by Clare Revell
Hattie laughed. “There’s nowt o’ tha’ newfangled plummin’ upstairs, miss. There’s a privy downstairs, garderobe along t’allway, an’ a chamber pot over behin’ t’curtain. I’ll empty it when yer done. If yer wan’ a bath, I’ll ‘ave to go an’ ‘eat water an’ lug it back up t’back stairs.”
Jonni took a deep breath. She’d seen pictures of garderobes. Three seats along an outside wall if memory served, which it probably didn’t, but that wasn’t even something she’d contemplate, no matter how desperate she was. And she certainly wasn’t going to make more work for the poor girl than she had to. “Maybe bring me up a bowl of hot water so I can wash for now, please.”
Hattie nodded. “Very good, miss.” She headed to the door.
Jonni made her way to the curtained off area. Behind the curtain was an ornately carved chair with a hole in the wooden seat. Under this was the chamber pot. Still not keen on the idea, but not having any other option, she took a deep breath and drew the curtain behind her.
Finishing quickly, she went over to the pile of clothes that Hattie had laid out. She picked them up one piece at a time. Holding up the knickers, she looked at them in horror. “You have got to be kidding me.”
Nothing more than two open leg pieces that tied together at the waist. May as well not wear anything. She dropped them and picked up the stays, wondering how something that flimsy would support her rather full figure.
Hattie burst back into the room carrying a bowl of water and a flannel.
Jonni clutched the chemise to her chest. “You could have knocked.”
“Sorry, miss. Lady Louisa said I should give yer a hand with this. An’ to dress afterwards.”
“Did you find my clothes?”
“There was nowt worth repairing, miss. They was put in the ragbag last night. I can look later if yer want. There was nowt in pockets.”
“If you could please. I need what was in them.” Jonni sighed. So much for that idea. Now what did she do?
Hattie moved to her and set the water basin down. She took the clothes away from her and put them on the bed. “First thing is t’get yer cleaned up an’ dressed.” In one swift movement Hattie yanked the nightgown up over Jonni’s head.
“Hey.” Jonni immediately covered herself, color flooding her face. “I can manage.”
“Now yer ain’t got nowt I ain’t got. An’ this will be a lot faster if yer move yer ‘ands out of the way.”
Jonni dropped her hands in defeat. She looked down, filled with complete embarrassment as Hattie proceeded to wash her. She tried taking the towel, but Hattie just shook her head and carried on. Jonni sighed and let the woman dry her.
Hattie put the towel down and picked up the knickers. “Now, miss.”
Jonni looked at her. “I have been dressing myself for years.”
“An’ it’ll be faster if I do it just this once.”
Jonni threw up her hands. “Fine.” She stood there, silently. Lord, give me the patience to just stand quietly. I really don’t understand any of this. All I can do is trust You. Whether it’s a dream or some kind of...I don’t know...whatever, I know You will keep me safe. But please, I want to go home.
“Now, just yer ‘air an’ yer done.”
“I always wear my hair like this.” Jonni grabbed a band from the desk and pulled her hair into a pony tail.
Hattie sighed and pulled it out. “Pardon me for sayin’ so, but yer a lady an’ ladies do no’ wear their ‘air like tha’.”
Unable to get a word in edgeways, Jonni found herself sitting while Hattie dressed her hair, pulling it on top of her head and putting more pins in it than Jonni had seen in her life.
“There, Miss. Yer look a proper lady now.”
Jonni looked in the mirror, not recognizing herself. She tugged at the bodice. She could barely breathe in this corset as it was, without it pushing her breasts over the top of the dress. “This is too low-cut. I’m falling out of it. There must be something you can do.”
Hattie shook her head. “Mebbe later. Righ’ now, they are waiting breakfast in the dinin’ room. I should get yer down there.”
Jonni sighed, and swallowing the humiliation at having been washed and dressed like a small child, she followed Hattie from the room. The high ceilings towered above her and paintings hung carefully along the walls. She would have liked to stop and look, but Hattie didn’t pause. An uneasy feeling settled over her as they neared the huge wooden banisters and grand staircase. The ornate balustrade felt familiar under her fingers, the checkered marble floor glistened below her.
