“Then, see you are not late for dinner.”
———
Margaret looked at the clock above the mantel. It was the time Betty always veered from her housemaid duties and went up to help Miss Upchurch into her clothes and dress her hair. It would not do for Miss Upchurch to be kept waiting. Word would get back to Mrs. Budgeon all too quickly, and such an omission would not easily be forgiven by the exacting housekeeper.
Margaret went upstairs and, gathering her courage, entered Miss Upchurch’s room once more. She had been inside the apartment several times to deliver water or flowers, but not to help the mistress of the manor prepare for the day.
She folded back the shutters and heard a stirring in the bed behind her.
“Where is Betty?”
Margaret took a steadying breath, reminding herself to alter her voice. She had not seen Helen Upchurch socially in two years. Still, she would have to be careful not to give herself away.
“Somethin’ come up, miss.” To herself she added,Literally.“Betty asked me to come in ’er place this mornin’.”
Helen regarded her. “You’re the new girl.”
“Yes, miss.” Margaret bobbed a curtsy, glad for any excuse to bow her head.
“What is your name?”
“Nora, miss. Nora Garret.”
“Welcome, Nora.” Helen gave her a sleepy smile.
With her gentle smile and dark hair tumbling around her shoulders, Helen Upchurch looked younger and prettier than usual, even in the worn, unadorned nightdress.
“I do hope Betty is all right?” she said.
“Oh, she’ll be right as a trivet in two shakes, I’d wager. We’re all a bit behind after yesterday—that’s all.”
“I do hope the time off on account of my birthday did not cause problems....”
“No, miss. I didn’t mean that. It was right kind of Mr. Upchurch and yourself, ma’am.”
“I am glad to hear it. Did everyone enjoy themselves?”
Margaret poured some of the hot water into the basin and laid out a fresh towel. “Yes, miss. Very much.”Some a bit too much, she thought, then asked, “And did you enjoy your birthday supper?”
“Oh yes. Monsieur Fournier outdid himself. It was a delicious buffet and a lovely evening. Only...” She hesitated. “I do wishbothof my brothers might have shared it with me.” Helen looked troubled a moment, but then her expression cleared. “But Lewis had pressing business in town and simply could not stay. How disappointed he was to miss it.”
“That’s too bad, miss.”
While Helen washed, Margaret stepped into the dressing room, opened the wardrobe, and surveyed its contents. She was surprised at the modest selection. Many gowns were several years out of fashion, even more so than Margaret’s own gowns had become since Sterling limited their spending.
“What would you like to wear today, miss?” She pulled forth a gown of bishop blue. She had not yet seen Miss Upchurch wear it. It would look so well on her.
Helen sighed. “I don’t know...”
“If I may, miss. How about this lovely blue?”
Helen glanced over and her lips parted, then she frowned. “Not that one. I don’t wear that one.”
Then why keep it, Margaret wondered, but knew better than to ask.
“The grey day dress will do fine.”
That one she had already seen Miss Upchurch wear. Several times.
