Flux

19. The Aviary

The next few days went by in a blur. All I could think about was when he would be getting back so I could see him. I think I was driving myself crazy and I didn't want to seem needy or too eager.

My letter to Hugh was fairly short and direct. I said I would see him at dinner when he returned and that was all. Not even a thank you for the necklace which he clearly knew I didn't want to accept. Even though I loved it and put it on every time I was alone in my room. I even fell asleep with it on one night.

Tonight was Hogmanay and we were all busying ourselves to prepare for the party tonight. Hugh said he would have returned by now but I haven't heard any word yet. Surely he would be here soon for his own party.

Alice and I were making bread and sweet cakes in the kitchen.

"It's this time of year. It's all fun with parties and all that but do they all have to happen at the same bloody time! I hate the work but love spending time with everyone. It sure is hard work though!" Alice exclaimed as she whisked up some cake batter. "Any other time of year it's super easy, no parties, no guests. Hugh is usually away working or attending some party elsewhere and we're all left to our own devices"

"He must be a good boss...employer I mean" I said cracking some eggs into a bowl. "What I mean is, he's not the demanding type"

"Well, our Hugh is a good fella. Older than his years, and very hard working like his grandfather. God rest his soul" she concluded signing the cross with her floury hand. "I hear your having dinner with him tonight"

She was clearly fishing for some gossip. I decided to give her a sliver of information so she wouldn't ask me anything more.

"It's just a thank you dinner for helping with Mary" and that was all I said about that.

"He's never asked me to have dinner with him and I've been here for over 40 years!" she remarked. "Not that I would accept an invitation anyway, I'd be the one to do all the cooking."

She pondered for a moment in though. "I think he has taken a liking to you Kelty. And I don't say that lightly. But I warn you now, he is somewhat of a ladies man according to some of the women I see after him here and around town. Be on your guard is all I say"

"It's not like I'm going to marry him, its only dinner"

"I know my dear, but just keep up your guard"

We continued to make several cakes, and other sweet treats for the rest of the afternoon. We also prepared the pastries and the steak pies for the guests dinner later as well.

After the busy afternoon, Mary excused me from my duties and let me go to prepare for my meal with Hugh. Although I still had heard no word from him or what was happening.

I decided to busy myself by getting myself ready. Mary's blue lace dress was the only thing I deemed appropriate for the occasion. 

Instead of a bath, I rinsed myself down and took the pins out my hair. My hair fell into beautiful loose curls, so I fingered through the sections to get it to sit the way I wanted. I took one of the small clips Alice let me borrow and pulled two pieces of hair from my face and clipped them in at the back. 

I looked in the mirror from my small wooden stool and picked up the necklace from the vanity unit I had in front of me. I sighed very deeply and looked closer at my reflection. 

As I was fixing my make up, there was a small rattled knock at the door. I looked down at my watch. It was past 6 o'clock.

I went over to the door and placed my hand on the handle. I took a deep breath and opened the door.