Let tomorrow come

Chapter 3.

The dining room was a large, bright room with an elegant pine table with curved legs and soft, comfortable chairs with high backs. On the windows, of which there were three, hung heavy curtains of dark blue velvet with golden fringe at the bottom. A little further from the table stood a pair of armchairs, also upholstered in velvet, but in emerald green. The interior of this rich room was completed by a massive chandelier in the Gothic style, made to resemble the Middle Ages. On the tops there were electric lamps in the form of candles, but unless you looked closely, they could not be distinguished from real candles. The work of a skilled craftsman.

So Anne led Christina into the dining room. On the way, the girl tripped over her long dress and almost fell head over heels down the stairs, but the caring housekeeper and part-time nanny managed to grab her by the hand and nothing happened. Rustling her hated dress, the little girl entered the hall. Grandmother was already looking at her with a stern look:

"You barely made it, my child. However..." she said in a tone that brooked no argument, "...this is better than yesterday. After all, you were a minute late. Now have a seat."

Christina was embarrassed and hurried to quickly take her place. But grandmother still did not start the meal. She called the governess, Mrs. Alice, over to her. The respectable lady hired Alice not only for her good knowledge, but also because at the age of thirty she was already a widow, having been married for only four years. And then Mr. Olson died in a car accident, right on the spot. Most likely, his death was not accidental, because the circumstances were very strange. However, Mrs. Alice Olson did not know where to find solace, and at that moment they accidentally crossed paths with Eugena Winnes, known throughout the town of N. not only for her condition, but also for her manners. The old woman offered her a good salary, permanent residence so that the widow would not feel so lonely, and most importantly, the opportunity to relax in a beautiful garden and paint landscapes, which the mistress of the house sometimes bought from her. Eugena whispered something to Alice, who answered. And the grandmother finally gave a sign indicating the beginning of the meal. Immediately the cook brought out delicious dishes. Christina's eyes widened. She didn't pay much attention to her grandmother's comments and instructions.

"Nanny Sophie, I'm home!"

A perky boyish voice rang out, just beginning to break and change its structure. An old woman of about sixty stood up from the table. Gray-haired, with slightly pursed lips, a short, plump lady. She spent her whole life on this estate and knew the rules very well. Even grandmother Eugena respected her. That's why Sofia kept an eye on this boy.

"Madam? We'll be back soon."

Then she came out, her long skirt rustling.