Between the Pages and Lines

Chapter 9: Breakfast at Wellington

Evelyn woke up with a start. Her heart beat wildly as she began looking around her surroundings she sat up quickly. Heavy blankets seemed to come up to smother her in her sleep she quickly pushed them away her eyes wide.

"Where what.." Evelyn began her memory of the night before slowly returning to her. "Right, ok in a book smack dab right somewhere in the 1800's. This is fine and oh Travis!"

Throwing the blankets completely off the bed she ran to the window. Gingerly moving the curtain to peek outside. The sun was out but it looked like it was still around maybe seven or eight in the morning at the very latest. Evelyn had slept in if she took into account her usual early mornings.

Stretching she went about rummaging through the trunk at the end of her bed. She held up a simple day dress. This one was a light yellow with gold embroidery circling around the dress's bodice. Smiling Evelyn laid it on the bed and began to undress herself.

A knock on the door made her jump. She quickly pulled her nightgown back up her shoulders squaring them as she took a deep breath. Facing the door she let it out slowly.

"Uh yes?" she called out.

"Lady Darcy?" Malorie's voice called out on the other side. "Have you awakened?"

"That's one reason why you heard my voice yes," Evelyn called back laughing at the last name she thought up on the spot.

The door opened and Malorie swept herself in the room with a great smile illuminating her face.

"I am glad you seem to be in good humor this morning," Malorie laughed walking over to the bed and looking at the dress. "And ahead of me on picking out something fitting. This will look lovely in the bright sun outside. It is wonderful weather for a walk. I can only assume there is someone who would love to accompany you on such an endeavor.

"I mean that is if you enjoy walking. We do have a lovely garden, and our hedge maze is the talk of the country. It is said that many couples have gotten themselves quite lost in there at times." Mallorie laughed at this holding her hand to cover her mouth as she glanced slyly at Evelyn. "Some have even gotten engaged at the center of it. Truly a romantic way to spend the afternoon indeed."

"Oh yes," Evelyn drolled sarcastically, trying to keep a straight face. "I have often heard that there is simply nothing more romantic than a jaunt in a maze. Nothing else can woo a girl like me but for some tall green hedges and seemingly endless dead ends."

"Oh but Lady Darcy," Malorie sighed dramatically as she helped Evelyn into her underskirts and dress buttoning and tying up the back expertly. "There is an old wives tale that states if a couple is to find the center on their first outing together. They are destined to become engaged. Now I am not one to listen to such tales. However, I will say that the few couples that I know of that reached the center are happily married even now."

Evelyn couldn't hold in her laugh anymore and it rang out in the room. Malorie gave her a disapproving look as she sat her down to begin her hair.

"Oh, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," Evelyn cooed leaning back into Malorie. Malorie swatted at Evelyn's head. Laughing Malorie made Evelyn sit up straighter in the chair. "I only laughed because I am sure that no one wants to find that center with me. Imagine me engaged with anybody here. I am only twenty-two after all."

"A perfect age to start seriously hunting for a husband," Malorie cried out happily. "I should say the search should have begun a few years back. Though, I am certain of your ability to catch up in no time.

"Your cousin Lord Williams is sure to introduce you to some fine eligible bachelors while you are visiting I am sure. Having such familiar connections has its advantages you know. In addition to all the parties and balls that are happening this season. There will be no end to the variety of men that will show up throughout your month visit with us."