Disclaimer: I own merely the plot and any new characters not familiar to you.
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During the entire time Margaret Brown was giving the young woman a tour of her home, Rose felt as if she was holding her breath. Molly lived in a grand home like all of those Rose was so used to. This was what she was trying to escape.
"And this," Molly swept open large double doors which led to a fantastically decorated suite. "Is your room."
Mrs. Brown stood just inside the doors, waving her arm out as if to show the room off to Rose. Gingerly Rose stepped into the room. The plush carpet below her feet was a lavender color. The sconces on the wall were a simple design, yet elegant. Rose's eyes traced from the floor, up the walls, back down and to the bed. The bed was a four poster and had a silk canopy that draped down into covers which could be pulled shut for privacy. It was more luxurious looking than any bed in any hotel or home Rose had been a guest in before.
"Molly..." Rose began.
"Yes?"
"I can't stay here... perhaps you have an empty servant's room? I would feel much more comfortable there."
"Don't be silly! You are an honored guest and as one you will board in this room as long as you stay."
There they were again. Orders. Her entire life Rose was made to follow one order after another. Mostly from her mother. "Go to your room, Rose!" "Go think about what you've done, Rose!" "Rose, put on a brave face." "You must marry Caledon, Rose. Its our only hope."
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" roared Rose.
Molly looked at Rose for a moment as though she had some deadly, and contagious, disease. She wasn't sure what she should do. Rose had gone through so much more then she had that night. What she must have seen, heard, and done... when the time was right Molly knew Rose would tell her what she wanted to tell. But only when the time was right and when Rose was ready.
When Rose saw this look, she gathered her wits and apologized.
"I'm sorry, Molly. My mother and her commands won't leave me be."
"Well, then, I shall. Dinner will be served at six. We don't announce it like a cavalry charge around here," laughed Molly.
Rose smiled the best she could. Molly was trying to make her laugh, get her out of the stupor she was living in. She felt it was only polite to try to humor Molly and smile. It was the least she could do after the generosity the woman was showing her. The older woman showed herself out, quietly closing the double doors behind her. Rose surrendered, drawing out a sigh of relief. She collapsed onto the bed, pulling shut the curtains until she would be called to dinner. She wasn't going to worry about her life and what she would do now. Her next move would remain unplanned and unscripted until she had rest and food in her stomach. Maybe then she could think properly.