Chapter 2
Colin led her up the stairs so it wouldn't be like she was following the servants. Thankfully, the room they were going to seemed to lead away from where her old room had been. But she also began to feel a little uncomfortable. She remembered exploring the rooms over here and they had always seemed very grand. She didn't want anything grand. Once again, this wish was not answered.
Colin finally pushed open the door to her room. It was very grand indeed. The sitting room had a delicate dogwood table in it with four chairs in a matching wood. A lady's desk sat against the window that looked out over the moor. A silver chandelier hung from the ceiling. Three of the walls were painted a pale rose color. The fourth wall had a mural that was painted on it of a party that must have occurred at the house, but rather than looking festive, it looked very stiff. Almost as if everyone was at a funeral for someone they didn't particularly know so they weren't feeling very sad, just formal. The light green rug sat under the table and chairs to protect the wooden floor.
She went through the door in the wall across from the mural into the bedroom. It was no less grand in here. The bed was made of old mahogany and was carved ornately all along the four posts. The bedspread looked like it was made of old lace, complete with tassels. The walls were a faded blue color and it seemed like her feet sank into the rug up to her ankles. The dresser was made in rosewood with a large mirror. She could see the frame of the mirror was also carved delicately. She went back out to where Colin was standing and turned to him. "Oh, Colin, I don't know…"
Her cut her off quickly. "This is the room for the lady of the house. Please make yourself comfortable. Supper will be brought to your room in a half an hour since I am sure you are tired after your journey. Good night." He gave her a swift tilt of the head, as if he was bowing, before closing the door.
Mary turned back to the room. It appeared that she was stuck in this room. At least it had a view of the moor. She slowly unpacked her clothes and put them into the drawers of the dresser. She looked around one more time, and she caught sight of a small bookshelf. One of the shelves was filled with jade carvings of various exotic animals, like tigers. Fortunately, the bottom shelves were empty so she filled those with the books she had brought from school. She slid the luggage carriers under her bed and went back out into the sitting room. Just then, a knock came and Martha came in with a tray of food.
"Martha!" Mary sprang up to hug her old friend but waited until she put the tray of food down. Oh Martha, I'm so glad to see you! How is everybody? How is your mother? I was wondering if I should go visit her soon, but I wanted to get settled in first at least…" She stuttered to a stop. "Martha?"
"Enjoy your dinner Lady Mary." She left.
Mary stared at the closed door. What had happened? Why wouldn't Martha talk to her? She had never had a problem before and Mary had been looking forward to taking to her like they used to. The thought came unbidden. Like they did before her uncle had died. Mary collapsed in the chair and buried her head in her arms before she started to cry.
When she had finished weeping, she slowly dried her eyes and worked her way mechanically through the food. She left the tray where it was when she was done. She went into the next room and slowly dressed for bed. Then she crawled into the soft sheets and dropped into an exhausted sleep. But just before she did, she felt a few more tear leak onto her pillow.
So here is the second chapter in my story. I hope you like it and please review. Any comments help!
~Flyer