Have I been here before? It’s so familiar.
She glanced off to the left. “Is there a chapel here?”
Hattie nodded. “Down tha’ ‘allway there.” She pushed open a door to the right. “Dinin’ room’s just in ‘ere.”
Jonni nodded. “Thank you.” She took a deep breath and went into the room. A sense of déjà vu flooded her. She knew this place. She shivered as the hair rose on the back of her neck. Her gaze fell on the picture over the fireplace. She’d seen it before. It hung over the fireplace at Dawn’s house.
Sebastian rose to his feet. “Good morning.”
She tore her gaze from the painting and looked at him. The final piece fell into place. She knew who she was and where she was. But something wasn’t right. Everything swam and she raised a hand to her head. Her skin grew cold and clammy and her vision darkened. She began to fall.
4
Sebastian knocked his chair to the floor in his haste to reach her. He caught the woman in his arms. “I got you. Come and sit down.” He guided her to the table and sat her down. He looked behind him. “Bring her something to eat.”
He picked up a glass from the table and held it to her lips. “Here. Drink this.”
Jonni took a sip and pulled a face. “Too early for wine,” she managed. “I remember...”
Louisa leaned across the table. “Joanie?”
“It’s pronounced Johnny. I was named after my father, Captain Johnny Peterson, of the hundred and first Kings Regiment. He was killed in action, four months before I was born.”
Countess Maud looked at her. “Johnny is too masculine a name for a pretty thing like you. I will stick to Joanie. Do you remember anything else? How old are you?”
“Twenty-four.” She looked down as the servant placed a plate of food in front of her. “The rest is a blur, still.”
Sebastian sat down again. “You are welcome to stay here with us for the time being.” As much as an inconvenience as the beautiful woman was, he was not about to throw her out onto the streets. It was a blessing and relief she knew who she was. He could at least refer to her by name both aloud and in his thoughts. He cut into his meat, the blood oozing slightly. “Hmmm, the lamb is a little rare this morning. Tell cook to leave it in longer tomorrow.”
“Yes, Sir.”
He chewed slowly and looked over at Jonni. The dress fits her very full figure extremely well—much better than it ever did Mary. Though if the way Miss Peterson tugs at the neckline is anything to go by, she doesn’t think so. She really is a puzzle, Lord. She is obviously religious because of the cross she wears, but that could make her Catholic. Perhaps she is a nun...but her manner of dress would preclude that. Maybe someone attacked her. I should talk to her more.
“You still look pale, Miss Peterson. Do you wish me to call the doctor out?”
“No...I’m just not used to the corset that’s all.” She put her fork down and coughed.
Countess Maud scowled. “Is something wrong with the food?”
Jonni blushed. “I don’t usually eat much for breakfast.”
“You don’t eat much at all looking at you. I don’t see why all you young girls have to be so slim.”
Sebastian took a deep breath. “Probably something to do with the corsets,” he said sarcastically. “What do you normally have?”
“Tea and toast.”
“You drink tea for breakfast?” Sebastian struggled to keep the amazement
out of his voice.
Tea was too precious to waste on the first meal of the day, but if it was that, or see his guest starve, then tea it would be.
He nodded to the servant. “Take away Miss Peterson’s plate and bring her tea and some bread.”
Jonni smiled at him. “Thank you.”
Unprepared for the reaction her smile caused, Sebastian nodded. His heart pounded and his arms ached to hold her again like they had last night. Lord, how can she affect me like this? I have no time for women, especially one I know nothing about.
“What are your plans today, Sebastian?” His mother’s voice broke into his thoughts.
“I have to go to the estate office and review the accounts with the steward. As I’m sure you’re aware, it’s quarter day in two weeks. And the Christmas orders have to be filled.”
“Your father never left it to the last minute.”
Here we go again. Sebastian put down his fork. “I am not my father, Madam, as well you know. The estate is mine, and I will run it as I see fit.”
