Mine to Fear (Mine #3)(11)
“You're going to leave us? You just arrived.” Her big eyes are so sad, it makes me wish things were different. Safer.
“I want to stay. I missed you so much. More than I would have ever thought. But I came back to help. I feel like you have the help you need here now, and there may be something more I can do elsewhere.”
“I understand.” She's silent a moment but continues brushing Goldie. “I may have somewhere that fits your needs. Councilman Daniel and Annabelle are very opened-minded, but there are other servants in their household and people they visit with that you may be able to reach out to.”
“I remember them. They'd be perfect if they're willing.” I give her a tight hug. “Thank you. Would you mind giving us a reference?”
“I doubt you'll need it, but I'd be delighted to help both you and Tawny.”
“Thank you for your help,” I say. “Do you also think maybe it will help you by not having her around?”
For a moment, I think she's going to disagree, but then she says, “I admit, the thought crossed my mind. I'm certain we'd be fine if she stayed, though, and I will miss you.”
“I will miss you too.” I wrap her in a hug, tightly like she was my own sister. “I better go help with breakfast.”
“I knew it.”
“You already know me too well.” I turn to leave.
“Waverly?”
“Yes?”
“Is your leaving because of Tawny being Zade's previous fiancée?”
I swallow past the tightness in my throat. “Zade loves you. He would never, ever leave you for anyone else. I've never seen a love as fierce as his.”
“Yet, you're going.”
“It will be good for us. All of us.”
I'm not sure she entirely believes my response, and she shouldn't, just not for the reasons she supposes.
Chapter Eight
Leaving Serena again is harder than I expect. Even harder than being so close to Serena's sisters and not being able to see them. There's an ache inside me without them here. Serena promises to send word if there's any news or change with them and when her mother has the baby.
Tawny is silent the entire ride except for once saying, “I always thought the windowless carriages were an exaggeration. If anything I see now that it was under exaggerated.”
I've never seen Annabelle and Councilman Daniel's house before. It's large, though not as grand as Zade's. Ivy climbs up one side of their house, over all three floors reaching the roof. The rest of their house is white, with a good number of windows.
Annabelle greets us with a smile, wearing a pair of tan breeches. No one has embraced Katherine's designs as much as she has. Not only is Katherine, a friend who pretends to be a tarnished, an amazing seamstress, but she has a flair for women's independence that influences others. Knowing Annabelle gets along so well with her makes me feel more at home already. “I'm so glad you've decided to join us. When Serena told me not one, but two Envadi were looking for a place to work, I was delighted. Let's have a sip of tea and discuss your duties.”
As we move to the sitting room, Tawny asks, “Do you typically take tea with the servants?”
She most definitely does not sound like a servant herself. It will be a miracle if she can not only do her work but do it without giving away who she really is.
“Usually, and of course, since Waverly and I have met, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to get to know another Envadi.” She insists on pouring the tea for us both, and once we're all settled, she leans in close and whispers. “Do either of you use magic?”
I want to exchange a glance with Tawny to know what she thinks of this, but I don't dare give us away so blatantly. Instead, I mimic Annabelle by leaning closer and whispering, “Do you?”
She giggles like my evasive reply pleased her and, with a wink, pours more tea in my cup. “I think we shall all get along just fine.”
We chatter as we sip our tea. Annabelle and Tawny agree to try her as Annabelle's personal maid while I'll help with general housework. It suits me and keeps Tawny more with someone I trust and myself out moving among the other servants. Hopefully, since Annabelle and Daniel have accepted me, we'll get rid of their notions that I'm a barbarian, and what's more, convince them of women's worth.
Once we're finished, Annabelle instructs another servant to show us around, including where we'll we'll be working, our bed chamber, where we are to report each morning, and where to eat.
The servant is nice, but quick, hurrying through the house as if it's a struggle just to find a little time to show us around, even though doing so will mean we'll be able to help ease her load. The last place she takes us is a tiny room.
“These are the living quarters you'll be sharing. The Councilman was kind enough to install a flushing toilet down the hall we all share. We may even get the electric lights in our quarters if things continue to go well.”
It would be a nicer prospect if it wasn't already expected. It's hard to remember people live without these things and think it's perfectly normal. Electricity and flushing toilets should be as standard as food. Especially the toilets.
“That sounds wonderful.” I fake a smile.