Consequence

Chapter 6

April 14, 1813

I sat on a velvety cushioned chair staring at my reflection in the giant vanity mirror and, for a moment, I couldn't recognize the girl staring back at me. She seemed almost unreal and looked as majestic as the women I had seen that fateful night I dined with Dominik.

But the girl staring back at me wasn't one of those elite women originating from nobility. This person was me, an orphan child whose origins are uncertain and the only object of her past was the blanket she was wrapped in as a baby, and only god knows what Mrs. Helen did with that.

Vera Klein was right about one thing, other than the fact that her brother is an imbecile, I do look like a princess in this dark purple dress. However I look like what I am, a poor girl trying to fit into a princess's gown.

My life wasn't a fairytale like in the countless children's books I engulfed myself in. I couldn't just change from rags to ballgowns.

Everyone above me, which was everyone with the exception of beggars, would be able to see through my facade. They will immediately know I don't belong from the way I walk to the tone of my voice.

A maid stepped into the room causing me to avert my eyes from the mirror. "Excuse me. Ms. Winters, Mr. Klein would like you to come down to the drawing room." She said timidly smiling. "Um...okay?" I said standing up almost tripping in the five inch heals, I found underneath the dress on the nightstand.

"Are you okay Miss? Do you need any help?" She asked. "I'm totally fine. Thanks for asking." I assured her but she still seemed worried. "Please, Miss I can help you choose a nice pair of heels that are easier to walk in and I can also do your hair and makeup."

She spoke to me so sweetly that I couldn't possibly refuse her offer. Also, the thought of making Mr. Klein wait for me caused a smirk to appear on my face.

"Yes please!" I answered her while I plopped back down on the chair. "What's your name?" I asked. "I'm sorry Miss but Mr. Klein gave me direct orders not to give you my name. All I'm allowed to say is that from this day forth I will be your personal maid" She said while avoiding my eyes.

"Why not?" I pushed further, I really wanted to know why such a stupid order was made. "I'm afraid you will have to take that up with Mr. Klein."

I kind of felt bad putting her in an awkward position so I mentioned nothing else on that subject while she curled my hair and put a silver hair pin in it to reveal the beautiful necklace she put on me.
We found it inside of the jewelry box on my nightstand.

The necklace had a dainty silver chain and a single teardrop-shaped diamond that shined brightly. She gave me a more comfortable yet elegant pair of heels and led me down the long marble staircase.

After the unnamed maid excused herself, I stood in front of what I assumed was the drawing room door. I reached for the golden doorknob and stopped. I hadn't seen him since we arrived yesterday, he totally disappeared once we walked through the front door.

What would he want from me now? Do I really need to go inside and put up with his nonsense?

I felt myself grab the handle and push the large white door open before I could change my mind. I looked around the drawing room expecting to see it full of paintings, easels, and oils. But the only painting I saw was a huge portrait of Dominik Klein himself, hanging above a large yet cozy fireplace.

I guess a drawing room isn't a place where an artist paints but rather some sort of large room to entertain guests or something. I thought about this as I walked in following the sound of a piano that I had chosen to ignore before.