Voices Deep Inside (Book 1)

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

Future Decisions

Talia had changed out of the ball gown from last night into her coarse cotton nightshirt. She laid down in a proper bed with feather pillows, clean sheets and cozy warm blankets. She slept until past noon when she woke up disorientated.

A smile came to her face as she realized she was safe at her mother's home. She had a family and a last name. Talia heard a gentle rap at her bedroom door.

"Come in."

Talia pulled the covers to her neck, embarrassed by her undergarments.

"Sorry to disturb you, Ma'am. My name is Myrna, and the Missus has assigned me to be your personal maid."

The young girl entered with warm water and towels. She set the towels on the chair and filled her pitcher and bowl with fresh water.

"Miss Geneva thought you would like to freshen up before coming down to join her for lunch."

"Nice to meet you Myrna. Yes, that would be lovely."

Talia saw her ballgown had been hung up properly in the open armoire. Her servant's dress and apron also hung on the clothes rod. She noticed they had unpacked her satchel, and the contents laid upon the top of a trunk. Her shoes had been polished.

Unaccustomed to having her own servant, Talia reluctantly climbed out of bed. She removed her coarse cotton nightgown and grabbed a small towel to begin her toiletry.

Talia picked up the bar of scented soap and took a deep breath of the lavender fragrance. She washed herself, hoping to remove the years of embedded dirt from her skin.

Myrna saw the filthy water in the bowl and poured it into the chamber pot. She refilled the bowl as Talia continued to hand bathe herself.

After Talia dried her arms and legs with the soft towels, she put on clean undergarments and socks. Then she slipped on her servant's dress and left the apron on the hook. She tied her shoes off and looked up to see Myrna holding a hairbrush.

"Please allow me, Ma'am."

"Call me Talia. I'm sorry I have been a servant girl all my life, and I am not used to having a maid."

Talia sat down on a stool in front of the mirrored dresser, and Myrna brushed her long, dark-red hair with vigor. Then Myrna braided her hair and tied it with a black ribbon from her pocket.

When Talia looked in the mirror, she saw the pink blush of her skin and with a hand mirror admired the long braid down her back.

"Thank you, Myrna."

Talia looked around the bedroom and gathered her garments.

"Allow me, Ma'am. I will take care of your things. You join your mother downstairs."

Talia felt embarrassed, and she handed the garments to her maid. She walked out of her room and stepped into the hallway. They had rushed upstairs last night, and Talia didn't have a chance to see the magnificent home of Geneva Henderson.

She walked down the grand stairway and saw the dining room to her right. Her mother and father were sitting at the large table, holding hands. Geneva popped out of her chair and greeted Talia.

"Please come join us for lunch."

On the table were plates of cold cuts, cheese, and several slices of bread. There were apple preserves, pickles and jam along with a basket of fruit. Talia greeted her father and sat down to eat her first meal as a family.