The Maid's Revenge

Untitled Part 1

Cora turned to see Mrs. Hughes come in, not O'Brien.

"Good Morning," the housekeeper said. "Miss O'Brien has a cold so I sent her to bed for now. I also have a question for you."
"Goodness just when we'd gotten over the Spanish flu. What's you're question?"
"We're at bare bones as it is with the maids still recuperating l so Jane has asked if we could use her help until they're better.  That could leave me to help you if I'm busy with something Jane would come up instead.
"That's kind of her. Sounds good," she said standing. Once dressed, she sat at the vanity. She still had dark circles under her eyes and was still a bit pale.  Her chest was sore from all the coughing and she probably could have slept until noon but it was best she get with Mrs. Patmore on the menus and make an appearance so as not to worry Robert. She had to apologize for neglecting him again now that she could think more clearly. She'd been too tired to even move when he came to see her the other day and then she napped most of the day after returning from Lavinia's funeral.

++++

Cora headed downstairs, holding the bannister more firmly than usual since she felt dizzy suddenly. 

"Milady?"

"Yes, jane?" she said turning. 

"How are you feeling?"

"Much better , thank you."

"It's a shame His Lordship's attentions were elsewhere while you were ill."

"Excuse me?" Cora asked, wondering what that strong smell was that made her feel nauseous and dizzy.  She carefully continued down the stairs while Jane brought that curious statement up again. "I suppose one can't blame him when he's done everything to make this family great and he's ignored by the one who is supposed to love him unconditionally."

Cora stopped, turning to glare at the impertinent maid.  Jane's hand was behind her back and she tossed some sort of powder into her face, causing her to breath it in and her eyes stung. She was already dizzy as she tried to grabbed the bannister again to keep from falling. "Carson!" she cried, knowing the butler was in the great hall. 

"Milady?" He said, then he glanced at Jane who was doing nothing to help. He rushed up the steps, and that's when he noticed some sort of white dust in her hair and on her clothes. 

"Carson," She said, coughing and sputtering. Her eyes burned and she reached for him. "I've got you," her said, putting an arm around her waste and guiding her to the main floor. 

"Alfred, escort Jane to see Mrs. Hughes and find his Lordship immediately!"