“Yes, Mum.” She set her socks in the basket and stood, smoothing back her pretty blonde hair. She had a pleasant, heart-shaped face and laughing eyes. We could like her, I thought. Although she was young, the ease with which she moved around the homey kitchen told me she’d been here for some time. “Follow me.”
We scurried around the large table, and followed her into the narrow hall the servants used. Dingy and dark, it felt more as if we walked the back alleys of St. Giles, sans the scent of urine, than the halls of a modern mansion. However, the closer to the main floor we traveled, the more things changed.
There was no clear indication that we’d moved into the family quarters, it was almost as if the very air shifted. The carpet became richer, the walls suddenly had wainscoting, portraits of dour, wealthy looking people, and lush landscapes. You could even spot a potted fern here and there.
“Mrs. Finch isn’t usually so bad, but she’s in a tizzy with the winter ball Lady Landcaster throws every year.”
“What’s it like?” Vi asked excitedly.
I resisted the urge to snort. What was it like? No doubt rich entitled who ate to excess, gambled, smoked cigars, sniffed opium, and abused any female servants who came within reach. The very definition of the deadly sins. If I was going to be touched, I would choose the man who got to touch me, thank you very much.
She turned toward us, walking backwards. She knew these halls well. “Very exciting, but also rather exhausting. Although you didn’t hear me say so.” She pressed her finger to her lips. “No complaints from the servants…ever.”
“I’m sure it is exhausting,” I said.
If something went wrong, the servants would be blamed. We moved into an opulent foyer, complete with marble flooring and a golden chandelier that hung stately above. Fresh fir boughs wrapped around the staircase, tied with festive red bows. It smelled divine. I admit, even I was impressed. And this wasn’t the largest home on the lane.
“Lord,” Vi whispered, her wide eyes trying to take in everything all at once. I was just as stunned, although I did better at hiding it. Underneath the sense of wonder, was the startling realization that there was such a disconnection between these people and those who lived in the rookeries. It didn’t seem fair.
“Lady Landcaster travels and is rarely here. It’s mostly just her son who lives in this townhome. If the family walks in, do not look at them, don’t dare speak to them, and make as little sound as possible. You are to be invisible. A shadow.”
“What if they speak to us?” Vi whispered, as if the family had already arrived. She looked more than intimidated.
I admit, even I was feeling rather unsure.
“Answer, but keep your eyes downcast and keep your response short and clear. Do not mumble.”
I nodded, barely listening. A painting of a woman on a horse had caught my attention. It was massive. So large that if it fell off its hook, it would no doubt crush the person below. Was this Lady Landcaster? No, her dress style was too old. I stepped closer. The woman in the painting smiled down at us as if she knew something we didn’t. The same sort of look all wealthy people wore.
“Come on, Evie! Don’t be afraid, it’s just a horse!”
The voice whispered through my mind, a memory from a long time ago that taunted and teased like the other visions I’d had throughout my life.
“Are you all right?” Kindly blue eyes in a boyish face stared down at me. He held out his pudgy hand and smiled. How old was he? Nine? Ten? “Don’t worry, you’ll be a right fine rider in no time at all.”
“Ginny?” Vi whispered, nudging my shoulder and startling me from the memory. “Are you well?”
A memory…or perhaps something I’d read and couldn’t recall? Surely I had never ridden a horse. I forced myself to smile. “Yes. Quite. Merely shocked by it all.”
“Aye, me too.” She gripped my arm, almost painfully in her excitement. I’d never known anyone so thrilled to be working their fingers to the bone. “Isn’t it wonderful? And it smells so good! Like bread, and cinnamon, and pine trees, and just plain wholesome soap!”
Sleet was tapping at the windows, but we were safe and warm inside. I couldn’t help but grin. She was right; this was our best course of action for now.