Dignity and Depravity

Chapter XVII

The commotion from the rout still gathered in the dining room rang in Amelia's ears as she ascended the stairs.  The banister steadied her progress, though she occasionally reached for Lottie's hand for strength.  Amelia did not feel feverish or unwell, merely weary and disheveled.  The simple act of breathing felt labourious and stilted within her chest.  She paused as she crested the landing, placing her hand on the polished newel post to steady her swaying.  Lottie placed her hand on her sister's lower back and gripped her arm lightly.

"Let us progress just a little further, dear sister," said Lottie. "You may lie down and rest in your chambers." 

Amelia nodded weakly.  She allowed her sister to guide her forward.  Their mother followed silently. Once the trio of women arrived in the bedchamber they noted that Anna, Amelia's lady's maid, was already present and ready to assist in the disrobing process.  Collectively the women removed Amelia's gown carefully.  Anna arranged the fabric perfectly for storage.  Lottie loosened Amelia's stays allowing a refreshing rush of air to enter her lungs.  Immediately Amelia began to feel unburdened physically, but her mental fatigue became more apparent as each additional layer was removed. 

When she had been stripped of all but her shift, Amelia sat down in front of her dresser.  The pallor of her complexion was impressed upon her as she regarded her reflection.  In fact, she looked downright sallow in the dim light of the table lamps.  It is scarce wonder that I did not frighten the guests away, thought Amelia.  She sighed deeply and dropped her gaze to where her hands sat in her lap.

Mrs. Moore gingerly took off Amelia's jewels and placed them in a nearby velveteen lined box on her dresser.  Anna set to removing the removing the ornate twists in Amelia's hair.  Amelia watched in the reflective glass as her long tresses began to fall around her shoulders.  She was mesmerized as each strand unfolded, releasing the tension from its elaborate placement, twisting and undulating downwards.  When all the pieces had fallen free, Anna kindly offered the brush to Lottie, who then began the process of brushing out her long locks.

The strain of the evening's events began to dissipate from Amelia's shoulders with each stroke across her scalp.  Long, slow tears flowed down Amelia's cheeks further allowing her agitation to ebb away into the camaraderie of sisterly love.  Wiping away the offending rivulets with her handkerchief, Amelia looked up at Lottie and made a simple request.

"This reminds me of days past, sister.  Would you plait my hair like we did when we were girls?"

"Certainly," replied Lottie as she deftly separated Amelia's hair into sections and began to intertwine them as requested.  A ribbon of simple fabric was used to tie the ends together.  Once Lottie was finished, Anna started to place a plain looking night cap over her madam's head.  Amelia gently pushed her hands aside.

"Not tonight, Anna.  I wish to feel free."

"As you wish, Madam," Anna said with a nod.  "If there is nothing else you will be needing, I shall excuse myself."

"Thank you, Anna.  Please gather the items you require, and when you are finished you may let the master know he is welcome to enter."

"Yes, Madam."  Anna bowed neatly and did as she was told.

"Momma, may I have my dressing gown?"

Mrs. Moore located the requested item and brought it over to cover her daughter's shoulders.  The simply cut and demure fabric was a stark contrast to her beautiful ball gown.  Yet, the presence of the well-loved garment comforted Amelia, reminding her of the blessings of sleep that she so vehemently desired at this moment.

"Sleep! by any stealth: So do not let me wear tonight away.  Without thee what is all the morning's wealth?" quoted Amelia.

"Wordsworth.  Only you would be reciting poetry at this hour," chided Lottie.