Author's Note: Thank you so much for the enormous support all of you have shown me! It's incredible! I apologize for the very long delay. Hopefully such a long break from writing will never occur again. Enjoy!
Chapter Three:
Ella smoothly transitioned and settled into her new life without any issues.
Learning quickly, she found herself settling in a comfortable routine. Arising before dawn to start on the morning meal was what started her day. This was the trickiest meal of all not because it was somewhat difficult for her to wake up fresh faced, but because the first meal of the day consisted of a variety of dishes including a rather delicious smelling quiche, fresh fruit drizzled with a sweet cinnamon syrup, and to Ella's dismay, a paper thin delicacy called a crepe.
The maiden liked to think that she caught on quickly when it came to new aspects, but no matter how many times she tried to plate a perfectly golden crepe, she always managed to tear a hole in it during the process. Regardless of her failed attempts, Ella's enthusiasm never waned. Instead, the petite young woman put her body and soul into her work, and found great pride in completing the duties expected of her. She cheerfully conversed with her fellow peers during the preparation for the mid-day meal amongst the clatter of pots and silverware, and passionately asked questions about the recipes that were used during the production of cooking the evening meal. Ella even found herself humming for time to time as she washed the unsettlingly large amount of cutlery in the late hours of the night.
Between preparing three boastful meals (and occasionally a plate of finger sandwiches and tea when a guest or diplomat showed), scrubbing what seemed like an endless collection of pots and pans, polishing silver until she could sharply see her own reflection, hauling the firewood from outside and tending to the rather extensive garden that was out back, Ella was quite busy. So busy in fact that the days seemed to meld together and before she knew it had been two weeks since she first arrived.
The thought that Ella had already been at the Royal Palace for two weeks made her think for a moment about the manor, Lady Tremaine and her stepsisters as she peeled potatoes one morning in the kitchen. But the thought left as quickly as it came, evaporating from her mind, as a rather disgruntled Mrs. Pryor grumbled directions at her.
Of course a long workday did not mean she had no time to herself. When she was granted a spare ten minutes or so, she would often hurry down to the stables and spend her time with Major. Well-fed and possessing a glossy coat, he too seemed content with his new surroundings. She often would draw up a nearby upturned bucket, and perch herself on top of it as she told her dear four legged friend about what was going on in the kitchen.
However her time spent with Major did have some disadvantages. Due to her frequently spending free time in the stables, she failed to make any strong friendships with her fellow staff members. She was certainly likeable-but solid relationships with the people around her didn't exist, leaving her lonely at certain points in day.
For example, lunch.
Mrs. Pryor allowed her to a have half an hour break for Ella to replenish her strength and hunger. (Ella though this was quite generous of Mrs. Pryor since there always seemed like there was another pan to scrub or dish to whip up.) And while others may have speedily taken the opportunity to find their associates and share stories of what was going on in the castle, Ella usually took two apples (one of herself and one of Major) and headed to the stables-her haven.
It was during one of these breaks Kit found Ella hurrying down the rather narrow path. He paused briefly, mesmerized by the sight of her. The quick glimpses of sunlight that flitted through the trees made her hair seem to take on what could only be described as an angelic appearance. Indeed, it seemed as if a halo was formed around the crown of her head as she kept her eyes towards the ground to spot any tree roots that might cause her to stumble.
And then, as if sensing there was a presence near, Ella glanced up as she slowed her pace. Her lips widened easily into a gentle smile as she ultimately stopped in front of him, only perhaps a yard away. All of a sudden the young man found himself nervous, as if he was some small school boy who had a crush on a fellow classmate. He swallowed not sure what to say.
"Mr. Kit." Ella happily greeted, her eyes lighting up some as she clasped her hands in front of her as a sign that she truly was pleased of his appearance. Her smile never waned as she continued to speak, "I'm glad to see you're well."
"Are you going to the stables?" he asked somewhat abruptly. He meant no offense by it, in fact rather the opposite. It had sprung from his lips without his permission due to the fact that his nerves were getting the best of him. It was an alarming thought of what this maiden who he had only met weeks ago did to him.
She lowered her voice considerably as if she was confiding in him as she nodded, "Yes. Major rather likes his afternoon treat."
It was then when Kit noticed Ella had withdrew a pair of two blushing apples from her apron's pocket for a moment before tucking them securely back. He smiled pleasantly at her, "I was wondering if you would be so inclined as to have the afternoon meal with me. There's a place I would like to show you."
Curiosity took a hold of her. Chewing on the inside of her cheek she debated: she supposed she could visit Major during one of her other breaks. It was with that thought Ella allowed herself to nod in confirmation.
His smile widened, his white teeth gleaming in the rays of sunlight that managed to pass through the branches of the trees that bordered the path. He then reached out and gently grasped her wrist, "Come on then."
"He's like a child." Ella thought to herself as they hurried along the path, "A small little boy who finds delight in the smallest things."
He turned his head, his blue eyes sparkling, as they took a small detour and entered a courtyard of some sort. She glanced around, taking in the overgrown vines that threatened to conquer the stone walls and the beautifully carved statues, "I've never shown this to anyone."
Ella's stomach fluttered at the thought that he trusted her to keep a secret-to keep one of his secrets. What could he possibly want to show her?
He slowed his pace gradually to a stop, the noise of their excited breaths filling the space around them. He turned to her, eyes afire with some emotion. Ella couldn't classify it and it made her even more curious about where they were exactly heading to.
Instead of continuing their journey however, he turned his attentions to a rather large portion of the stone wall before them. The young maiden found herself wincing slightly as Kit searched the wall, his hands immersed in the thicket of vines, "Mr. Kit isn't there-"
"No thorns," Kit assured her, "It's Hedera helix. If it was Smilax it would be a different story."
Out of the corner of corner of his eye he saw Ella's rigid shoulders become slightly relaxed and he smiled to himself. She cared. Even if it was only a small amount, she still cared for his well-being. And somehow that warmed his entire being against the slightly chill breeze that rushed past the pair. It was then when he felt the pads of his fingertips brush across cool metal.
He had found it.
Wasting no time, he hastily opened the door which creaked warily. He looked over his shoulder to see Ella's eyes widen in amazement. With a sweeping gesture he directed her to enter with himself following close behind.
Silence swept in the area as Ella took timid steps deeper and deeper into his secret place. He did his best to fake a collected appearance, but his heart gave away how nervous he actually was. Thump. Thump. Thump. He had never shown anyone his hideaway but something had struck him-had inspired him to show her, Ella, this safe haven.
But what if she didn't like it? What if she thought it was foolish of him? That it was childish of him to have such a place?
A part of him wanted to believe that she would take delight in this secret destination of his. But a part of him still doubted. And the young prince acknowledged that Ella was good and kind at heart. In short, that even if she did not find comfort and contentment in this place, she would still pretend to. Kit didn't know what would be worse: her disapproval that he had such a place or her fake approval that she did like his hideaway.
His thoughts and worries were shattered as she clasped her hands and gave a small graceful twirl, her skirts delicately swirling around her ankles, "A secret garden!" She then looked over at Kit, her eyes sparkling as brilliantly as stars in the night sky, "It's marvelous."
He found himself beaming, relief washing over him, "You should see it in Spring. The Hellebores and Lilacs came in beautifully last year. Though Summer Snowflakes are one of my favorites." He paused for a moment (after all he had quickly listed all of this rather quickly), glancing at the girl-no, the lady beside him who looked rather troubled.
It startled him, "Ella, have I offended you in some way?"
"Oh!" the maiden said, shaking her head frantically, "Why not at all, Mr. Kit! Back at home my mother kept a small garden that consisted of tulips-they were her favorite flower. She loved how cheerful they looked. The rest of the garden was made up of wildflowers. So I suppose my knowledge of flowers is…quite lacking." She said all of this as if she was embarrassed. In fact, Kit noticed how a shade of red had sprung upon her cheeks as she admitted this all to him.
Kit pondered the best way to address this. She was clearly embarrassed though she had no reason to be so, and somehow that made Kit feel ashamed of himself. Not wanting to take too much time to form a response he cleared his throat, "You'll have to see them when they come in this Spring." He then met her eyes and asked, "And tulips…what do they look like? I'm afraid that I've never seen one in my life. Nor have I seen wildflowers."
She brightened a little at his words and answered shyly, "They can be up to three feet high or so and come in a variety of colors."
"Perhaps we can plant some here." Kit suggested, already making a mental note to go to the library after and do some reading on tulips, and any other flowers he thought Ella would take a liking to. He never was truly interested in flowers, so his knowledge of plants was unusually sparse for someone of his class, but now he supposed he had a reason to become knowledgeable. He wondered if Ella would appreciate books on the matter as well.
"Are you hungry?" He asked her, drawn out of his thoughts. His companion smiled and nodded pleasantly but then faltered. Ella glanced upwards to the sky and then took a few steps towards the garden's entrance, "Actually Mr. Kit, I think I should be back at the kitchens."
He suppressed a sigh. They had already spent their time.
"How are the kitchens treating you?" he asked as he followed her to escort her back to the path she was familiar with. He had wondered many times a day how Ella was faring and if she missed her family-and if in turn her family missed her.
"Better than I most likely deserve." She replied, using the answer he had given her not too long ago in the woods. Yes, humor apparent in her eyes.
He smiled easily, charmed by the young maiden, "I'm glad to hear it."
"Thank you Mr. Kit for showing me your secret garden." Ella whispered to him as they reached the path that led back to the kitchens. Both of them slowed their pace to a complete stop though it looked like Ella was itching to get back to her employer.
"Tomorrow?" Kit asked.
The fair maiden smiled as she turned to trot down the path, "Yes, tomorrow."
Nothing more had to be said.
Note: Thoughts? Feedback? Review?
Much love,
The Painted Green Door
