Disclaimer: Plot is mine, anything you recognize belongs to someone else, I don't claim it, blah, blah, blah.
A/N: You guys blew me away with the amount of reviews you left me for the last chapter. Thank you so much!
Also – many thank yous to my new and amazing beta: (my old one quit on me, as I'm sure previous chapters show) Dulcis Caelum. You rock. :)
Reminder: Rating is still upped to PG-13, for those of you who didn't get the message.
Summary: On the night of the third ball, everything went according to plan. She plans to forget Char and go on living with her curse as a maid in Dame Olga's house. But first loves always die hard.
Call It A Gift
By Blackberry Ink
Chapter Eight: Foiled Again
At night when you turn out the light,
Think of me,
Smile and feel all right.
And when you lay your head down to sleep,
May I be the one who fills your dreams.
Foiled Again, Eve 6
"You shan't be wearing your mother's old dress," Dame Olga said. "The material is far too fine for an occasion such as this. That dress shall be saved for Hattie's wedding."
I blanched. Hattie's broad body would stretch the fabric until it ripped. I'd rather see the dress burnt than worn by her. "I don't-"
"My decision is final," she said. "Do not quarrel with me on the matter."
I stopped spluttering and crossed my arms over my chest. I took as firm a stance as I could in order to relay my position to her.
"I have chosen a suitable dress for you to wear." She gestured to Irene, her lady-in-waiting, and Irene brought it over to us. It was a plain, cream-colored dress that looked as though it would barely cover my ankles. The sleeves were long, despite the fact that the wedding was set to take place the third week in July. "One of the servants saw it at market. It was extremely inexpensive."
"That's wonderful," I lied, my voice as flat at the countertop at which I should've been helping.
Dame Olga unceremoniously relieved herself of the garment, dumping it into my arms. "Sir Peter is set to arrive back home today, no doubt to help with the plans for the wedding. You must be prompt in meeting him when he gets here."
She waited for me to respond. When I didn't, she continued.
"There is also the chance that our Prince Charmont shall come to call again today. I am quite sure he was pleased by Hattie yesterday and would not be surprised if he looks for her company again," Dame Olga beamed at the thought. "Be prepared for that as well. You very nearly caused an embarrassment yesterday and I won't have you anywhere near him should he come."
I hid my disappointment quickly. Still, I doubted Char would come again to the manor, especially when he didn't have to. He couldn't possibly like anything to do with Hattie. But if he suspected who I was and wanted to inquire again –
"Go now," Dame Olga said, dramatically putting the back of her hand to her forehead. "Leave me."
I left the room, not bothering to shut the door behind me, and went downstairs to my room. I was supposed to be in the kitchen helping Mandy, but I felt a sudden need to do something I'd forgotten to do for several nights: check my magic book.
I opened it almost hungrily, turning quickly through the pages for any sign of him. I slowed as I neared the end of the massive volume, almost afraid to turn the next page. It was nearing the end when – yes – an illustration of Char. He sat on the end of what I assumed was his bed, head propped up on his hand, eyes unfocused, deep in thought. I tore my gaze away from it a minute later to see another entry in his journal on the opposite page. I felt my stomach flip over in anticipation, adjusted myself to a more comfortable perch, and read.
Idiot. Dim-wit. Fool. I don't know what I was thinking.
I've been receiving much admiration from one Hattie of Frell. Mother found out about it, and insisted I visit the girl. I argued, saying that it would only give her the wrong idea, but she made me go regardless. I suppose I could have backed out, but she was so adamant that I caved in. I don't know why; I've met Lady Hattie at several occasions and she is an utter troll. I think Mother still hopes that I shall marry, though I've declared countless times in the past months that I shall not.
At any rate, I allowed myself to be taken to her manor. Which reminds me of another thing I should mention: Lady Hattie is the stepsister of Ella. The same fraud that laughed at my letters and didn't see my thoughtless proposal because she had already eloped with some rich –
I've done it again. I swore never to think or speak or write of her again. I'm normally good at keeping promises but I seem to have found a problem with this simple one. But I suppose I need to mention her to tell what happened today.
