her chair. The couple got halfway across the room, when Lady Spencer began scolding Abigail. "Do you know how worried your father and I have been?"

  "Worried, about what, Mother?"

  "As if you didn't know," Lady Spencer said as she fanned herself.

  "The Cudney sisters told their parents about your London escapades," Lord Spencer said. "Lucky for us, they were quite put out that you didn't invite them along today. They said you were going to meet a man, a sailor, of all things!"

  "Father, is that all they told you?"

  "You mean there is more?" he said.

  "Oh my, I need to sit down," Lady Spencer said as she made her way back to her chair with Abigail's help.

  "I have been going to the London docks looking for Annie," Abigail said.

  "Abigail, I know you miss the girl. We all do, but you must come to terms with the fact that she is gone, and you will never see her again."

  "Mother, Annie is here."

  "Here? She's here?" As if Annie would magically appear at her feet, Lady Spencer pointed down at the floor.

  Abigail took her mother's hand and gestured toward the entry to the library.

  Not certain what her reception would be, Annie walked slowly until she heard Lady Spencer gasp. "My prayers have been answered."

  Annie kicked off her shoes and padded across the hardwood floor to Lady Spencer's waiting arms.

  While they embraced each other tightly, Lord Spencer rubbed Annie's shoulders.

  "I see you have done well for yourself," Lord Spencer said as he studied Annie's clothes.

  "I have, but these clothes..."

  Abigail broke in. "She was not wearing these clothes when I first found her. What a sight she was."

  Not taking her eyes off Annie, Lady Spencer said. "What do you mean?"

  "Yesterday, she was not wearing a dress."

  Lord Spencer looked shocked. "You saw her yesterday in London and didn't tell us?"

  "If Annie decided not to return with me, I didn't want to see your hopes dashed."

  In a hushed tone, Lady Spencer inquired, "Annie, if you weren't wearing a dress yesterday, were you…naked?"

  Annie knew she had better put Lady Spencer's mind at ease before the poor woman keeled over in a dead faint. "Trousers," Annie said. "I was wearing trousers."

  Seeing the shocked expression on Lady Spencer's face, Annie wondered if wearing trousers, wasn't much better than
being naked.

  "Yesterday," Abigail said. "She looked like a street urchin."

  "I strongly disagree, Abigail. I looked like a sailor."

  Lady Spencer responded with a moan.

  When Annie saw Gerard accompany Mr. Montgomery into the library, she hoped the pressure would be taken off her.

  Gerard cleared his throat and announced, "Mr. Matthew Montgomery."

  "And who exactly are you?" Lord Spencer said.

  Before Mr. Montgomery could say anything, Abigail attempted to explain. "Father, this is the gentleman who accompanied Annie when I found her at the docks. He is the first mate on the merchant ship, the Realm. Yesterday, he and Annie needed to attend to some unpleasant business. A young man had met an untimely death aboard the ship and they had to tell his mother."

  "Dreadful," Lady Spencer said from her chair. "Simply dreadful."

  Lord Spencer looked at Annie. "If I am hearing this correctly, you have been living your life as a sailor. How can that be?"

  "It is a long story."

  "I have all day," Lord Spencer said before he turned to Abigail. "And you, young lady, I will deal with you later."

  Abigail and Mr. Montgomery slipped out of the library as Lord Spencer settled in a chair next to his wife and told Annie to do the same.

  Annie's questioning began. While Lord and Lady Spencer had learned from Annie's cousin Erik that she had run away to London, that was all they knew. Annie filled in the blanks for them.

  Seeing how Lady Spencer reacted when Annie told them she had begged on the streets, she decided to leave out certain parts about her time on the Realm. From Lord Spencer's expressions Annie realized that he knew she was leaving out details. His wife, however, looked contented with Annie's abridged version of her time on the streets, the Realm and her endeavors with her shipmates.

  It was Lord Spencer's turn to inform Annie of how a week had passed before any of the Spencer's knew she was even missing. Erik had told them that Annie needed time to grieve her uncle's death. He had done exactly what she had told him to do, Annie thought to herself. By the time a search party was sent to London, it was too late.

  "You made the best of a most difficult situation, Annie," Lord Spencer said. "I only wish you had come to us. We never would have allowed anything bad to happen to you if we had only known. Your Aunt Mary is gone and she can never harm you again."