The White Mask & The Red Rose

by P Rose Weaver

  "Yes, my lady."

  "You are impeccably smart with your needlework."

  "Thank you, my lady." Rosabelle replied, not knowing where the conversation was headed.

  "Too bad we cannot keep you on. Mother just hired you for two days. Well, don't let me stop you from your work."

  Rosabelle just bowed her head a little as the Lady Anastasia stepped out of her room and closed the door. She breathed a sigh of relief. She went back to the dress that was halfway done. Her mind was working on an idea on how to help her friend so when Ella came to call her for dinner, she had something on her mind. It was a matter of Ella riding along with the plans. Ella had given her stepmother and stepsisters their dinner so she and Rosabelle could have theirs in the kitchen.

  Rosabelle brought on the subject as she sat on the kitchen chairs, "Why don’t you try to ask if you could go to the ball with them?"

  Ella handed her a bowl of stew and bread after Rosabelle washed up and sat down on the kitchen table.

  "They wouldn't allow it."

  "You're still part of the family even though they treat you more like a servant than the other sister. The invitation clearly states every eligible daughter of the household."

  Ella sat down across her and was stirring her bowl absent-mindedly.

  "Ella?" Rosabelle called out to her friend.

  Ella shook herself out of her reverie, "I'm sorry. I was just thinking what else needs to be done."

  "We've done most of the work today. Tell them if you have finished all the household chores, you could at least glimpse the inside of the castle."

  "And wear what to the royal ball? I can hardly wear this. Fashion statement or not." She pointed at her servant's garb.

  "Do you have anything we can fix up? I'm almost done with the second dress which I can finish tomorrow. We can start off with your dress after dinner."

  Ella thought for awhile, "There might be something from my mother that might work."

  They ate the stew and discussed what else needs to be done around the house. The bell rang once more for Ella to collect the family’s dirty dishes from their dinner. Ella went to the dining area and came back with a tray load of plates and spoons.

  Ella had a smile on her lips and said, “ Cresencia said I can go to the ball with them on one condition… and that is if I finished all my chores. I’ll ask Mother tomorrow. With you helping me, I can surely go to that ball!”

  Rosabelle clapped her hands, “That’s good news! We should start off on your dress while I am here.”

  Rosabelle helped wash the dishes and clean around the cooking area while Ella went around the house to lock up for the night. They later went up to Ella's bedroom in the attic. Ella turned the lock, "We'll have some privacy here at least."

  Rosabelle sat on her bed and watched Ella go to a corner where a huge trunk was stationed. Ella opened it and pulled out a white dress. It was a beautiful wedding gown.

  "This was my mother's. This is the best gown I can think of and it needs to be altered to not look like a wedding gown."

  "Ella, this dress is so lovely. I'm sure we'll think of something."

  Rosabelle touch the silky gown. The cut of the gown was outdated but perhaps with a little color, it would not look like a wedding gown. Ella took out her box of trinkets.

  "I was thinking of adding these." She opened her box and revealed an assortment of shiny objects, silver and gold. That gave Rosabelle an idea.

  "How about adding a swath of silver cloth here on both sides and then adding a little pink on the top. The pink can come from the cuttings of the dress downstairs. I'm sure your stepsisters would not mind."

  Ella smiled, "That would work. It would still keep the white gown intact. Brilliant idea, Rosabelle. I'll be going in town tomorrow morning. I'll pass by the seamstress if she would sell me some silver cloths."

  "Did you want to start with the pink cloth from downstairs tonight?"

  Ella gave a yawn, "Honestly, I'd rather go to sleep, if you don't mind. I have an early task in the morning. I'm sure I'll find the time tomorrow with you helping me."

  She gave Rosabelle a nightgown to use and they washed up for bedtime.

  They got ready for bed and Ella went to sleep almost immediately after she said good night. Rosabelle got up from her side of the bed and covered her with a blanket. The poor girl was so exhausted. She did not even move. Rosabelle took the lamp and went downstairs to the sitting room. She took the sewing kit and the layer of pink cloth she needed for Ella's dress. As she walked up the stairs, she heard Ella's stepsisters conversing behind the closed doors of their bedroom. Rosabelle paused so she can listen in on the conversation.

