Names

Korina(Kor-EEN-ah) (maiden)

Bilsby (Bills-B)

Drend (Dra-End)

Ansley (An-z-lee)

Kerr(K-errrr)

Fron(Fra-on)

Hazley(Haz lee)

Gainsly(Gain z-lee)

Malorin(Mal or-in)

Chapter 1:

Around every curve, around each bend in the road a new adventure was waiting to be had. Wide eyed and eager Korina didn’t want to miss a single second of it. She sat on the edge of her seat, with the biggest grin on her face watching as the world constantly changed outside her carriage window.

When her father had first told her the news some weeks ago that she was to travel to Crestmoore, she almost couldn’t believe it. Never in all her nineteen years had she ever ventured into the world and of all the places to go...Crestmoore. It held a special place in her heart though she had never been before.

When she and her brother were little their mother, Dillie, used to tell them stories about it. The beauty of vast green rolling hills like an ocean of land. The bluest of skies and white clouds that drifted on warm breezes. Her mother had spoken of ways unknown to them, traditions, mysteries, such adventures she’d had as a little girl born and raised in Crestmoore until the day she was whisked away by their father.

Since those early days of her mothers tellings, Korinas’ mind had wandered into such imaginings, to the point that her mothers stories became legends and Crestmoore became mythical and yet it existed. Oh how she danced when she learned she was to actually go there. Her heart had felt like it would burst into a thousand pieces and yet when she’d calmed, she found herself hesitant to go.

She didn’t know how far Crestmoore was or how long she would be away. Her father wasn’t always in the best of health and had been battling a mighty cough that sometimes left him in bed for days on end. She worried about leaving him for such a time but he made it clear that it was not only his wish that she go but her late mothers as well.

Dillie had always wanted Korina to meet and know her grandmother Vira. Korina had often wondered about her but knew better then to ask. Whenever her mother had spoken of grandmother Vira in her tales she would get a sad look in her eyes.

Later when Korina was older her father explained that they'd had a bit of a falling out. Her grandmother had not approved of her father and when her parents had run off together Vira vowed never to speak to them again. However when her mother, Dillie, had become gravely ill, she had penned Vira a letter, trying to make amends.

A few weeks later she received a hesitant response but a response none the less. They had continued to write each other until the day Korina's mother died. Korina had only been eleven when her mother had passed. She’d assumed the contact with her grandmother had ended with her mothers death but her father had kept in touch.

He informed her that a few months ago her grandmother had asked about her. She had been curious to know why she had never been invited to Korinas’ wedding, not that her age and health would allow her to attend of course. She still wished to know in order to update the family tree.

Marriage was not something either Korina or her father had given much thought to. After her mother and brothers’ passing Korina had dedicated her life to taking care of her father and their home. She’d been content and happy for the most part. There were times when she was ever so lonely but she had her mothers books to keep her.

When her father informed her grandmother that she was unwed, Vira had been outraged. Korina was far too old to be without a husband. Korina learned most girls her age were married and had children. Her grandmother demanded Korina be sent to her at once to attend Crestmoores’ Annual debutante ball. Her mother had spoke of it in her tales. It was suppose to be the most breathtaking event in a young woman’s life.

Her grandmother said Korina was a bit old for it but there was still time. However it must be now...no respectable man would have a seasoned woman of twenty as his wife. Korina was unsure she was up for such an adventure. It was one thing to go out into the world, another to meet her estranged grandmother but to be expected to...to find and take a husband.

Korina became flushed every time she thought about it. She had not had any experience with romance beyond the stories she’d heard and the books she had read. To think that something so grand would, could happen to her.

She’d been sick with worry and excitement the days leading up to her departure. When her father became ill she decided it was all too much. She’d cancel her trip but her father insisted she go. He wanted Korina to meet her grandmother and experience the world. He also wasn’t getting any younger. He could use the help from her future husband in the mine.

Above all he wanted Korina to have someone, to know love as he and her mother had. Korina indeed longed to know such a love but protested she could not leave him, when he was in such a state. If something were to happen while she was away, she’d never forgive herself. Her father assured her nothing would happen. He swore if things turned for the worst he’d send for her right away. In the meantime an old friend of her fathers promised to take good care of him while she was away. In the end she deiced to go.

Some days later a covered carriage from her grandmother arrived with some men. Her father was feeling better and insisted on helping them pack her things. They packed nearly everything Korina owned. It wasn’t all that much but she thought it left their home looking a bit bare. Her father insisted he didn’t want her to be without anything while she was away. She had never traveled before and supposed this was how it was done.

By the time she was ready to leave her father wasn’t feeling well again. He had coughing fits that would last several minutes. Korina made him get into bed. He gave her a letter to give to her grandmother and told Korina to do as she said no matter what.

She swore she would listen and made him promise to stay in bed and rest until he was feeling better. He agreed and looked up at her with such hope and happiness in his eyes. She knew she could not, would not let him down. She would meet her grandmother, find a husband and return to him.

The carriage rattled and she nearly fell out of her seat. Korina adjusted herself and looked out the window nearly missing it. She’d been traveling for weeks now. The last few days they had been passing through rich farm lands and orchards. Now there was a long stone wall that seemed to go on for miles and beyond it...

Korina nearly leapt from her seat as her eyes widened even more. It was just as her mother had described it, if not more so. The hills were the greenest she’d ever seen. They indeed rolled on for what felt like forever and oh the sky. Her heart fluttered as she stuck her head out the carriage window and looked up at it. It was so beautiful. It truly was the bluest ever in existence and the clouds. She clasped a hand over her mouth seeing how white and puffy they were. It was all so perfect, beyond what she could have hoped for. She almost wanted to jump outside and touch it all, to make sure it was real.

Korinas’ eyes welled up and she pulled back in her seat. For a moment she almost felt like her mother was there with her in all this splendor. She closed her eyes and could almost hear her voice. Something she’d worried she’d long since forgotten. She quickly wiped her eyes overwhelmed. She knew she should calm herself that she was being foolish but it was all so much to take in.

All her life all Korina had known was the mountains, the small mining camp she’d been born to. The mountains had their own splendor but you had to go a ways to see it. The mining camp was often smoggy and the skies dark. There were some months when they would only see the sun and the sky for a few days at a time.

Day and night large smoke stacks burned to work the drilling machines to pull the Osite from the mine. It was a precious metal that was used in almost everything. The mining camp wasn’t exactly a place to settle down and raise children. It was defiantly not a place her mother should have ventured with her frail health. It was most likely why she had died when Korina was so young but it was all they could do.

Her father was an inventor a poor one at that in order to make his inventions he needed to live and work there. While they could not afford Osite if he mined it, he was aloud scraps from time to time. Sadly none of his inventions had quiet taken off yet but Korina knew one day they would.

She knew her father could build such things and would one day be world renowned. They would travel the world together then. How she wished he could be here with her now. She vowed to pen him a letter a soon a she got to her grandmothers. She chuckled finding it funny, she’d yet to arrive at her destination and she already had so many wonderful things to tell him.

She looked out the window and wondered how much longer it would be. Surely now that they were in Crestmoore her grandmothers’ house couldn’t be that far off. She twisted her fingers wondering what she was like. Part of her hoped she was like her mother. She knew she couldn’t be exactly like her. After all she wasn’t exactly like her own.

