The pretty lady in servant's clothes led Bessie to the drinking trough where she poured the bucket of water. Bessie bent her head to drink heavily.
Ella returned to Rosabelle, "It's getting late. Do you have a place to stay for the night?"
Rosabelle hesitated, "I sleep wherever I can rest my head for awhile. I would appreciate any shelter you can offer me for the night."
Ella looked at her, deciding for her "You can sleep up in the stables for the night. It's clean and decent but most especially, it will keep you warm. I would offer you the room inside but my stepmother and stepsisters are not fond of strangers, especially someone as beautiful as you."
"I do not want to impose on your hospitality, Ella. The stables are a luxury compared to what I've been through for the past few days."
"I'll bring you something to eat later tonight. I usually have some reprieve from work after dinner." Ella led her to the stables, pointing to the ladder. "There's fresh hay up there for your bed and I'll bring you a blanket later. It’s best if you keep out of sight, Rosabelle."
"Thank you, Ella."
Ella left her then to bring some hay for her horse. Rosabelle climbed up the ladder and readied her bed for the night. The upstairs loft was indeed clean and she tested its softness as she sprawled on top of it. She was almost drifting off to a cat nap when she heard a noise below. She got up and looked out the window. There was a carriage outside and she could see it had an ornate royal crest on it. Who could the visitor be? Someone important, she thought. The colors of the carriage were even more elaborate than Lady Tiffany’s carriage. Whoever it was came and left in a hurry. She could not even get a glimpse of the person in the carriage. Rosabelle wondered for awhile before she went back onto the hay and took out the compass. It was pointing a little towards the north side now. Her thoughts went back to the people at the castle. How were they doing? Lucas? Chip? She hoped they were still there by the time she returned.
Night had fallen and there were no other visitors that day. The lights coming from the house gave her solace in the darkness of the stables. The animals were quieting down and resting. Ella came later almost two hours after dinner. She looked exhausted but her beauty still shone. She held a bowl in one hand and a lamp in the other, a blanket was slung over her shoulder.
"I'm sorry for being late, Rosabelle. I had to finish my chores before I could see you. I brought you a bowl of soup."
Rosabelle took it from her as Ella climbed up over the loft.
"Thank you, Ella. Please do not apologize. I am being a burden to you already." She sipped some of the soup. It was rich and delicious.
Ella sighed, "Please, it is not you. Perhaps you noticed the visitor that came by? He was the royal messenger going through all the noble houses, delivering the royal invitation. Apparently, the Prince has come back from his studies abroad and the King is throwing a ball in his honor. "
"You do not seem thrilled at the invitation." Rosabelle commented.
"I already have a lot of things to do and to top it off this coming ball would be a burden. My stepsisters want me to spruce up their old ball gowns and to polish their shoes. This and that. I don't mean to complain. Oh well, I will just have to work through the night."
"Ella, I see you're of noble birthright but why are you in servant's clothes and working like a servant?"
Ella sighed and sat alongside her on the bed of hay.
"My father died just after he married my stepmother, Mildred. She took over the control of the estate. She got rid of our servants. I am grateful she did not kick me out of the household too. She kept me on as a servant so I can earn my keep. I work so I have a roof over my head and food on the table."
"It does not seem fair, though. This was your home.” Rosabelle replied. “Do you want to go to that ball?"
Ella tilted her head to look out the window, "Sometimes I wish my life was like before when Papa and Mama were alive. We would dance as my mother played the piano. Bear in mind, Papa would let me step on his feet and he would swing me around and he would whirl me around and around the ballroom. I loved it."
"You could go," Rosabelle spoke softly.
Ella sighed, "If there was a chance, I would go, just to see the wonderful costumes on the gentry. But with all the chores I have to do, there is no way I can find the time to sew my own ball gown. I can only dream. Besides, my two stepsisters will fill me in with all the details of their night out with the Prince."
Rosabelle kept silent. Ella should go to that ball. It was her birthright.
Ella stood up and bid her goodnight, "I'll see you in the morning. The blanket should keep you warm tonight. I will leave the lamp with you. Good night, Rosabelle."
