Something occurred to her. Who had changed her clothes? The thought made her blush fervently, so much so that she immediately covered herself with the blanket once more. Rosalie noticed a window and tried to get up. She was still frail, weak at the knees, but she managed to walk over to the window and look outside. Nothing she saw was familiar.
“Where am I?” she wondered aloud, shaking her head.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door, and a regal looking woman entered. Rosalie didn’t know much, especially under these conditions, but she knew that the woman before her deserved respect. She immediately curtsied, her head bowing down low, not looking the woman in the eyes.
“Good morning, dear child,” the woman greeted her, and Rosalie could see that she was surprised at her looks, not to say shocked. But she was already accustomed to that and paid little attention. “I am the Dowager Countess of Hudson. Do you know where you are?”
“No, My Lady,” Rosalie shook her head. “I don’t remember much from last night.”
“You were found barely conscious by the brook on the outskirts of our property,” the Countess explained, and Rosalie barely managed to suppress a gasp. “Do you have any recollection as to how you got there?”
It slowly started to come back to her. Even now, she could hear Mr. Loveless’ cries, as he ran after her like a hunter who refused to give up his kill. She tried to numb the sound, but her mind could hear it as plain as daylight.
She felt an unpleasant dryness of her lips. She glanced around and saw a glass pitcher on the bedside, but she did not wish to insult this lady by turning her back to her, even for a second.
“No, My Lady,” she shook her head, aware of the woman’s inquisitive glance. She had seen them so many times before. Only, others had to pay for the privilege. This woman was watching the show free of charge. “I have no recollection of anything from last night.”
“Is anyone worried you have gone missing?” the Countess wondered, still curious about her guest.
She could feel her cheeks burning red. She tried to calm down her breathing, but that didn’t help. Her inner discomfort was obviously visible to others. She wondered what to say to that.
At that moment, another woman entered, carrying a set of plain clothes.
“Ah, Josephine,” the Countess nodded. “I think these would suit you just fine, my dear.”
“For me?” Rosalie mumbled, as Josephine walked over to the bed, and spread the clothes neatly on top of it.
“And, what pray is your name, child?” the Countess asked, watching as Rosalie touched the soft fabric with the tips of her fingers.
“Rosalie, My Lady, Rosalie Blake.” She curtsied once more, as she had been taught a long time ago.
“That is a lovely name your parents have bestowed upon you,” the Countess nodded. “Though I see very little of a rose in your cheeks.”
Rosalie could see the coy glances the good-natured housekeeper was throwing in her direction but pretended not to see. The sound of jeers, of pointing fingers which pierced through the air, the jingling of coins they would pay for the chance to see her… All of that came crashing down on her so violently that she almost lost her balance and fell to the floor.
“My goodness! Are you all right?” Josephine rushed over to her aid, and Rosalie leaned on her with her entire body.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
“It’s a good thing we have summoned Mr. Higgins,” the Countess nodded importantly. “You seem under the weather still, and the girls have already informed me of a bad cough you seemed to have acquired during your adventure from last night.”
“I assure you, My Lady, it was no adventure of my own accord.” Rosalie shook her head, as Josephine helped her onto the bed, careful not to wrinkle the dress she had just placed there.
“Whatever it was, you shall have your chance to inform us of it all, after the good physician checks up on you.”
“A physician?” Rosalie gasped. “I assure you, I am fully well, and can – “
As she spoke, she got up so suddenly, that she felt light-headed again, and this time, fell straight down to her knees. A sudden, aggressive bout of coughing attacked her, and her entire body shook under the strain.
“Dear child, you are in no condition to do or say anything before Mr. Higgins gives his estimate,” the Countess shook her head. “Now, Josephine, do help her get changed, and we shall bring the physician in here in about fifteen minutes.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” Josephine nodded, and the Countess closed the door behind her. “Let me help you, child.” She pressed her hand to Rosalie’s forehead. “Why, you are burning up!”
“Oh, I’m fine, I assure you…” Rosalie was barely able to catch her breath, as Josephine helped her out of the slightly wet nightgown, the result of the nightly sweats, and into a new set of clothes.
Rosalie got up, straightening her dress, feeling the fabric with her open palms. Josephine, who was obviously the Countess’ lady’s maid, watched in awe at the figure in white. She seemed mesmerized. Rosalie caught her stare, and smiled.
“Oh, I’m sorry, Miss.”