  "And if she wanted to come along, we must make sure she has nothing to wear. We must tire Ella out with so many work so she does not have the time to make her own dress."

  "If that does not work, what then?" The other sister asked.

  "We will just lock her up in her room. She must not meet the Prince at all costs."

  Rosabelle quietly walked further up the stairs to the attic. The stepsisters had no intention of having Ella go with them. Those stepsisters were a nasty set of brutes, she thought. She stepped in the attic bedroom. Ella was still sleeping soundly, unaware that her stepsisters were conniving against her. Poor Ella, she thought. She, at least, had one ally and she would do everything in her power to help her. She sat herself on one of the armchairs and started measuring the shape needed for the bodice of the dress. After some cutting, she started to sew it on. Ella will have a dress one way or another, Rosabelle promised. She finished her task in no time, even adding some silver buttons at the top to tie in with the silver cloth that will come later. She blew out the lamp after she was done and drifted off to sleep herself.

  22

  Ella woke up early next morning, wanting to start her household chores early. Rosabelle got up too but Ella was already protesting.

  "Oh, Rosabelle, please sleep in some more. I noticed you started on my dress. You must have slept late. I'm only starting the breakfast and feeding the animals."

  Rosabelle smiled, "I'm up already. Besides, it would feel lonely up here all by myself."

  She washed up and got dressed. She stopped Ella before she stepped out of the room.

  "Ella? Do you always keep a spare key to your room?"

  "Yes, why?"

  "Just keep a spare key in your person always, just in case."

  "Just in case of what, Rosabelle?"

  Rosabelle smiled reassuringly, "Just in case of emergencies."

  Ella looked at her curiously but did not comment on it. She murmured that she would meet Rosabelle downstairs in the kitchen.

  Rosabelle continued on getting dressed, combing her hair in a tidy knot before she proceeded to join Ella in the kitchens.

  As Ella started the fire in the kitchen hearth, Rosabelle went to feed the animals. It was a crisp early morning, the animals just starting to wake up themselves. The rooster gave its morning cock-a-doodle doo greeting, signifying the start of a new day. After putting fresh water and feed for the animals, she started on milking the cow for their milk. Rosabelle was able to get a pint of milk when Ella came in the stables.

  "Come on in the kitchen. We can start off our breakfast before it gets too busy. The family is not up yet so we have a little peace."

  "Calm before the storm?" Rosabelle teased.

  Ella sighed, "Your words not mine."

  They brought the milk in and Ella poured it in the pot to boil slowly. She took two bowls and spooned some porridge into them. They sat down and started eating.

  "Are you going to ask your stepmother today?" Rosabelle inquired.

  Ella sighed again, "I can try asking if I can manage words in between their long list of demands. I'll ask when I bring up her breakfast tray."

  As if on cue, the calling bell rang. It was Ella's stepmother asking for her breakfast tray.

  "Wish me luck." Ella said as she put the teapot and the bowl of porridge
on the tray with milk and sugar on the side.

  Rosabelle attended to the milk on the stove, making sure it did not boil over. She then went to clean up on their dishes and keeping the kitchen in order. She heard Ella's footsteps coming back to the kitchen.

  She eyed Ella who gave her an excited look, "Well?"

  "She said she can't see any reason why I cannot go as long as I am done with my household chores and if I am able to find a suitable dress."

  "There you go. Her ladyship has given you permission. All we need right now is finish today's chores and get on with your dress. I'm almost done with the second dress."

  Ella gave her the brightest smile, clearly excited at the prospect of her going to the ball.

  "Oh, Rosabelle---

  The calling bell chimed again, this time it was one of the stepsisters.

  "I'll get her the breakfast tray. You can start on finishing the second dress. I'll call you when I need your help with the chores."

  The bell rang again, more demanding this time.

  "I'll see you later, Rosabelle."

