Dante's Prayer
Disclaimer: I do not own Godchild, or Count Cain, in any way, matter, or form. I do, however, own Elizabeth and her family and the general plot of the story.
Chapter 4
"Miss Basely?"
Elizabeth looked up from her place on the floor, her hand stilling over the pieces of the brightly coloured puzzle she had been piecing together with Merry Weather. It was still incomplete enough to be indecipherable, but that was understandable. After all, they had just started, in celebration of having enough space on the floor to do—well—anything. A reward, I suppose, for cleaning up her room. For both of us.
Elizabeth shuddered at the memory. It had taken many hours, throughout many days, to get the space into even a semblance of neatness. Sorting through the piles of stuffed animal's that littered the girl's floor had taken a whole afternoon on its own. She remembered listening in horror as Merry Weather recounted the story behind each bear, dog and lion. That man really must find a different way of apologizing… too much more of this and there won't be any 'bedroom' left. It will be a storage closet!
It was amusing, though, to see the Head Butler's reaction to the change. Riff stood for a moment, jaw loose and staring, his eyes wide. So he wasn't expecting this, was he?
"Master Riff. Mouths look better closed."
Merry Weather giggled, and Riff's mouth closed with a snap. He offered her a strained smile. "I'm here to take you into town. Lord Cain wishes for you to have your own dresses."
"But—" Merry Weather narrowed her eyes, standing a little straighter, but Riff held up a hand.
"Do not worry, Miss Merry Weather." His eyes crinkled around the edges, his whole demeanour softening. Elizabeth stared, in wonder of the transformation. He really does care for her. And, wow. He's a handsome man normally, but when he relaxes… "I'll have your playmate back in one piece, and quickly."
"Well… as long as she is back quickly. I guess it's alright." Placated, Merry Weather turned back to the puzzle. Elizabeth stifled a giggle. Dismissed.
Elizabeth stood, sighing as she stretched the kinks out of her back. She laid a hand on the younger girl's head, smiling when she looked up at her. "Well. I shall be back soon, I believe, miss Merry Weather. Do behave, yes?" She laughed softly when Merry Weather pouted, and ran gentle fingers through the little girl's golden hair. Precious girl… "You won't even notice that I'm gone."
"I'd better not." The mutter was sullen but the girl quickly recovered, masking her disappointment was an imperial look. She pushed her governess towards the door. "Well, hurry up and leave already! The sooner you go, the sooner you can come back."
Elizabeth tried to affect a very serious expression but failed, her lips twitching a little at the corners. Then she turned to the butler who was still standing—rather awkwardly, if I do say so myself—in the doorway. "Of course. Well, you heard her, Riff. Lead on."
It was a flustered butler that led her from the room and then from the mansion, having provided her with a makeshift cloak and a pair of delicate white gloves. I suppose I should have been a little gentler with him… He does seem a bit stiff. It's as if he doesn't know how to behave around me. The man was about to help her into the awaiting car when she paused, frowning. "Might I enquire—how far is it we are travelling?"
"Ah, not very far at all, Miss Basely. It's really just around the corner. We use this particular seamstress because she is so close as well as her reputation."
"Oh." Elizabeth's eyes sparked with interest. "Would you say it's within walking distance? Might we walk there? I would enjoy seeing more of the area, and it is such a beautiful day…"
Riff frowned. I wonder if the request is considered irregular? I don't really remember. "I suppose we could. It would be around a twenty minute walk from the gate, if you believe you are up to it."
She smiled impishly up at him, her eyebrow raised. I wonder if he forgets just what I'm supposed to be? "I believe I should be, all things considered."
The man continued frowning for a moment longer, then his eyes widened. There we go. "Ah. I'm sorry. I find myself forgetting you are not quite what you seem to be." His eyes narrowed then, and he shot a sideways glance at her. "You are very good at playing the part, Miss Basely."
She just smiled mysteriously, and was resolutely silent for the rest of the walk into town.
It was surprisingly pleasant, all things considered. The time itself seemed to pass quickly, and the early autumn air was invigorating. The birdsong was also a nice touch, in Elizabeth's opinion. Even Riff seems to be enjoying it. At any rate, he seems to be quite a bit less tense. Eventually they came to a stop in front of a charming little store: it's swinging sign read very simply 'The Cloth Shoppe'. Elizabeth stood for a moment, admiring the delicate white and lavender colouring of the shop.
"It's lovely."
Riff only nodded, and proceeded to open the door for her, gesturing for her to enter ahead of him. I remember this, at least. "After you, Miss Basely."
"Thank you, Riff."
When she stepped into the shop, Elizabeth was assaulted by a myriad of rich fabrics and even richer colours. Dear Lord! I'd never even imagined! It had been nearly a decade since she'd gracefully bowed out of that lifestyle and as a child she and her siblings had always been tended to at their manor. A child had no use for such rich or bright fabrics. She was so engrossed in the spectacle around her, in fact, that she didn't notice when the old seamstress emerged from the back room. She was so captivated, even, that she jumped when the old woman cleared her throat.