“He would not approve of all your changes.”
“Such as?”
“Plumbing for one thing.”
He sighed. “Mother, this is not the dark ages. Just think how convenient it would be to have hot running water everywhere in the house. And these new water closets are—”
“Not something to be discussed at the meal table, Sebastian. I thought I raised you better than that.”
Sebastian rolled his eyes, dropping it, even though she had started the conversation. “Very well. Then we’ll discuss it after breakfast…at your convenience.” He looked at his sister, smiling as she covered the laughter in her eyes and grin on her face. “And what about you? Calling on a dozen people, no doubt?”
“Actually, no. I’m going shopping.”
He laughed. “You and shopping.” He wiped his mouth and set his napkin down. “Well, I should be off.” He looked at Jonni. “Miss Peterson?”
****
Jonni looked up. She swallowed the mouthful of tea, the hot liquid bringing with it some sense of normality. If any of this could be termed normal. “Yes?”
“I will send John into town to see if he can find your family. Now, if you’ll excuse me ladies...” Sebastian pushed his chair back and stood. Turning to leave, he was assailed by a flurry of pink satin and lace.
“Papa.”
Sebastian looked down, putting a hand on the child’s head. “And how are you this morning, princess?”
“I am well.” She looked across the table. “Who are you?”
Jonni took a deep breath and smiled. “My name is Jonni Peterson.”
“That’s a funny name for a girl.”
“I’m named after my father. What’s your name?”
“I’m Alexandrina, after the Queen. You’re wearing Mamma’s dress.”
Sebastian looked at Jonni and then back at the child. “Yes she is, because I said she could. Miss Peterson tore her dress rather badly in an accident. So she is borrowing a few things of your mother’s for now.” He pulled out his pocket watch and looked at it. “You should run along. I am sure Miss Franks is waiting for you in the school room.” He dropped a kiss on the top of her head and gave her a gentle push.
As Alexandrina skipped off, a horrid thought hit Jonni with the force of a sledge hammer. Named after the Queen? The Queen is Elizabeth Alexandra Mary. She was named after her grandmother, Alexandrina, better known as Queen Victoria. “What year is it?”
Sebastian paused in the doorway. “Everyone knows what year it is.”
“I don’t remember. Please, what’s the date?”
“December tenth eighteen forty-one.”
Shock flooded her and her breakfast transformed to rocks in her stomach. “Eighteen forty-one?” she repeated. “It can’t be. Are you sure?”
“Of course, I’m sure.”
“You’re saying your daughter is named after the current Queen...” The thought had crossed Jonni’s mind, but she hadn’t wanted to believe it. Couldn’t believe it. The whole scenario was incomprehensible. Something out of one of the books from Gabriel’s library, but this was all too real.
Countess Maud looked at her. “The Queen, as everyone knows, changed her name to Victoria when she ascended the throne.”
Jonni pushed her chair back and stood, bile rising in her throat. “Excuse me.” She clamped a hand over her mouth and ran from the room. A servant took her arm, guiding her towards the privy.
Jonni barely made it in time before she lost the little she had eaten. Once the heaves subsided, she leaned against the cool wall, rubbing her hands over her face. She didn’t understand any of this, but there was one person who did.
Lord, this can’t be right. Queen Elizabeth is on the throne. It’s December, yes, but it’s the twenty-first century, not the nineteenth. Why am I here? How did I get here? How do I get home? Everyone is going to be so worried...reassure them I’m all right. Don’t let them be too upset. I don’t know why this is happening, or what good You see coming from this, but then, that’s what makes me human and You divine.
There was a tap on the door. “Miss Peterson, are you all right?”
Jonni opened the door and looked at Sebastian. The man was so unaware of his presence, it was incredible. If this was a dream, and a very detailed one at that, then perhaps she’d wake in her own bed. If it wasn’t, then she didn’t know what she’d do. “No. I might go and lie down for a bit. The doctor did say to rest.”
“On the contrary, fresh air will do you good. Why don’t you accompany my sister on her shopping trip?”
“I don’t...”
