Ravenwood(33)

Whoever fears the wolf, should not go into the forest.

Elinore woke with a gasp for breath, sitting upright in bed. Her armed burned, the bite marks hurting nearly as much now as they did when she was first bitten. Looking down, she could see small, black marks where something was leaking through the bandages. Something thick and dark.

She would not sleep again, not with her heart pounding as it was. A quick glance at the clock showed it was six in the morning. A fine time to rise - she could get up and perhaps assist around the manor. She threw back the covers and got dressed, thankful for something of her own to wear, even if it did smell a bit musty from being in the trunk. She fixed her hair in a loose approximation of a bun and deemed herself presentable.

She met two maids on her way down, the young girls bobbing and curtseying at her. Both averted their gaze and when Elinore paused to introduce herself and enquire after their names, they exchanged nervous glances. After a stretch of silence, the one of the left, a petite brunette, finally spoke.

“Mary and Amelia, miss,” she said, indicating herself as Mary and the other girl, a mid-height blonde, as Amelia.

“It’s good to meet you both. Have you worked at Ravenwood long?”

They again met each other’s eyes as though they weren’t sure they should answer.

“I hope I’m not keeping you from your duties, but I do like to know people’s names and find out a little about them. I’m hoping to feel a bit more at home.”

“I’ve lived at Ravenwood my whole life. My mother is another one of the upstairs maids and my father works out in the stables. Amelia came with Mr. Hayter and his wife,” answered Mary.

“How lovely to grow up here. It’s quite a fine estate. And you both like it here?”

Another long pause, only this one felt thick and heavy.

“It’s been a … strange transition since Mr. Caleb’s parents died.”

Amelia reached out and tugged at one of Mary’s curls and Mary squawked in outrage. “I didn’t say anything!”

“Mr. Hayter doesn’t like us to gossip. We must be on our way,” Amelia said, pulling on Mary’s hand and tugging the brunette along at a sturdy pace.

“It was nice to meet you,” Elinore called out, even as they disappeared around a corner. Well. It wasn’t a spectacular start, but it was neither a horrid failure. With a sigh, she continued her way downstairs.

Upon the stairs, Elinore could smell fresh baked bread and perhaps eggs and meat. Her stomach growled loudly and she had to resist the urge to race down the stairs and rush to breakfast. She’d never been so hungry upon waking before. Her stomach rolled over itself, churning and gurgling with sharp pangs. Once outside the closed doors to the dining room, she hesitated. Maybe she should try the kitchen instead - like a thief in the night, she thought, filching scraps from the table. She would hate to walk into the dining room and find Hayter, already seated at the head of the table with that careful predatory look on his face, as though he were waiting to snatch Elinore up in his jaws. The thought had Elinore’s fingers curling into the skirt of gown, wrinkling the fabric. She was just about to turn and find the kitchen when the dining room doors opened, startling her.

“I thought I heard footsteps. Good morning.”

Elinore’s shoulders relaxed at the sight of her cousin. Caleb looked slightly sleep-rough, his voice several notes deeper than she remembered from last night and the timber of it made the small hairs on her neck shiver slightly. He was dressed casually - similar to what he was wearing yesterday and Elinore wondered if he was planning on going back out hunting again.

“Good morning, Mr. Vollmond,” she replied, nodding her head slightly. She peered behind him quickly. There was no one else in the dining room.

“If you’re looking for breakfast, Mrs. Thistlewaite has already set some out in here. I can have her bring out more if you’re ready to eat.”

“Yes. Thank you. I find myself quite famished this morning.”

Her mouth watered as she stepped into the room and her stomach let out a loud gurgling noise. She was horrified. Perhaps he hadn’t noticed. Her eyes slid sideways surreptitiously and she saw his lips quirking in a bit of a smile.

“I’ll speak to Mrs. Thistlewaite if you’d like to start with something from the buffet. I don’t have the servants come in here for breakfast as it’s easy enough to do it myself, but if you require them-”

“No, thank you. I’m quite capable of serving myself.” As Caleb ducked out a side door, she headed to the small buffet and delicately sniffed the air. The tea smelled heavenly - spicy and sharp. It wasn’t a blend she recognized. She looked forward to trying it. It had a lovely amber color when she poured herself a cup, clear but dark. She held the cup up to her nose and took another greedy inhale before adding some milk and sugar.

Caleb returned a moment later with a friendly-looking older woman who smiled at Elinore as she extended her hand. “I meant to introduce myself yesterday, but was busy with my work. I’m Mrs. Gemma Thistlewaite.”

“Yes, of course!” Elinore exclaimed, setting her cup and saucer down on the table and coming forward to clasp the hand Mrs. Thistlewaite was extending. “How is Mr. Thistlewaite this morning? Is he recovering?”

“He’s doing a mite better. It will take time, I’m afraid. He should not have been out that night.”