The Blythe Girl by Alex Webster

Author:Alex Webster [Webster, Alex]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Shazbaar Press
Published: 2024-01-16T00:00:00+00:00

12

Mary awakened early and lay in the stillness of her room. She reflected on her good fortune, considering it a new chapter of her life. On the cusp of this chapter, Mary resolved to follow in her late father's footsteps. Each morning, as her father used to do, she was determined to rise and recite the prayer that he had learned from his Irish mother. He had a distinctive sing-song cadence when he spoke the words, and now, recalling the prayer, Mary could almost hear his voice. The prayer came to her in fragments, but it felt like a fitting way to begin her day.

"I bind unto myself the strength of heaven; the Light of the sun, the Splendor of fire," she murmured, holding onto the memory of her father. She was beginning to understand the sense of purpose his daily ritual had given him.

Mary rose from her bed. The morning light had yet to crack the horizon. As she dressed herself, the weight of her additional responsibilities fell afresh on her. What exactly was she to do as a lady’s companion? Her thoughts drifted back to Mrs. Leigh, the way she had cared for Lady Charlotte with an uncanny grace. Mary wondered if she could replicate that delicate touch, emulate that sense of devotion.

In the dim candlelight, she practiced her smile in the mirror, "Good morrow, Miss Blythe! I trust you enjoyed a restful slumber?" She tried different variations of tone and expressions. The exercises were not just words, but a way to muster the courage she needed for the day ahead.

She inhaled deeply, seeking to calm the fluttering nerves that danced in her chest, and embarked to attend to Miss Blythe. As she neared her chamber, Mary reminded herself of her past encounters with Josceline. She recalled her light and playful spirit. She was one that was easy to like. Mary convinced herself that Miss Blythe’s change in station would not affect her playful spirit. In many respects, they had more in common than not. Being her companion should be a straightforward undertaking. Mary approached Josceline's bedchamber door with a soft, tentative knock. When there was no immediate response, Mary was not sure how to proceed. Knowing that at the very least, the fire in the fireplace needed tending, Mary carefully pushed the door open, allowing herself to slip silently into the room.

As Mary stepped into the room, an uncomfortable chill pierced her. Her breath materialized before her eyes, and she instinctively drew her shawl closer to shield herself from the cold that hung in the air. She focused her gaze on the fireplace, which was as cold as the grave. A sharp jolt of surprise and unease surged through Mary's heart as she detected the silhouette of someone seated at the vanity. In an instant, she recognized Josceline, who was watching her through the mirror's reflection.

"Mary..." she cooed softly, "Is that your name?"

Mary maintained her composure, offering a polite smile, “Yes, my lady,” Had Josceline truly forgotten her name? She gave a graceful curtsy.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.