Hey guys-
So I definitely feel like a jerkface for
ignoring my pieces for so long.

I honestly don't know what happened to me:
I sort of lost it. I've had this chapter tucked away,
and just honestly never got around to posting it.

So I'm really hoping I can come back to this
site in a healthier (?) manner, and not feel
like I NEED TO UPDATE. I write best when
I'm not forcing it onto myself.

Anyways-enjoy the next installment of Maids.
I will also be posting a one shot I dug up as
an extra sorry.

Ch. 6: An Undecided Lass

"Please be mindful of the snowfall; it's been consistent all week. Follow me," Prue motioned to me whilst ordering the staff in the parlor. She led the way through to the sunroom, "Since you get to play Temptress tomorrow evening, per the Mistress' request, I'm in desperate need of the tree being ready. She said no working tomorrow, but she said nothing of it now."

I stared up at the recently cut pine; reaching up to the ceiling (the sun room had unusually high roofing), currently being decorated in fine ornaments. I breathed in deeply, and thought back to the countless times father tried dragging one through the city streets for us.

"Charlotte!" Prue quipped, "I need you to operate this...project. The Mistress has me overseeing virtually every aspect of this party. Please make sure your cousin, the cook, and Kitty do not ruin the centerpiece of this Ball."

"All this for a tree?"

Kitty's head popped over its side, "It's the main attraction this time of year! The Mistress was a sound traveler before marrying the Master. She has eyes everywhere across the globe! And most of whom are staying in England, for the holidays, trek here."

"So, yes." Prue smiled, "All of this...for a tree. Get to work!" She left in the direction of the kitchen.

"Do you think she has a social life?" Phoebe smiled gleefully, placing tinsel round the pine, "I really do worry for her from time to time."

"It remains to be determined." I played along with my cousin. The preparations for this ball have been so time consuming; everyone's been in such poor spirits.

"Troy!" Kitty giggled in delight whilst studying the tree intently, "Where do you think this ornament should go?"

"Hmmm..." He smiled in glee, taking the piece from her, and placing it in various places on the tree, "It looks befitting anywhere; what do you think about putting it near the top?"

She smiled, "Devine! It's my favorite amongst them all."

"I think you have a rival for Troy's affections." Phoebe motioned towards Kitty's senseless flirting, "And he seems taken by it."

"It seems so."

She sighed softly, taking my hand, and leading the way to the parlor off the main hall, "Does he taking a liking to her even affect you, cousin!"

"Please keep your voice down." I sighed sharply, settling into a nearby chair, "I-I'm not sure."

"Now you're unsure of your affections for him?" Phoebe clenched her hands into fists, "I don't understand you...you've chosen Edward, then?"

"No."
"Charlotte!"

"I don't know how to feel. Still!" I shrugged my shoulders, "Everything about this is new-"

"Wait," She stopped me mid-phrase, "You've never felt affection for someone?"

"Of course I have." I sighed softly, "They're just never..."

"Reciprocated?"
"Yes."

"You need to sort your feelings out soon." Phoebe smiled in understanding, "Or my prediction will come true; it has already started to."

..:...:..

"Jane...I can hardly breathe-"
"Haven't we had this conversation before?"

Jane giggled in delight whilst placing the finishing touches upon m gown. Simplistic white with a cinched waist.

"I'm thinking of entrancing my poor, senseless brother beyond belief." Jane paced about her expansive room; moving from trunk to trunk, jewelry box to jewerly box.

"I'm sure that the dress alone will put your plan into effect." I gasped out; she continued searching her jewels.

"No, no...there's something completely slipping my mind." Jane stopped at her vanity, opening a small wooden box, "This."

She placed in my hands a sterling silver oval locket, "This was a present he meant to give Elena; she thought the simplicity was utterly embarrassing, and demanded it to be thrown away."

"She must be quite the socialite. If I sold that at the jewelry store back home, I wouldn't need this job for another six months." I shook my head; Jane motioned for me to place my hair over my shoulder.

"Her father manages Plumbfield Estate, and brings in twelve-thousand pounds a year." Jane gossiped whilst chaining the necklace around my neck, "It's said that Elena is to inherit six thousand pounds; her father severely dotes on her, she being his only daughter of four children."

"Explains Edward's motives to obtain her." I sighed while Jane fixed up my hair after the locket was in place, "She must be the talk of the town."

"Everyone's wondering who she'll get to marry her; everyone thought it was going to be my brother until she broke his heart." Jane downcasted her eyes, "I'm surprised mother even invited her."

"Well, since she is part of the Katrin family. And the invites stated-"

"Oh I know." She interrupted sadly, "I just wish she wasn't going to be here is all."

"What I don't understand is why the Mistress is making me do this." I gasped out once more from the corset's wrap on my frame.

"You're the fresh meat, so to speak." She smiled slyly, "Since the opera last month, everyone in the Mama's circle has been hounding her about you. They all think Edward's trying to court you into marriage."

"Well, that's obviously untrue-"

"I know." She sighed, "But what if he did?"

"What do you mean?"
"What if he wanted to marry you? What would you say?"

I paused in attempt to collect my thoughts, "I'm not sure really."

"Well," She smiled, taking my hand and leading the way downstairs, "I know I would love having you for a sister."

