The House Guest (Unedited)

Chapter 4: Lady Caroline

A massive mansion looms in front of us, and Susanna squeals. The entire staff stands in a line at the grand entrance, watching impassively at us as we approach. The carriage jerks to an abrupt stop, and the footman assists Lady Dorothea, Susanna, and I to the ground. A beautiful, noble looking woman with high cheek bones and wide blue eyes plants cordial kisses on both Susanna and Lady Dorothea's cheeks, exchanging pleasantries. When her aloof eyes rest on me, she cocks her head to one side, her eyebrows forming curves in question.

"Have I met this one before?" she probes, blue eyes searching.

Before I can reply, Lady Dorothea answers for me, "Lady Caroline, this is my... niece, by marriage of course. When her parents died, I took her in out of the kindness of my heart. She hasn't a single penny to her name, mind you."

"Yes. Well, she's unusually pretty. Pray tell me -- what is her name?" She cups my chin in her hand, inspecting me as if I'm a horse that she is interested in purchasing.

I am surprised that she has called me pretty, or that she is paying me such unusual attention, for that matter. Is she going to torment me like Lady Dorothea and Susanna always do?

"My name is Helene." I announce, meeting her gaze with a challenge in my eyes.

She frowns, unconvinced, then switches her attention to Lady Dorothea, casting her a shocked look.

"Please excuse her manners, my beloved cousin. She isn't used to proper society." Lady Dorothea explains, forcing a cheerful smile that seems foreign to her. "She has never formally been out with respectable people before."

"Is my betrothed present?" Susanna inquires loftily. 

"Not yet, dear Susanna, he's been out riding. But I am certain he will return within the hour." Lady Caroline encircles an arm through her future daughter-in-law's. 

The three women parade inside, followed by an army of servants, chefs, and butlers, leaving me frozen at the steps. I become aware that my mouth is gaping open, and no wonder. The mansion radiates pure prominence, class, and old money. It is untouchable: the definition of ostentatious architecture. High, mountainous marble pillars are erected upwards, and the roof branches out into peaked towers, each marked with a stained glass window. Ornate carvings grace spacious windows, and sculptures balancing on pedestals guard the mansion gates. I am woken from my reverie when I hear the distant voice of Susanna, tirelessly complaining that I didn't style her hair properly.

Why she asked me to style her hair instead of her servants doing so is beyond me. I think she has me tend to her out of spite: to remind me that I am below her, in rank and privilege.

When we've been escorted to our rooms -- mine a makeshift governess' bedchamber, because Lady Caroline explained that the grander rooms are reserved for prominent guests visiting later in the week - I amble downstairs to the dining hall.

Each surface in the house appears to be mahogany, and there are footmen in every room, who stand as still as statues -- awaiting the family's every request.

The dining hall is no less remarkable. The family members are already seated, and I take note of them eagerly. There is Lady Caroline, her hair choked back into a severe bun as she is attired in lace gloves and diamonds; Kitty Caldwell, a girl of about six or seven, with bright blue eyes and red hair, and of course Lord Caldwell, who appears far more jovial and agreeable than his wife. The only person missing from the family is Susanna's fiancé, and when the information is disclosed that he is on a trip in London, she feigns disappointment.

Scallops and brandy are served, followed by shepherd's pie, turkey, potatoes, fish cakes, gravy, carrots, radishes, oranges and pudding. Food is passed around the table generously by the footmen, and I eat less than half of what is on my plate.

My stomach is doing cartwheels because of my nerves. Besides, I am unused to such rich dining, as I normally take my dinner with the servants. As such, I suppose my tastebuds are only accustomed to porridge and milk. 

After the meal, Lord Caldwell excuses himself to sample some brandy in his study, while Lady Caroline, Lady Dorothea, Susanna and I sit in the parlour.

"And what about Helene? Does she have any suitors?" Lady Caroline asks, addressing the question to Lady Dorothea, but looking at me. "We have a very progressive, intelligent tutor named James Aldridge. Perhaps he will take a fancy to her. There are also several shopkeepers in town, many who would appreciate a spouse of such privileged upbringing."

Privileged upbringing? I have to stop myself from snorting aloud. I am treated worse than Lady Dorothea's servants.

"Helene doesn't have any suitors. Alas, there are not too many respectable offers for a spinster of plain appearance." Lady Dorothea says, sipping her tea gingerly.

"She is almost comely with those almond-shaped eyes and fair complexion -- and so slender, it would be a pity for her to be wasted." Lady Caroline persists.

Susanna snorts, then realizes her impolite mistake, and excuses herself. 

"I suppose we could marry her off to a commoner. We shall introduce her to the villagers," Lady Dorothea agrees, straightening her shoulders and setting her hands in front of her. Furious heat rises to my cheeks and I bite back tears. They speak of me as if I'm a farm animal they want to be rid of, handed over for the slaughter. Do I not have a say in my own marriage?

"Excuse me," I whisper, grasping my skirts in my hands and stumbling out of the suffocating room.

Though I hate pitying myself, I do. I hate my life with Lady Dorothea. I had had the slightest hope that perhaps Lady Caroline would be slightly more agreeable, but it seems that the pair of them are more keen to sell me off to some unsuspecting man than anything.

Instantaneously, I am jerked from my thoughts. A firm hand grips me, before I lose my balance and tumble down the stairs.

"Helene?"

The colour drains from my cheeks as I come face to face with Henry.

~~~