“Aren’t you so happy to be back home and in your room? We did get you a new mattress as requested while you were away, soyou should sleep better now.” Beatrice moved around the bed in the middle of the room towards the closet.
A vanity in the corner had a mirror, with a hairbrush and a pitcher and bowl set with a matching floral design. Crisp, white-lace curtains hugged the tall windows. One looked over the garden in the back, and the other window overlooked a giant oak tree.
Theresa moved in the direction of the vanity, as her standing in the doorway would likely be seen as peculiar behavior. She poured some water from the pitcher into the bowl. She used her hands to splash some cool water on her face. As she dabbed her face dry, she remembered the lace curtains in her quaint house, which made her think of her daughter.
Lizzie, she thought as a fresh tear escaped. She turned away from the vanity and dabbed her face dry.Between the blushing and now crying easily, I need to keep my thoughts and feelings in check to avoid any questions.
“Why are you so quiet? We normally can’t get you to stop talking.” Her mother paused rifling through the various dresses and held a pink frilly dress that Theresa could already tell she loved. The design was so intricate and elaborate. It was something beyond her level of experience to create.
“I guess I’m simply tired from the journey, as well as anxiously awaiting news on when I’m to marry Richard.” Theresa sat down so she was level with the mirror.
Brush in hand she went to work on taming her silky tresses. Her mind raced as she worked through what to say and how to say it. Somewhere in the back of her mind lived a voice telling her she was going to get caught any moment.
“How are your aunt and uncle?” Beatrice changed the subject, brushing a strand of hair from her face before returning her attention to picking a dress for her daughter. “Did something eventful happen during your trip?”
Theresa tensed up.Oh, nothing much, except that I’m not your daughter, and I’m a homely dressmaker who switched with your daughter and sent her off with train robbers so that I could come and live a fabulously divine life in her place. Other than that, nothing happened.
Her mind tried to grasp that her new mother was just making small talk and there was no suspicion of anything — yet.
I need to get it together. What do I know about Beatrice?
Theresa remembered from her studying that Beatrice was a worrier. “No, Mother. Nothing happened to them, but something did happen on the train.” Theresa continued to brush out the tangles from her hair.
She yanked slightly hard when she said Mother. It felt so unusual to be calling someone else Mother. She was once a mother. Of course, she was quite a bit older than the last two mothers she had.
“What happened? Did you get hurt?” Beatrice put the pink fluff of fabric haphazardly on the bed and moved closer to Theresa, checking for any signs of injury.
“Well, the train was stopped by robbers. There was a brave woman who gave herself to them to be held for ransom, and the rest of us were free to go with all our belongings. It was quite miraculous. It did cause a scene, and a lot of us were pretty uneasy for the rest of the trip. I just had a hard time sleeping after that.” Theresa tugged on a particularly difficult knot, and then Beatrice flung her arms around Theresa’s shoulders.
“I am so glad you are okay! That must have been so frightful. I told your father your train would be robbed one of these days. He never listens to me. Oh, darling, I am so happy you are safe. You are never leaving me ever again.” Beatrice was kissing Theresa’s head in between talking. “Was this brave woman a friend of yours?”
Theresa shook her head.
“I didn’t even know her name honestly,” She lied, swallowing harder than she anticipated and wanted to change the subject away from Abigail.
The sooner I can fully leave her behind the sooner I can start fully enjoying my new life.
“Really Mother, I’m okay. I’m just tired but now that my face is fresh and my hair is brushed, I feel a little better. I know Father had Bruce give me some pastries for the ride home, but I am looking forward to afternoon tea.” Theresa stood, and Beatrice took a step back as Theresa walked to the bed. She grazed a hand on the bubblegum pink dress.
“Is this the dress you would like me to wear for tea?”
“Yes, that would be lovely, darling.” Beatrice moved back toward the door to the bedroom. “I’ll rejoin our guests as you change. But don’t take too long, as we can’t start without you.” Beatrice attempted to give Theresa a warm smile, but there was a sadness that tugged at the corners of her mouth.
Theresa looked back down at the gorgeous dress once she was alone in her room.
“I cannot believe this dress is mine,” Theresa accidentally said out loud and then sighed. “Well, once I am married to Richard, I will be sure to be the most fashionable lady in town. With his money and my fashion sense, I will be invited to all the social events in no time.”
Theresa allowed the weight of her new life to settle on her. She had this beautifully decorated room, the revolving dresses, each more extravagant than the last, and an endless supply of delicious food, lavish social events, and a full team of staff to care for her needs. Her life was finally what she wanted. Once she was married, she could spend her days as she wished.
Everything is perfect at last.All myhard work to get here has paid off. I am going to let go of Abigail once and for all anddive head first into the blissful life ahead of me,she thought as she added the finishing touches to her fresh outfit.
She made her way back down to the parlor, and as soon as she entered, all the chattering ceased as everyone looked her way. Theresa’s father, Allen, opened his arms and embraced her.
“Your mother was just telling us that your train was overtaken with bandits but that you were able to get away unscathed!” Allen kissed the top of Theresa’s head and stepped aside to allow for Richard to step forward.
Theresa couldn’t help but smile at him. She was excited to finally meet him and be able to plan the wedding quickly. Margaret cut in between them and hugged Theresa forcefully.
“I am so glad you are home safe and sound and in one piece!” Margaret held Theresa out to look at her body, seemingly inspecting her. “Richard and I have been anxiously awaiting your return.”
