"Will ya be needin' to take this gown as well Miss?" asked the young maid, holding up an elaborately embellished purple satin frock.
"Of course Jenny; I want to make a good impression on Adam's family, don't I?" Evelyn said rising from her vanity and walking over to the woman. "It's one of my favourites. Father saw it in a boutique window when he was last in New York and knew I just had to have it. Isn't it positively stunning Jenny?"
"It 'tis Miss. Prettiest I've ever seen."
"It's from Paris you know," declared Evelyn.
"You're very fortunate to have such a caring papa, Miss."
"Yes, very fortunate indeed," she said, her voice now sombre. "I will miss my family terribly, especially Father." Evelyn returned to her vanity and proceeded to pack some jewellery and cosmetics in a small leather case. When finished, she carried the case over to her bed and placed it on the mattress. "What if they don't like me Jenny?"
"Who Miss?"
"Mr. Cartwright and the others."
"That's not possible Miss," smiled Jenny.
"I'm not so sure Jenny. From what I understand, Benjamin Cartwright is a very affluent land and cattle baron. I'll probably be living in a mansion with dozens of servants, and numerous responsibilities. Responsibilities only the lady of the house could handle, such as party planning. What if Mr. Cartwright deems me unfit to be Adam's wife?"
"Beggin' yer pardon Miss, but yer talkin' foolish. Why ever since yer mama passed on, God rest her soul, yer papa saw to it ya had the best there was. The best book learnin', music lessons, and dance classes the city had to offer. Also, if ya don't mind me saying Miss, yer one of the prettiest and nicest ladies I've ever been in service for. Yer more than fittin' to run such a fine household. They'd be lucky to have ya!"
"Oh Jenny," Evelyn cried as she embraced her, "thank you! I hope you're right." There was a slight knock at the door. Evelyn gave Jenny another tight squeeze before calling out for the person to enter.
Adam opened the door. "Are you almost ready? We need to be leaving shortly or we'll miss the train."
"Yes Adam. I will be down in a few moments."
"That's fine Evvy. How are you Jenny?"
"Very good sir," she replied with a little curtsey, "thank you sir."
"Glad to hear it Jenny. Well, I'll leave you to finish then ladies," he grinned then gave a slight bow of his head before closing the door behind him.
"Ya married yerself a right fine gentleman there Miss."
"Thank you Jenny, I believe I did," smiled Evelyn. "I hope someday you'll be able to find someone you love as much as I love Adam."
"Oh but I have Miss," blushed the petite maid as she took two more dresses out of the large wardrobe.
"Why Jenny O'Malley, you're wicked! How could you keep such wonderful news from me?"
"Wouldn't be proper, Miss."
"Don't be a silly goose!" she said excitedly. "So who is he; has he proposed?"
"His name's Alastair and we're to be married next month," replied Jenny softly. She quickly changed the subject by addressing the garments in her hands. "There's no room in your trunk for these, Miss. Shall I have then sent to you?"
Evelyn thought for a moment then smiled. "I think I shall make a gift of them. You look much better in pink than I, and the pale yellow would look wonderful for your wedding, providing you don't have a dress yet."
Jenny looked down at the two dresses in disbelief. "Oh no, I couldn't Miss!"
"I insist. You have been such a wonderful companion to me over the years and it is the least I can do."
"It's mighty kind of you Miss, but I couldn't possibly; I just couldn't."
"Jenny O'Malley you are making me very cross! You will take those dresses and that is the end of it!"
"Only if you insist, Miss."
"Of course I insist," Evelyn said rolling her eyes. "Besides, you of all people should know I always get what I want."
"You do at that Miss," laughed Jenny. "Thank you, Miss. 'Tis a grand gift."
"You're most welcome Jenny dear."
As the maid closed and locked the many pieces of luggage, Evelyn strolled over to her mahogany desk beneath her bedroom window. Sitting down, she pulled out a piece of paper and envelope from the top right-hand drawer. Taking her pen, Evelyn dipped it in the ink well and quickly composed a short note. As the note dried, she reached into a small purse that rested on the desk. Taking something from the purse and stuffing it into the envelope, she then folded her note and placed it in as well. "Jenny, take this and the dresses to Mrs. Lawrence," Evelyn instructed, handing Jenny the envelope. "It will take care of the alteration costs with a little left over so you and Alastair can celebrate your marriage somewhere special," she winked.
"Miss Evelyn!" exclaimed Jenny with a beet red face. "You shouldn't say such a thing!"
"Oh Jenny, don't be such a ninny. I'm a married woman now and a modern one at that," declared Evelyn as she sauntered over to her vanity. Picking up a black felt hat with bright teal plumes, she positioned it carefully on her head then poked in a large hat pin to keep it in place. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, Evelyn turned towards Jenny. "Well, I guess that just about does it then. How do I look?"
"Stunning, Miss. The proper wife to a proper gentleman."
Tears began to well up in both women's eyes. They walked towards each other and hugged each other tightly. "Oh Jenny, I will miss you terribly," cried Evelyn.
"And I you, Miss! Thank you so much for your gift, it was right generous of ya," she said with tears running down her cheeks.
"You're welcome, Jenny," muttered Evelyn softly. "Make sure you write me, especially about the wedding."
"With my writing it will be a short letter," Jenny laughed, "but I'll do my very best. Good-bye Miss Evelyn, and may the good Lord bless you."
"And you, Jenny."
The women released their embrace. Giving one last good-bye, Evelyn left the room of her childhood not knowing when or if she might see it or Jenny O'Malley again. Walking down the corridor, she quickly composed herself before heading downstairs. It would be a long morning of farewells, and with the way things were currently going it was not going to be easy.