The Earl's Kitten

Chapter I

March 13th 1884

 

The drapes covering my bay windows were flung back, allowing light to cascade into my (previously) dark room. A soft groan slipped passed my lips as I was pulled from the heavenly unconsciousness we know to be sleep.

"It is time to wake, M'lady. Today's schedule is rather busy. Besides that, I am sure you are quite excited about the date."

The familiar voice of my uncle's Butler reached my ears. With a soft sigh, I opened my eyes and rolled over to face the male, who was now kneeling by my bedside and staring at me with a soft look in his eyes.

"Do tell me why I should wake, Jackson. What is special about today?" I sat up, pushing my covers back as I swung my legs over the bed. Jackson averted his eyes politely, choosing to stare at the ceiling, even though I had a long nightgown on to cover me. He stood and offered a hand to help me stand.

"It's your eighth birthday, M'lady." He answered. My eyes widened. Between thoughts of my alcoholic father and deceased mother, I had forgotten my own birthday. A slow grin stretched onto my face, and I stood up, hugging Jackson tightly. He tensed, merely watching as I bounced on my heels and squealed about being eight. Exhaling and calming myself, I asked about the schedule. "We are to have half an hour working on the tapestry and reading the news. After breakfast, we will head to town and buy whatever you wish for your birthday, as your uncle was unaware of what to get you." Pausing, Jackson rubbed the bridge of his nose. I never knew why he did it; I always guessed he had an itchy nose. "We return at midday for lunch and tutoring. Afternoon tea will be at three-thirty PM. After that, we will relax before getting ready for the masquerade ball your uncle is throwing in celebration of your birthday." I nodded as I listened. Once he was finished speaking, he bowed.

"Thank you Jackson. Please tell a maid to draw me a bath. I shall pick my dress in the meanwhile." I barely caught his 'yes M'lady' as I ran to my wardrobe to pick out my dress for shopping.

In the end, I picked out a knee length, emerald green dress with a black trim on the skirt and sleeves. Around my middle there was a thick black ribbon that tied into a bow on my back. I picked out matching shoes – Emerald green boots with a three inch heel and black ribbon that laced up and tied into a bow. Next up were the elbow length matching gloves with the same black trim as the dress. Finally, a small bag that I would hide in the pockets in my dress.

The maid entered my room and told me that my bath was ready. I followed her out of the room and to my bathroom (since uncle had his own, and the servants had one downstairs in their quarters), where I was stripped. The maid washed my hair, and then I washed my body. Afterwards, I got out and dried, before she put on my training corset and gave me my outfit.

I dressed myself, since I don't like other people doing things I can do for myself. I then headed downstairs to the parlour, where I took up my usual place by the window and continued the tapestry that waited there for me. It was an ethereal picture of the Nottingham forest and the countryside around it. It didn't take Jackson long to come in and read me the day's news.

"M'lady, you seem distracted." Jackson folded the newspaper on his lap, frowning at me. Jackson black hair that is styled in a peculiar way. He has two spikey bangs either side of his face that hangs down to his chin. The rest of his hair is just as spiky, and it all hangs down to the back of his neck. He always keeps it neat, even after a struggle with our crazy gardener, who seems to be out to kill Jackson and I. Jackson's eyes are a beautiful shade of blue, light like a clear sky on a cloudless day. There's always a mischievous shine to them though, sometimes it worries me. But Jackson has never acted out of line. His uniform is always neat and clean of any hairs or dirt, and he is always on top of his work and the other servants' work. It's rather confusing as to how he manages, but I decided not to question after a while.