Evangeline - The Young Villain

Chapter IV: Evangeline embarks on a new journey to Nottinghamshire

I like to believe that the weather of a new dawn upon which you awake reflects the very kind of day that you are going to experience:
My dear Evangeline awoke to a bright sun on a Thursday morning. She knew she would spend this day in the utmost contentment and glory with the newfound, angelic character Lady Florence - from the moment she awoke to hear nothing but a peaceful silence, and the only sound being singing of birds.
She sat up and rested her back against a comfortable pillow. When she looked to her right, she saw her sack of belongings that had been set down on the small table - and now there had been a quantity of notes added to the pile.
"I thought you might need more than what you had brought," said a familiar sweet voice that brought a smile to Evangeline's face as she turned.
"Florence - I mean ma'am, I certainly don't deserve all of this!"
The Lady chuckled. "Of course you do. We must buy you a new pair of boots before we leave London, I had noticed your current pair is beginning to fall apart. It mustn't be comfortable at all, dear."
"No," replied Evangeline, "Not comfortable in the slightest, ma'am. Thank you."
Florence smiled, "You shall be able to survive greatly on that money also, if we are to possibly encounter any danger along our journey. It should buy yourself and your parents enough food for a month at least, if you return home safely."
"I'm sure they would be most glad and grateful, ma'am - what is for breakfast?"
"I see - you are hungry. I hadn't suspected you'd eaten enough yesterday, but I am glad you do not beg for anything at all."
"Not at all - but I do like eggs."
"Then you are in luck this morning, dear. I have Omelettes prepared in the kitchen, and some jam on toast if you like. Quickly put on something clean from the wardrobe, and I will meet you downstairs," Florence retired from the doorway.
Evangeline lifted herself off the comfortable bed and onto her feet, that wore the same old unwashed socks she had worn for at least four weeks straight.
She opened the doors of the lovely white wardrobe, and taking a gasp, her eyes lit up. Finally she would have a clean, new set of clothing.
But aside from all the desire for new clothes that Evangeline had from time to time, she still did love the appearance she reflected in her old, overused outfit; the worn out black boots; the sooted, striped waistcoat; the black 'gas pipes', and of course, the warm dark-navy overcoat.
Nevertheless, the old attire had to go for now if she were to look as presentable as she could for Lady Florence's sake. Looking down at her chest, she began to unbutton the beloved striped waistcoat.

Miss Blair sat at her dining table in the same jade-green dress she had worn the night before. It had only now occurred to her that she had not informed Evangeline of why she was out and wandering at such an hour - and she feared that maybe, this could've been the cause of the young one thinking slightly suspicious of her - as if she had been spying on Evangeline all day, and had waited for the perfect moment at dark to take her away when no-one would be around to tell her otherwise.
From the sound of steps, the Lady turned her head. The youth entered into the kitchen like a newborn dove.
"They suit you very well, Evangeline," Florence remarked.
Evangeline was still finding it difficult to believe she was in a new, clean outfit - but also to adapt to wearing it. These were supposedly clothes from Florence's younger days, and so they did not fit completely around the girl's thin figure. But they did indeed look practical.
The youth sported a long, green dress with some frills - a few shades lighter than Miss Blair's, and it brought out a stunning glow in her eyes. Along with this she chose simple white socks - that reached just above her knee for her small size.
Evangeline did indeed look fair in feminine attire - the style suited her long, tight brown locks very well, and much more than the ragged overcoat ever had.
"How do you feel?" Florence inquired with her smile.
"Very...different."
"Come," the Lady gestured Evangeline towards the table, putting forth a glass to the chair opposite her, "You'll get used to them. Have a seat."
Evangeline pulled out the wooden chair before her, and sat down to the lovely scent of omelette - and the sight of fresh coffee.
As Florence had taken only three short sips of her beverage, it took only one look at the youth to see that she had somehow managed to devour the egg within that time.
"Delicious, ma'am," Evangeline licked her lips, "Thank you."
Florence laughed. "Well, well. I never knew someone to eat as quick as you. My food is not near a speciality - I barely often cook myself."
"You do it well," the girl took a sip of the warm coffee, and picked up a slice of toast.
"Without any butter or jam?" asked Florence in surprise.
Evangeline closed her mouth upon being about to take a first bite. "Jam?"
"Jam..." Florence held up the jar of strawberry. "Are you not familiar?"
Evangeline looked terribly confused. "No, ma'am. I always like my toast when it's bare."
"Oh, oh...then you are missing out on one of life's many treasures," the Lady took the bread, and began to spread butter over it - then the jam.
Evangeline watched in slight reluctance at the paste. Her parents had never prepared such a varied palette when it came to grub - they had been working class people with barely any choice but to go for the affordable 'plain food'.
But things were only just changing, so long as the orphan was with the middle class Florence Blair. Now, there'd be no need to go out early each morning, and engage in dangerous pickpocketing. No need to get around everywhere on foot when there'd surely be a horse and carriage waiting round every corner.
"Here - at least give it a taste. This was my mother's favourite."
It was now clear as to why Florence seemed to appreciate strawberry jam on toast so much as she did. Evangeline took the slice, and bit a rather large piece from one corner.
Successful to her stomach, it was. Within a minute, this piece was devoured on top of the omelette. "Perhaps you were right, ma'am," the girl wiped her buttery mouth in her new sleeve, "I do not prefer toast when it's bare."
Miss Blair chuckled once again in delight, sipping the remains of her coffee from the glass and setting it down. "Listen, dear. It had earlier occurred to me that I didn't explain where I was going to last night. I was afraid you may suspect something dangerous of me, and if that was the case-"
"Not at all Miss. I knew you were a real angel of God from the start - I'd never think to suspect anything of you. Never ever. You are an angel of God, aren't you?"