As the days went by, I observed Christine as she slowly began to gain confidence in herself, while also performing my own duties at the same time. After I would receive my list of chores from Daniel, I would meet up with Christine and we would work together to get our jobs done.
On the first day working with her, I immediately noticed that she was less shaky in her movements, able pick up things to dust or clean without struggling in the process. I suspected that was because she no longer had to keep her fears hidden and she felt some security knowing if something was to go wrong, I was there to support her. Though she was less shaky, she still held some hesitation in her work and would get flustered if I had to leave the room for any reason. It was a bit of a pain, but I felt that this was the first time the poor girl actually allowed herself to show weakness and not keep it in to destroy her internally. And for that reason, I was patient with her, and little by little, I could see her grow stronger.
Soon, we reached the end of the month, and before I could begin my days' duties, Daniel approached me saying that Lady Edna's monthly trip to London was in a few days from now.
"Every month, our lady has a meeting with all the men she is in business with," Daniel explained. "The trip is usually four days long, two days of traveling and two days in the actual city. Martha and I are always with her during these trips, and Christine, Simon, and Jasper rotate, as we all can't leave the manor unattended."
He smiled.
"Naturally since you are the newest servant, you are most likely the one who will join us on this trip. You have worked hard, and Lady Edna has really taken a notice to it."
"That's great," I replied. "I look forward to a little change in scenery."
Daniel nodded.
"As do I. You won't have to attend the meeting, as Lady Edna...specially requests that she not accompanied to it."
His eye twitched with irritation at that last sentence.
"So this will be mostly like a vacation for you."
A vacation...
That sounded great, that way I don't have to wear this horrid, bland butler uniform! For a few days, I can go back to wearing my pretty red coat! And maybe while I'm in London, I could shop for some new clothes for myself, as the only thing I had to wear was my butler uniforms. He he, this was going to be fun!
"Well, just because you will soon be on vacation does not mean you can delay in your duties," Daniel said, breaking me out of my thoughts. "Here is the list of everything I need you to get done today."
Handing me the usual white paper, I took it, skimming the words.
"Uh huh... Alright, I got."
I smirked and winked at him.
"You can count on me, Danny!"
Daniel groaned, placing his hand in front of his face.
"Please don't call me that..."
I laughed.
"Oh, come on! You really need to lighten up, being so dead beat serious all the time. It is so dreadfully dull!"
I faked a yawn to emphasis his boringness. An uneasy laugh escaped his lips as Daniel turned his back on me.
"D-do try to stay professional, Sebastian."
As quickly as he could, he left the servants' quarters. I was about to leave myself, when I saw from the corner of my eye Christine approaching me.
"Did I hear Daniel correctly that Lady Edna's about to make her trip to London?" she asked.
I nodded.
"Yes. He just explained to me the details about it, and said that I would be going, along with him and Martha."
"Oh, I see..."
She looked down at the floor. I could sense something was bothering her, however, before I could question her about it, Christine looked up at me.
"Sebastian...do you think I have what it takes to work on my own?" she asked, her voice soft. "Do you...think I could try and take Martha's place as Lady Edna's head maid on this short trip?"
I did not answer her right away, for I could sense that this was taking all of her courage to ask me this.
"Well...do you think you can?"
Christine blinked.
"I...don't know. But you keep telling me that I need to find confidence in myself..."
She clutched her fists.
"And the only way I'll gain confidence is by stepping out of my comfort zone. A-and if you'll be there with me, I know I could do it."
I studied her for a moment.
Well, this was an improvement. The girl was now trying to stand up for herself. I wasn't sure if she was ready to be completely on her own, with her mental state, but perhaps some time away from the manor could do her some good.
I smiled. "If you think you can do it, then why don't we go see Lady Edna and see what she has to say. After all, it is her decision who comes and who stays."
Christine's eyes widened.
"W-wait!"
She backed up, waving her hands in protest.
"I...forget it! I don't want to bother Lady Edna!"
I rolled my eyes.
"Christine..."
Taking a hold of her hand, I dragged her towards Lady Edna's study, where I had the feeling she would be.
"S-Sebastian!"
Christine fought back, crying out that it wasn't worth it. But I told her that it was, using all my strength to push her forward. But it took a lot of effort. Seriously, for as small and fragile she appeared, she was quite strong, almost pulling me down the stairs as I tried to pull her up them!
"Sebastian, Christine?"
Struggling in the middle of the stairs, both Christine and I froze, looking up to see Lady Edna watching us from above.
"L-Lady Edna!"