Still maybe she’d see something of her mother. Her father always told her she had the same smile as her mother. Maybe her grandmother would have the same smile or perhaps similar eyes. Her mother had always had such warm pleasant eyes. Korina wondered now if she should have written to her grandmother. Perhaps she could have gotten to know her some before meeting her.

She sighed and supposed it didn’t matter now. One way or another they’d know each other soon enough. She just hoped they’d like each other. She didn’t know what she’d do if they didn’t. She tried not to think about it and instead watched the clouds drifting outside her window.

After some time she noticed they’d begun to darken. At first she thought it was just the sun going down but more and more clouds turned gray and then black. When she heard a rumble in the sky, she pulled back in her seat. Her heart began to race and a moment later she heard the trickling of rain on the carriage roof. It started off light and then all at once it was a downpour.

Korina didn’t mind the rain. She liked to dance in it sometimes. No what she minded was the roaring of thunder, and the flashing of lightning. Lightning terrified Korina beyond anything. She’d seen all to well what it could do. She shut her eyes worrying what she would do if it were to happen now.

Usually when it happened she’d rush to her father and he’d hold her until it was over. If her father wasn’t around she’d hide under her bed shivering until it was over. Alas neither her father nor her bed were here.

Oh why...why had she not thought of this. She didn’t know lightning could be in other places. What was she to do! What was she to do? Several minutes passed as Korina panicked. Her heart pounded in her chest as she listened carefully. She opened her eyes and darted them around looking for the slightest hint of a flash. Yet nothing happened, the longer nothing happened the more Korina calmed. After some time she let out a sigh of relief. It would seem it was just the rain. Just the rain she assured herself.

Suddenly the carriage shook and then sunk to one side in the back. All at once they stopped. The horses cried out as they struggled to keep moving but were unable to. Korina heard the carriage driver crack his whip in an attempt to get them going once more but it was no use. Korinas heart picked up once more as she wondered what had happened.

After a moment she heard Drend the man who road on the back of the carriage call out, “We’ve hit a patch! We’re stuck!,”

“What?” called Bilsby. He was the only one of her grandmothers servants who would talk to her. His favorite world seemed to be inappropriate at least she’d heard him say it over a hundred times by now. He was riding up from with the carriage driver. She thought his name was Adly or Ansley. She wasn’t sure Bilbsy had introduced him rather quickly.

Korina watched as Bilsby climbed down from the driver seat and moved to the back of the carriage. She heard him speak with Drend but couldn’t make out what they were saying over the rain. After a minute she stuck her head out the window and asked “What’s happened? Why have we stopped?”

Bilsby shook his head and approached her window, “I am ever so sorry Lady Andon. It would seem that we are stuck,”

“Stuck? How?” asked Korina.

“It’s the spring rains,” said Bilsby. “They turn the roads to right mush. One of our back wheel’s has fallen into a rut. We’re not far from the estate. I shall send Drend on ahead to secure us another carriage. It wont be but a moment.”

She didn’t understand why they needed another carriage. Was it really that bad? She opened her door and moved to get out. In a panic Bilsby rushed to stop her but she simply stepped out and onto the ground. The poor man looked like he might have a heart attack, when her boots sunk into the mud. “My lady! My lady!” he repeated breaking into a sweat.

“What?” she asked. It was as if he’d never seen a women step into the mud before.

“Your shoes,”

“They’re boots,” said Korina. They had belonged to her brother. Most of her clothes belonged to either her brother or her mother. Perhaps, she wondered he had never seen boots. Yet when she looked down at his feet she saw he was wearing a pair of his own.

She shrugged and moved to the back of the carriage, wanting to get a look at the wheel. It was only a few steps away but the rain was coming down hard and had indeed turned the road to a slosh making it hard to walk. It was a wonder they had made it this far without any trouble.

Drend was looking at the wheel and sighed deeply before he took a swig of something from a tin. When he saw she had approached, his eyes nearly popped out of his skull. He quickly put the tin away and bowed his head, “My lady,”

Why did they keep calling her that. Yes she was a woman, a lady but her name was Korina. She had introduced herself more then once. It was becoming annoying, “My name is Korina, Drend,”

He didn’t say anything as Bilbsy sloshed over to her, “It’s inappropriate,”

Right on cue she thought as she looked down at the wheel. The bottom of the wheel had completely sunk into the mud. There must have been a hole there before the rains had turned everything to mush. She bit her lip wondering if they had a spare board on the carriage. Whenever a wheel got stuck, in a hole on the mountain passes, they would use a board to lift it out.

“Do you have a board?” she asked Drend.

He wasn’t quiet sure what to do. It wasn’t common for such a lady of standing to speak to him. He looked to Bilsby and shook his head.

“Do not worry,” said Bilbsy understanding the mans distress. He himself had been in knots these past weeks. When his Mistress had told him to collect her granddaughter, he had expected her to be of a certain understanding but she seemed completely ignorant of their ways. He did his best to keep her in check but was nearing his wits end. “Please Lady Andon return to the carriage at once. We shall take care of this matter,”

“I wish to help,” insisted Korina, “If we don’t have a board. I suppose we’ll just have to push,"

Ansley had been listening and found this all quiet amusing. He chuckled to himself before shaking his head. He raised his voice shouting over the rain so she could hear “Its no use my lady. You can’t dislodge a wheel with only two men,”

Korina sloshed over to Ansley and corrected him “But there are three men and me,” She might not have been highly educated but her mother had taught her many things. She knew how to count. That was four people that could push.

Ansely scoffed at her words. He seemed offended. “There are but two men my lady. I must steer and you…well you shouldn’t even be out of the carriage.” He turned to Bilsby adding, “Why if your grandmother knew she’d have all our heads,”

Korina didn’t understand why. Drend and Bilsby nodded to each other, they seemed to agree with Ansley. Bilsby stepped up seeking to take charge of the situation, “Come now Lady Andon I insist you go back into the carriage at once before you ruin your dress any further,”

She looked at her dress, it wasn’t ruined at all. It was wet from the rain and a bit dirty at the bottom from some mud but it was nothing she couldn’t easily wash out. Bilsby moved to the carriage door and opened it. He motioned her to get inside. Korina wasn’t ready to give up. She turned and moved to the back of the carriage much to the shock of all three men.

If they weren’t even going to try then that was on them. Her father always told her it never hurt to try and you should never give up on something before you’ve even started. It might take two men to move the carriage or it might not. Perhaps it wasn’t stuck as badly as they thought.

She placed both her hands firmly on the back of the carriage and pushed but all she ended up doing was moving herself. She tried again this time putting her back to the carriage and then pushed with all her might but all she did was dig herself deeper into the mud. She pulled herself out and grasped onto the muddy wheel. Maybe she just needed to move it.

Drend and Bilsby looked at her in disbelief. Ansley couldn’t see anything from where he was seated. He secured the reigns and hopped off the carriage so that he could get a better look. The three men just stood there, staring at Korina as a stranger came upon them.

The stranger took in the sight before him and shook his head. After a moment he called out, “HELLO THERE!”

The three men turned, taking in the stranger they quickly took action. Bilsby rushed to Korina grasping hold of her wrist as she was still trying to move the wheel. He pulled her to safety behind the carriage as Ansley and Drend brandished their guns. They took defensive stances aiming at the stranger.

