The Blue Queen

Chapter 3

Father uses his merchandise carriage to take us back to England; he even helped me lift the cases onto the carriage. As Elizabeth makes her seat comfortable I quickly run and get a Lavender cutting. I put it in my only bag and we head for the sea. As we ride through town I see Abbán with a woman matching his description of Clara. He is laughing and her smile is one of the brightest I have seen. It makes me happy. I have never for one second expected to have that, so to see him have such a happy moment with his bride makes me happy. My love for him turns platonic; it almost feels as if it always was.

We get on a boat and travel by sea for over two hours. I sit with Elizabeth as she feels ill due to the movement of the water. The captain allows us to sit on the top deck to prevent Elizabeth from being sick, and if she was she could do so in the water. Luckily as I rub her back and she gets fresh air the feeling subsides. Before we left I put some lavender extract on my wrists so as I stand the smell occasionally whips around me with the salt from the sea. Nature has such power. I feel almost as whole as Abbán makes me feel. Perhaps if I was alone I would feel at peace.

We get on the carriage and once Elizabeth is feeling better I embroider the ribbon I shall use for the banquet on Thursday. I stitch a small silver sunflower on the ends of the ribbon and a lavender stem beside them. It is not as perfect as I could have probably made it however I am satisfied with it. I am not there to impress anyway.

Before we get to the house my father stops in town and he and Elizabeth go shopping for things for the banquet. I overheard my father saying since the Prince is unconventional he may not mind the class difference, as long as she catches his eye, there is a chance she could snare the Prince. It saddens me that they feel that they must trick the Prince, of course I say nothing but I begin to pity them. Happiness should come first should it not?

After buying new cosmetics and hair tools we have the final leg of our journey back home. Father buys food from a stall in the market so I do not have to cook tonight. As we get home and I am told the rooms in which each of us will be staying I rush to unpack. My father's room first then my sisters. I prepare the food and serve it; however I save my portion for later as I make the finishing touches on their rooms. I quickly mix the powder Abbán gave me and set out five cuttings outside. I pour the mixture over the cuttings, making sure to save some for the next few days and I go back to clean the plates.

While tired I cannot sleep after helping my sister to bed. How can I sleep in a home that does not feel as such? I look out of the small window of my small bedroom and I stare at the view. My mother was also one who enjoyed nature so when I look outside I see trees and a stream, however I see the beginning of London too, and I see carriageways amongst the trees also. We are not as secluded as before, it will take some getting used to.

I read in my bare room, using the moonlight to assist me. I focus on looking at the diagrams of the inside of the human body, I look at my own body and it fascinates me how we have such things inside of us. So much could go wrong in such an intricate system, and yet I am lucky enough to be healthy. I was only off colour for a moment.

I manage to sleep a decent amount before having to wake up. I prepare breakfast and make bread for tomorrow morning as I know it will be a busy morning, well, a busy day. The thought is assured as I mend the fire in the dining room.

"Anymore news from the council father? Have they mentioned the Prince?" Elisabeth asks as she eats. Father sips his ale and I slow down slightly to listen in on their conversation.

"Nothing directly from the council my girl; However I have a letter from the Earl of Surrey saying his second youngest son is interested in meeting you. So if the Prince does not attend it will be a beneficial visit I'm sure." Father says. I stand and go back to my room to start my own unpacking. I just manage to get my half finished gown on the stand before my name is called.

I collect the breakfast plates and Elizabeth joins me in the kitchen as I wash the plates to tell me that I will be practicing what to do in the morning to her hair. We discuss the style and as soon as the plates are finished we head upstairs to her perfectly unpacked room. I am practicing getting Elizabeth ready before I even have a gown. I sigh quietly and I start the beginning of the first hairstyle Elizabeth wants to try.

"I don't think it is Royal enough." Elizabeth says as I tie a ribbon in her hair to fix the lace design in her hair. "It must be grand and seductive. Everyone must have their eyes on me." She says, pulling the small ribbon from her hair and shaking her head to loosen the fine work from her hair in seconds. I take a deep breath and do her hair in an upwards French style. We are not to have jewels in our hair, but with my skill I can transform her hair into its own crown. She tries on her personalised gown and walks to her full length mirror.

"I look perfect." She says, spinning her body, making the skirt of her dress flair out elegantly. I think she looks scary, she looks overbearing and attention hungry. However if she is happy perhaps I can carry on with my gown before preparing lunch. "Go ask father if he would like to see it." She says with a wave of her hand. I bow slightly and walk out, walking to father's study.

"Sorry to disturb you father. Elizabeth wants to know if you would like to see her gown." I say as I step in, lowering my head to not look directly at him. He sits up from his desk quickly and I follow him to my sister's room.

I open the door for him and look inside as he walks into the room. I hold back my gasp as I watch my sister put on a thick layer of white paste to her face. My father takes a step back and we stay quiet.

"What do you think father?" She says, the paste already drying and flaking off. She stands up and I focus my eyes on the gown, the one thing I can say I like, even slightly.

"You look wonderful my girl." Father says awkwardly. "Perhaps let Anna do your makeup too. The shop assistant said it will ease your skin." He says. "It will make it look more natural." He adds. Elisabeth looks in her mirror and I look down. I was taught how to apply makeup for Elisabeth but she always preferred doing it herself.

"Fine, Anna get a cloth and practice this with me too." She says. I bend again and get a damp cloth. I gently wipe away the harsh white paste and read the instructions of the tin. I get a sponge and lightly bounce a small amount all over her face and other showing skin. It makes her seem pale and lifeless. However when she sees herself she is delighted, going to father herself. I follow and I see him sigh in relief. I smile, I caused him happiness. I am proud of myself.

Elisabeth lets me go after I undress her and I prepare lunch, not having time to carry on with my gown. After it is eaten and I have cleaned the dishes I sweep the house as my father is teaching my sister how to dance and this way I can watch. As I sweep I follow my sister's feet as she dances. My dad even hums a song for them to dance to. I have never really listened to music as I don't often leave the house or its grounds but every time I hear it, it does make me happy; it makes me want to dance.

As I prepare dinner I dance in the kitchen. I doubt I will be asked to dance, and even if I was to be asked my father would never allow it. I dance to be happy, make my chores fun. I serve my family their food and take some of the left over to my room so I can eat and work on my gown. It was not easy to fix my sisters least favourite every day dress into a gown but I have managed quite well. The skirt is not as full but the corset is of good quality. The fabric of the skirt is light and plenty, allowing it to float widely around me as I spin but it is uninteresting if I remain still. The black lace suits the dark fabric well, and the silver embroidery allows me to feel more important. It is a strange but welcome feeling.

I bathe Elizabeth that night as she is to be perfect to seduce the room. My father also bathes but of course without assistance. Once everyone is asleep I fix myself a bath and relax in it with a book. The moonlight once again allows me to read in the darkness. I decide to read a story tonight, romance I must admit is a particular favourite of mine. I also admit I only read the books I have heard have a happy ending, as I only want to add happiness to my life. Sadness I can find easily.

After my bath I get dressed and go outside. I pick a small leaf from my growing lavender bushes and I dab its scent on my skin. I want to be surrounded in its sweet scent tonight, it will allow me to rest fully, and I need to rest.