Molly-Jane Walter

Chapter Seven

The next morning, I roll over in bed, my arm dangling over the edge. I feel the soft pressure of Gilbert's lips, as he placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. I open my eyes slowly, blinking a few times. When I see his face, my heart instantly swells. "Good morning, Molly." He said quietly, a smile on his lips. "Good morning." I breathe. Last night, I had told Gilbert all about my family, about my life. It wasn't easy; my life, as you know, reader, was not pleasant. Opening up to Gilbert about it felt like a massive weight had been lifted off my shoulders. "It is a beautiful morning. The swans are already swimming around the lake." Gilbert told me. "Oh! I cannot wait to feed them!" I exclaim. Gilbert laughed. "Hurry up and get dressed then! I'll wait downstairs with the feed." I nod, jumping out of bed to grab my things. The sun had not quite risen over the mountains yet, so the room was a little dark, however, it was nothing I couldn't manage. Once Gilbert was downstairs, I open the wardrobe doors. Before I had graduated from Lancaster School, Gilbert had told me that he had written to his mother about my coming to stay, informing her that I would need some new dresses, stockings, shawls and shoes. I had given him my measurements, to which he had written in the same letter to his mother. She had written back to say everything was in order, and that she would have some decent dresses prepared for me by the time of our arrival. Looking at the dresses in front of me, I decide upon which colour I should wear. I had worn the pale pink dress last night, so I could not wear that for at least another week. White would surely get dirty, and yellow was much too bright for this early in the morning. I grab a pale blue dress, with lace on the sleeves and along the wide neckline. Holding the dress up in front of the mirror, I look to see how it will look with my skin. The dress was perfect, and made my skin appear as though it were glowing. Taking off my nightgown, I pick up my corset and chemise. Luckily for me, I had gotten used to doing up my own corset, so I did not require a maid's assistance. I choose a grey shawl and put on the dress, stockings, and shoes that were in the wardrobe. Opening my door, I rush downstairs to where Gilbert was waiting. He was dressed in tan breeches and a white shirt, with a royal blue waistcoat buttoned up a little over the shirt, and knee-high black boots with a small, soft, heel. He had his gold pocketwatch chain clipped to one of the buttons, the rest hidden in his pocket. When he heard my footsteps on the staircase, he threw his arms out wide. I rin to him, throwing my arms around his neck as he lifted me, twirling in a circle. "You look absolutely beautiful, Molly!" He whispered quietly. I blush, casting my eyes downwards. Gilbert lifted my chin gently and smiled, before he grabbed hold of my hand. We make our way out of the Manor and towards the lake. There, waiting very patiently, were the four beautiful swans I had seen yesterday. I gasp in delight, trying to contain my excitement so as not to frighten them away. Gilbert grinned, amused by my excitement. Gilbert took a small bag out of his pocket and began to show me how to cup my hand to feed the swans so that they would not accidentally nip my fingers. We sit for a while on the grass, snuggled together, watching the swans glide over the lake's smooth surface. The sun had begun to rise, it's golden rays warming us from the cold, chilly air of the early morning. "Molly." Gilbert shook me gently. I must have drifted off. I open my eyes, looking around. He laughed. "Welcome back sleepyhead." He teased me. I giggle. "I was so comfortable, I couldn't help falling back asleep." Gilbert shook his head, amused, and kissed my forehead. "After breakfast, we can go for a carriage ride, and I can show you the town, and the forest behind it." Gilbert grinned, his excitement plain on his face. "Oh, Gilbert! That sounds perfectly lovely!" I gush. Walking back towards the Manor, we hear the breakfast bell ringing. "Perfect timing." Gilbert laughed. I take my seat beside Gilbert once more, and to my delight, see that there were pieces of steaming hot bacon, eggs in silver egg cups, oatmeal, bread with butter, tea and milk. I supposed that tea and milk were served with every meal. Meals were always a pleasant affair. I was no longer as shy in front of Gilbert's parents, as I had been on my very first day here. Lillian and Charlotte were dressed in pretty little dresses with lace and frills. Lillian's dress was a buttercup yellow, with white lace, and Charlotte's dress was pale green, also with white lace. Both had a single, large bow in their hair that matched the colour of their dresses. Mr. Harding, like Gilbert, was dressed in a dark-coloured waistcoat, dark brown breeches, tall black knee-high boots, a white shirt and a gold pocketwatch. Mrs. Harding looked absolutely elegant in a pale gold dress, exactly like the dress I was wearing, only her dress had lace on the sleeves and hem, not the neckline. Her hair was swept up in an elegant style, her curls framing her face. My own hair was wavy, as I had plaited it before I had gone to sleep last night.