..:...:..

As Jane led the way down to the heart of the party, I took note of all our hard efforts. the parlor decorated with decadent pieces buried in the attic; the dining hall converted into a wonderland of assorted foods imported from across the globe; the ballroom set aglow by fine crystal lanterns, filled with music from the best trained string quartet.

"Kind of intimidating."
"Nonsense!"

Jane took my hand, and found her way to her mother in the ballroom.

"Can you believe it? Elena Katrin unable to attend the year's biggest ball?"
"Over a high fever? Poppycock! She must not want to be in sights of Edward."

The Mistress waved us over, seemingly delight that I finally arrived, "Where one falters, another pulls through; here she is now." She eyed me coyly during her impromptu introduction, "MIss Charlotte Evans."

"My, my Miss Evans." One of the Mistress' distinguished acquaintances smirked to me, "Only sixteen, and so accomplished; Agatha speaks so highly of you."

"Strange, since we had only met once by chance at the opera. But i am deeply honored Mrs. Austen." I curtsied.

The Mistress smiled in approval, picking up on my keen setup, "Yes, it was quite a sight to behold. I thought my Edward was accompanying Elena Katrin that night. She called upon him the day before."

"Wasn't it simply scandalous to see her with James Winthrop in Box Seven?" Another acquaintance snickered, "And, then you..." She motioned to me to explain.

"Walked into the wrong box by mistake?" I nodded, appearing to be deeply ashamed, "I've been living in France for the past year, and came to visit my relatives last month. It seems even the architecture of opera houses differ here."

"Well, if you hadn't," The Mistress smiled upon seeing her son walking towards us, "Edward, look who's finally arrived."

"Ah, Miss Charlotte." Edward smiled upon maneuvering round countless guests to greet us, "I thought you'd never arrive." He took a hand of mine, and gently brushed his lips upon it. The acquaintances swooned.

"So romantic."
"A charmer like his father, I see."

"How about we give our young lovers a more private audience." The Mistress led her minions away, "They must want a moment's reprieve from us old haggards."

When they left ear distance, I gasped into my petticoat, "I don't understand how the public stands this."

"But it is quite eerie how you mold into this life so effortlessly." He smiled softly, "Tell me, what was your life like in London?"

"London," I lowered my eyes away from him; all of my memories of home I kept locked away rushed through me at once, "I-I need some air." I excused myself quickly, stepping away from the crowds to hide where no one would think of looking for such an accomplished young lady in society.

"Sharpay...!" Prue quietly motioned to her room's entrance, I followed her inside, "What are you doing in the maid's quarters?"

"I needed to escape..." I sighed, sitting on a small chair near her bed, "He probably hates me now..."

"Do you think that's a good or a bad thing?" Prue closed the door, and sat on her bed.

"I don't know." I shook my head, "This is so silly! I've never felt as conflicted as I do!"

"Edward's a good man when he gets past his arrogance." Prue smiled in sympathy, "He'll have a lot to inherit, so you'll be safe economically, but why are you hesitating?"

"T-Troy." I answered solemnly, "I haven't spoken with him since I told him of this arrangement; he was so upset when he left. I know I hurt him, but how is this fair?"

"Jealousy makes us do petty things." Prue sighed, "But, I'm sure if you just talk to him, things will look up .He's working the party tonight as a server. Keep sneaking, and try to find him,"

"Thanks Prue." I smiled to her before leaving; backtracking to the party, it did not take me too long before i found him,

"Troy." I smiled softly while he primped the Christmas tree display.

"Miss." He politely nodded before turning his attention back to a spotless decorum.

"Troy, I need to talk to you."
"I'm listening."
"But you're not."

He turned towards me, and whistled lowly, "You sure do clean up well, Shar."

"I'm sorry that I haven't been able to see you since-"

"Charlotte!" Edward found us while searching for me, "This is where you disappeared to?'

I groaned, "Troy-"

"Make your decision." Troy stated simply.

"We need you to come back to entertain Mother's pack of vultures." Edward cringed, "Now!" He took a hold of my hand, and led me back into the party.

"Agatha! Dear-"

Edward led the way to the group; her acquaintances had stood in shocked confusion whilst one of the butlers had caught the Mistress from fainting.

"What is all this commotion!" Edward exclaimed above the shocked conversations of the women, "Ivan!" He called to another butler nearby, "Get the smelling salts."

I knelt down next to the Mistress, and gently took a folded piece of parchment from her hands. Upon standing, Edward snatched it away from me. Scanning its contents, his expression fell into a depressing slump.

"Thank you." He nodded to Ivan while taking the smelling salts from him, "Please have the carriage ready immediately."

"What is it?" I asked him while he placed the salts under his mother's nose.

"My father..." Edward sighed, "was murdered."

"W-What?" I shook my head; the Mistress finally came to. Edward helped her up to her feet, and she swiftly had the party cut short.

My eyes lingered through the crowd of people, stopping when the reached Troy's. "What could you possibly have to say to that ingrate?" Edward fumed, "Please, come with me, Charlotte. I need you there beside me."

I shuddered, and went with my instincts.

Well, there you have it. The LONG overdue chapter of Maids.
Please review; they mean everything. (: