Ang had expected her thoughts to be far too busy and far too loud to allow her to sleep, particularly since she'd taken such a long unexpected nap earlier that afternoon. But the maid understood her job well and had prepared to help lull the young woman into a state of relaxation. Once she had been helped into a fresh nightdress, smooth and silky with soft lace about the cuffs and collar, she was seated upon the vanity stool once more. There was chamomile tea waiting and ready, and Ang sipped at it gratefully as Lisette removed the pins gently from her hair and the long lengths of coppery red combed through with slow, rhythmic movements meant to soothe. Ang went from sitting with a perfectly straight spine to slouched with her shoulders down and head fairly lolling upon her neck. She was barely awake when the maid guided her from the seat to her bed, and before Lisette had even extinguished the lamps, Ang was fast asleep upon the feather-stuffed pillow.
The clink of china urged Ang's sleepy mind from the depths of slumber to wakefulness. Much to her surprise, she'd slept through the night without waking once and nearly in the same position she'd been in when she fell asleep. She slowly blinked open and glanced about the lavish guest room. Everything was as it had been the evening before with a few changes. The bright morning sun illuminated the sheer creamy curtains as the light sought to press into the room, the heavier damask drapes having been pulled back. The fire had died down and barely emitted wisps of smoke now. A cup of steaming tea stood within reach on the little white bedside table with a vase displaying irises in full bloom interspersed with white rosebuds. Wiggling up until she sat slumped comfortably against the mountain of pillowing behind her, she gently snagged the tea and sipped at it happily.
She could get used to this, no trouble at all.
Across the room, upon the door of the armoire hung another gown, this one a soft sky blue, dainty leaves embroidered along the high necklace with polished buttons, which she suspected were genuine mother-of-pearl, extending down from neck to waist, a lovely satiny flounce draped across from hip to hip with a modest train hanging behind. Ang sighed wistfully. How wonderful would it be to pretend she belonged in this gorgeous house with its bevy of servants, lovely dresses, and no expectation upon her to work until her fingers felt as if they would fall off? But no. Work called. Living a pampered life wasn't for her, as much as she currently wished it was otherwise. Once her tea was finished, she slipped from the bed and padded across to peek into to armoire. There were half a dozen dresses there, but not her own. Padding across the floor she checked the chest at the foot of the bed, as well as the set of drawers that stood near the door leading to the en suite, but there was no sign of her belongings.
Lisette, smiling as always, chose that moment to re-enter. "Oh good, you are awake! Madame insisted that you sleep as long as you like, but she wanted to ensure you had hot tea ready and waiting."
"Yes, it was great, thank you. Um, where are my clothes?"
"Oh! We removed them last night to be washed. They were quite... dusty," she faltered.
Ang swallowed the frustrated growl that threatened to escape. "I need to return to work, and I need my own clothes. Will you please bring them to me?"
Lisette frowned. "I am sorry to disappoint you, Miss, but they are not ready. They were mended first thing this morning and are only now being scrubbed. But Madame has provided a lovely dress for you, you see."
Her hands balled into fists at her sides. These people were maddening! What was it about this family that refused to let her make any choices for herself? She changed her mind; she couldn't wait to return to work. At least there she could choose what to wear! "Very well. Dress me in whatever you like and I will have Mr.- Raoul- whatever- return my clothes once they're done."
"As Miss desires," Lisette chirped with unwavering cheer and proceeded to help Ang into the complicated, confusing, many-layered day gown, followed by another extravagant arranged for her hair. An hour later, Ang was finally ready to go down for breakfast, and she was relieved to find that it was a much more casual affair. The meal was taken in an intimate little room done in paper decorated with lilacs, small lemon trees in pots standing between the five windows overlooking the already bustling street, and a quaint but elegantly set table for four with a sideboard displaying all manner of things to eat and drink. Following her nose to the coffee, she poured a cup for herself and took it to one of the chairs around the lace-covered table.
No sooner than she had taken a single bracing sip of the strong brew than in strolled Raoul, perfectly handsome and annoyingly clean cut. He presented himself with a smile and a small bow. "I trust you slept well, Miss Angelique."
What was the matter her with? They-the madame and him-were just trying to help! Being high-handed and presumptuous was just their way; the rich threw their wealth and influence around and assumed that fixed any and every problem. Schooling her features, she offered a smile. "I did, thank you. The maid informed me that my clothes aren't ready yet, so I wondered-hoped-that you could return me to the theater and perhaps someone could deliver my things later today, once they're done. I'll need them for tonight."
Raoul moved to the sideboard, made himself a cup, filled a plate with the foods he desired, and came to sit across from her. "The next show isn't until this evening; you have plenty of time. I had hoped to show you around-"
"No! I have to go back this morning. The people who work backstage work much longer hours than the performers and musicians. We have to launder everything, make sure there aren't any visible stains, mend any holes or tears that happened last night. I have a full day of work ahead of me. I can't just take the day off because you want me to."
"As I told you before, your job is secure," he stated, the smallest hint of frustration finally emerging in his tone.
"And I told you that I have to go back," she countered angrily, eyes flashing. "If you won't take me back, I'll- I'll walk."
Raoul arched a doubtful brow at her, and calling his bluff, Ang shoved her chair back and stomped in the direction of the door.
"There was an accident at the theater last night," Raoul said, his voice dark.
She stopped in her tracks, her entire body going still, breath held in her lungs, fearful of the explanation coming but somehow already knowing what he was going to say.
"The main chandelier over the audience; it- it fell."