Runaway

Chapter 1

"Time for tea" I hear Meridith say after knocking on my door. Merideth was my lovely maid, she took care of me growing up while my mother was busy at book reading gatherings and other events for high class women. I didn't mind being raised by Meredith, she was more of a mother to me than my real mother could have ever been. Meredith is so kind and thoughtful, she is almost thirty two now, and has been raising me for fifteen years. Yes, she started as maid when she was seventeen. She had always told me that she didn't have any family left and had to make money by her own means, but I always knew that she actually ran away from her family. I don't know why she did, but I am very glad that she did, and that she found me. She is engaged to a handsome man named William. I have met him a few times, he brings me candy and other treats occasionally. They will be good for each other.
I brush through my long brown hair once more before going downstairs for tea with mother.
"You look beautiful, Miss." Merideth says as I walk out of my room.
"Thank you," I say, blushing.
I walk down the winding wooden stairs to the large empty room, connecting all of the other rooms. I turn to the left, open the French doors to the sunroom/tearoom.
"Hello, mother" I say while walking over to the tea table.
"Hello, darling. That dress is beautiful, aren't you glad aunt Helena sent it for you?" Aunt Helena used to live in this small town with us, but moved to Austria to marry her "sweetheart". He was more of a cold hearted man who only wanted Aunt Helena's money. But who am I to stand in the way of "young love". Anyway, the dress isn't a style that I like, but mother liked it, so she had me wear it on occasion. The color is of a pale yellow, like that of a tulip that has been forgive and not watered in days. It has puffed out sleeves making me look like I have terribly large shoulders, yes this style can also be fashionable here in Burlanmen (the small, rich community where I live) , but I have never been one to follow fashion trends. The dress ends an inch before it hits the floor, showing part of my ankles. I think all dresses should lay on the floor but because I am taller than most, it is rare that this happens.
"Tea?" I here another one of our maids say.
"Yes, please, thank you."
She takes my cup and fills it with steaming liquid.
"Milk and sugar?" She asks while setting my cup down.
"Yes, please, thank you." I say again, making sure I use all of my manners so mother doesn't get upset with me.
I sip the tea while the maid (Mary is her name) sets the pot on the tray and sets that on a different table in the room. Mother starts talking with me about various things.
"How is your education? Do you find it enjoyable?" She asks.
"Yes, of course" I answer, trying to make her happy.
"Really, Christina? I remember not being fond of history when I was your age." She says before sipping her tea, leaving only half a cup left.
"Well, I suppose I don't enjoy science as much as I should. All of the scientific names are hard to remember. I do enjoy history.... It's exciting to learn about the events that happened in the past." I say, truthfully. 
"Ah yes, just like your father."
"Mother," I ask, " do you think I could go into town with Merideth this afternoon? I would enjoy that very much."
"Hmm..." She said, brushing her skirt. I don't know how I feel about you spending time with the maid... Perhaps you would like to come to my book meeting this afternoon instead? That is the proper place for you and I think yo would enjoy it."
"I guess so," I said I just wanted to go somewhere today instead of being stuck inside as usual.
"It's settled then." Mother said excitedly, "I have to leave at 9:00 to meet with my dear friend, but I will have Mr. Sonnett come and bring you to the MeaningWay Cafee where I will meet you. That is where the book meeting will be held."
"Alright," I said with a sigh. I sipped the last drop of my tea, trying to stay as proper as I could. "May I be excused?" I asked.
"Yes you may." Mother replied.
I stood up and started walking toward the doors again.
"I enjoy these tea times with you, dear." I heard mother say.
I looked back, smiled and walked out.