YAY! Another chapter! Thank you so much for the lovely reviews! I apologize for any grammatical errors. They sometimes happen… I catch them from time to time and edit the chapters when I can through but if you ever catch one, please let me know so I can take care of it immediately.
Chapter 28: A Different Class
Eve caught her breath after the long walk as she and Sarah stood at the back door near the kitchen of Twickencote Hall. The head maid opened the door and moodily glared at them. Sarah announced the reason she was there. The maid looked a bit uncertain about what to do. She walked away and came back with the housekeeper.
"Miss Cromwell, I don't know how Lady Davidson will receive the fact that you were received through the servant's door."
"I am here on business," Eve said, "Her ladyship is not expecting me. I am hardly here."
"Yes, but-" Sarah handed the housekeeper the letter before she could finish her sentence.
"Miss Cromwell," the housekeeper politely said, "We will receive you the proper way but Miss-"
"Miss Rockford," Sarah said. She used her mother's maiden name.
"-will be received here," the housekeeper continued.
Eve and Sarah looked at each other, sharing a common feeling of annoyance. They had never in their entire life been so different in social status. They had both always been received through the main door and had never had to step foot in the kitchen of the house unless they felt like it. Eve quickly made her way around the massive manor. The door was open and a footman was waiting for her by the time she arrived. She kept a smile on her face for the sake of her friend. She stepped into the manor and was led to the drawing room. Lady Davidson was sipping tea.
"Ah, Miss Cromwell," she said, "I heard you tried to use the servant's entrance."
"I didn't want too much pomp upon my arrival."
"You are here on business for your lady's companion I assume," she said.
"Yes, my Lady."
"You are willing to let her go?"
"I will be sorry to see her leave. I have no need for a lady's companion, really," Eve said briskly.
"Well, I am happy to take her as a governess," Lady Davidson said. The maid announced Sarah and she stepped into the room quietly.
"Miss Rockford," Lady Davidson said as she motioned to a chair, "My niece is a very bright young woman but she needs direction. I have heard from Mary that you are very well read."
"Yes, it was the only thing I had to do at times," Sarah said nervously.
"It seems uncommon to me that you had time on your hands to study and become as accomplished as Mary made you out to be."
"She came from a good family, my Lady," Eve said, "They live comfortably."
"Well, in that case-"
"I can start as soon as you wish me to."
"Even in your condition?"
"I am four months in, My Lady," Sarah said, "I am quit fine-"
"I wish you to start after the arrival of your child," Lady Davidson said quickly, "I can't have a pregnant governess. That would be quite outrageous."
"Yes, My lady."
"I assume you have an arrangement for the child?"
"My late husband's uncle on his mother's side lives in London," Sarah said, "He is willing to take the child and raise him."
"You are giving your child over?" Lady Davidson looked confused, "That's a bit odd."
"I have no income, my lady," Sarah said with embarrassment, "It'll be what's best."
"Oh," Lady Davidson looked shocked, "well, I am glad to hear that you have made an arrangement."
Eve looked down at her tea awkwardly. The silence that followed was unnerving. She hated lying, it was the worst thing for her. Sarah cleared her throat but Lady Davidson spoke up before she could.
"How is Mr. Villeneuve?" she asked Eve. She looked at Sarah and tried to think of the best response.
"He is quite well. He plans on returning to France within the week."
"I will be sorry to see him go," Lady Davidson said, "say what you will about the French, but they make good company."
"Indeed," Sarah said under breath. Lady Davidson shot her a look but Sarah sipped her tea quietly. Not another word left her mouth for the rest of tea time. Eve awkwardly answered al of the woman's questions but she could hardly wait to return to the parish and spend time sewing. It was odd to her, but she actually quite enjoyed the life her cousins led. It was simple and the boredom of opulence made Eve tired.
….
Jean had packed the very small trunk he had brought along from France. It was set beside the door when Eve returned with Sarah. She looked down at it in confusion but she barely had a moment to think before her aunt cam swooping into the mudroom.
"We have a visitor," Mrs. Meriweather said stiffly. Eve crumbled her eyebrows and followed her aunt as she pulled her into the small drawing room. A finely dressed young woman was standing in the room. The air about her was very regal and Eve had an idea of who it was.
"Miss Davidson," Mrs. Meriweather said, "this is my niece, Miss Cromwell."
"I have heard a great deal about you from my mother," she said with a stiff smile. Eve looked at her in shock. She had heard of Lady Davidson's daughter was back in town but had no idea she was going to drop in. After a great deal of silence, Miss Davidson looked back at Eve's aunt.
"As I was saying," she continued, "I am looking for a ladies' companion and I thought Mary would like to know. She must need something to do here- in this- well, anyways, Miss Meriweather, please do let her know."
"I will, Miss Davidson," she said politely. Miss Davidson walked away cooly but turned around again as the maid opened the door for her.
"Miss Cromwell," she said, "I wonder of you would like to join me and my mother for dinner tomorrow evening?"
Eve paused for a moment but Sarah nudged her, "It would be a pleasure."
"Yes, I'm sure it will be," she said, "and do bring Mr. Villeneuve. I am very interested in meeting him. I've heard a great deal about him also."
She left quickly, leaving the women standing in the drawing room. When they heard the clopping of horse hooves, they breathed sighs of relief.
"She's worse than her mother, that one," the maid spoke up. Miss Meriweather gave the maid an admonishing look, "Sorry Mrs. Meriweather, you know it's the truth but I'll keep quiet."
…
Eve was feeling a bit ill by the time that she needed to leave for Twickencote to have dinner with the Davidsons. She felt a bit light headed but thought it best to continue on and go to dinner. Jean was a bit concerned but Eve assured him she was fine as she put her forehead in the palm of her hand once she was seated in the carriage. She groaned a bit as the carriage jolted forward.
"Are you sure you don't want to turn around?" Jean asked. Eve shook her head, "You don't even like them. Why are you so keen on going?"
"I feel it best not to put Lady Davidson in a bad mood, considering what she's doing for Sarah."
Jean grimaced and looked out the window. Eve leaned her head back on the seat. She was trying to shake off the feeling. When they reached Twickencote, Eve barely made it out of the carriage. She walked slowly up the steps and Lady Davidson looked at her with worry.
"Miss Cromwell, you look a bit foggy," she said as she pensively folded her hands on her walking stick.
"I feel fine," Eve lied.
"Well, if you fall ill during supper, I will make sure you're taken care of," Miss Davidson said with a smile. Eve was a bit confused. She had heard some bad things about Miss Davidson that day. She wasn't sure if she was to believe them at that moment.
….
Eve felt dizzy when she stood up from the dinner table. Jean subtly put his hand on the small of her back, knowing she was having a hard time standing. She tried to catch her breath but failed, falling backwards when she lost her footing. Jean caught her as she went in and out of consciousness.
"You saved me from yet another fall," she groggily joked. He smiled but she faded out and slipped out of consciousness.
Miss Davidson and her mother rushed to get a maid. A room was prepared quickly for Eve and she was put in bed. Jean didn't leave the room despite Lady Davidson's urging. He pulled a chair up next to the bed and sat quietly. The doctor was checking her but he didn't look too concerned.
Lady Davidson stood out in the hall with her son. He had returned from the town late and had just learned what happened. He bit his finger as he paced in a small circle. The doctor came out and looked at them.
"Well, she is breathing fine but it appeared she may have a fever."
"Oh dear."
"It doesn't look like she is in any danger but she will need rest."
…