  "See you later, Ella."

  Rosabelle watched Ella bring up the breakfast tray. She headed to the sitting room where she started off where she last ended yesterday. This time, it was easier for Rosabelle to start on the other sleeve. An hour passed and Rosabelle eyed her finish work. She was quite pleased at the outcome. She went out of the sitting room in search of Ella. She found her in the laundry room where she was steaming the clothes, taking out the wrinkles that had set in.

  "Ella, I'm done with your sister's dress. How can I help you?"

  Ella looked up from the ironing board, "I need to go to town. Do you mind getting these done? I won't be long. I have to purchase some things at the mercantile shop."

  "I don't mind. You can also remember to pass by the seamstress' shop for that silver cloth we need." Rosabelle reminded Ella.

  "Thanks for mentioning that, Rosabelle. I'm not sure I can finish my own dress with the way the family is going on with things to be done. It seems they have more things to do as the ball draws near."

  Rosabelle watched her friend leave as she continued the ironing of the clothes. Poor Ella, they were overworking her friend already and she knew it was intentional. She was halfway done with the clothes when the bell sounded from the drawing room. She knew Ella was not back yet so she set aside the hot iron and went to answer the call.

  She knocked and opened the door to the drawing room. It was Ella's stepmother. She was with her two daughters Cresencia and Anastasia. One was reading the paper while the other one was doing some embroidery. Ella's stepmother was at her desk writing a letter.

  "You called, my lady?"

  Ella's stepmother looked up from her desk, "Where is Ella?"

  "She's in town on an errand, my lady." Rosabelle replied.

  "Oh, yes. Are you done with the girls' dresses for the ball?"

  "Yes, my lady."

  Ella's stepmother smiled, "I do admire your hard work, Rosabelle. Make sure you have it pressed with the rest of the clothes."

  "Yes, my lady."

  "When Ella returns from the market, have her come to me for more instructions. Too bad you're leaving tomorrow."

  "I can stay longer if you wish, my lady, until after the ball?" Rosabelle offered.

  "That won't be necessary. As you said, you've finished with the ball gowns. We won't require your service any longer. We can manage on our own. You've done a lot in the two days you have been here."

  Lady Cresencia added almost sarcastically, "We don't want Ella getting used to the idea of an extra servant."

  Lady Anastasia snickered in amusement.

  Ella's stepmother eyed her daughter to keep silent, "We can't afford for one anyway. Thank you, Rosabelle. That will be all."

  Rosabelle gave a small curtsy and left the room. She knew why she was being dismissed. It had everything to do with preventing Ella from going to that ball. She went back to the laundry room and finished ironing the pile of clothes. She then took the gowns she finished and ironed them out too, taking extra care not to burn the fragile silk.

  It was at this time Ella came back from her trip to the town, "Is everything all right, Rosabelle?"

  "I'm done with the clothes and these gowns are pressed and ready to be worn for the ball."

  "Great. Let me put them in their bedrooms. Thanks Rosabelle."

  "Ella? Your stepmother called when you were away. She told me to tell you to go to her once you're here. I guess there are more things to be done."

  Ella sighed, "More? As if her morning instructions were not enough already."

  Rosabelle gave her friend a hug, "We still have one more day. Tell me what else needs to be done. We will manage this. Did you remember to pick up the silver cloth?"

  Ella nodded, "I left it upstairs in my bedroom. There won't be enough time today. I'll just try to do it tomorrow."

  "I'll get lunch ready while you bring up the dresses then we'll meet in the kitchen after you've spoken with your stepmother. Don't give up, Ella. You will go to that ball, one way or another. I promise."

  "You're so sweet. I do appreciate all your kind words and help. I'll be right back, Rosabelle."

  They went on their separate ways and Rosabelle was contemplating what to serve for lunch. She looked in the pantry and thought of just making sandwiches. There was still bread and she will just have to make some cold cuts from leftovers. She began to prepare the dipping sauce for the vegetables on the side,cutting some cucumbers and carrots. She then shredded leftover chicken and cow meat from the stew they had last night. She chopped some onions and celery to go with the meat and dipping sauce. Lunch was ready in no time and when Ella came in the kitchen, lunch was ready to be served later.

