Chapter 7
Mrs. Hughes carefully carried the tray of food up the staircase. Despite the composed face she put on in front of the staff, she was just as curious to learn about the mystery guest. She hoped she could get her dear friend Mr. Carson to tell her what he had learned at dinner. She had heard Alfred and Jimmy whispering about the girl apparently being crazy, but had pretended to ignore them. She knew tongues would wag and heads would roll after dinner. It always happened when a guest was staying.
When she got to the door of the room, she lightly knocked and waited for an answer. As she did not hear a response, Elsie quietly entered the dark room to leave the tray on the dresser in case the young girl wakes up.
She was surprised by the sound of a voice. "You're Mrs. Hughes," said an American accent. Elsie looked at the girl. She was lying flat on the bed with her eyes covered by her arm.
"Yes, I am. I have brought you some food if you feel up to it." She didn't wonder how the girl knew her name. She figured Lady Edith must have told the girl she was coming.
"Thank you, but for once in my life I don't think I could stomach anything."
"Very well. Is there anything else I could do for you?"
"Yes, actually. Firstly, please speak softer, my head feels like there are little workers in there banging on my skull with giant hammers."
"I apologize, lass," whispered Elsie.
"I said speak softer, not whisper. There's a difference. When you whisper, your pitch goes up and it's grating on my nerves. But also, can you softly tell me what they are talking about downstairs. I assume me, I just want to know what they are saying, please."
"I am sorry, but I can't say. Mr. Carson attends dinner." Even if she did know, and she did have some sort of idea, she wouldn't say. It was quite impertinent of the girl to ask.
"Yes, of course. I am sorry, I don't mean to put you in a difficult position. I know that Robert and Dr. Clarkson don't believe me, but I think Edith does."
"It's impolite to speaks so informally about those who have welcomed you into their home," admonished Mrs. Hughes. She knew she didn't know who this girl was, for all she knew the girl could be a lady herself, but it didn't seem as such and so she felt it was her place to say something.
"Of course in normal circumstances you would be right, but as it is, Edith is my great grandmother." Mrs. Hughes had heard Alfred and Jimmy saying something of the family saying that the girl believed she was from the future therefore she was prepared for the girl to say this.
"Indeed," she replied. "Well, I have duties to attend to so if you would excuse me." Mrs. Hughes started walking to the door.
"I know you don't believe me, but I can prove it," said Ellie.
"Goodnight," Mrs. Hughes said, but she was forced to stop in her tracks just as her hand touched the door knob.
"You are in love with Mr. Carson," came the declaration.
"Excuse me!" exclaimed Elsie. The nerve of this girl! She turned back to see the girl peering back at her from beneath her arm.
"It's the reason why you refused that farmer's proposal."
"How do you know about that?" asked Elsie, her Scottish brogue becoming thicker.
"My grandmother told me. I know you may not like me Mrs. Hughes. Clearly, you think I'm a raving lunatic. But I think you are awesome and I hope in time you will come to like me. By the way, my name is Elizabeth."
"If you will excuse me, I have work to attend to," Elsie said, eager to escape the knowledgable stranger.
As the door closed, Ellie sighed. That was not how that was supposed to go. Edith hadn't come in to warn her that Elsie Hughes would pay her a visit, but she figured it was a matter of time before the woman came.
She slowly reached over the bedside to reach into her bag. The movement made her nauseous, but she had to get her medication. She knew the shit Clarkson had given her would be useless.