"Good night, Ella. Thank you again." Rosabelle watched as Ella took her empty bowl and proceeded to climb down the ladder. Her mind was racing to a plan to help Ella. Ella had to go to that ball so she can dance her sorrow away. Discretion was key, she thought as she cuddled underneath the blanket, thinking of what she would do tomorrow.
She arranged her blanket around her and blew out the lamp, curling herself on the soft hay. She soon fell asleep with her hand on her chest pocket where the ring was kept hidden. She whispered one word as she drifted off , "Lucas..."
21
Early next morning, after her morning wash at the well, Ella brought her porridge from the kitchens. It was warm and filling in the stomach. Ella kept her company for awhile before she had to start on her morning chores in the kitchen.
"Let me check some things in the kitchen and I will be right back, Rosabelle."
Rosabelle nodded as she continued to eat the porridge. Her thoughts running to what she would do next with a new day beginning. After she finished her porridge, she took her bowl and carried it to the back where the back doors of the kitchen lay. As she approached, she could hear voices of a lady giving instructions to Ella.
"Don't forget the dress has to be let down after you do the laundry, Ella. I'll be doing my hair today so I'll need you to set my curls. And I believe Cresencia has more requests for you to do. Do the dishes then head upstairs to her and then mama needs you to dust the curtains and the carpet again."
"Yes, Anastasia." Came Ella's reply. And then she heard the sound of footsteps walking away.
Rosabelle counted to ten when she was sure Ella was alone. She rapped on the side door gently, bowl in one hand.
"Oh, Rosabelle, I'm sorry. I got caught up in the kitchen. I did not mean for you to wait for me."
"No, Ella. It's my fault, really. I did not want you to walk all the way to the stables." She set it on the kitchen counter where a lot of dishes were piled up.
Hurried footsteps were heard before either Ella or Rosabelle could do anything. Rosabelle could not hide away without being seen.
"Ella, who is this?"
"Cresencia---! Ah, this is Rosabelle. She's here for---" Ella was stammering, trying to think of what to say.
Rosabelle stepped in and gave a curtsy, "Hello, my lady, I am here seeking work."
Lady Cresencia was a tall woman with a long nose. Her eyes were beady as she looked at Rosabelle from head to toe. She coolly replied, "We are not hiring. Besides we cannot pay you money. We are cash-strapped as it is because of the upcoming ball."
Rosabelle put up her hands, "I do not need money, my lady. Just a place to stay over my head and food. I am in town for a few days but will move on eventually. I can help out Ella so she can concentrate on getting your clothes ready for the ball. I heard all the ladies are dressing up fancy for the Prince's ball."
"Oh? Pretty gowns, you say? Well, we can't be put off with that. I'll talk to Mama. Wait here."
Lady Cresencia walked away and Rosabelle motioned Ella to keep silent. A few minutes later, Lady Cresencia came back with her mother. She was as tall as her daughter and had the same long nose. Ella's stepmother gave her the same head to toe assessment.
Rosabelle gave a curtsy and waited to be addressed, "My lady.".
"I h
ear you are looking for work?" Ella's stepmother asked. She stared at Rosabelle's scars but did not comment on it.
"Yes, my lady. I was passing through this town and was looking for work. I offer you my services in exchange for room and board."
"Where are you from?"
"I'm from the town of Amstel, my lady."
"And how long will you be staying here?"
"Just for a few days, my lady. I can do any of the household chores."
Rosabelle can see Ella's stepmother was pondering on the idea. The ball was less than a week away and there were a lot of things to do. She would need help in getting her daughters ready for that ball. And it would not cost her a single penny for cheap labor, she thought. She asked Ella next, "How far along are you with your sisters' dresses?"
Ella bowed her head with regret, "I have barely started. I was thinking to do it tonight before I go to bed, Mother."