Christine immediately stopped struggling, causing me to lose my balance for a second. Once I regain my composure, I looked up at Lady Edna and gave a large smile.
"Hello, my lady!" I exclaimed. "Christine and I were looking for you!"
"'Looking for me?'"
Lady Edna walked up to us, her dark gaze moving between me and an extremely embarrassed Christine.
"You see, my lady," I explained, "Christine has something very important to tell you! It is about your soon-to-be trip to London."
"Is it?"
Lady Edna turned her attention towards her.
"What do you wish to tell me, Christine?"
Christine stuttered, her eyes wide with fear. Glancing up at me, I gave her a small nod.
"Go on. You can do it."
Gulping, Christine closed her eyes and quickly stated, "I wish to come with you as your maid on your trip to London!"
Lady Edna blinked, looking surprised as Christine opened her eyes.
"I-I know it isn't my place to request such things," she said, "but I just...want to try to see if I can do it, if you will allow me..."
She rubbed her arm, avoiding eye contact as she waited for a reply. After a small silence, Lady Edna gave a gentle smile.
"If that is what you wish," she said. "I will tell Martha right away. I'm sure she won't mind staying here instead of going to the busy city."
Christine tensed up, looking up at her in shock.
"I-I...thank you, my lady!"
She curtsied.
"I won't let you down!"
"I know you won't."
Lady Edna turned to me.
"I assume Daniel told you that you will be coming with us, correct?"
I nodded in reply. Lady Edna smiled.
"Good. Then I will see you later, Sebastian."
She then went down the stairs. Once she was gone, Christine stood where she was, blinking a couple of times as if she couldn't believe what just happened. I smiled.
"Looks like you will be going with us," I said. "And I know you will do fine. It will be a breeze from here."
Christine was silent for a moment.
"...I can't believe that I did that..."
She met my gaze.
"I can't screw this up, now that I have requested this from Lady Edna. I...can't..."
I put my arm around her before she could start rambling.
"You will be fine, Christine. Just stay calm and it will be like working here at the manor, if not easier, since this is technically a small vacation."
We started to walk down the stairs.
"Now, let's get started with our chores for today. I don't think Daniel or Martha would like it if we don't start soon."
Christine smiled slightly and nodded in reply.
By the end of the week, it was time to go to London. The manor was about a day's way from the city, Daniel and I taking turns driving the carriage while Christine and Lady Edna sat comfortably inside. The sun was beginning to set by the time we got to the city limits, me being the one driving and Daniel giving me instructions how to get to the townhouse. As I drove through the streets of London, a sense of déjà vu was upon me as so much of the city looked familiar to me. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, I mean this was an important city in Britain, so it wouldn't be shocking if I was here once before I lost my memory.
Once we finally reached the townhouse, we were in the aristocratic area of the city, large Victorian houses all around us. They all were very unified in every way in appearance, making me wonder if many aristocrats got lost when trying to find their specific house among others that looked so much like it. However, it would seem Daniel could spot a difference, as when we finally arrived in front of our townhouse, he pointed it out to me and ordered me to park.
Once the carriage was stopped, Daniel got off and opened the door for Lady Edna and Christine. They went inside the house while I took care of the horses, and once I was done, I went inside myself.
"Daniel, can you please cook us something?" I heard Lady Edna say when I walked in. "I would like something quick to eat before I think about retiring for the night."
"As you wish, my lady."
Daniel headed towards the kitchen.
"Christine, please go up stairs and make sure everything is prepared for us," Lady Edna ordered. "Also, start bringing our things in with Sebastian."
Christine nodded. "Yes, my lady!"
Moving passed me, she dashed towards the carriage. But before I went out to help her, I turned to face Lady Edna.
"Before I go, may I ask you something, my lady?" I asked.
Lady Edna smiled.
"Sure, Sebastian. What is it?"
"I'm curious...who will you be seeing at your meeting tomorrow? I've heard that you are in a trading business, but I've never heard what kind."
Unexpectedly, Lady Edna's eyes grew cold, her friendly expression vanishing from her face.
"I can understand you being curious, but that information is classified. You don't need to know the specifics."
Her voice was firm and standoffish, threatening even. I raised an eyebrow.
"Why is that?" I questioned. "It's not something illegal, is it?"
Why else be so secretive about it otherwise?
"No. No it is not."
Lady Edna narrowed her eyes.
"Please go help Christine move our things in, Sebastian. I'm sure she will need help."
Without another word, she left the entry hall and went to the living room. Not wanting to push the conversation any further, I went outside to help Christine, many things going through my mind.