A Sense of Propriety

Chapter 8

Cordelia awoke with a gasp of terror.

The bed below her creaked as she rose into a seated position, her breathing heavy and heart racing. Her throat was dry and her cheeks were wet with tears as she glanced around frantically, still feeling that she was trapped.

But then she noticed the early dawn attempting to pry its brilliance through the heavily ornamented drapes of her room, and she began to calm down when she realized that she was in the safety of her bedroom. She drew a shaky breath into her squeezed lungs, allowing the soft morning light to enrobe her with a sense of security.

She relaxed briefly before she remembered what had startled her awake.

Gently, she raked her fingers through her hair, taking note of the perspiration that lined her forehead. She sighed and cast the covers aside to stand on shaky legs. When she made her way to her wash basin, she glanced in the mirror, noting how the skin beneath her eyes had darkened and her rich golden strands were in disarray as they framed her nymph-like face.

She closed her eyes tightly, bent to wash her face a few times then dabbed the towel gently to remove the excess water. When she straightened, she looked around her bedroom. It was richly decorated with periwinkle blue and white. The gold trimming that lined the ceiling and doors enhanced the beauty of the ostentatious room, and the ornaments that decorated the space matched the theme superbly.

But despite the size, Cordelia began to feel suffocated. She needed a walk, to be out in nature where she felt calmest, away from buildings, confinements, and especially the expectations they brought with them.

Pulling a wrap over her shoulders, she started to make her way towards the door when she paused and glanced at her appearance in the mirror.

As much as she wished to leave the house at that moment, she knew that she could not do so in such a state. Propriety demanded that much. She did not want to bother Martha so early in the morning, but it was impossible to dress in her gowns without assistance. Besides, she needed some form of protection for her walk in the Park. Although the presence of a servant was not ideal, it certainly was better than walking alone.

So, with a heavy sigh, she rang the bell and waited a few gruelling moments for Martha to come to her bedroom. A soft knock announced her arrival, and Cordelia glanced at her briefly as she bowed gently in greeting. "Good morning, Miss Cordelia."

"Good morning, Martha. Kindly help me to get dressed. I wish to go for a walk in the Park."

"Her Ladyship has not yet risen."

"I know. I require your presence for my walk this morning," she said softly.

Martha blinked at the request, finding it peculiar how she wished to go for a walk before the sun had shown itself, especially since she had returned home not more than two hours prior. But one look at her withdrawn features made her realize the reason, and she bowed once again before moving towards the dresser.

Cordelia remained silent as she was assisted from her sleeping gown made of muslin and into a fine morning gown fit for a walk in the park. The colour reminded her of the creamy sand shores that separated the land from the sea and its design fitted her figure perfectly, allowing the eye the pleasure of looking upon her feminine frame without appearing raucous.

She then took a seat to allow the old woman's nimble fingers to style her hair in a design that was elegant but practical and completed her appearance by placing a bonnet with matching ribbon upon her head.

"There we are, Miss Cordelia. You look beautiful as always," Martha complimented her with a soft smile as she handed her a pair of white satin gloves.

"Thank you, Martha," she said and rose to her feet, wishing to leave as soon as possible.