Lady Cresencia turned to her mother, "Oh, please, Mama, I cannot bear to be the laughing stock at the ball. We must have new dresses! How can we catch the Prince's eye if we dress in shabby clothes?" Ella's stepmother raised her hand for her daughter to quiet down and she turned her attention to Rosabelle, "Do you sew, young lady?"
"My skills can get me by, my lady, but I can learn fairly quickly." Rosabelle admitted which was the truth. She did know how to make simple dresses but not the ballgowns of the nobility. She would have to stretch the truth a little.
"Very well. Ella, have her share your room in the attic. I give you two days-- what is your name?"
"Rosabelle, my lady " she replied, hiding her smile when she realized her plan had worked and she had the opportunity to help Ella out.
Ella's stepmother continued, "Two days to help Ella around the house so she or you can concentrate on our dresses. You will help with the sewing once your chores are done. Understood?"
"Yes, my lady. Thank you so much." She gave a bow in gratitude.
Ella's stepmother and stepsister left them then and Ella beckoned for Rosabelle to follow her up to her room. It was a long flight up the backstairs and when they finally reached the room, Ella closed the door when they stepped in.
"Rosabelle, what did you just do?"
Rosabelle took Ella's hand, "Let me help you, Ella. You are overworked and you still have so many things to do. Besides, you might manage to make your own dress for the ball. I'll help you."
"Oh, Rosabelle. You'll get stuck in this house like me." Ella shook her head in exasperation. There was a ringing chime as one of her family rang the summoning bell, "Ella!"
Ella sighed, "Come, the family beckons. I do appreciate your help but don't let me say I did not warn you."
Ella's family, was, to say in the least, a very demanding lot. There were so many things to do one after the other that Rosabelle could not understand how Ella survived this long. Her mind was at a whirlwind keeping up with all the things to do.
She met the other step sister, Lady Anastasia, who was plain as a hen. She was shorter than the Lady Cresencia but she had the same sour disposition. After giving Rosabelle the head to toe treatment, she started barking her own set of orders. The stepsisters apparently will not lift a thing around the house without Ella doing it for them. Rosabelle thought them spoiled and not very nice. Poor Ella. No wonder she was being treated like a servant. She was the beauty among them and they knew it. They had intentionally downplayed her to a servant, taking advantage of her innate good nature.
Rosabelle suggested to Ella that she could finish the tasks in the kitchen and stables while Ella tended to the dusting and the laundry. Ella hesitated for a moment but Rosabelle reassured her this was where her comfort zone was. Rosabelle prided herself for learning from the best and that was from the loving Miranda. She gave a silent thank you up in the heavens.
Rosabelle had lunch ready and the dishes washed and dried when Ella came downstairs to check on her, a broom in her hand. She had been cleaning the chimney and had soot in her face.
Rosabelle gave her a concerned look, "Are you okay, Ella? I'm done with lunch. Did you want me to bring it upstairs to their ladyships?"
"You've done a lot, Rosabelle. Thank you. Let me wash up and I will bring the lunch tray in the dining area."
"Very well, I'll go hang the clothes to dry while you're upstairs."
She took the laundry basket with damp clothes and headed to the clothesline. She wrung out each clothing and proceeded to hang the clothes one by one until every wet clothing was up in the line. She went back into the kitchen where Ella was spooning the soup into two bowls.
"Rosabelle, sit, you deserve a break. You have helped me tremendously."
Rosabelle smiled, "So when do we start on the dresses?"
"Probably this afternoon after our lunch. We finished our work for today early. I took their measurements and I have a bolt of clothing that would make their old dresses new."
They ate their lunch and after doing their dishes, they headed to the sitting room where Ella had placed her stepsisters' old gowns.
Ella held up one. It was a lovely gown of baby pink but outdated. "What do you think, Rosabelle?"
Rosabelle thought for a moment before saying, "It might need something sparkling. Maybe a little lace around the bodice area?"
Ella nodded, "I agree." She went to a chest and brought out some laces, placing them on the cushioned chair of the sofa. Another box contained trinkets of sparkling faux gemstones. She placed it on the table and held up another dress. It was a rich color of mahogany. "And this?"
