Sabbath Day

Lonely Night

A LOT HAPPENS IN THIS PART

PART 3

The next morning a maid other than Eleanor woke me. She was rough as she pulled me out of bed and slapped a cold cloth dripping with water on my face.

The sky was too dark for me to be up yet.
Maids don't speak in front of their employers unless spoken to.

"What is the hurry?" I asked.
She avoided eye contact and hesitated.
"I'll tell you all I can miss." The maid had a strange accent.

"Your father has agreed to a trade deal that involves you. He has asked me to wake you up at once and bring you to his office in one of your best dresses."

I wanted to ask what kind of trade deal involves a daughter but as I opened my mouth I realized that there were a few other maids in my room, none of them Eleanor.

They were discussing something about my dresses.
"This one is good," a red haired one whispered.
"No, this color is too bright for her hair," another maid responded.

"It doesn't matter. She is meeting..." they all looked at me like she slipped up, but instantly went back to speaking.

Eleanor waltz in the room late. Or perhaps I was the one who was early. Everyone went quiet. They all stared at her because she was my personal maid.

She approached me, her sturdy boots clicked against the marble.
"You're washing her face too roughly." She grabbed the rag and gently dabbed at my face.

"Like this."
Then she handed it back to the maid and I watched as she instructed the others on something.

"Eleanor, I don't understand, what's going on?"
"You'll have to ask your father that question Miss Beth."

The hallways were dimly lit. Father's office was built on the first floor so that people would be able to walk in and out quickly. My room was built on the third floor facing the garden.

I fidgeted with the dress Eleanor picked for me. It was a very light blue. Long sleeves to keep me warm and lace decorating every edge.

Three maids followed behind me and Eleanor stayed close by me and when we finally reached the door to the office I was the only one allowed inside.

I could hear my mother's voice. She was somewhat angry. Eleanor touched both my shoulders, comforting me.

"I'll stay by your side forever after this Miss Beth." She whispered and then left.
I wondered what she was talking about.

I creaked open the door and found both my parents looking at me. Father's office was in good condition for guests. The room was clean and large, decorated with colors that are only seen in noble households.

My mother's blonde hair was pinned up with fine jewelry decorating it. She was wearing a modest silky pink dress with long sleeves and a large skirt. My father shared the same black hair as I, his suit was a light grey color.

"She's too thin!" Mother raised her voice. "We send her in now, they'll send her right back...!"
"She's perfectly educated on etiquette. All you must do is teach her the rest." My father argued.

"And how do you expect me to teach her the rest in a mere month?" They both got quiet.
I took the opportunity to step forward.

I looked at both of them. Their faces only showed concern.
"Why have I been dragged out of bed so early?" They exchanged glances.
"Father? Mother?"

Finally my father spoke.
"Bridgette, sit down." For once he sounded caring. Like it mattered to him if I had fainted from shock.

"Mother, what's going on?" I asked. She couldn't even look at me. He crossed his arms, he seemed as big as an elephant, looking down on me.
"Bridgette, you are my only daughter. When I die nobody will be able to continue on my name and take over the business."

I never understood why I couldn't. Why would a boy have the opportunity to run the business but not me?

"Your Mother and I have decided that it's best for you to leave the manor."
What...? They're abandoning me? They're abandoning me. But where will I go? What will happen to me?

The manor has been in our family for generations. If he abandons me it will fall into the hands of whichever relative wants it. Besides that, what does he mean by "your mother and I?" those two were just arguing.

"The Charles family has ensured us that after our death they will keep the manor and your inheritance safe, but...it comes with a price."
What? What does the Charles family have to do with this?

"Father..."
"In the next month you are to marry one of the Charles' boys."

|| FLASH FORWARD ||

Eleanor accompanied me back to my room. I yelled for her through the hallways and she came running. Inside, tea and a warm breakfast was waiting for me, my favorite.

Hash browns and sausage with jelly. I had now realized that Eleanor meant she would stay with me throughout my marriage process.

Even though I had hated the whole thing I still felt as though she was my most loyal maid. My father's words kept running through my head.

Although I knew this time would come, I never imagined it would be so soon. Even mother, who had always been quite reserved could not stand with him on this.

I mixed the sugar into my tea and set the spoon down.
"I'd like to change Eleanor." I muttered.
"Miss Beth, your father asked us to pick out your best dress because you'll be meeting with various people today."

"Then I'd like a new dress." I stood my ground.
"Id also appreciate it if you got this corset off of me. It makes it hard for me to breathe."

I suppose I'm supposed to be happy. The charles family is one of the richest. I'll be treated as a princess.