I was having a regularly boring time, listening to Lady Hattie drone on about her dress or something equally dim, when she called a maid into the room. I immediately thought I recognized this maid: it was Ella. But what an irrational thought. What business would Ella have as a maid in her own household, especially when she is married to some old codger? I was probably just being unthinkingly hopeful, because I suspect a part of me longs for her often. I try my best to stamp out that part, but it is impossible, as it grows increasingly larger.
And it couldn't have been Ella, despite the likeness, because Lady Hattie called her Cinders – what an awful name – and said she'd always worked there. And she'd have no reason to lie. Just like last time.
That makes me recall another thing Lady Hattie said: Ella is betrothed. I suppose her husband has died, not leaving her quite rich enough, so she allowed her father to arrange a marriage to a larger benefactor.
When Cinders left, I told Hattie I'd show myself out. I wanted to leave, anyway, but I also wanted to follow the maid. Just to be sure it wasn't Ella.
Of course, it wasn't. She seemed terrified to be confronted by me, though she did admit that she hadn't always been called Cinders, as Lady Hattie had said. I didn't get the chance to interrogate her further; because she left to go to the kitchen. I didn't feel right keeping her.
I may be a total and complete fool, but something here seems amiss. If I ever get up the courage to stand an hour of Lady Hattie's company again; perhaps I shall go and find out.
I whispered to the book to save the writing and hurried to close it, remembering that I'd been neglecting to help Mandy. She would be expecting me. I'd have time to think about the meaning of Char's journal entry later.
My father appeared home late that night; long after the moon had risen. Dame Olga, Hattie, Olive, and I sat together in the parlor until Nathan came into alert us of his arrival. Stomachs growling with hunger, we gave him a hurried greeting and whisked him off to the dining room, where dinner was served cold.
"It is good to be back," said Father as he sat back in his chair, nodding at Nancy to take his plate, signifying his completion with the meal.
"How was business?" Dame Olga asked blurted, finally, the question nearly bursting from her.
He patted her arm. "Excellent, my love. I shall earn back my debts sooner than I had planned."
She smiled beatifically at him. I cleared my throat, not wanting to be caught in the middle of one of their love-fests.
"And how goes the plans for the wedding?" he asked.
"They're-"
"Not going as well as I had hoped," I overrode. "Apparently, there is a problem with my wedding dress." I scoffed silently to myself; that was the least of my problems.
"A problem?" my father asked, his raised eyebrows showing mild concern.
"I am not permitted to wear my mother's old gown." I said.
"Ah, Eleanor," he said. "I am sure this can be reconciled." He turned to Dame Olga. "Surely she may use her mother's dress, my heart?"
His question seemed too much for her. "It does not fit her…" she simpered.
Father smiled, as though he had solved all the pointless woman's predicaments in a simple way none of us could understand. "Then it shall be fitted. Ella, you must wear your mother's dress."
I grinned slightly as I nodded. One battle won against my stepmother. But in reality, it was merely a skirmish, and I had run out of weapons. Unless-
"Father," I said abruptly. "Will you accompany me to your study after dinner?"
He looked amused, but nodded. "Of course, daughter."
Dame Olga prodded at his sleeve. "But, Sir P., you promised me you would-"
"Nothing ails me more than to be apart from you another moment," he said, and I was sure it was Lucinda's spell on him talking. "And you can be sure that when I have finished with Ella I shall not be out of your sight again as long as I am home."
She gave him a half-smile and her eyes darted in the ghost of a glare at me. Still, she allowed Father and I to excuse ourselves as Nancy began to clear the table.
"What troubles you, daughter?" Father asked. He indicated a green chair for me as he sat at his desk. "Surely not still the dress?" he teased.
