Love Of A Stranger (On Hold)

Part Five

Part Five

Breakfast was eaten everyday in the great dining hall at ten thirty am. Not everyone went because there wasn’t enough room for the entire house. Plus someone had to man the kitchen.

Juniper and Eloise stood outside the hall at ten twenty-five. Eloise was now in a floral knee length dress with toll underneath to give the dress more volume.

“A lot of people who live here are going to be in that room. None of them are going to hurt you so don’t be frightened.”

Eloise nodded. She could already hear their voices and them moving about. She wondered how many times had Juniper had to say that to someone. Ad they entered the hall the voices magnified as the echoed off the walls.

The room had a tall ceiling with a lattice skylight. The walls were masculine carved cherry wood two thirds of the way up. The top third was an aged honey brown. The carpet was a rich burgundy wine color.

There were twenty circular tables all around the room. Each sitting five. The buffet style breakfast was in the center of the room. At the far end of the room on a stage like platform was a long table that sat nine.

Bowen sat in the center seat. To the right of him sat Jared, Daniel, and two other men. To the left of Bowen was an empty seat. The other three were filled by women.

Juniper took Eloise to the chair beside Bowen. “This is where you have to sit.” She whispered and left before Eloise had a chance to say anything.

“Hi, I’m Annie.” The old woman sitting next to her said. She had pure white hair, wore a long string of pearls and a sky blue dress.

“Eloise.” She said quickly. Not wanting to engage in a conversation around Bowen.

“Lovely to meet you. I’m sure everyone will love you.” Annie smiled. Her words were comforting like that of a grandmother but Eloise still had one thing on her mind and all the kindness in the world wasn’t going to change that.

Bowen took to his feet at exactly ten thirty and the room went silent. “Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Eloise.”

“Stand up child.” Annie whispered in her ear and Eloise did as she was told.

“She will be staying here.” Bowen continued once she stood. “She is not a guest but a member of my house. I want you all to treat her with the same respect you give to me and each other.”

Bowen sat down and everyone continued with their conversations or started new ones about Eloise. Breakfast was then served. Annie talked a lot during the meal while Eloise just listened. Annie was the teacher here and she taught the younger ones all that she knew. She never went to college or had and formal schooling. But Annie was one who loved to learn.

“My class starts after breakfast if you care to sit in. You might have something to add that I don’t know about.”

“Okay.” She agreed only because she might be able to slip away from the old woman and find a way out.

Breakfast was nearly over and Bowen hadn’t said a thing to Eloise. Many had already left the room to get started on their day. Annie, Eloise, and Bowen were the only ones who still sat at the table.

“Bowen.” He looked at Eloise as if he forgotten she was there but he didn’t say a word. So she continued. “ I want you to let Juniper keep her mother’s dress. You said that…”

“She can keep it.” He said. Then got up and walked away.

“Come on dear.” Annie sighed.

As Annie led the way to he classroom she talked more about her class. “My class is informal. We alternate the lessons but everyday I have them read.”