A mask of innocence *On hold*

Chapter 3

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CHAPTER 3

Humming to myself, I reached into the hot oven and pulled out the dinner rolls.  Unfortunately, or not depending on how you saw it, the rolls were burnt which meant that I and all the servants would have supper tonight.

“Is that burnt bread I smell?” Mariana’s frantic voice echoed down the hall as she rushed into the room. She took one look at the black lumps on the pan and almost burst into tears.

I set the tray down on one of the counters and rushed over to hug Mariana. I felt so guilty that I was happy about the burnt bread when she had worked so hard on them.

“I’m sorry, Mari, I’ll help you with a new batch.”

She sniffled a little but nodded and straightened out her apron. Swiftly, she called out the ingredients, ordering me to measure them out and pour them into the big mixing bowl. I hurried to do what she said. When Mariana was in cooking mode, everyone knew not to keep her waiting. By the time the new rolls were in the oven, my arms were sore, my already soaked dress was covered in flour, and my hair had spilled out of my haphazard bun. But it was worth it when I saw the satisfied look on Mariana’s face. That is, until she turned around and saw me. She took one look at me and burst into laughter.

“Go and clean yourself up, you’re a mess,” She stated.

Rolling my eyes I did as she said, eager to be clean.

My mood lifted, I set off down the hall to clean up when I remembered that I still had to clean Delia’s room. I groaned in annoyance since I would have to wait to be clean. As I walked to Delia’s room, I thought of what Tommy had told me earlier. For the first time I thought of what it would be like if my father had come back. Instead of rushing around getting everything prepared for everyone, it would be me getting ready and attending the ball. I sighed at the thought. Was it so bad if I wanted to go to just one?

Delia’s voice broke my reverie. “What do you want?” She snapped.

Startled, I saw that I had already walked all the way to her room without realizing.

“I-I was just coming to clean the mess like you asked, ma’am.” I, to my dismay, stuttered.

Her grey eyes stared into mine and made me cold all over again.

“First, you may do my hair,” she said as if it was a privilege.

I came further into the room, over to her vanity where she was sitting. Her dark brown hair cascaded down her back. As I combed through it, I caught traces of grey hair. Knowing Delia, she must not know anything about the grey in her hair otherwise she would be panicked at the thought of people knowing she was old. After I had finished coiling her hair, I was finally able to do what I had come to do in the first place. The huge puddle that was there this morning was now just a couple of drops of water. I quickly swiped them up, eager to leave Delia’s presence.

“Don’t forget to look at the list I left in the kitchen for you! I need you to go to town today.” Delia called before I made my escape.

I perked up. Going to town was always a treat. I would never let Delia know that though because then she would make sure I never went again. The thirty minute walk to town was always a reprieve from the stress of home and some of the people knew me and would give me special deals.  “But you need to clean out the stables when you get home.” Delia added as though she knew exactly what would make my day worse.