A/N: This is when it starts to get moving, so I hope you like it.
Chapter two: No Way Out
"Here is your tea, madam."
Vanessa Stone, a noble who married below her station and proud of it looked up from her child. The little serving girl, Ava, stood in the doorway, a cup of tea in her hands. Motioning the girl forward, she watched as Ava stepped carefully, the cup rocking lightly in its saucer. The child was very graceful, small bones, but strong. She had to be, if she helped Marcie with the cooking and the linens. She had sharp features with a rounded face. The effect made the sides of her face appear to cave in a bit under her cheekbones and near her ear.
It was a smooth, unblemished face of someone born with perfect skin, a feature Vanessa had envied in secret. Her hair, while normally a light brown, when the sun hit it, tended to make the male population stare at its redness when the sun hit it just right, and her eyes reminded Vanessa of the rich, deep mud she used to play in as a child, the warm kind that smells like grass.
Taking a sip, she smiled. "Marcie tells me you have been a great help to her. I would hate to displace you so soon." Her husband, Braden, hired the girl a week ago to help them with packing. Since then, Ava had worked hard, and after stern questioning from Marcie, Vanessa convinced Braden to bring the girl with them as a nanny. But her experience with Ava showed stubbornness, if Ava refused to accept their charity, then she might end up on the streets.
"I have work waiting for me, once you leave. Over at the tavern, they need someone to clean up after hours. I even have a room, if I have need of it."
It was a lie, and Vanessa knew it. The tavern never gave out rooms to workers, in fact, the owner no doubt had his own plans for the pretty little child, and Vanessa didn't like to think of what they might be.
"Marcie is getting older, and my husband will not be able to hire another strong worker for months after we move. They both approve of you, and besides, Julianne would miss you. I'm afraid you must come with us."
Ava looked shocked, her voice caught. She took a deep breath, trying unsuccessfully to cover her nerves. "Go with you to Boston?"
"Yes. We have the money to pay for you, and if it bothers you, then you can just pay us back with your wages."
"Why I…I mean…"
Vanessa Stone gave a heart felt chuckle at the bemused look Ava displayed. Ava was very shy and reserved, but at times she showed extreme wit and daring, always in short burst, of course. Vanessa looked forward to picking apart the girl seated across from her. There was a secret lying inside, and it was Vanessa's job to uncover it.
"I suggest you go and pack, Ava."
"Yes Madam."
"Oh, before you go, I need to know your age and where you were born. The captain needs to know whom he is transporting. I told him it was unnecessary, but he insisted."
"I'm eighteen, and I believe I was born in Spain."
"Spain," Vanessa asked, her eyebrows once gain arched elegantly into her trim bangs. Ava envied such elegance.
"Yes. My father was a Spaniard, my mother English."
"Of course. I also want you to pack for Julianne and Alexander. They will be in your charge for the duration of the trip."
"Yes, Madam. Will that be all," Ava sighed slightly. It took all her will power not to sigh.
"For now at least. Here, take Alexander to bed, and then continue with your chores. Braden should be returning soon, and dinner must be ready."
By some miracle, Ava was able to take the child, curtsy, back out of the room and shut the door without crying in joy. The tavern had no intension of giving her a room, and the vile owner, Mr. Jinks, was more likely to sell her off then to give her decent work. Now she had a high position within a respected family, quiet possibly the last respectful family left in Liverpool. Yes, she had hope, yes she had a chance, all she needed to do was keep her eyes open and step quickly so Sir Braden kept his shell over his head long enough to realize just what his wife was planning.
