She flashed him a look of surprise and alarm, clearly not expecting nor wanting him to address her.
“Sir.” She dipped her head and made to skirt around him, but he halted before her.
“And what brings you outside this evening?”
“Em... just takin’ a bit of air, sir.”
He bit back a smile at her accent. “Couldn’t sleep?”
“That’s it, sir.” Reluctantly she turned toward him, head bowed.
“I am sorry to hear it. Do you not find your life here... comfortable?”
“I’m not complainin’, sir.”
“I am surprised.”
She darted a glance up at him, moonlight and confusion streaking her face.
“A life in service must be difficult,” he said gently. “I understand you have not been a housemaid before?”
“No, sir.”
“You had not long planned to enter service, I take it.”
She shook her head.
“May I ask what you had planned for your life?”
“I... don’t know, sir. Live independent-like, I suppose. Or marry.”
“Oh? And who might the lucky man be?”
She ducked her head once more, clearly uncomfortable. “I couldn’t say,sir.”
Did she think he was trying to seduce her? He was making a poor job of it if he was. Still, he hated the thought of her nurturing a low opinion of his character.
“You needn’t worry, Nora,” he said. “I have no ungentlemanly intentions in speaking to you. Now, I will bid you good-night and hope you sleep well.”
“Thank you, sir.” She scurried past him, back into the refuge of Fairbourne Hall.
During morning prayers the next day, Margaret watched Nathaniel Upchurch carefully, wondering about his strange behavior of the night before. She hoped he had spoken the truth—that he had no improper intentions toward her. Then why had he taken the time to speak with her when he had rarely done so before?
Across the hall, Nathaniel capped his prayer with his usual amen, then removed his spectacles and tucked them into his pocket. He regarded the assembled servants, but instead of dismissing them, he drew his shoulders back and began, “I have an announcement. It has come to my attention that over the last two years, the Christmas and Epiphany festivities here at Fairbourne Hall have been regretfully few. Therefore we have decided—Mr. Hudson, Miss Upchurch, and I—that it is long past time for a servants’ ball.”
Kitchen-maid Jenny let out a whoop, then quickly threw a hand over her mouth. Craig elbowed the hall boy, Freddy, beside him.
Mr. Upchurch allowed a small grin. “I take it the plan meets with your approbation?”
Freddy gushed, “Don’t know ’bout that, sir, but it sounds grand!”
Mr. Upchurch and his steward exchanged a look. Hudson chuckled. Mrs. Budgeon shook her head, but her stern expression was softened by the sparkle in her eyes.
“Miss Upchurch and Mr. Hudson are planning the affair and will no doubt keep you apprised of the details. But for now you are dismissed.”
Instantly the maids began whispering and giggling amongst themselves even as the footmen and grooms laughed and teased each other. Mrs. Budgeon didn’t even reprimand them, which was surprising. Margaret hoped the ball would be a success and they would all enjoy themselves....
Wait. I am a servant,she thought.Shewould be attending. Her first servants’ ball as a servant.