Korina didn’t understand why the mood had shifted so suddenly. She’d been so focused on what she was doing that she had not seen the stranger nor heard him call out in the rain. Behind the carriage she could see nothing, before she could ask Bilsby just what was going on, he gave her a stern look and hissed, “Quiet now,”

She kept her mouth shut and just barely heard Drend call out, “Who goes there!?” Had someone arrived? Perhaps they could be of assistance.

On the other side of the carriage, Drend demanded again, louder, “WHO GOES THERE!”

The stranger was wearing a long hooded cloak. He removed his hood and Drend recognized him at once. After a moment Ansley did as well, both men lowered their guns and then their heads. Drend stepped forward and apologized, “Forgive us Duke Kerr. We did not recognize you in the downpour,”

“It’s quite alright. Tell me what is going on here?”

Before they could respond, Bilsby stuck his head around the carriage. When he saw who the stranger was, he quickly rushed forward, “Oh my Duke Kerr it is you,”

“Yes,” said Duke Kerr.

Korina wandered out from behind the carriage, assuming it was okay now. The men all seemed to know this Duke Kerr. Korina took him in as he approached. He was wearing a cloak that just reached his ankles. He had long hair that was still fairly dry, tied back in a pony tail. She noticed he was handsome. His face clean shaven. He had a pleasant jaw line but it was his eyes that drew her in. She moved closer and their eyes met. There was something familiar about them. They seemed to light up as he took her in. He admired her for a moment as she had him. Korina quickly found herself flustered and had to look away as her cheeks warmed.

Duke Kerr realized he was staring and also looked away. He turned to the men and asked, “Is everything alright here?”

“Yes, of course, quite alright sir,” said Bilsby nodding like a fool.

Korina looked at him wondering how he could have forgotten their current plight. She looked to the other men thinking surely they would say something but they just nodded, agreeing with Bilsby. She didn’t understand. Forgetting her shyness for a moment she stepped up. “No, one of our carriage wheels has become stuck in the mud. We’re trying to get it out. I would be ever so grateful if you could help. Perhaps you could push,”

Bilsby nearly fainted at her request. Ansley and Drend stared at her like she’d gone mad. Duke Kerr seemed amused. Bilsby quickly collected himself and groveled, “You needn’t trouble yourself with such things Duke Kerr. Please forgive this girl she is still but an uneducated child,”

“I am not a child!” protested Korina, “I’m nineteen this spring and have an education,”

Bilsby turned to her with a look she’d never seen before. It was not pleasant. Duke Kerr chuckled and raised his hand to calm the situation, “It is quite alright. I have no doubts you are a lady and an educated one at that. Now might I be allowed to have a look at this wheel of yours,”

Korina wanted to say of course but only managed to nod and turn in the direction of the wheel. Her shyness returning with a vengeance, much to the delight of Bilsby. Duke Kerr strided past her to the wheel. She moved to follow him but Bilbsy quickly grabbed her arm. He whispered in her ear as Duke Kerr bent next to the wheel to get a closer look “I beseech you my lady, for all of our sakes, your grandmothers included do not say another word-,”

“Why?” interrupted Korina.

“This is a delicate matter. Duke Kerr is of special standing.”

“Special standing?” Korina didn’t quite grasp what he was saying. She recalled her mother having mentioned something about such things but hadn’t quite payed attention, having found it uninteresting as a child.

Bilsby let go of her and attempted to make amends. He rushed over to Duke Kerr, stopping just before him, “Please sir forgive us for encroaching on your time. We really do not wish to trouble you any further. I was just about to send a man out-”

“It is no trouble,” said Duke Kerr standing, “I was just on my midday stroll and would be more then happy to help.” He turned his back to Bilsby and looked at Korina. He sighed deeply and seemed unsettled by something. He rubbed his jaw thinking, after a moment he nodded to himself, having made a decision. He stepped up to her, “My lady, might I ask you for a favor?”

Bilsby nodded at her frantically. Korina sighed, he really needed to make up his mind. Just a moment ago, he’d asked her not to say another word, now he was nodding for her to say yes. She looked away from him, focusing on Duke Kerr. Their eyes met yet again. Her cheeks turned red and she found, she had to look to the ground before she could respond, “Yes,”

“Would you turn round?” asked Duke Kerr.

“Round...like this?” asked Korina. She turned her back to him.

“Just like that, now hold still,”

“Hold still,” she repeated wondering what was going on.

A moment later she felt something fall over her shoulders. She looked to see Duke Kerrs’ cloak. He’d taken it off and had draped it around her. She turned to face him, confused. She wanted to ask why but he smiled at her. All the thoughts in her head vanished for a moment as he tied and secured his cloak to her. When he lifted the hood over her head, she looked down at her feet. Their difference in height was quiet apparent. The bottom of the cloak now fell into the mud.

She looked up at him, pulling the hood back some, “Your cloak will get dirty,”

Again he smiled, “Some things are meant to get dirty. Some are not,” He stared at her, in such a way, she did not know what to make of herself.

“Now for my favor,” he continued.

“Was my turning round not it?” she asked.

“It was part of it,” said Duke Kerr, “This next part is very important,”

“What is it?” she asked finding herself curious and even a little excited.

“I need you to get into the carriage,”

“Oh,” she said let down. “But I wish to help,”

“And so you shall,” he said leaning into her. He whispered so that only she would hear, “I fear as long as you are out here, these men will be of no use to me. They will simply stand around in utter confusion. You see, it is rare, for them to see such a lady of spirit.”

“Spirit,” she said her heart pounding in her chest.

“Yes,” he said, “Now would you do me the honor so that I might round them up and have you on your way again,”

“I-,” Korina wanted to agree. She turned but then pulled back, “Wont I make the carriage heavier by being inside it?”

He chuckled at the insinuation, “I am sure my lady you are but as light as a feather. If anything you being safely tucked away, will make these men work harder.”

Korina found she could not protest any further and nodded. She moved to the carriage. Duke Kerr got the door for her and reached out his arm. He helped her inside and once she was safely seated, he shut the door.

Ansley and Drend had been watching. They thought Duke Kerr was getting a bit too familiar with the young miss but they now considered him a miracle worker, getting her back into the carriage. He had done something not even the high and mighty Bilsby had been able to do.

Rolling up the sleeves of his white shirt, Duke Kerr called out to the men, “Gentlemen might you come together and assist me in pushing the carriage.” Korina watched to see what would happen. When she had suggested such a plan just moments before they had just stood and watched. Yet now that Duke Kerr had suggested the same thing, they only seem too eager to help.

“Of course sir.” said Bilsby

“A brilliant suggestion,” said Ansely.

Korina scowled as the men all rushed to the back. They positioned themselves to push and lift. It took them a few good shoves but eventually the wheel was freed and the carriage moved once more. The horses walked a few steps but stopped without the instruction of their driver.

Korina was upset they hadn’t listened to her but smiled none the less, happy they’d gotten the wheel free. Duke Kerr thanked the men and they slowly returned to their post a bit sore. Drend climbed on at the back and Ansely took his seat, steering at the front. Bilsby dragged his feet a bit, continuing to thank and praise Duke Kerr before eventually joining Ansley.

Korina worried she might not get to thank Duke Kerr. She stuck her head out the carriage window to find him standing there. She smiled and said, “Thank you. Really truly, thank you for all your help,” He smiled back at her as if her gratitude were enough for him but Korina was insistent on properly repaying him. “How ever can I repay you?”