  Ella had a long list of chores and both Rosabelle and Ella pored over it, deciding on what to do first before the lunch hour will begin.

  "I can begin dusting the chandelier while you bring out the carpet for dusting. Then we can tackle the rest after serving lunch."

  Ella gave her an apologetic smile, "This list was not meant to be finished in one day, Rosabelle."

  "I know. They are adamant not to let you go to that ball. They are keeping you busy. But we have something they don't."

  "What?"

  "Hope and perseverance. We will prevail." Rosabelle gave her an encouraging smile as they set on to do their chores.

  That night, they collapsed in their beds upstairs exhausted.

  "I am just going to lay down for a moment then let me show you the cloth I bought this morning." Ella said but she was already snoring peacefully as soon as she hit her head on the pillow.

  Rosabelle looked at her friend pitifully. Maybe she could start on Ella's dress pinning it in place then Ella can finish sewing it later on. She took out the swath of cloth in the corner and fingered the silvery cloth. It would look great on the wedding gown. She cut what she needed and pinned it to both sides of the gown. That would work out just fine. She sew it in place at the top but it needed more stitching in the bottom. Rosabelle gave a yawn and settled for bed, blowing out the lamp. It was her last day tomorrow and she needed to rest a little before she went back on the road. She would have to ride long and hard to make up for the lost time. Lucas would not have minded, Rosabelle thought as she envisioned him waiting for her return. She smiled as she closed her eyes, dreaming of a man in a white mask again.

  Early next morning, Rosabelle woke up to find Ella busy with her dress. She was sewing the bottom where Rosabelle had left off.

  "Good morning, Rosabelle. Thank you for starting on the dress. You placed the silver cloth in an amazing pattern along the side of the gown, I could not resist finishing it off. I'm almost done. A little more stitching here and there tonight and I can go to that ball."

  "You will look beautiful in your mother's dress, Ella. She will approve."

  "All thanks to you, Rosabelle. You have a kind heart. I am almost sorry to see you go but you must continue on
your journey."

  The rooster started crowing his morning call, signaling the start of a new day. It was still dark out but it was time to get ready. They washed up and changed to their day clothes. Rosabelle changed to her travel clothes, packing her things. She checked her bag for the compass and her cloak which she carried downstairs to the kitchen. They ate their breakfast in silence and Ella started brewing tea for the family. She poured some for them and Rosabelle sipped it as Ella washed the dishes.

  "Promise me you will go to that ball, Ella. Whatever happens."

  "Even if I did manage to finish all my chores, I don't think have the energy to go. Don't worry. I will do my best."

  "Promise me, Ella. Please."

  Ella smiled, "I promise. Are you leaving already?"

  "Not until I help you finish some chores for you."

  Ella was already protesting but Rosabelle shushed her. "You have plenty on your plate. This is the least I can do under these circumstances. Let me help you before I leave you to your stepmother and stepsisters' mercy."

  They headed towards the stables where Rosabelle fed the animals and cleaned out the stables while Ella was drawing water from the well to clean the drinking trough for the animals.

  They worked in companionable silence. After two hours, the sun was already peeking over at the horizon in a wonderful sunrise. Their outdoor chores done with both of them working together.

  Rosabelle re-saddled Bessie and started packing her things on the saddle. Ella watched her.

  "I hope you find her."

  "Who?" Rosabelle asked in surprise.

  "Whoever you're looking for."

  "I hope so too." Rosabelle replied but she did not explain. Ella did not mind her secretiveness.

  They hugged each other.

  "Thank you, Ella, for your kindness. I hope you do get to that ball. Dreams can come true, you know."

  "Rosabelle, I can only hope. Thank you for listening to me. I needed someone to talk to and you happened along."

  Rosabelle got up on Bessie and waved her goodbye. She pat Bessie and they were on their way.