Ella and Ash by K A Last

Author:K A Last [Last, K A]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: cinderella retelling, Fairy tale retelling
Publisher: K. A. Last
Published: 2019-09-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter seven

AFTER OUR HORSE RIDE, Ash takes me back to the cemetery. I use the excuse that I want to see my mother again before I go home. His eyes plead for me to tell him where I live, but he doesn’t ask. I can’t let him know. Not yet.

“Thank you for a wonderful afternoon,” I say, when I’m out of the carriage.

“See you tomorrow night?”

“Of course.” I curtsey in my trousers, and Ash laughs. “Tomorrow I will do that in a gown.”

“I can’t wait to see you again.” He stares down at me.

I turn and walk into the cemetery without looking back. I fear if I do, I will run to him and tell him everything.

I so want to tell him who I really am.

I make a promise to myself that I will tell Ash after the ball. I just want to enjoy one perfect night, then I will face the consequences of keeping my secret. Of not telling him Anna and Drew are my stepsisters, and I am their servant.

When I arrive home, I have to make a conscious effort not to smile too much. If I do, Lady Roche and my stepsisters will wonder why I’m so happy. I manage to get through dinner and my nightly chores without my family paying much attention to me. My stepsisters are too caught up in their chatter about the ball.

By the time I make it back to my cottage I’m exhausted, but I stay up until midnight, adding the final touches to my dress, then fall into bed.

When I wake the next morning, I’m smiling before I even get up, because today is the day of the ball. I stretch and look at my gown draped over the back of my chair, taking a moment to admire my work. I have nowhere to hang it, so I get up and make the bed, then lay my dress flat on top so it won’t crease. I put the mask next to it. To keep my creation out of sight, I cover the dress with the sheet I used to carry my mother’s gowns from the manor. I quickly finish getting ready, glance at the invitation sitting beside my pendant box on the side table, then leave for the manor, making sure the front door is firmly closed.

I’m so excited I’m not sure how I will get through the day.

When I enter the kitchen via the back door, Anna and Drew are already arguing.

“Ashwin won’t be able to take his eyes off me,” Anna declares. “There’s no way he’ll look at you.” She glares at Drew.

“Of course he’ll be looking at me.” Drew stands beside the hearth with her hands on her hips. “I’m far more beautiful than you. And my dress is better.”

I keep my head down and go through the motions, preparing breakfast, scrubbing the bench, then cleaning up afterwards. I don’t want to get involved in their argument. Both their dresses are beautiful, they are just too pig-headed to realise it.

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