"Oh! I'm so sorry Madame! It's just that—I've never—It's so…"
"Oh, never mind that! So you're the new girl." It was a statement, not a question, as the old woman peered speculatively at her. She shook her head and briefly bustled around the shop, picking out different fabrics and different colours, muttering all the while.Then she disappeared through the door to the back room, calling out behind her. "Well, come on then! The dresses won't fit themselves! And you, Sir, can wait out there!"
Elizabeth shot an alarmed look at her guide, and this time it was Riff's turn to barely suppress a smile. She huffed a little. Well, at least someone's enjoying this. He can't possibly—
"You'd better go in, Miss Basely."
I guess he can.
It was three hours of flying fabric and swift stitching later that Elizabeth slunk gratefully out of the store, Riff trailing behind her and loaded down with bags. At least those three hours had been productive, if not necessarily well spent. She was now the proud owner of a riding habit, six day dresses, two evening gowns, a nightgown, and the various bits and bobs that were apparently necessary for any 'woman of high breeding.' She'd also been ordered, quite brusquely, to return as necessary. Whatever that means. Although, I guess at this point I don't really care; I just want to get back to the mansion and hope that Merry Weather isn't too angry. Really, three hours? How's that for no time at all!
"We'd better hurry back now, Master Riff."
The man smirked, but nodded. "Are you afraid of how Miss Merry Weather is feeling?"
"Afraid? Not entirely. More like… cautious. Yes, that would be the right word. Cautious."
0000
As it turns out, Elizabeth had been very right to be cautious. The tantrum that Merry Weather indulged in once they had gotten back to the mansion was one of epic proportions. She winced as the child continued to scream at her, secretly cursing Riff for being able to bow out early in the programme. I really need to teach some proper manners, don't I? All right, so that's high up on the to-do list.
"Merry Weather! Stop that this instant!" The words were barked, unusually terse for the mild-mannered woman. Elizabeth huffed lightly, and then stood from the seat that Merry Weather had quickly driven her into. "This is really no way for a young lady to behave. You, by all rights, should be ashamed of yourself. I know that I would be."
The girl flinched back as if those had been cold fish thrown at her, and not mere words. Elizabeth's eyes softened, but her face remained stern. She must start to learn at some point. The longer I put this off, the worse it will be. Hopefully, if she began to break the young lady of her bad habits now, there would be less bad habits to break.
"B-but—"
"No, Merry Weather. This time you will listen to me. You are a child, yes. Your brother and I both know this. So does everyone else. But you are a child of a wealthy family. An old family. An important family. As such, there are certain patterns of behaviour that are expected of you. A young lady does not raise her voice for any less than the direst reason. A young lady does not chastise her elders needlessly. A young lady is gracious, and graceful and serene. This is the image you must learn to put across. The first step to this is very simply being well behaved. This is also something you are not doing right now. Do you understand?"
Merry Weather frowned, glaring at the floor, hunched into herself, but nodded. Elizabeth sighed, lightly rubbing her eyes. Her other hand rose to touch her locket. Oh, Granny. Would that you were here… After a moment she spoke again.
"Merry Weather. I do not like correcting you in this manner; you are very sweet, very likeable little girl. But you must understand this. Accept this. You will have to learn this eventually… would you rather it be here, where it is safe, or when you are out in the world?"
"I suppose if I must, I would rather it be here. It is less embarrassing."
The older girl smiled wryly.
"Of course it is." She sighed again, gazing intently into Merry Weather's eyes, searching. Does she understand, or is she just humouring me? Then she changed the topic abruptly, deliberately softening her expression. "You know what, how about we go out into the garden. It would be relaxing, and I think we both need that at this point."
Merry Weather eyed her wearily for a moment, then smiled slightly herself. Only hesitating slightly, she edged over and wrapped her arms around the older girl's trim waist, laying her head against her, enjoying the feeling of taffeta on her cheek. She peeked up at her through her eyelashes, and her smile widened.
"Alright."
Laying an arm over the little girl's shoulders, Elizabeth gently steered her out the door and down the hall. Maybe it's time for a peace offering. Taking a deep breath, she ventured a thought. "You know, I could introduce you to another of my friends… you have to promise you won't get scared, though. I can promise he won't hurt you."
Merry Weather tilted her head, letting her governess guide her. "Really? Is it something scary? I think I would like that."
Elizabeth laughed, and they walked together in silence until they reached the farthest reaches of the wild garden. Then she gestured for the child to stand back, and whistled shrilly. Merry Weather had to muffle a surprised squeak into her hand when a large, grey shape came bounding out from the undergrowth, barrelling into the perfectly still, well-braced form of the woman, nearly knocking her over.
Mary Weather could only stare as Elizabeth's wound her arms around the wolf's neck and buried her fingers into his ruff. "This is my friend, Conache."