A Mightnight Dance

First Steps

The morning brought with it a new sense of freedom and trepidation. Would Lord Ross continue to partner with my family? Despite his reassurances, I couldn't help but worry.

Sighing, I sat up. The dim light almost lured me back to sleep. However, there was no rest for the weary.

A sharp knock on the door caught my attention.

"If you're coming into town," Charles said, behind the door. "Dress quickly."

"I'll be right down," I called out.

Yawning, I climbed out of bed. Emily entered the room with a jar of water. She poured the water into the basin and stepped back. After washing my face, I started undressing. As I did, Emily gathered the commission pieces in the bag, folding them carefully.

"You worked hard on these," she commented.

Dressing, I smiled at her. "It's all I can do now."

Emily offered a smile. "You and all the masters are working hard for the Stark's name. If the Madam - oh, my apologies! I didn't mean-"

I shook my head. "I know what you meant," I told her. "I wish for the same."

Emily zipped the bag closed before walking closer to me. "If I may," she began, "I have family in the south. They run their hospital with the grace of the King."

"What do you want to say?"

"I haven't spoken to Lord Charles about this, but with the soldiers coming back, there's been a lot of sickness of the mind. I heard about getting madam treatment."

"The cost," I began. "It might not be something we can afford."

"Lord Nathaniel was a well-decorated soldier," Emily said. "My family operates on the funding from the kingdom."

"You didn't want to stay with your family?"

She shook her head. "I had no talent and I wanted to travel."

I bit my lip. "Well, I'll send a letter and inquire about their services. Thank you, Emily."

Downstairs, I saw Charles walk out of the dining room. In one hand, he held the morning paper. On the other, bread. Wordlessly, he handed me the piece of bread.

"I don't mean to rush you," he said, "but I have a meeting with the bank."

The questions built on my tongue but I ate my bread instead. I nibbled on it on the way into town. I had my own problems to worry about. With the fee from this commission, there should be enough to cover Anna's and Brian's clothes for Dominic's birthday. Yolanda had mentioned in her latest letter, they plan to host a picnic for families and a ball in the evening.

As for me . . . If Lord Nightingale came as my escort, wouldn't we have to match our outfits? At the thought, my face grew hot. Dominic's birthday would be our first official appearance. Would Lord Nightingale approve of it?