The Sisters Mederos by Patrice Sarath

Author:Patrice Sarath
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, Historical Fantasy, romp
Publisher: Watkins Media
Published: 2018-04-02T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirty-Five

True to her promise to Hayres, the next morning Yvienne walked round to the servants’ entrance at the TreMondi townhouse at seven of the clock sharp, carrying her satchel filled with schoolbooks, foolscap, and paper. She had no doubt the TreMondi schoolroom was well supplied, but these books were her old friends. She had hidden them from Madam Callier. They were worn, dog-eared, and stained, but they gave her courage.

The housemaid opened the door. She was wide-eyed, scarcely older than fifteen and didn’t stop chatting from the moment Yvienne introduced herself as she led her to the kitchen.

“I’m Sienne. The family is still at breakfast, and the master said that you should be shown to the kitchen and wait for Mrs Rose. Do you need to eat? If I may say, you look rather slender. Was that too forward? Mrs Rose says I’m too forward and to mind my manners, because you’re quality, but you’re a governess now, so if you don’t mind my saying, I’m hoping you won’t stand on ceremony and put on airs, because I could use a friendly face in the house. I’ve only been in service for six months myself. I used to be at the Havartás but old prune face didn’t like the chatter. Fine by me – the work goes faster when you can talk, and I was happy to find another position. The work is hard but at least I get paid for it – Mam lets me keep a half-guilder out of my wages and I can do what I like with it. Do you enjoy children? You must, if you are going to be a governess. They’re all sweet, even if they’re–” she dropped her voice “–half Chahoki. My Mam didn’t want me to come to work here, but that was silly. People are people. Mam says I should be frightened, but I don’t think so. After all, master married her, and she’s rather lovely. So, what do you think?”

Yvienne opened her mouth to reply but was at a loss as to where to start. Fortunately, she didn’t have to. Sienne led her into the kitchen.

“Mrs Rose, here she is. She’s right on time. I told her the family is at breakfast and you wanted her first.” Sienne then stage-whispered to the housekeeper, “She’s rather quiet. I hope that’s all right for a governess.”

“It’s quite all right, Sienne,” said the housekeeper. “Please help Jenine with the laundry, will you? Thank you, dear.” When the maid hurried off, Mrs Rose took a steadying breath. Yvienne bit her lip to keep from laughing. It would not do at all to make Mrs Rose think she thought they were in any way equal or above Sienne. Perhaps I’ll grow tired of the constant chatter, she thought, but Sienne was a sweet girl, and for now it was refreshing.

“Welcome. Miss Mederos,” Mrs Rose said, “have you eaten? Would you like a cup of tea, to give you strength for your charges?”

“Thank you, Mrs Rose.

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