He did not hesitate to request, “Repay with your name,”

Korina did not think it sufficient but responded “Korina Andon,”

“Andon...Andon,” repeated Duke Kerr, thinking it over, “I am not familiar with that surname.”

Bilsby had been straining his ears, listening and was quick to chime in, “She is the granddaughter of Countess Bray,”

“Ahh...Bray,” said Duke Kerr knowing the name, “Then you are not far off. With care you should reach your destination before nightfall.”

Korina nodded and looked around. She noticed the rain had lessen some and the sky was beginning to darken. Duke Kerr pulled back and she reached out for him without thinking. She didn’t want things to end just yet. He took her hand and she insisted, “Please you must allow me to repay you for this. Perhaps I could make you something,”

“Your gratitude and name are enough for me,” said Duke Kerr. He gently kissed her hand before returning it to her. “Welcome to Crestmoore Lady Andon may you enjoy your stay.”

“Thank you,” she said yet again.

He nodded to her and she sat back in her seat, only to realize she still had his cloak on. Ansley cracked the whip and the horses started moving again. In a panic Korina stuck her head back out the window and called, “Wait your cloak!”

Duke Kerr simply waved as the carriage continued on. If he had heard her, he didn’t acknowledge it. He didn’t seem to mind the rain. She watched him for a long as she could and then sat back in her seat.

She wondered what he had been doing out and about in such weather? Where was he going? Just who was this Duke Kerr? She sighed when she realized, she hadn’t caught his first name. She’d have to find out what it was. Perhaps Bilsby or her grandmother would know. She made a mental note to pen him a letter, when she had his cloak returned. She wanted to thank him yet again. You could never be too thankful, her father would say.

She would of course wash the cloak before she had it returned. She lifted it looking at the mud and then she did something odd. She lifted the collar and smelt it. She found she enjoyed his scent. It made her smile and she wondered for a moment, if he were perhaps single. She squealed to herself quickly turning red, even her ears began to burn up as she could not fathom the thought.

Less then an hour later, the carriage pulled off the main road and headed down a private path. Korina saw several fruit trees rusting in the rain. She wondered what kind they were. There was still some light out but it was getting darker and harder to see. After a few minutes some lanterns were lit on the carriage.

She began to worry if they would make their destination by nightfall but soon enough saw several lights in the distance. They were small at first but got brighter and larger as they approached. Korina bit her lip knowing they were only a matter of minutes away now. At last she was to meet her grandmother. She twisted her fingers nervously and wondered what her grandmother might think of her.

She looked out at the lights, wondering which was hers, they all appeared to be clustered together. Her mother had said, she’d had one of the biggest houses in Crestmoore with dozens of rooms. Their cabin was only one large room. Korina had no idea just how big a house with a dozen rooms must be.

The carriage drew closer as she moved to the edge of her seat. She began to make out several structures, no one structure. Korina tilted her head peering further and further out her window. She found she wasn’t looking at several houses but one rather large one.

She swallowed hard as they pulled up in front of it and stopped. Surely this was not her grandmothers’ house. Perhaps Crestmoore built their houses together? She’d seen a few cabins jammed together on the side of a mountain before but this was no mountain side.

She bit her lip as Drend hopped off the back of the carriage. He moved, opening her door. She began to feel sick with worry. The moment she’d been waiting for was here, truly here. She found herself suddenly questioning her readiness. She let out a heavy sigh but nodded to herself after a moment thinking ready or not it was probably best to get this over with.

She moved to get out but Drend held his hand up blocking her, “Wait a moment my Lady,”

Korina curiously furrowed her brow, as the front doors of the large house opened. She looked to see a man, quickly rushing down a stone pathway to the carriage. He was carrying something odd. A stick with something attached at the top. It seemed to be made of fabric and looked like the bottom of a dress.

Drend nodded to the man when he arrived before them. Then Drend turned his hand, beckoning Korina to take it. She took hold of it and he helped her from the carriage. She tripped on Duke Kerrs’ cloak and nearly fell but Drend stepped forward, catching her. He helped her to the ground and made sure she was steady before he let go.

“Thank you,” said Korina.

“You are welcome,” he said before shutting the carriage door.

The man that had come out of the house, moved whatever he was carrying over her. Korina looked up at it but found herself more curious about the man. She hadn’t taken him in quite yet. Now that he was but a step away she saw him clearly. His hair was the whitest she’d ever seen and in curls with ribbons. He was wearing clothes in colors and designs she’d never seen before.

His voice was soft as he spoke to her “Welcome Lady Andon, I trust your journey was well,”

“Yes...” she said slowly, still staring at him. After a moment she realized what she was doing and looked away.

The man smiled at her and introduced himself, “My name is Fron. If you will accompany me I shall take you to the house,”

Korina followed him and found he was getting wet, from the rain while she was not. She looked up at the thing he was carrying and asked, “What is this?”

“What is what?” he asked trying to keep pace with her.

“This thing you’ve place over my head,”

“Oh this. We call it an umbrella my lady,”

“An umbra,”

“Umbrella, Um-bra-ella”

“Umbrella,” said Korina, “What is it for?”

“It keeps the rain from you,” said Fron.

“Oh,” said Korina she found it fascinating and knew her father would too.

The rain began to pick up again. Some wind blew and Frons’ hair shifted on his head. Korina froze, shocked. Fron hadn’t noticed she had stopped and kept walking. After a second or two he realized she was no longer under the umbrella and quickly rushed back to her. “Please my lady let us get inside,”

“But your hair it has shifted!”

“Yes it tends to do that in the wind. I shall fix it once we get inside.” he attempted to adjust his hair and it moved again. She could now see more hair, underneath his white hair and it was a different color. Korina didn’t know what to think or say for that matter. Her father had told her things might be strange at her grandmothers, to take it stride. Surely this was one of those times.

Bilsby rushed over to them. He stepped up to Fron and attempted to speak to him privately but Korina could still hear them. “When the Countess has but a moment I need to speak with her,”

“She’s quiet busy today.” said Fron, “She’s entertaining guests on top of the Lady’s arrival,”

“Yes...yes I know but it is quiet important I see her,”

“I’ll let Hazely know you wish to have audience with he-”

“No,” said Bilsby. Korina could see he was clearly worried, “I need to explain properly. I mean I must speak with her personally,”

“Alright,” said Fron, “But I really must get Lady Andon inside,”

“Of course of course, I’ll attend to the unpacking,”

“Unpacking,” Korina had tried to pretend she wasn’t listening to their conversation but perked up at the mention of unpacking, “I’ll help,”

“You certainly will not!” said Bilbsy sternly. “It is inappropriate!”

Fron pulled back surprised by Bilbsys’ behavior. Korina noted for the first time that he looked quite tired. She wanted to help unpack her things but thought it was best to not push him on the matter.

Bilsby quickly straightened himself, “I’m sorry, others will be along shortly to help, we wouldn’t want to keep you,”

Korina just nodded. Bilsby nodded back and rushed off. Fron again looked at him peculiarly before turning to her, “Come now.”

They continued on once more down the path until they reached the house. The double doors were still wide open. Korina found her heart racing as she walked through them. Once they were inside, Fron set the umbrella down and shut the doors behind them.

