Chapter 2 Unexpected house guest

I had been out to the tailors all day being measured for some of Katrina's gowns (since she was out with her mother and father all day and we were nearly the same size) it was near dusk when I at last came home. The sky was a darkening, metallic gold. Much like a flickering candle. It seemed more autumn than spring.

I retrieved the spare key from under the mat and thrust it into the keyhole and stepped into the lone house. Putting my basket full of mended dresses down, I removed my shawl and hung it upon the coat hanger then gathering up my basket again to leave it outside Katrina's door.

It was well dark out now; having a quick supper of biscuits and jam, I had made my way to the stairs so that I might retire to bed. Fingers suddenly brushed against my arm and I turned sharply. "Mrs. Stone?" I whispered through the still darkness descending the few steps I had climbed so that I might be eye level with her, and there she stood before me, all grandmotherly in her cap and gown, holding a candle in one hand.

"Your bedroom is taken." She said. "You are sleeping with me tonight. We have a guest and milady doesn't want you and Katrina up chattering all night." I nodded. It was not unusual for me to switch rooms or bunk in another bed when we had company stay the night.

"Now!" Mrs. Stone continued. "You will need to fetch your night gown; I will not have you sleeping in my bed with your day-clothes on! It should be no trouble, the man god rest him, is sick as a dog and has been resting most of the day. Didn't catch his name but he seems like a heavy sleeper! Now go on and hop to it! I'm tired and I am sure you are too!"

I obeyed and crept into my room… or what was my room. It was pitch black; there was no trace of the moon or stars outside of the small window. My hands found the lamp above my writing desk. I removed the glass chimney and set it down soundlessly on my desk before screwing the lamp to a dim enough glow so that I might see. I turned my head ever so slightly towards the bed and jumped to see a pair of eyes peering back at me, watching me. I curtsied quickly as a mild fear washed over me. "Did-did I wake you?" I stammered, the man raised an eyebrow at me and lifted his chin. "…Nay." He said at last. I stood there in awe, in the dim candle light his appearance was almost startling, I had never seen him before. His brown eyes seemed to not look at me but bore into my very soul. I cast my eyes downwards and then met his gaze again. "I will,…just,…get my things. I did not mean to bother you." With haste I grabbed my things and retreated to the door, I turned and found him still watching me. "Good-goodnight sir. I hope you feel better." I then left.