CHAPTER 16 - Encounters in the bathroom
LIVVY WOKE EARLY THEnext morning and watched as the sunrise bathed the tops of the trees in hues of pink and gold. The clear autumn sky held a hint of chill in it, and as Livvy took a deep breath, she cleansed her mind and restored her optimism.
She had always loved sunrises. She much preferred them to sunsets. There was something magical about the beginning of a new day. So much promise and potential. It was a gift, each new day. She had not contemplated a sunrise in a long time. Ironic that she was a night owl, but loved sunrises.
There was a faint knock at the door and a maid entered, bobbed a curtsy, and bustled off to tend to the fireplace.
In a few moments, a cheerful fire roared in the hearth, spreading warmth and well-being through the room.
“Would you like some drinking chocolate or tea, madam?”
“Chocolate would be nice, thank you... although, do you know at what time the Duke has breakfast?”
“At eight in the morning, madam.”
“Does he usually have breakfast in the dining room or in his bedchamber?”
“In the dining room.”
Livvy looked at the clock. Seven thirty in the morning.
“I think I will prefer to have breakfast in the dining room myself. Thank you.”
“Very well, madam. Do you need help to dress? I’m no lady’s maid, but I’d be happy to help.”
Livvy smiled a little. “I don’t need help. Thank you. I’m sorry, I don’t think I caught your name.”
“My name's Molly, madam. At your service.”
“Thank you Molly, and please call me Olivia,” she added with a little laugh. “Being addressed as ‘madam’ makes me feel old.”
“I’m sorry ma... Miss Olivia. I will let the kitchen know you plan to go down for breakfast.” She bobbed a curtsy and left, closing the door silently behind her.
Livvy studied her clothes, folded and resting in the bowels of her suitcase. It lay on the bed, splayed open, an odd anachronism in the Victorian surroundings. She tapped her lip. What to wear? All her clothes were going to be inappropriate for this place. The sweater dress she had brought? No, too casual. In fact, anything was going to be too casual.
She knew how people dressed in these times. The clothing was very elaborate and elegant. With lace and ruffles and corsets and wide petticoats. She had seen the magnificent costumes in museums and movies. Maybe she should have eaten in her room after all.
Nonsense. She could not hide in the room forever. Besides, her lack of proper attire was not her fault. How could have known she’d be catapulted into the nineteenth century when she’d packed her suitcase? She shook her head. That was still difficult to believe. There had to be a logical explanation. Maybe she was just having a very real dream?
Half an hour later, after rummaging through her meager belongings, her fears were confirmed—she had, in fact, failed to pack for the nineteenth century. Mentally shrugging, she let go of her worry and grabbed one of the dresses. It was a high neck, dark green cable knit dress with long voluminous sleeves fitted at the wrists. The skirt flared gently and reached mid calf. It was the most modest dress she had. She paired it with knee high brown leather boots and studied the outfit in the long cheval mirror. Not too bad..