Korina didn’t get but a few steps before she paused, wide eyed. She was only in the entrance hall but found it to be magnificent. As far as she could see there were lanterns everywhere, causing the room to have a warm fuzzy glow. The walls were covered in elaborate wall paper that dazzled her eyes. There were vases full of flowers everywhere and intricate paintings of nature. She stumbled forward and then pulled back seeing the floor was covered in a deep red carpet with golden trim.

Never had Korina been in such a room in all her life. She found herself quiet overwhelmed, so much so that her mouth came open. It took her nearly a minute to realized others were in the room. A tall man and two women. She closed her mouth as the women approached. Without a word they took Duke Kerr’s cloak off her. She was so awestruck that she almost didn’t realize they were taking it.

“Wait!” Korina called as one of the women threw Duke Kerr’s cloak over their shoulder. “That belongs to Duke Kerr. I must return it to him,”

“Duke Kerr?” said the tall man stepping up to Korina.

He must have been the tallest man she’d ever seen and the thinnest. His nose seemed to curve up into the air. He also had white hair, that was curly with ribbons and bows all over it. Korina wondered if he too had another set of hair underneath it. The tall man dipped his head for barely a moment before saying, “I am Hazley the Countess’s head butler. Please inform me of how this cloak belongs to Duke Kerr,”

“We got stuck in the road. Well the wheel of our carriage did, in some mud. I thought we could get it out but the others weren’t too keen on pushing. I tried it a few times but was unable to do it on my own,” Hazley stiffened and the two woman looked at each other as Korina continued, “Duke Kerr came upon us and I asked if he would help-,”

“You asked...,” said Hazely, “Are you certain this man was Duke Kerr?”

“That’s what everyone kept calling him.” Hazley swayed a bit and his bottom jaw extended outward. The woman who had thrown the cloak over her shoulder carefully folded it in her arms as if it had somehow now become precious and delicate. Korina found it all odd but requested, “Might I have it set off to the side. I’d like to wash it before I return it to him. Does anyone also know his first name I’d like to pen him a letter,”

Hazley closed his eyes taking in all that he had just heard. It took him a second to processes it all but once he did, he straightened and took charge. “Do not worry my Lady. WE, will handle such things. Ruth get Gainsly and Malorin to see to Duke Kerrs’ cloak at once.”

“Y...yes sir,” said the woman holding Duke Kerrs’ cloak. She seemed quiet frazzled as she rushed off.

“FRON!,” called out Hazley moving on to his next task. Korina turned nearly having forgotten he was there. He stood a few feet behind her, his eyes wide with everything he had heard. He understood now why Bilsby had expressed his desire to meet with Countess Bray on his own. He swallowed hard hearing his name, “Yes sir,”

“Fetch Bilsby and bring him to my office,”

“Of course...of course..” said Fron. He rushed forward for a moment, trying to save his own skin. He leaned into Hazley and quietly informed him “He...did approach me but a moment ago asking for a private audience with the Countess,”

“Did he,” said Hazley his eyes simmered. “Thank you...please fetch him now and the other two. Put Drend in the parlor and Ansley in the stables I shall address them all separately,”

“Yes sir,” said Fron. He turned and rushed outside.

Korina had a sinking feeling something was wrong now. Like when her brother or her would get in trouble...but hadn’t been told just what their punishment would be, “They…they didn’t do anything wrong,” said Korina, “They, especially Bilsby has been very helpful,”

Hazley looked at her, his eyes softening, “Do not trouble yourself my lady,” Then he finally took her in, giving her his full attention. He inspected her from top to bottom. It made her feel eerie. “Margret,” he called to the other woman.

Margret nearly jumped out of her skin. She was quite petite and had a high voice when she spoke, “Yes, sir,”

“Get Ashley and Patty to assist you. Prepare the West Row sitting room. I think a Light tea setting will so. Make sure to cover the chairs and bring a towel.”

“Yes sir,” said Margret nodding before she rushed off.

When it was just the two of them Hazley lowered his gaze to Korinas’ feet, “I must ask that you remove your shoes,”

Korina nodded, she knew they were pretty muddy. If it were her own house, she would have left them outside. She supposed here they had a place for them or would want to clean them. She bent down and Hazley turned away from her. She quickly untied her boots before lifting them up, “Where would you like me to put them?”

“Winston,” called Hazley.

“Yes sir,” said another man. Korina hadn’t seen him. He’d been standing off to the side and appeared to pop out of no where.

“Come here,” called Hazley. Winston approached him and he spoke quietly. Korina attempted to listen but could not hear him as he informed Winston to throw out the boots if not burn them.

“Yes sir,” said Winston. He stepped up to Korina and took her boots.

“Where will you put them?” she asked. Should she need them again.

“Do not worry my Lady. Winston will put them where they belong,” said Hazley with a smile.

Korina nodded and Winston whisked them away. Hazley stepped up to her and handed her a handkerchief. Korina used it to wipe off her muddy hands and returned it to him. He took it and put it in an osite vase, they was used for trash. He put his hands behind his back and then turned, beginning to walk he called, “This way my Lady,”

Korina nodded and followed him. They left the entrance hall and moved into a larger main room. There were doors in every direction and a large grand staircase that led to a second floor. A set of double doors to Korinas’ left were shut tight. She could hear faint music playing behind them. It sounded like a piano, though it was much better then the one they had back home.

Years ago when her mother was still alive, her father had traded a man for one. It was run down and hard to get up the mountain but it had made her mother happy. Korina remembered her playing it day and night. Her mother even taught her and her brother a few keys. Her brother didn’t take a liking to it but Korina had. She almost learned to play a full song.

Sometimes when her mother was too sick to get out of bed Korina would play it for her. After she passed Korina nor her brother could bring themselves to touch the piano again. It mostly collected dust and eventually they just stacked things on top of it.

Korina sighed and Hazley called to her. She continued walking once more and followed him through a set of open doors. They walked down a long hallway. On one side there were doors every few feet, on the other side their were windows. It was so dark out now that Korina couldn’t see anything through them. They stopped in front of the third set of doors and Hazley pulled out a key, unlocking them.

There was a man already inside the room. He was crouched down in front of the fireplace and soon got a roaring fire going. Margret and another woman soon entered the room, they worked in unison to cover the chairs and couches with cloths. When they were finished Margret picked up a towel and the other woman left the room, through another set of doors.

Margret looked to Hazley and he nodded to Korina. Without a word Margret approached Korina and began to pat her with the towel. Korina did not like this and pulled back, “Stop that! What are you doing?”

“I’m sorry my lady,” said Margret in her mousy voice, “I’m trying to dry you off,”

“I can do it myself,” said Korina. She reached for the towel but Margret didn’t let go of it. Korina found her strength surprising.

After a moment Hazley stepped up, “I am sure by now Lady Andon you have witnessed that our ways are different from your own. Please understand it is in your best interest to listen and do as you are you are told. In time you will come to understand the way things work around here,”

Korina didn’t understand, she wanted to point out that she hadn’t been told to do anything, that Margret had just done it. She sighed, frustrated, but held her tongue. She didn’t want to cause trouble, especially when she’d just arrived.

She allowed Margret to continue drying her but had questions, so many questions. She wished her father was here to answer them for her. She wondered now, who would answer her questions while she stayed here.

