Her large blue eyes fluttered open, and she was delighted to see the modes
sat beside the flowers and unfolded it. In simple
neak them into the maids' quarters the night before, let alone her small room to deliver
rvant's room, Lena felt that the view from her window was far superior to those of the wealthy family that she served. The views from their suites ov
he crisp, cool scent of morning. A light breeze teased
appear off in the distance and across the water, and admi
away from the window, realizing t
" Marie exclaimed. Lena's eyes widened, and she paused in he
arie," Lena replied. Marie shook her head, unbelie
this fast in the all the years you have been living here. This wouldn't ha
Marie. I just like to do good work," she replied
he tapestry from her,
ghteenth birthday, and that stable boy's plans to enjoy you on the firs
spect that Gregory might propose tonight," s
irl, unable to resist her s
you. Congratulations darling," Marie said, embracing the young
rie," Lena re
were hung in their place. New linens and down quilts were added to the large bed that dominated the sleeping
for redecorating?"
taying for the next week, and he thought it best to decorate each suite of his
and open and warm. But now, dark colors and intense paintings dominated the formerly pleasant quart
ing in here?
me. Why do you ask?" Marie replied
t man, is all," she ans
he cleaning maids could do their work. The cooks were busy with preparing the feast for the even
," Marie mentioned, as the two women sat outside for lu
he replied sheepishly. Marie s
th my first love. It's a wond
?" she asked. Mar
No, this was a farm boy from the village where
" Lena asked. Marie pa
r saw him again. I love my husband, he gave me my beautiful dau
Marie had become
, hoping to change the subject. Marie closed her eyes
ably head back inside to fi
at Marie e
it?" sh
ow. And we are slightly ahead of schedule because you were so efficient earlier
ou are good to me!"
y slapping her on her bottom. Lena quickly
red him for a few moments, with his long, lean body, messy bl
n her direction, an
rmly. Lena rushed over to him, and he opened
d happily. Gregory gently brushed away a str
," he whispered, gen
ht, but I just couldn't wait to see you,"
glad you stopped by. There is something I have b
us and mature. Gregory released her hands and lead
t where we need to make decisions about our future," Gregory mentioned, takin
ster Sterling, I do have modest means for a wedding, and eventually a famil
, Lena?" Gregory asked. Lena nodde
ears began to form in Lena's eyes, and she stood o
love to marry yo
tly kissed
mean I want to marry yo
t you
osed to her this morning," Gregory explained. Lena took a few s
me. Do you love her?" s
passionate, and delightfully innocent. But Eleanor is older; she has seen more o
er ears, and sick began
with her this entire
," he replied. Lena put
what else to say. The tears were falling free
er, and placed a hand on
he said, kissing he
deep in the gut, and before she knew what she was doing, the sick she felt building up in her throat finally
using himself with her. But now he was ready for
set of tears would spill from her eyes. She'd never felt more alone, and h
e the guests started arriving for the ball. She bathed,
wing them to their suites and taking care of additional
smile at him. He was a kindly, older man that had taken her in when she was orphaned as a young toddler. Her mother had been a maid,
sir," Lena s
t, but...well here," Sterling said, handing her a small box. Lena tem
n, touched by the gesture.