Enchanting *Completed*

Esmeralda's feisty side

The next day I slowly open up the door as the old maid came into my room.

"Mr. Edwards wanted me to give you this Lady Esmeralda."
"Old maid.. You don't have call me that."
"I have to Lady Esmeralda."
"You really don't have to.. but okay."

The old maid put down a big box that has a blue ribbon around it, on the bed. I wonder want it could be. Andrew never gave anything to me before. I thought he was going to give me the book I saw in his library, but he never did. No one has ever given me anything. My family and my community would trade each other for things. The closest thing I've been given was a handful of flowers from Riley before I left. I cautiously undo the ribbon on the box and open it.

Thank you for taking care of me while I was sick. I hope you enjoy this dress, I am giving you this to replace your other gown.

~A

What I saw in the box was a beautiful long silk gown with long sleeves, white and blue blouse with a white corset. With a lace blue ribbon sash at the waist. What a beautiful gown I thought to myself. I never had anything more beautiful than this elegant gown.

"Mr. Edwards wants you to wear this gown."
"I can't... This gown is too much.... For someone like me to wear it."
The old maid whispered, "You are a lady in waiting now. You can wear beautiful clothing now. If Mr. Edwards gave you this, that means you have to wear it. I will get into trouble, please wear it Lady Esmeralda."

I nodded, put the gown on. The old maid braided my black hair into a high bun at the back on my head.

"You look beautiful Esmeralda."
"Thank you."

I smiled and the old maid looked pleased.

"You must go down stairs, the other ladies are having tea."
"Is it tea time already?"
"Yes Lady Esmeralda."

I walked down stairs where the other ladies in waiting have their tea time. Everyone stopped what they there talking about, to stare at my gown.

"What did you have to do to earn that gown."
Asked a Younger girl beside Ella, "Ella, you are so rude to ask that right out of the blue."
"I want to know, Sue-ann."

Ella, was Ms. Edwards favorite lady in waiting. Besides Lady Louise O'Connor, Ella was a perfect match for Andrew. Lady Louise O'Connor and Ella did have much in common. Rude, mean, and comes from a wealthy family. Here I come, with no money and I don't come from a good family.

The rest of the ladies in waiting giggles and whispered to each other.

"I didn't have to sleep with anyone, if that's what you think." I spat.

I notice Lizzy in the background wiping down a few things in the background, trying not to laugh. Ella notice Lizzy trying not to laugh.

"Girl.. what do you know about Esmeralda's dress?"
"I'm not allowed to talk to any ladies in waiting." Lizzy said looking down.

"You already talked so.. What's the point.. Go on, I want know what you do."
"Early yesterday morning.. I saw Esmeralda and Mr. Edwards in his room together. Plus they didn't come down all day and the day before.I had to fill Mr. Edwards's bath, Esmeralda was in this bathroom with him."

Lizzy gave me a rude look. I thought she was my best friend here. I guess she is still pissed at me for becoming a lady in waiting.

"I was taking care of Mr. Edwards. He was sick." i explained
Ella smirked, "Oh sure, taking "care" of Mr. Edwards."
"Not. in. that. way." I declared.