When Korina was sufficiently dry, Margret stopped and left the room. The other girl that had been in the room earlier, returned with a silver tray. Korina wondered what was on it. Before she could see Hazley drew her attention. He motioned to one of the covered chairs, “Please have a seat,”

Korina didn’t feel much like sitting, since it was all she’d done these past few weeks but obliged. She sat down and Hazley looked at her strangely. She thought he was going to say something but didn’t. He simply stepped aside so that the woman could put the silver tray down, on a nearby table.

Korina leaned forward looking at the tray. She saw it held a fancy tea set and biscuits. Her mouth watered looking at the biscuits. She hadn’t realized how hungry she was. She watched as the women lifted the tea pot and poured a single cup before setting it back down. The woman curtsied to Korina and then Hazley before she left.

Hazely stood for a moment looking around the room. He made sure everything was as it should be before turning to Korina, “I shall inform the Countess of your arrival. She will no doubt be with you shortly. Until then please feel free to rest and refresh yourself.” He motioned to the tea and biscuits.

Korina nodded and he left the room backwards, closing the double doors as he did so.

Alone in the room she looked around some. The room felt stuffy and cold. There were decorations everywhere, like all the other rooms. Exotic wallpaper, paintings of nature, flowers in glass vases. There were also a few mirrors on the walls and above the stone fire place. This room was probably about the size of her family’s cabin but with everything it felt much, much smaller. Especially after being in all those other big rooms. She wondered how her cabin was going to feel when she returned to it.

She bit her lip and grabbed a biscuit. She examined it for a moment, seeing it had designs on it. She bit into it and found it fell apart quite easily, in her mouth and hands. It reminded her of loose dirt. It almost tasted like it too. She took a few bites but quickly set it down.

She reached for her cup of tea wanting to wash the taste out of her mouth. The tea was lukewarm and had a faint taste, almost like a lemon. She didn’t care for it and set her tea cup back down a bit too hard. She’d never handled anything so delicate and it cracked, nearly splitting in two. Tea began to spill out all over the silver tray.

Frantically she picked the cup back up without thinking. It began to drip on the table and then the floor. She quickly drank it to stop it from spilling any further. When it was empty, she set it down again. She attempted to be more careful this time but she knew it was already too late. She’d broken one of her grandmothers teacup and had made a mess.

She used her dress and attempted to dab up what she could of the tea but forgot it was muddy. She ended up getting the tray and some of the table dirty. She sat back in her chair exasperated. She buried her face in her hands and felt like she was having a nightmare.

Things were not going well at all. She’d yet to even meet her grandmother and everything felt tense, this house, the people, their strange ways and now she’d broken one of her grandmothers tea cups. She worried her grandmother would be mad at her.

She vowed to apologize and repay her. She swore she’d get her a new tea cup, a better one but knew she had no idea where one would get such a delicate cup and just how much it would be. She had no money to her name and little to trade. She looked around the room again and had a feeling the tea cup costed a lot, that everything here cost a lot. She told herself it didn’t matter that she’d find a way to eventually replace it.

It took her some time but somehow she managed to calm herself and then a new problem arose. Her stomach rumbled. She worried what her grandmother would think of it. Reluctantly she ate the rest of her biscuit and eventually finished them all off. Part of her hoped it was just the one biscuit she disliked but they all tasted the same. Her stomach no longer rumbled but she found herself thirsty.

She looked at the tea pot and wondered if she could drink directly from the spout. There was another tea cup on the tray that had been unused but she didn’t dare risk breaking it. She examined the tea pot but knew it was probably just as fragile as the cup. Eventually she gave up on quenching her thirst.

She continued to wait for her grandmother and thought surely it wouldn’t be long now. She watched the fire and focused on the sound of it popping. Perhaps it was her nervousness but it felt as if time passed slower or had suddenly stopped all together. She began to feel like an eternity was dragging on around her.

She bit her lip and thought about getting up. Perhaps she’d walk around and take a closer look at everything. She almost stood but then sat back down. She worried she might get something else dirty. She looked around the room and wondered now if that was why the cloth had been placed on all the couches and chairs. Had Hazley expected her to make a mess?

One of the doors opened and a man stepped into the room. Korina perked up, thinking this was it but the man paid her no attention. He simply stoked the fire before placing another log on it. He left without a single word or even the slightest of glances.

Alone again Korina sighed and wondered just what they considered shortly here. More time trickled by and she grew tried, yawning. The room had grown pleasant enough now with the fire. She closed her eyes and dozed for a moment, nearly falling asleep. Suddenly the double doors on the opposite side of the room opened. Korina shot up properly in her chair, wiping some drool from the side of her mouth.

Hazley walked in, standing tall and proud he announced, “Presenting Countess Vira Bray,”

A second later an elderly woman briskly walked into the room. She was followed by two women in matching dresses with aprons. Korina assumed this was her grandmother. She seemed upset, turning to the two women she snapped, “Wait outside,”

“Yes Countess,” They both said in near unison before leaving the room.

Hazley shut the door behind them but did not leave. He simply stood in front of the door with his hands at his sides. Her grandmother made her way to a chair that was across from Korina’s but paused mid way. She turned to Korina giving her a sharp glare, “It is customary for a guest to stand when their host enters a room,”

“Oh,” said Korina. She quickly stood.

Her grandmother walked over to the chair and sat. Korina continued to stand and her grandmother glared at her yet again, “I am seated now, so should you be,”

“Right,” said Korina sitting. She felt utterly out of place and on edge. Her heart racing.

Her grandmother picked up a small golden chain around her neck and look through a pair glass spectacles. “Now then let us have a look at you,”

Korina’s grandmother looked her over. She felt like she was being examined, like when the mountain sheep were being looked at for their wool and meat. She didn’t relish the feeling. She looked away and tried not to express her discomfort.

After a moment she looked back at her grandmother and realized this might be her chance to get a good look at her. Korina took her in slowly seeing she had long gray hair done up in ribbons. Her skin was wrinkly, covered in powders and makeups. They were meant to make her look youthful but Korina found it looked strange.

She wore an extravagant pink dress, the likes Korina had never seen before. The shoulder were puffy and large. The chest had intricate designs and a large broach. Her grandmothers waist was so tiny, tinier then even Korinas’. The bottom of her dress was large and extended out further then Korina thought necessary, it made her grandmother have to sit oddly in her chair.

Over nearly every inch of her there were also sparking gems. From her hair, to her ears, neck, wrists and fingers. Korina found they were even on her grandmothers shoes, from what she could see of them under her dress.

“It is impolite to stare,” her grandmother said, putting down her spectacles.

“But you were just staring at me,” Korina pointed out.

Her grandmother scoffed, “Do not question me. I am your elder. It is impolite to question an elder. Did your parents teach you nothing?”

“They did,” said Korina, “I...I know many things,”

“Quite clearly not the right things,” said her grandmother sitting back in her chair, “Tell me do you always greet someone in such manner,”

“What do you mean?” asked Korina.

Her grandmother rolled her hand as she spoke, “You’re a mess. Your hair is undone, your dress is dreadful and filthy. And what of your shoes. Do they not have them where you come from?”

