Davenport House by Marie Silk

Author:Marie Silk [Silk, Marie]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Marie Silk Publishing
Published: 2016-03-28T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 9

Mary awoke the next day feeling refreshed. Abigail brought her a large breakfast tray. “Abigail,” Mary started. “Have you heard that I will ask Clara to be my maid again?”

Abigail paused for a moment, then nodded and said quietly, “I heard that she is to replace me this very day, Miss Mary.”

“It is true, and you must be wondering what it means for you. I have been thinking these last days of how to manage this transition. I believe you to be a real friend, and I do not wish to lose you. I have been sad and lonely. Father was my only ally in the family, and now that he is gone, I feel awkward and alone. Did you know that my friend Nellie may be too scared to come to our house, because the last time Mother tried to push Richard on her?”

Abigail stifled a giggle.

“Yes, it was terrible,” Mary smiled. “I will not be in society until after our mourning period, which means I will be alone every day and at every meal. What I truly desire is a companion who lives here at the house. Knowing that my father chose you to come here for me, makes the thought of it being you quite special. Would this position be agreeable to you?”

“Miss Mary,” Abigail said in surprise. “I am honored that you should ask me, but I am only a servant. There are ladies more suitable than me.”

“I do not wish for it be another lady. It is more important to me to have a companion who is kind and trustworthy, which I already know you are. Please say you will,” Mary persuaded.

“It would make me very happy. If you are certain?” Abigail asked apprehensively, but on the inside she was elated.

“I am certain,” said Mary. “Thank you, Abigail. This conversation has been a ray of light in my otherwise bleak life. Now, what do you say to moving into my old room?”

“Can this be happening, Miss Mary?” Abigail asked in disbelief.

“You did say the bed was lovely,” said Mary.

“Everything about your room was lovely. I don’t deserve such things,” Abigail blushed.

“On the contrary, you must be ready for change. Beginning today, you are companion to me, and you will live upstairs with me,” Mary said determined.

“I am grateful, Miss Mary.”

“You are helping me as much as I am helping you, Abigail. And you must call me Mary. I would rather think of us as friends,” said Mary.

“Thank you…Mary,” Abigail stumbled over the words. The opportunity to be a lady’s companion was usually only open to ladies of important families. Abigail could hardly believe her good fortune.

Clara arrived in Mary’s new room directly after breakfast as expected. Her hair and uniform were neat and she was smiling happily.

“Clara, good morning,” said Mary, glad to see her looking better than she had two nights ago.

“Good morning, Miss Mary,” Clara smiled. She was glad to say the words again.

“I am sorry for whatever misunderstanding it may have been that resulted in you working in the kitchen.

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