I restrained my impatience with him and went straight to the point. "Dame Olga and Hattie have given me strict orders to remain inside," Then, to persuade him to speak in my favor I added hastily, "And they barely allow me help with the plans for the wedding."
"And you allow them to partition you such?" He raised his eyebrows. "I had no idea you were so obedient."
I let out a near-snort at the irony before I could help myself. "But, Father," I covered quickly. "They are my family, and my elders."
He emitted a derisive chuckle. "Well, then. Perhaps the prospect of your own family-" I grimaced at the idea of a family with Sir Giles "-is getting to you at last."
"Perhaps," I lied, my foot tapping under my dress, wishing he'd hurry up and give the counter-order. "Would you speak with them both on the issue, Father?"
He nodded. "Yes, Eleanor."
"And do it while I am in earshot?"
"Do you doubt my sincerity?" He raised an eyebrow, his eyes daring me to push the matter further.
"Only slightly, Father," I checked. "You were always a good liar."
He liked that. The corner of his mouth raised in a smile. I had learned to play his narcissist nature to my favor. "I shall speak with her now, in her parlor, where she undoubtedly is. Listen at the door, and leave when she has consented."
"Make sure Hattie does as well," I said.
He chuckled. "That will be harder. You demand so much of me, Eleanor. You are lucky I am kind to you."
"Very lucky, Father."
He stood. "I'll leave first," he said. I wondered why. Was our house as divided as our forged family was? But then – he must have known of how many servants would tell Dame Olga anything. Bertha, even, had been suspicious of me just the night before.
"As you wish," I said, and he went out the door.
Father was successful, and I was overjoyed. The next day, avoiding Hattie and Dame Olga at all costs, I headed into town. My happiness was dented, though, as I was stopped at the manor gate.
"This manor has been quarantined," the guard recited.
"Quarantined?" I repeated. "For what purpose? Is there some sort of epidemic?"
"By order of the lady of the house," he said. "For confidential reasons."
I groaned. "Surely you can't just let me through? You know I'm the daughter of Sir Peter of Frell, and I-"
"Hmph," he grunted. "No one may-"
I covered my ears quickly, despite how strange it must have looked, so that I couldn't hear the rest of the order. I wouldn't have Dame Olga translating any of her commands for me through her hoodlums.
"Thank you, then," I said, dropping a short curtsey and leaving with my fingers still plugged in my ears. When I was sure I was out of earshot, I removed them, and went into the kitchen.
"Ella." It was Mandy. "What are you doing inside?"
"Helping you," I said, putting on my apron.
She shook her head. "I'll do the cooking today. Go. Get back some of the color in your skin."
"Mandy, you need help."
She put her hands on her hips. "Get me some water, then, love, I'm running out," she resigned. I grinned, taking an empty bucket and leaving out the still-open door. "And make sure you take a long time!" she called after me.
I took as long as I could to get the bucket of water before I began heading back. Even though it was good to be outside again, I couldn't help but feel troubled. A quarantine on the manor – what had caused Dame Olga to go that far? And not only that, but the wedding was less than three weeks away. There was so little time to figure out what to-
"Psst," came a voice from the right. "Ella."
I turned and saw a hand beckoning me towards it, sticking out of the bush. I glanced around to make sure no one was watching and dove into the undergrowth.
"Hello, Gareth," I said before I saw him. "I didn't expect you so soon."
"It's been eight days," he said. "I thought you'd want to see me."
"I did," I admitted.
"Well, that's understandable," he said seriously. "I am a pretty great young man, aren't I? Strong, witty-"
I hit him in the shoulder and he sobered. "Domnoddy," I said, smiling.
He touched my arm. "Have you made any progress with the evil stepmother?"
"A bit," I said. "I'm allowed outside now."
"Well, that's always good."
We heard the screech of the rusty gates being opened, and I leaned forward to peer out of the bushes. Gareth was beside me in a moment, and he leaned in to look out at the manor gate.