Louisa appeared at Sebastian’s shoulder. “Please come. Sebastian is right about fresh air helping. And we won’t be out long. We’ll walk there and get the carriage to come and pick us up from the mantua-maker if you don’t feel like walking back. After all, sitting here won’t bring news of your family any faster. I’m sure when we return there will be news. Or perhaps, tomorrow.”
I doubt that very much. Jonni took a deep breath. “All right.”
Louisa beamed. “Splendid.”
Sebastian nodded. “Then enjoy your trip and I shall see you later. However, I would rather the carriage took you there and back. This is Miss Peterson’s first day out of bed, after all.” He kissed Louisa’s cheek and nodded to Jonni. “Louisa, Miss Peterson.”
Jonni nodded to him as he turned and strode across the familiar checkered floor. The huge wooden door swung open as he approached it, the bronze knocker gleaming in the sunlight. He took his hat from Hudson and vanished down the steps.
“You can borrow this.” Louisa pressed a cloak into her hands. “And these should fit you.”
“Thanks.” Jonni changed out of the slippers into the ankle boots, and pulled the long gloves onto her hands. She wrapped the cloak around herself and fastened it. Tying on the poke bonnet she decided it was like playing dressing up when she was a child. “So, where are we going to shop?”
“Just into town.” Louisa started towards the door, glancing at Jonni as they walked. “I need new hair ribbons and Alexis is in desperate need of a new dress, so I shall arrange that for her.”
“Alexis?”
“Alexandrina is too long a name. Sebastian shortened it. Alexis suits her.”
Jonni nodded as she followed Louisa down the gleaming stone steps to the graveled driveway, Hattie following behind them at a respectable distance.
There were no weeds, and the pillars holding up the porch were unmarked and smooth. Ironic, she’d wanted to see the house as it was in the past. Now she was here and all she wanted to do was go home. Although the thought of not seeing Sebastian again tugged at her in a way she didn’t understand.
What she felt wasn’t love. Not after a few brief meetings. Besides, she didn’t belong here.
5
To her amazement, Jonni discovered that shopping was as much a social event as a necessity for purchasing things. Something she’d never
considered. People would stop Louisa and engage in meaningless conversations. Some would inquire after her health or that of her mother, or brother, or want to discuss the aftermath of the riots at the White House in the United States of America. Or the sad death of racy, novelist author Theodore Edward Hook.
The men were, for the most part, courteous, all smart, if not almost over-dressed, and tipped their hats in greeting.
The women were giggly and mainly concerned with who was walking out with whom, who had been caught doing something they shouldn’t, and all angling for an invitation to be introduced to Sebastian. As he was available, he seemed to be up for grabs on the marriage market.
The simple Christmas decorations were a pleasant relief from the mass marketing she was used to. And I don’t miss the constant piped music, either.
They left the dressmakers and Louisa turned to Jonni. “Do you wish to go for something to drink or order the carriage home?”
“Perhaps the carriage. I’m quite tired, now.”
Louisa nodded. “Hattie, run and tell Tarrant we’ll wait here.”
“Yes, Milady.” Hattie curtseyed and vanished along the street.
“Well I do declare, Lady Tyler. Are you still intent on purchasing every hair ribbon in town?” A lilting male voice came from behind them.
“Mr. Stott.” Louisa’s face lit up with delight as she faced him. “Well, I had nothing else to do this morning, and as I was in town, anyway, I figured I would just add one or two new ones.”
Jonni looked at the man, taking in his over-smart appearance. His—she couldn’t call it a tie because it wasn’t—whatever-it-was, was done up in some complicated manner she couldn’t begin to fathom and his overcoat was a lot brighter than the others she had seen.
He laughed as he took Louisa’s hand and kissed it. “That’s exactly what Lizzie said when I dropped her off.” He ran his gaze over Jonni. “And who is your charming friend? I don’t believe we’ve met.”
Louisa smiled. “May I present Miss Peterson? She is spending a few days with us while she recovers. Joanie, this is George Stott, a friend of my brother’s.”