Korina felt offended. She didn’t know what to address first. “I….Hazley took my boots,”

Her grandmother tilted her head slightly, in Hazley’s direction, he quickly answered, “They were covered in fifth,”

“Clearly,” said her grandmother, “Is there not an inch of her that isn’t. I want her bathed at once. Get rid of these clothes and if there are any like them. I shall have to send for a dress maker at once...”

“Yes Countess,” said Hazley.

“This dress...all my dresses belonged to my mother,” said Korina standing.

Her grandmother paused for a moment. Korina thought she saw some hint of emotion but again her grandmother scoffed, “How far my Dillie must have fallen to wear such things,”

“You are being rude,” said Korina.

“I….I am being rude,” said her grandmother. Her eyes widened and she seemed quite offended, “How dare you accuse me of being rude. What is rude child, is you. Your behavior has been nothing but reprehensible. You come to my home with no grace, no understanding of our ways and as of today I am informed no common sense and insult me,”

“You...you insulted me first,” said Korina.

“If I have made any offense it is only because of your actions,”

“My actions,”

“Yes earlier today you tarnished my good reputation with your inappropriate behavior,”

“Inappropriate behavior, what have I done?” asked Korina sitting. She could think of nothing she’d done. Well beyond breaking her grandmothers tea cup. She still needed to inform her of this but now did not seem the time.

“What you have done is shamefully disregarded the rules of our society. You approached and made requests of a man well beyond your social standing. Now because of you I will have to make appropriate, compensations to Duke Kerr.”

“Wait Duke Kerr... but I did not offend him in the slightest. He was kind and friendly and only to happy to help us in our time of need,”

“Of course, of course he was because unlike you he is someone of class and dignity. He knows how to properly behave in even the most degrading of situations. We will be lucky if this does not get out and ruin what little reputation our family has left.”

“I….”Korina did not understand. She felt lost in a sea of emotions. She was nervous, intimidated, offended and now just overwhelmed. Had she truly done something awful without realizing it. She didn’t think she had but clearly from the way her grandmother was acting she must have.

Her grandmothers breathes became short, all of a sudden, she swayed and seemed like she might fall. Without thinking Korina rushed to her. Hazley quickly followed. He pushed Korina aside and crouched before her grandmother, “Vira are you okay?”

“I...” she looked at Hazley and then to her granddaughter. “I am fine…”

Korina did not think she was fine. She couldn’t help but feel responsible for having upset her grandmother, “I...I am sorry truly I am if I have offended you,”

Her grandmother breathed out heavily, “It is only understandable given your upbringing. You are but an ignorant child. You have no understanding of the outside world. Of the consequences of your actions.”

Korina just stood there. She didn’t know what to say. Her grandmother was right. She had no understanding of the outside world. She’d assumed it was similar to her home but given the events of today it was clearly not. She twisted her fingers.

“You should rest,” said Hazley.

“I shall not,” said Korina’s grandmother, “I have guests to attend to,” Hazley sighed. Korina could see he was quiet concerned for her. He grandmother turned to her, “We are done here for now. I will ask that you follow the instructions of my staff and try not to cause me any more trouble. Like it or not you are my relations and it would seem by a twist of fate, your care has fallen upon me. What I will do with you, is currently beyond me but I intend to find a remedy to this situation tonight. We will speak again in the morning, when we have both rested and you can greet me in proper attire.”

Korina just nodded. Her grandmother nodded to Hazley and he helped her up. She steadied herself for a moment before she strode to the door. Korina felt like she should say something more, “Uh...It was a pleasure to finally meet you,” said Korina. It was what she had been planning to say to her after they’d spoken.

Her grandmother paused, “I wish I could say the same,”

Hazley opened the door and she quickly left. Korina stood there for a moment. Her chest felt heavy and tight. She had longed to meet her grandmother, to know her and now she was unsure. Things had gone horribly and not for a single second had she seen even a sliver of her mother.

Hazley cleared his throat. Korina looked up, tears forming in her eyes. She had thought he’d left with her grandmother, “Someone will be with you shortly, to show you to your rooms. I will have them prepare a bath for you as well as something to eat. I suggest you retire early once you have finished.” he moved to leave but paused a second later. He kept his back to her as he added, “All things considered this wasn’t that bad,”

Korina looked at him wondering how he could say that but simply nodded and said, “Thank you,”

Hazley left the room, shutting the doors behind him. Korina didn’t sit back down. She found herself too wound up, instead she paced back and forth around the room. She went over what had just happened, wondering if there was anything she could have done differently or better. She assumed she’d have time to think about it, knowing how long shortly could be here. However after a few minutes there came a knock at the door.

Korina stopped mid pace and looked from one set of doors to the other. She wasn’t sure which it had come from. A moment later, the doors she had first entered through opened. A woman stepped in wearing a dress and apron similar to the women that had been with her grandmother. She looked at Korina and gave her a big warm welcoming smile. Korina found she liked her before she even spoke “Hello there you must be Lady Andon. I am Betsy. I will be taking care of your needs while you are here.” She curtsied and Korina curtsied back.

Alarmed, Betsy waved her hands, “Oh no! You only curtsy to those of your same class or higher. I am a servant I am below you,”

“I don’t understand,” said Korina “You’re taller then me.”

“It is not a matter of height my lady,” said Betsy. “I am sure you will come to understand in time.”

“I’ve been told that but there are so many things I don’t understand!” said Korina. She hoped Betsy might be someone she could speak openly with. “I feel quite lost here. Might I ask you some questions?,”

“My…” Betsy started to say something but quickly caught herself. She looked to the floor “I am sorry my lady it is not my place. Please follow me. I shall take you to your rooms,”

Betsy turned and Korina sighed, for a moment she thought she’d really found someone to answer her questions. There were so many rules here, how was she to ever understand if no one explained anything to her?

She felt so frustrated and tired, perhaps a bath and retiring early would help her. Maybe in the morning she’d be able to make better sense of things. Perhaps she’d wake up and find she was still in her carriage or back at home and today, this whole trip had never happened. It was simply just a strange dream.

Korina followed Betsy into the hallway. They walked down it and turned onto another hallway. From there they turned right and went up two flights of stairs. As they entered yet another long hallway Korina felt like she was in a maze. She wondered how big this place really was and worried she might get lost. Finally after some time they stopped in front of some doors.

Betsy pulled a candle from her apron and went to the nearest lantern. She lit it before opening the doors. They entered into a small entrance hall. There were three sets of double doors in each direction. Betsy moved lighting the lanterns in the room. Then she put her candle out and opened each of the doors. “These three rooms will be yours while you stay here,”

“Three rooms,” said Korina surprised.

“Yes,” said Betsy. She stood next to Korina and then gestured to the room in front of them, “This room is your bedroom.” Betsy gestured to room on their right, “This room is your powder room and will hold your wardrobe.” Betsy gestured to the room on their left, “And finally this is your resting room.”

“I don’t understand,” said Korina, “I have a bedroom and a resting room?”

“Yes the bedroom is for sleeping. The resting room is for resting. Sitting, reading, relaxing. The powder room is of course for changing your clothes and preparing yourself,”

“Oh...” said Korina. She thought it was all a bit much. For the last nineteen years she’d been doing it all in one room.

Betsy could see Korina was overwhelmed. She almost said something about it but again caught herself. Instead she said, “You’re bath should be ready, let us attend to it,”

They returned to the hallway and Korina wondered where they would be going now. They walked two doors down and then stopped. Betsy opened the door and they stepped inside a small room. There was an odd shaped hallow stool and a large tub that three people were filling with heated buckets of water.

