First at Last (Updated Version)

Chapter Four

By the time I returned home, the sun had completely set and the moon was rising in the sky. Though, I was still giddy from my impromptu meeting with the prince, so I hardly noticed. Still smiling to myself, the driver helped me down from the carriage and waited until Walter opened the door and helped me inside.

"Just where have you been?" The sharp voice reached me through my daze, effectively shattering it.

I stiffened and straightened reflexively as my mother stepped into the entryway, looking livid. "Mother, I'm sorry I am late. I lost track of time."

"That is no excuse. You had a curfew. You were not to be out past dinner. And then Walter returned without you and we had no idea where you were!"

With every word, I withered a little more, until I felt like a wilted flower. I stared down at the floor, face burning. "I'm so sorry, Mother. I—lost track of time. And when Walter returned without me I had to find another way home. I didn't mean to cause any concern, really. I'm sorry."

"You are to spend the rest of the night in your room. No supper."

I winced, disappointment settling in my stomach. "But Alice was out too! Surely, she hasn't arrived yet?"

"She arrived at the time I requested," Mother replied coldly. "Early, in fact."

Guilt crowded in beside my feeling of disappointment. "I'm sorry, Mother. I didn't mean to worry you."

"It sounds as though you were not thinking of the rest of us at all. Go up to your room."

I swallowed against the tightness in my throat, before turning and walking up the stairs to my bedroom. My stomach grumbled with hunger and I lamented my supperless fate as I climbed the stairs. I reached my bedroom and sat on the chaise before the fireplace. Mother's favorite punishment had always been bed without supper. I'd gone many nights without dinner as a child and, despite being nearly eighteen, the punishment remained the same.

My room was quiet and I clutched my book to me, a source of comfort always. I opened the book and began to read. Despite my situation, and still being quite hungry, I found solace in the familiar pages of my book. I got lost in the story, with the characters, so much so that I nearly jumped out of my seat when there was a soft knock at my door.

"Come in," I said breathlessly, recovering myself.

The door opened and Agnes stepped in carrying a tray. "Supper, Miss," she said in a hushed voice. "Though, it would be much appreciated if you did not bring it up with Lady Lovet."

My heart leapt and I hopped up, dropping my book onto my vacated seat. I could have hugged Agnes for all the joy I felt. "Oh, Agnes! Supper? Really? You are a saint!"

Her face turned bright red and she smiled indulgently. "Not at all, Miss, just not inclined to watch a poor girl go hungry." She hurried to the table at my bedside and set down the tray. "It isn't much, really. Just a bit of cold chicken and some bread. I hope it's enough."

My heart warmed even more. "It will be quite enough. Thank you, Agnes."

"Of course, Miss." With a last curtsy, she left the room. I dug into my meal of cold chicken and bread with enthusiasm. I hadn't eaten in hours and I was famished, so it all tasted amazing, despite its being cold. I smiled to myself and sent one last thanks to Agnes, hoping she could read my mind and know how grateful I was that she always softened the blow of my mother's punishments.