A brown carriage with painted gold design was rolling through the gates and onto the path to the manor doors. I squinted to see that the curtains were pulled back and a man inside was visible –
"Oh, my-" I emitted. I felt as though my stomach had gotten caught in my throat.
"What is it?" asked Gareth, alarmed by my expression.
"Sir Giles," I said quickly. I turned to look at Gareth, gathering my skirt in my hands in preparation for a sprint. "I've got to go. Father is going to skin me if I'm not there to-"
"Wait," he said. "Why? Who's this Giles fellow?"
I nearly choked. Had I not already told him? I brought my mind back to the night when Gareth had climbed in my window…. No, I hadn't told him. I bit my lip.
"He's my betrothed," I muttered.
"He's your what?" Gareth hissed.
"Betrothed. To be married in less than two weeks." I couldn't look at him.
"Why didn't you tell me?" His face was pulled into an odd mixture of betrayal and compassion and I could not meet his eyes.
"I only found out last week. I'm sorry. I didn't want to think about it."
"Your stepmother is-"
"My father's making me marry him," I said, my voice trembling, unable to rise above a low murmur. "For a business tie. And to make him wealthier." My stomach refused to settle and I began to feel a bit nauseous.
"Ella, surely you can say no?" he wondered.
"I can't," I said. Not for the first time, I wanted to tell him about the curse. He'd understand, certainly, and he'd help. But Mother's order from so many years ago stopped me. "I just can't. They've got me roped into this whole affair and I just can't get out of it."
With a look of determined resolution, Gareth took both my trembling hands in his. "Then I'll get you out. We can go far from here and you won't have to take orders from them again. We'll open a shop somewhere – I'll teach you how to make shoes. We can go now, and we'll-"
"What about Mandy?" I asked frantically. "I can't leave her."
"She can come with us," Gareth answered resolutely.
"How shall I get my things? How shall we get past the gate? They'll be looking for me in a matter of seconds, Gareth. How long will we last without being found?"
"Wait here," he said. "I'll sneak in and get your things and Mandy and we'll be gone."
He dropped my hands and made a move to leave. "No," I said, rising slightly from my kneeling position. "I'll go."
"But if they see you…"
"If they see you, it shall be worse," I said. "If they see me, there is always tomorrow to try again."
"Alright," he said, nodding. "I'll wait here, then."
"If I don't come back today," I said, "Be here tomorrow at noon, if you can."
He nodded. "Be quick."
I darted out of the bushes with the water I had set out to get in hand, thanking the fact that I wore the shoes Gareth had made me and not the ridiculous heeled slippers my family would have me wear. I rapped quietly on the kitchen door for Mandy to let me in, wringing out my now-wet apron, as water had spilled all over if as I was running.
"Is that you, Lady?" Mandy said. She opened the door. "That father of yours is looking for you."
I got right to the point. "I'm leaving, Mandy. With Gareth. Will you come?"
Mandy was silent for half a second before she nodded deftly. "I have my things."
"I'll get mine and be back in a moment," I said, and sprinted out of the kitchen and down the hallway where my room was. I opened my door quickly and threw all of my belongings into a dull tan traveler's bag made of a rough knit, placing my books gently on top and my never-sent letters to Char crushed and wrinkled on the very bottom.
I heard deep voices down the corridor as I exited the room. Two tall men, dressed in formal black, were being led by Nathan to the kitchen. I gulped. How would I get Mandy?
I went the other way down the hall and along the stone siding of the manor to the outside back kitchen door. I peered in the window to find Mandy, gray hair a frizz atop her head, bustling about the room, trying to avoid the fact that there was a loud pounding on the door.
"Mandy!" I whispered hurriedly.
She came over to the door and held it barely ajar. "Go," she said in an undertone. "I'll hold them off of looking for you."
"But, Mandy, you've got to come with us!" I said. "I-"
"Go, love," she said. "I'll try to find you and meet you as best I can. Where are you going?"
"I don't know," I moaned, wringing my hands.
"I'll find you, Ella," Mandy said. "Now go! Before they break down the door!"
