A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part Five

While we were deep in conversation, there was a knock. “Come!” Voiced Julia. The door opened and a reserved charlady appeared. “Yes, what is it Mary?” I could tell the poor woman was terrified of Julia.

“Lady Thorn's down in the drawing room, she wishes to see you both.”

Of course I couldn't wait to see Aunt Bess to find out what she had planned for the holiday.

“Oh good, mama's home at last, she'll be so happy to see you Em.” Julia took my hand and rushed passed Mary, almost knocking the poor woman over.

I expressed a smile of mortification, as this was not the way we treated staff at home, after all I thought! Mama had always said employers worked better if you gave them respect.

“Slow down Julia,” I declared, almost tripping over my own feet. Once I'd released my hand from hers, I grabbed the hand rail as we descended the stairs, watching Julia hasten like an excited puppy.

Without even knocking, Julia pushed open the drawing room door. “Mama! Isn't it wonderful, Em's arrived, now she can accompany me to the ball tonight.”

I could feel my cheeks flushing with not only annoyance that Julia didn't mentioned a ball, but at her presumption that I would wish to go tonight, having only just arrived, there hadn't even been a chance to breathe before being rushed into sudden situations.

Miss Violet was already seated on one of the blue velvet covered chairs, looking as if she was about to erupt at our sudden unruly behaviour, although Aunt Bess didn't seem perturbed knowing Julia only too well.

“Ah! Miss Emily, you've finally graced us with your company. I do hope the trip down wasn't too taxing.”

As usual she was elegantly dressed in a green ruffled outfit, with white lace trimming around the collar, giving an air of authority, along with the distinctive nimbleness of her movement.

I could only smile and reply, “certainly not taxing at all Aunt Bess, It was a pleasure to admire the beautiful countryside.” Aunt Bess still had the most gorgeous head of dark shiny hair, that always appeared so neat in two buns that were plaited and held to the side with fancy grips.

Julia was anxiously fidgeting with her corkscrew curls, when her mama declared: “Julia! Calm down and stop twiddling, otherwise your spirals will fall out, then you'll let yourself down for tonight.”

My aunt then turned her attention back to me. “Please Emily sit down and make yourself more comfortable.”

I went to sit down on one of the plush chairs, when my aunt uttered, “and how are your mama and papa my dear?”

“They're both fine thank you.” I declared. “Mama's still supporting the workhouse and raising money for the poor. It's pretty hellish conditions, and I do worry for her own health, but she insists that the poverty stricken should get enough food to survive.”

My gaze took me to a portrait of uncle Hugo above the mantle, noticing his portly belly, I thought of all the magnificent food Nelly cooked, thinking to myself with a smile! There's not much chance of anyone starving in this household, before continuing. “There are many who also agree with mama's charity work on behalf of the poor, who assist in any way they can.”

At that moment there was another knock on the door, Mary entered with a tray of tea and biscuits. “Thank you Mary,” voiced my aunt. “Just set the tray on my side table dear.”

Mary curtsied after placing the tray down, then quickly made haste from the room, as if she couldn't wait to be away. Whereupon my aunt requested Julia should do the honour of pouring from the silver teapot into china cups.

I did wonder at this point why miss Violet was so quiet, she wasn't normally lost for words.

Julia began sighing and I could tell by the way she raised her eyebrows that she was about to speak while pouring. “Mama! You still haven't answered my question. Please can Em come to the ball tonight?”

“My dear Julia, of course Emily's invited...if she so pleases. I will leave the decision entirely up to her.” Without hesitation aunt turned to face Miss Violet.

“Now I do believe you would prefer to accompany the two young ladies as a chaperon?”

Before Miss Violet could utter a word, Julia did not seem at all happy at this arrangement, showing her disapproval. “Please mama, I've never needed a chaperon before, and I don't require one now.”

“Julia dear,” Aunt Bess declared, raising her voice. “This isn't about you. If Miss Violet feels Emily needs her, then she's quite within her right to escort you both. In fact I too think it's a good idea to make sure you get home safely.”

Miss Violet could see the displeasure on Julia's face, announcing. “I promise to stay in the background and not be a hindrance that holds you back from enjoying yourselves. I just want Miss Emily to know she'll be safe if anything should occur that she's not happy about...after all we're in new surroundings that are strange to her.”

I was in fact very happy that Miss Violet had voiced her opinion, as Julia did frighten me somewhat with her powers of persuasion, knowing she wouldn't take no for an answer. Although I was tired, I have to say I was very much looking forward to sharing my love of dancing with Julia and Miss Violet.

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To be continued...A Victorian Lady's Memoirs Part Six | ABCtales