"Probably some little gold trimmings here and there. That should spruce up the dress. We could lift the sleeves up so it puffs around the shoulder then it would not look outdated."
Ella smiled brightly, "What a splendid idea, Rosabelle. You have a keen eye."
"I always loved dressing up my sister. She's the beauty in the family."
"I think you're a beauty too, inside and out. I appreciate your help, Rosabelle. I am sorry you had to stop your travel. Where were you headed?"
"I was looking for someone. The last place she was seen was a place called Canterbury. Have you heard of such a place?"
Ella shook her head, "It does not seem familiar although I can't really say I have traveled far since my father passed away."
Ella gave a forlorn look of resignation that Rosabelle had to cheer her up, "Things will get better. Let's finish these dresses so that we can start off with yours."
"Oh, I don't think I'm going. I am tired as it is."
"Well, it's a good thing you have a friend who's willing to help. " Rosabelle gave Ella a smile. They started measuring the lace for one dress and cutting it so they can use it along the trimmings. Rosabelle took out the needle and thread, ready to sew it in when the servant's bell chimed. One of the stepsisters was calling.
Ella sighed, "What now? I will be right back, Rosabelle."
Rosabelle reassured her, "I'll start off sewing this dress."
Ella gave her an appreciative look before she stepped out of the sitting room, leaving Rosabelle to her sewing. She started off slowly with the bottom hem, her stitches small and inconspicuous. At first she tried putting the lace trimming straight but changed her mind when she decided to put a curvy twirl to give the illusion of making the ball gown fuller at the bottom. This made her progress slower but she knew it will be worth it at the end. It took a full two hours before Rosabelle was able to finish one dress. She looked at it critically and thought it passable. It will have to do for the ball given the lack of supplies.
The door to the sitting room opened and Ella came in the room, "I am so sorry for leaving you too long, Rosabelle. I had to go do an errand for Cresencia. She broke one of her jeweled bracelet so I had to go to town to have it fixed. How are you faring with the dress?"
Rosabelle smiled, "Don't you worry about me, Ella. Come, see the dress. What do you think?" She held it up so Ella can give it an overview.
Ella nodded, "That looks agreeable for the ball. Very good, Rosa
belle. I ---"
The servant's bell rang again and Ella gave Rosabelle an apologetic look and Rosabelle again assured her, "I will be fine. Go, I can manage on my own, Ella."
Ella hurriedly went out of the room. Rosabelle shook her head at her friend's life. Ella was a noble lady by birth and downgraded to a servant by family not even related by blood but only through marriage. Life was not fair for Ella. She would have to think of something to help her friend get out of this miserable life, even if just for a moment.
Rosabelle started on the next dress. She rolled up the shoulder so it would puff up, sewing it in place. She hummed to herself as she concentrated to the task at hand.
When the clock chimed at four o'clock, she left the sitting room so she can help prepare the family's dinner. She found Ella in the kitchen at the stove, boiling a pot of tea.
"I'm just getting tea ready for Mother. Would you like a cup of tea?"
Rosabelle smiled, "Don't worry about me, Ella. Did you want me to start off with cooking dinner?"
Ella took a tray and started putting it tea cookies on a saucer. She looked up at Rosabelle and smiled, "You're a big help, Rosabelle. You're truly a good friend but I have started on a stew and it's simmering already on the stove. How's the second dress coming along?"
"It's a little tricky on the sleeves. I was able to do one side. I stopped for awhile thinking you needed help for dinner. I should return before it gets too dim tonight."
"I'll call you when it's our turn at dinner. If you need a break from sewing, I'll continue it when I'm done with their ladyships, Rosabelle."
"I'll see you later." Rosabelle said as Ella took the tray of tea and cookies upstairs.
Rosabelle drank a glass of water before going back to the sitting room. She opened the door and stopped when she saw the Lady Anastasia looking at their dresses.
Lady Anastasia looked up with her beady eyes. She was touching the laces on one of the dresses, "I was checking on your progress, Rosabelle. I see you've finished with one."
The White Mask & The Red Rose Page 11