Finally heeding her, I ran back to the brush where Gareth was, heart palpitating faster than ever before.
"No Mandy?" Gareth asked.
I shook my head, and wiped quickly at my eye before they began to tear. No Mother, no Areida, no Char, no Mandy…why must everyone I love be taken away from me? "She said she'd try to meet us later."
"I'm sorry, Ella."
I brushed it off. "I'll see her again soon."
He nodded solemnly, then suddenly grinned. "I've got some good news for you."
"Oh?"
"The guards have left the gate in order to serve as some sort of body guard for the esteemed Sir Giles. We've got clear passing."
He offered me his arm and I slipped mine through it.
"Shall we, my lady?" he asked.
I grinned back. "I believe we shall."
And we walked through the gate.
A/N: I am so sorry for taking so long with getting this chapter up. I'll try to be faster with the next one. I am, by no means, giving up writing this story. I'll admit I got a bit frustrated with it for a while, but I had a lot of fun writing this past chapter and hope to get another one up as soon as I can.
Thanks to nikkila, Arena, faith, mr. crabs, halfcrazy, MageFlam, kungfuchick, leafsfan4eva, Keiko Yuki, secludeddark, SirGimpalot, Twistedangel27, blackstar9, Stardust 16, CassTheCurious, THE BOOT OF MANY MOODS, WickedSilence, Adreena, Turwen, blue-la-shoo, Armaneconalie, Arwen Veancawen, milocachica, PunkLife22, why do you care?, Mystery, Leigh A. Sumpter, tayk, blue-hello-kitty, Gayle, Stardust 16, The Queen of the Pugs, CrimsonEnchantress, passerby, RoseGodess9, Shaharazade, awaiting impatient person, Samwise809, singinstrawberri, queen-of-sapphires, Chelime, Jules713, Indil Elondili, cutie20, Princess of the Phone Booth, RumorGoddess, tikigurl293, fairygoddess125, Pointy Objects, angelwings6117, FalseEyelashes, Pinktoedmonkey, Ahhhh, Tempest Dragon, Dulcis Caelum, Lady Emma, super sycoh, Anywien, and LOTR-nutcase for the reviews. I very nearly stopped writing this fic until I re-read your reviews, so thank you very, very much!
CrimsonEnchantress: I actually started out with this story in the third person, and have never gotten around to fixing it after I uploaded the story to Thanks for pointing it out, though; it reminded me that I really should fix it.
fairygoddess125: I'm really, really, really sorry I took so long! Hopefully you'll forgive me and keep reading. The fact that you said you kept checking up on this story really made my day. :)
Mystery: Almost better than the book? Wow, that is high praise! Thank you so much. :)
Stardust 16: Ooh, sorry about the Hurricane Charlie thing. Hope everyone you know is okay. And thanks for the multiple reviews! I'll try to update sooner next time.
Keiko Yuki: Haha, if Ella doesn't get Gareth then I'll be sure to let you have him. At least for a little while.
WickedSilence: Thanks for the offer to edit. My last editor quit on me, and I'm horrible at it myself. But I recently got a new editor, beginning with this chapter. Hopefully the grammar's a bit better now.
RumorGoddess: Ooh, nice picking up on that order. You're the only one who's mentioned it. ;)
LOTR-nutcase: Heh, lots more fluff coming up. :)
In case you're interested, between e-mails and reviews, the amount of people who want Ella/Char and the amount who want Ella/Gareth were about even. Most people seemed to be unsure about which pairing they want to see, or they wanted both pairings (at different times, obviously). I've (finally) worked out where I want to story to go, but all you E/C and E/G shippers out there can try to sway me to your pairing. ;)
Winter break is here, which means more time for me to write. :D I promise the next chapter will be posted sooner. Again, I apologize for the wait!
Be sure to check my userinfo/bio/what have you if you're looking for information on how the next chapter is progressing. I'll post updates as to how far I've gone/what I'm working on almost every time I write.