Between the Pages and Lines

Chapter 2: New Arrival

----TRAVIS---

Travis shook his head as the door shut behind him.

"What have you entangled yourself in now?" He asked himself out loud.

"Ah, my friend," Earnest called out walking quicker to meet Travis at his door.

"Yes," Travis said awkwardly leaning against the door. "I was just about to join you in the ballroom."

"You have yet to change," Earnest laughed motioning to Travis's clothing. "After you assured me that was your intention on escaping to your chambers I had assumed much would be achieved in the amount of time that has passed. Yet here you are. Not even a button shining brighter than last I saw you. With so much time passing I had thought you might have simply succumbed to the calling of your bed. Nothing has happened to change your mind about joining us this evening has it? I have made the promise of many an eligible lady who has hoped to pencil you in on their dance cards that you would make even a short appearance at least."

"Oh I assure you my friend I have the utmost intentions to attend to the ladies," Travis explained guiding Earnest away from his door and down the hall. "There is just one small occurrence that has changed my standing in accepting the invitation. I was hoping to discuss it with you."

"My ear is yours to pull anytime," Earnest answered looking at his friend curiously. "Tell me all that is on your mind. I find myself growing in curiosity every moment of your silence.

"I just received a letter in my room," Travis continued. "My cousin is travelling through and has hope to visit me in her passing. She is a dear friend from my childhood. I haven't seen her in years. I assured her months ago when the planning for her journey began that you would not think of her troubling herself over finding other accommodations when you are hosting me already. I would have told you sooner but it wasn't a certain thing that she would visit and I had not wanted to worry you or the staff over only a possibility. Not when there were other more assured guests and other things to attend to."

"That is wonderful news," Earnest exclaimed. "What day is she to be expected? I will have a room set up for her."

"You see that is the problem I face," Travis went on laughing a little. "Her letter has arrived quite late. As such I wouldn't be surprised if we were to expect her no later than this evening."

"That is a shock indeed. Here you were hoping to lessen the strain on me and the staff and fling about a guest so last minute. No matter, no matter I only jest. I am sure that we can find a room that is not in too much disarray for her to stay in. There is one in this wing in fact," His voice trailed off as he thought of empty rooms. "Yes, that room will do and we will need to find a room for her companions how many is in her travelling party. No sense in having them search out other accommodations when we have so much last minute availability here. I will need to sort out where to put her maids and drivers. Her horses can fit in the..."

"Ah yes," Travis cleared his throat, interrupting Earnest's amused last minute planning. "She is travelling alone. Well not entirely alone that is. She is arriving alone is the truth of it. Her elder brother is passing by on his way to Bath. Unfortunately he can't spare any of their valets or maids. I am sure he would love to stay and meet everyone as well unfortunately he has time sensitive and immediate business to attend to and can't tarry long. With regards to a maid for Miss Evelyn I was thinking that little Malorie would be a grand fit for her if she is still in your employment."

"She is in fact," Earnest said rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I must inform you however she can be a little too informal at times. When it comes to interacting with the Ladies. As of late she has been moved to work in the kitchen. Will that be a problem? I can recommend someone who might be more suitable..."