By the River

Chapter 2

I hadn't slept much during the night and it was still dark outside then. The need for sleep just didn't hit me the night before. I had been too agitated about the incident with my aunt. It was the sound of clattering pots and pans that travelled through the building that finally roused me to get out of bed. I flinched as my bare feet hit the icy cold wooden floor. I was so used to the downy rug in my London home that every morning came as a shock to me. There was no rug to ease me into the mornings here.

I put on my gown and encountered another disappointment for the morning: I didn't have any slippers. I had never needed them and hadn't brought them with my things and was now greatly regretting that decision. I tiptoed to the door and tried my best to open it silently. God forbid I wake anyone with my noise. Cringing when the hinges creaked loudly, I was reminded of how old and unkempt this house was. It had been only my aunt, cook, and the groundskeeper living on the grounds for years. Other than the occasional maid, no one had really cleaned this house for about ten years.

Peering over the bannister when I reached the end of the hall, I gladly saw no one and hurried down the stairs. The red carpeting that lined the hall and the stairs was a great relief to me. It wasn't even May yet and the cold was ever present. It was something that settled in your bones and it seemed to have settled in the walls of this house over the many years the fireplaces had been unlit. I padded through the entrance hall which was adorned with the grandest furnishings in the house, beautifully carven oak furniture, ornate vases on the side tables, a chandelier, they all just added to the grandeur of this house. I hurried to the back of the house and down to the kitchen, I didn't want to run into my aunt this early in the morning.

When I walked into the kitchen a wave of warmth rushed over me. Cook was pottering away at something on the stove and it had warmed the room up dramatically. "Morning, ma'am," I chimed as I sat myself down on one of the little wooden stools that surrounded the old kitchen table.

"Good morning," she replied. "Did you sleep well, miss?"

"I wouldn't say 'slept', rather, I lay in bed for a few hours and it was pleasant enough," I said.

"Oh dear, I must see if I can find you some chamomile tea to help you sleep. The mistress won't be pleased if you are too run down to do your work," she said worriedly.

I replied bitterly, "I'm not going to have to worry about work. I've been told that I will not attend school but will be allowed the use of the library if need be. She expects me to stay stranded out here alone."

Cook looked saddened by this and said, "You aren't alone, Dearie. I'll be here every day except Mondays and holidays. And I'm sure you'll be allowed to go into town sometimes." She smiled down sadly at the stove and continued stirring whatever was in the enormous pot as I remained silent. It was probably porridge for breakfast. My stomach growled angrily at the thought of food and cook laughed amiably.

"It's almost ready, girl. Hold on a minute," she chuckled.

I blushed at this, I hadn't realised how hungry I really was. I guess staying awake the whole night took its toll on me. A few minutes later a steaming bowl of porridge and a cup of tea were plopped down in front of me. Cook drizzled the porridge with honey and handed me the milk. She then sat herself down next to me and took a sip of her tea. I looked at her nervously, not used to eating alone, it was rather impolite to do so in my home.

Cook tilted her head and looked at me, "What are you waiting for? Dig in. Is it not to your liking?" I glanced away awkwardly, "No, I'm sure it's delicious..."

"I've had my breakfast already, child. I make it before I leave home to come here every day," she sighed and shook her head at me.

I quickly poured some milk into my porridge and dug in. Cook made conversation with me until I finished my food and then sent me up to get ready for the day. I made my way up the narrow stairway that lead into the main house and as I stepped out into the dining room I encountered the thing I had dreaded since I had woken.