A week passed since Angelica came to Lord Greens' house. The chores became easier the more she learned, and she became close with the other maids. She was surprised by how much she could learn in such a short amount of time, and she somehow enjoyed doing work. It didn't feel like she was wasting her day trying to figure out what to do or how to spend the rest of her day. The only thing she missed was her books; she would probably never miss her fancy dresses that crushed her ribs. And, of course, she missed her brother the most. She wondered how he was doing.
Angelica thought of trying to find a way to send him a letter and let him know she was alright. She wanted to know how he was doing. Was he eating well? Sleeping well? Were people being very harsh to him?
The coffee almost boiled over while she was lost in thought. She quickly removed it from the fire and poured it into a cup to take it to Lord Green. He always liked to have a cup of coffee every afternoon.
Lord Green loved to read on his favourite couch in the main hall every afternoon while having coffee. Sometimes he would have guests over, and Angelica would serve them all.
She was aware of the glances she received from his guests whenever she served them, and it made her uncomfortable, so whenever Lord Green had guests, she would change tasks with another maid. She was doing well now and didn't want any trouble.
But trouble wanted her. Today as she served Lord Green, he suddenly grabbed her wrist. Angelica froze in shock. He had never touched her before.
His grip was firm, and he looked up at her. "The amount you owe me will take three generations of your family to pay off." He said.
Angelica just looked at him, not knowing what to say.
"I won't live that long." He said.
This man was really after his money. It wasn't as if he was starving. He lived in this mansion that was more like a palace and wore clothes that cost more than the maids' salaries.
"I will work hard, My Lord," she said.
"I know you will. The maids praise you, but I think you would work well elsewhere."
Where? She didn't want to leave this place just when she got used to working and enjoying her company.
He released her hand and picked up his cup of coffee.
"Where do you have in mind, My Lord?"
She knew he had many businesses, but what made him think she would do better there than here? Unless he meant something she wasn't quite understanding or didn't even want to consider.
"Somewhere where you would make more money." He said. "You should pack your things. You will leave now."
Angelica felt her hands tremble and hid them behind her back. She curtsied and left Lord Green alone. She hurried down to the maid's quarters and spoke to her roommates to see if her suspicions were correct.
"What do you think he means?" She asked.
Ellen wrinkled her nose. "He means to send you to a place where your beauty would be used."
Angelica began to tremble some more. "I don't want to go there." It came out as a whisper.
Ellen shook her head, looking saddened. "Then you have no choice but to run away."
"I have no money. Where would I go?" Angelica asked, feeling the tears burn her eyes. "And who would take me wherever I needed to go?"
They all looked at her with worry. "Oh, dear."
Ellen took her arm and dragged her to their room. "Let's pack while thinking, or he might become suspicious if you take too long."
Angelica began to pack with Ellen, fighting hard not to fall on her knees and weep.
YOU ARE READING
Heart Of Darkness
أدب الهواةThey whispered in town about him. They called him a beast. They called him cruel. They called him ugly. People were repulsed by his face. They treated him like a deadly disease, avoiding him like the plague. They didn't dare talk to or in front of h...