Korina could feel the difference in this rooms temperature. The hallway had been a bit chilly. This room was warm and felt moist, there was also a smell. Korina had never smelt such a scent. She saw the servants were adding oils and herbs to the water.

When the tub was full enough, a man tested the temperature and then nodded to the other two. All three servants left the room. It was just Betsy and Korina again. Betsy motioned to a small wooden table Korina hadn’t noticed. On top of it was set of folded clothes, “Once you have washed, please put these on. They wont be an exact fit but should accommodate you until you can meet with the dress maker.”

Korina clenched her fists at the mention of the dress maker. She remembered what her grandmother had said. She looked at Betsy with pleading eyes “I...is there anyway you could bring me my clothes from the carriage. My grandmother has asked that they be thrown out but they belonged to my mother you see and she’s no longer with us. They are what little I have left of her.”

Betsy listened to her request and then apologized, “I am sorry my lady. If the countess has ordered something we servants must obey,”

“But,”

“Perhaps,” said Betsy not completely heartless. “You could speak with her about it in the morning,”

Korina didn’t know her grandmother all that well...She wasn’t sure if her mind could be changed but she supposed it was something. Betsy curtsied, “I must leave you now before you water gets cold. I shall return to collect you when you are finished,”

“Right,” said Korina, “Thank you,”

Betsy left and Korina stood there for a moment saddened. She looked down at her dress and worried she might never see the rest of her mothers clothes again, She wondered how her grandmother could make such a decision so swiftly. It was cruel.

Korina took her dress off and folded it carefully. She’d talk to her grandmother in the morning about the other dresses but just in case, she could do nothing, she vowed to keep this one. She’d hide it away and make sure her grandmother could never get rid of it.

Korina placed her dress on the pile of other clothes and then walked over to the tub. She dipped her hand in the water and felt it was hot but not too hot. She’d had heated baths before on cold nights but it was usually in their barrel in the back yard. She often had to take her baths fast as the barrel leaked. Water would only stay in it so long.

She lifted her leg and slowly climbed into the tub. When she sat down the water rose up around her, almost touching her shoulders. She found she could spread out in the tub and quickly felt herself melting into the water. All her aches and pains faded away as she lost herself in the heat and intoxicating scents. If there were a silver lining in today, any part that was her favorite it would be this bath.

She closed her eyes letting go of everything. She soon lost track of time. She must have been in the tub for a while because after some time Betsy knocked at the door. She sounded alarmed, “My Lady are you alright?”

Korina quickly realized she’d nearly fallen asleep. She splashed about, spilling some water over the side of the tub but responded, “Yes I am... I’m getting out now,”

Korina rose and saw the dirt from her body, had all sunk to the bottom of the tub. The water looked strange now, murky. She reached out for a nearby cloth and dried herself off. She was a little worried Betsy might come in and try to do it for her but graciously she didn’t.

When she was dry she put on the clothes that had been set out for her. The fabric was finer then anything she’d ever worn. It felt strange against her skin. She knew it was going to take some time to get used to. The robe was also of a different fabric. It reminded her of a bunny her brother had once caught. She ran her hands over it before putting it on.

Then she tucked her mothers dress under her arm, making sure she held onto it tightly. She opened the door and Betsy was waiting for her outside. She saw the dress in Korinas arm and asked “May I take that for you?”
“No,” said Korina, “I wish to keep it,” Betsy seemed hesitant to let her but nodded. Korina bit her lip and asked, “Could you not tell my grandmother about this one.”

“If she does not ask about it, then I shall not tell her,” said Betsy.

Korina supposed that would have to do. She stepped into the hall and Betsy noticed her feet were still bare. She reached into her apron and pulled out a pair of slippers, “Here you are my lady,”

Betsy set the slippers down on the floor and Korina stepped into them. It felt like she were stepping on grass, no pillows. Korina had never walked in shoes so light and fluffy before, “What kind of shoes are these? They are wonderful,”

“They are slippers my lady. They are meant specifically for in house,” said Betsy, “Shall we return to your rooms.”

Korina nodded and followed Betsy back to her rooms. They were completely set up now. The lanterns were all lit and the fire places in her bedroom and resting room were ablaze. Betsy took Korina into her resting room and gestured to a silver tray on a coffee table. She lifted up the lids on all the platters and said, “The staff has prepared you a light supper. There is also some tea. If you let us know your preferences we will be happy to cater to your needs,”

Korina nodded, “The tea I had earlier today I did not enjoy,”

“That was lemon tea,” said Betsy. “I shall make a note of it. Tonight’s tea is cinnamon,”

Korina nodded and at the mention of tea, she remembered her grandmothers tea cup, “Betsy...there is something I must confess. Earlier I was drinking tea and broke one of my grandmothers tea cups,”

“Oh yes the more fragile ones break quite often,” said Betsy.

“Really,” said Korina.

“Yes do not fret over it too much. The countess is always being gifted sets. I am sure it will be replaced in no time. That being said, be careful when you have tea with the countess. She always drinks from her favorite sets. If any of those were to break, well then that might be an issue”

“I see,” said Korina. She felt a wave of relief wash over her but also made a mental note to be more careful, especially when having tea with her grandmother. “Thank you,”

“I shall leave you here for tonight,” said Betsy, “If you need anything, each room has a cord. If you pull it, a bell will ring in the house and I shall come shortly.” Betsy showed Korina what one of the cords looked like. They appeared to be in the corner of each room.

“Thank you again for everything,” said Korina. Betsy nodded and walked to the main door. Korina followed her, to see her out.

Betsy paused just before she reached the door and turned to Korina. She couldn’t help herself this time and spoke, “My lady, if I may speak out of place for a moment,”

“You may,” said Korina curious.

“As for your current feelings of confusion. I suggest you take things slow. Give it time and don't be too harsh with yourself. You must remember we all stumbled before we leaned to walk,”

Korina looked at her. Her heart swelled for a moment. She found Betsy’s words touching and encouraging “Thank you,” said Korina her voice twinging with emotion.

Betsy nodded, “Have a pleasant evening my lady,” She turned and left the room.

All things considered Korina thought Betsy was the best interaction she’d had all day. Of course she had enjoyed meeting Duke Kerr but now that she knew she had offended him and upset her grandmother, she saw their meeting in a different light.

Alone now Korina looked around her entrance hall. She wondered if she should explore the other rooms or eat. She took her mothers dress out from under her arm and thought it was best to hide it. She scoured her rooms looking for a place no one would find it. After some time she hid it under the mattress of her bed.

Then Korina went back into her resting room. She ate nearly all the food and finished off her tea. She found she liked the tea and would make sure to ask for it in the future. Warm, full and more exhausted then ever, she sat back on her couch and watched the fire.

After a few minutes she looked to a desk in the corner of the room. She saw it had a quill and some parchment. She yawned thinking she would write her father a letter and then head to bed. She’d just rest a little bit more.

Slowly she lowered herself to lay on the couch. She took one of the cushions under her head and continued to stare into the fire. Her eyes grew heavy as she told herself, she’d get up in just a few minutes. Korina underestimated just how tired she was and soon enough fell asleep. She slept soundly through the night and well into the next day.

Thank you for reading^^