Hey y'all! Chapter 7 is somewhat lighter. As well as some interaction between Mr. Carrisford and Becky. They don't get enough of that in canon. Also more interactions between Becky and Sara, since y'all love those. Even if they end up married to different people, I don't think they could love anyone else more.
The next several days were somewhat somber, as Sara was in an unusually somber mood herself. She would talk very little, and ate littler still. Mr. Carrisford didn't scold her, instead, letting her grieve in her own way, though would insist if she were not hungry, to at least drink a cup of milk.
Becky almost never left Sara's side, still caring for her, dressing her, coaxing her to eat a little bit more of her dinner. Perhaps had Becky not come, Sara may have gotten sick again. Their routine was somewhat changed, now Becky would occasionally read aloud to Sara. True, she fumbled on several bigger words, but Sara didn't criticize, only saying the correct pronunciation and letting Becky move on.
During this time, Becky guarded Sara like a tiger, quite fearful for her health, though she refused to let Sara know. Instead, she made sure Sara was entertained.
After letting Sara nap, she sighed as Mr. Carrisford approached her, sensing something was troubling the girl "Are you afraid for Sara, Becky?"
Becky looked up at him and nodded, "I am, sir. She's so pale... I hope it ain't like that fever..."
"No, like the doctor said, she just needs some good food." He led Becky to the parlor, "You must be tired, Becky. Have some tea with me." She nodded and sat down on the overstuffed sofa as Mr. Carrisford ast next to her.
"You must be worried about Sara..." Thomas began. Becky only nodded, "Yes, sir, I am..."
"I am too. I must confess, I don't understand Sara sometimes." He took a sip of tea before continuing, "Of course, I have very little experience with raising children. I was an only child, and I have no children of my own."
"Oh..." Becky didn't know what to say as she stirred a sugar cube into her tea. Mr. Carrisford, seeing how concerned Becky looked, continued, "Of course, I will treat her well, you've no need to fear for her safety, Becky."
"Oh, I don't sir. You're a good man. Still..."
"You can't help worrying for her?"
"Yeah..." Becky gulped as she looked up at the man.
"Don't worry. Everyone grieves in their own way. Perhaps Sara wasn't able to process it all until just now. From what you told me, even without the death of her father, she had to go through quite a bit. Still, she looks a good deal better than the day she went to the cemetary."
"Yeah..." Becky took a sip of her tea, still not entirely reassured.
"Sara told me you also lost your father." Becky looked up at him in shock, "Miss Sara told you about me?"
He nodded, "She told me everything about you, Becky."
"Oh..." Becky couldn't say anything as he continued, "I know you're more concerned for Sara's sake, but she is very concerned for you. You have been one of her main comforts, you know."
"I... I did my best to." Becky blushed, "It seemed like all the grown-ups just hated her, so I wanted to help a little, sir." Mr. Carrisford nodded, "Yes. You don't have to be afraid for her with me, or yourself, for that matter."
"I-I know, sir... It's funny, you know..."
"Know what, Becky?"
"If you never met someone before, you can tell whether or not they're good people... I think that's how I knew you're a good person. Sara feels safe with you. And that counts for a lot." They both smiled, "I hope you'll feel safe with me, too, Becky."
"Oh, but I do!" And Becky listed the man's virtues, compared to her previous employers, while Thomas listened patiently, charmed by his charge's companion.
The mail came by later that day, just after tea. Ram Dass was there to receive it, and promptly gave the bundle to Mr. Carrisford. He went through it. "Nothing but bills," he lamented, until he came to a somewhat stuffed envelope addressed to Sara, who was feeling refreshed after her nap and decided to have a picnic with her and Becky's dolls.
Sara and Becky were in the garden when a servant summoned them. They walked in, holding their dolls as Mr. Carrisford began, "Sara, you've gotten a letter from London. Perhaps a few. It's pretty thick."
Sara nodded as he handed her the letter, "Thank you, Uncle Tom." and took the letter. She smiled as she and Becky went back into the garden where they sat, with their dolls close by.
"Can you read it out loud to me, Sara? You have such a lovely voice..." Becky asked as Sara was opening the envelope, only to nod, "Of course Becky." The first letter she found was a bit blotted, but recognized the handwriting immediately.
Dear Sara,
I hope you're doing well. It's alright, now that Lavinia has left. Lottie is certainly happier. I still don't like French class, but it's certainly a lot better now that Lavinia doesn't tease me. I don't care for Jessie and Gertrude, but I suppose we can't get everything we want.
Are you doing well? I can't imagine being so far away from England. I don't know how you can do it so easily. Do you eat curry and masala every day? My father says it's not good for children to have so much spices. But, I suppose spice would be pleasant compared to what we get here. Everything is so dull without you here, you know.
Also, I love the brooch you got me. I'm going to wear it to church on Sunday, provided Miss Amelia allows it. Miss Minchin herself has been so strange lately. She almost never teaches anymore, or says prayers with us. She goes to church, but that's it, really. I wonder what's happened to her, but I'm glad she doesn't scold me anymore.
Because you and Becky are gone, we all help out with cleaning. No one is worked too hard, but we all take an hour after classes to clean up. It was Miss Amelia's idea, you know. I don't mind it.
Anyway, hopefully you come back soon, so you can teach me French again when you come back.
Love, Ermengarde
Sara smiled as she finished the letter, "I don't know how she was able to get this letter out. It's so critical of Miss Minchin."
"Perhaps she's got a head cold that won't go away. When my gran gets sick, get keeps to herself, and is moody," Becky theorized as Sara was surprisingly sympathetic, "If it is a head cold, I hope she takes proper care of herself."
"Still, would have been nice if Miss Amelia had the girls help with cleaning while we were there," Becky sighed out longingly as Sara got the next letter, which was writen in a much more childish hand, from one of the alphabet class.
Dear Mamma,
How are yu? I am fine. I am verry hapy that Lavinia is gon home. I dont cry as much anymor now, but I stil miss yu.
I love the pull-horsy you gave me. I think al the othr girls are jealus too.
Do you get to eat a lot now and have partys evry day? Is Becky eatin too? I can send sum food if you want.
I wan to send yu a gift too but I don't no what yu wood like.
I'm sorree that my speling is bad mamma. I am still learnin. I wanted to rite yu myself wifout any help.
Love, Lottie
The two girls laughed at Lottie's charming little note, "She reminds me of Martha. Lottie does spell a little better than her, though."
"Yes, she's such a sweet girl. I'm sure Ermengarde is caring for her while I'm gone." Sara unfolded the third letter.
Dear Miss Sara,
My family is doing a lot better. We moved to Baker Street last week. My mom and dad couldn't help move furnature, but I did as much as I could. We also have a few servants now! Can you believe that? They're a cook named Katie, a maid named Henrietta, and a manservant that helps with bigger stuff and repairs named Jim. I know we're moving up in the world, but Dad still works in his shop and I still want to be your coachman.
Since I was around West Square to run errands, I decided to send all these letters in the post for the girls. Maybe they're worried about the Headmistress reading them? I heard that sometimes happens in schools and such. Lucky I don't have to worry about that, ain't it?
Still, to be a gentleman would be nice. But I don't mind, as long as I can keep by your side, I'll get on alright.
Anyway, just tell me when you're coming home, and I'll wait at the docks for you. All day if I have to!
Your faithful servant, Peter.
"Oh, Peter..." Sara smiled at the note, "I'm happy for him and his family."
"I don't think I could have my family move from our little house, Miss." Becky sighed out as she laid down onto the blanket casually as Sara smiled, "Yes, I know, but I hope you'll be more comfortable now." Sara laid down next to Becky, smiling as Becky laughed, "Oh, I think so. Maybe Ma will do even better since we own the land now. I wish I knew..."
Sara put a reassuring hand on Becky's shoulder, "Perhaps she'll send a note soon. She's probably busy taking care of the farm and the children."
Becky smiled, "Yeah. Teddy and Martha are a handful."
As predicted, not the next day, but the day after, Becky got her own letter, as well as a care package. Becky was excited as she alerted Sara, who, after getting her own letters, was recovering nicely and was no longer quite as pale.
They went to Becky's room to open the care package first. Treats like peanut brittle, raspberry drops, candied blackberries and allsorts, as well as a cake of lavender soap, a pair of gloves, and an empty book, later revealed to be a diary. Becky smiled, "Oh, I didn't think I'd get more than a letter!" Becky was quite happy as she gave Sara a raspberry drop.
"Oh, you don't have to share with me, Becky, they're yours."
"It's alright. I got lots," Becky opened the letter.
Dear Becky,
Hop yur doin wel. I wented to mak soor yur alrite. I dont no much about India, but I hop yur getting reguler exersis and eeting propurlee and holesom. Also wented so send yu sum litle vittles, things yu couldnt git in India. Gramma, Teddy, Martha and Maudie send ther love, lik I do. Tell Mis Sara were all gratful for her.
Love, Ma
Becky was so happy at this little note, she almost cried, then laughed, "Teddy must have wrote this. It's full of mistakes."
"Oh, your mother didn't write it?" Sara looked quite confused.
"No, she can't write. And with everything goin' on, Teddy and Martha could only just go to school, so they're a little behind everyone."
"I see..." Sara could hardly fathom growing up without knowing how to read and write. Then again, Becky was denied that luxury until recently. And what about all those societies that never had a written language that have yet to be discovered?
"Still, it ain't so bad. You don't need much reading on a farm anyway. Then again..." Becky sat on the edge of the bed, "My da did want us all to learn to read and write..." Becky sighed a little sadly, but wasn't brought to tears, as perhaps she would have been a year or so ago. Sara though of something to comfort her friend, "I think he would be proud of you, Becky. Even with everything, you still learned how to read and write," and she gave Becky's hand a gentle, reassuring squeeze.
"Thanks, Miss." Becky leaned her head on Sara's shoulder, feeling that besides perhaps home, she was the safest place she could be.
