7.
One week later the house of Mr. Demos was cleaned from top till bottom. Every living soul (except for the master himself) was working late cooking and prepping for a big night. What it was, Ellanor knew nothing about.
Mr. Demos was too busy to insult, slap or rape Ellanor during this time and she had started to gain some weight and colour. When the big night came everyone but Ellanor was going to serve the guests, she thought this was awkward but she didn't want to push this matter.
When they got back after serving them the appetizer, Sarah caught Ellanors eye and hinted her towards the sink where they often had their secret talks.
"It's them..." she said with a low voice as she handed Ellanor some glass.
She looked confused at her.
"Who?"
"Watson..."
That was all she could say because the head servant came in and gave them a stern look.
A jolt of hope rushed through her and she smiled a faint smile.
"They are trying to help me." she thought and with her head held higher she walked towards the stove.
One hour later Sarah came into the kitchen again and walked up to Ellanor.
"James is looking for you."
Her eyes were worried and she didn't stay beside her friend for too long.
Ellanor swallowed hard and licked her lips. Suddenly her mouth felt dry. She gave out a long sigh, brushed the dirt from her hands on the apron and walked into the dining room.
"You were looking for me Mr. Demos"
She gave Holmes and Watson a quick glance before she stopped before her master, lowering her head.
Mr Demos gave her a look from top till bottom.
"Not me, but these men." He said without taking his eyes off his servant.
Ellanor turned her head towards the men that had saved her life once, will they do it again? She just wanted to run into Watsons embrace and stay there, feeling safe.
"What can I do for you?"
She lowered her head to show them that she was below them, and ready to give them anything they asked for.
"Lift your head up." Watson said with a clear voice. "You are his servant, not ours."
The woman looked at him and gave him a quick smile.
Both Watson and Holmes looked at Mr. Demos.
"What would it take to let her leave today with us?" Holmes asked, his light eyes piercing Mr. Demos dark ones.
The question took Mr. Demos off guard. He was sipping on some tea, and it make him cough.
"Excuse me?" he asked when he got his voice back, sounding very angry.
"You heard me. We want her to leave with us tonight."
"That is out of the question."
"100 pounds" Holmes spat out before Mr. Demos had time to finish answering.
The master fell silent. That was a lot of money, even he couldn't deny that. He opened his mouth to say something, but closed it again when nothing came out. He licked his lips and looked from Holmes to Watson, and then on Ellanor and back again. When his eyes once more rested on Holmes he had made up his mind. He stretched out his right hand.
"100 pounds."