Dear Elise

Chapter 4

My maids are already cleaning up my room when I come back, and the moment I step through the door, Beatrice gasps.
Her, Sara and Florence are quick to comfort me and, for once, I find their presence strangely soothing.
The slow, systematic way they get me ready for bed, accompanied by the quiet hum of their chatter, leaves me feeling strangely calm.
In the moment, I am sure that nothing else could have brought a smile to my face after today's events.
Even when Florence and Sara have left and only Beatrice remains, standing quietly in the corner of the room as one of them does every night, the feeling lingers.

The next day, I plan to spend alone in the women's room.
However, as soon as I sit down, I can tell this isn't going to be the relaxing day I'd hoped for.
Everywhere girls are huddled in small groups, gossiping and snickering.
A few girls, including Celeste, prowl around the room like tigers.
I immediately make my way to a couch as far away from them as possible, sitting down as quickly and quietly as I can.
I open my book, trying my best to ignore the discomfort growing in the pit of my stomach.

After struggling through the first chapter of my book, still feeling like everyone's watching me, I feel a hand on my shoulder.
I sit up straight, a jolt of shock running through my body at the sudden, unexpected touch, but sigh in relief at the sight of Sam's familiar grin.
She flops down next to me on the couch, suddenly tugging my book from my hands.
Ignoring my indignant protests, she marks the page and puts it aside, before beginning to speak.
"So, I was thinking..."
I sigh, realising that I'm not getting my book back until I listen to what she has to say.
"...we still haven't gone on that walk you promised me."
I raise my eyebrows at that.
"I don't remember promising anything."
She hums, seemingly contemplating what I've said.
"Maybe so. But, come on Elise... it's beautiful weather out there. We don't have to stay out for long. I'll even bring you a parasol so you won't get burnt."

I consider it. If it isn't for that long... and a bit of fresh air wouldn't hurt.
I turn to her. "Alright. just a short walk, then."
Her grin widens even further at my words. "Great! I'll meet you outside my room in ten minutes, okay?"
Before I even have a chance to answer, she's gone, slipping out of the women's room to do who knows what.
I'm starting to think she's much more trouble than I'd first anticipated.

Still, I find myself going to ask my maids which room is Sam's.
I'm going to be a bit late, but I'm sure she won't mind - wait, when did I start thinking like that? I can never abide being late to anything.
I push the thought from my mind as I walk towards the corridor Florence told me Sam's room is in, moving just a bit more quickly.