Doe (#Wattys2016)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

                 

Francis grew pale and silent over the next few days, waiting for the axe to drop. During the day, Tim and Draco kept up a cheeriness that carried her along, but at night she was wracked with the guilt. Imagining her mother alone in The Lab and Harri's confusion. Lord Lurie seemed to have vacated the manor to extend her torture. Doe was fining it hard to settle in and Francis' guilt couldn't take it. Her sister didn't voice her distress at trying to fit in the maids' dormitory regime, but Francis could tell. Even Kitty was showing signs of anxiety towards Doe, eager to be extra helpful, which made it worse for Doe.

The few days turned into a week and still Francis heard nothing. On the Sunday, they dressed for the Meeting and Francis was surprised to receive a new dress. She could hardly refuse but her pulse quickened at the thought that one day she would have to pay all this back. When she arrived in the Entrance Hall she received a lot of praise for it. Much more amazing was Doe had also received a new Sunday best, complete with a little hat too.

"Something must be going your way." Draco told her.

"I hope so." She grimaced.

Lord Lurie was already at the Town Hall in a large group of the elite, including (Francis' stomach lurched), Lord Cecil and William Harrold. Lord Cecil, for once, looked grave, the expression showed his years and he stood listening to the other men, who seemed nervous.

  During the service, Francis tried to catch Lord Lurie's eye but he was devout. His golden eyes trained on the podium and his pamphlet. And he left before any of them could move.

Draco stood up and folded his jacket over his arm, "It's hot."

"Yes, I'm glad they had the fans." Francis replied quietly, letting people pass them.

"You must go see your mother and I have to see Darlin." He told her as they waited for everyone to gather things.

"Yes, go to your Darlin," Francis smiled, "I'll see you later."

"Send your mother my-"

"Love?" She laughed.

"Regards."

"But she would've been thrilled to receive your love." She was laughing quite openly now.

"I only paused," He told her, "If you will interrupt people when they're speaking then you'll always hear what you want to."

She laughed harder at his annoyance, "Get going, Draco. Give Darlin my..." she exaggerated her pause, finger on her lips.

He waved her away.

Lucia was unusually quiet. She cooked them lunch and they told her about their week at the manor. But she had nothing to say in reply. Harrison was not there either, which Francis found suspicious. She had assumed that he would be eager to see them.

"Just because we've been moved in a few days, doesn't mean it's forever. In fact, Lord Lurie made it quite clear that forever was impossible." Francis stated into the silence.

Lucia sighed, "Maybe. But everything will change whatever happens."

"Well that's life." Francis rolled her eyes.

"And it is forever for Doe. You made him promise."

"Oh Mummy!" Doe cooed, clutching her mother's hand, "I was always going to be Kitty's maid. This is the career you wanted for me. And look I'll be able to see you every Sunday."

"I chose you." Lucia held her face, "I chose you as my own. This house is so empty."

Francis looked down at the table, tracing the grain with her finger.