Deviating from the original plot

Chapter three

The next morning, Anne entered the room with her usual cheerful energy, ready to wake her lady. However, she paused mid-step upon noticing that Victoria was already awake, sitting at the edge of her bed. A heavy, restless aura clung to her, making Anne hesitate for a moment.

The young maid had been overjoyed when she was chosen as the personal attendant to the Marquis's long-lost daughter. It was a great honour, especially since she was one of the youngest maids in the household. Though she was slightly older than Victoria, she felt like if she worked hard enough, she could be Victoria's friend.

With a smile, she clasped her hands together. "Good morning, my lady. Did you sleep well?"

Victoria blinked, as if just realising Anne was there. "Not really," she admitted.

Anne tilted her head, concern flickering in her eyes. "Oh... would you like some tea? Perhaps a warm bath to start the day?"

Victoria exhaled slowly, trying to shake off her lingering thoughts. She couldn't afford to mope forever. "Whatever you think is best," she murmured.

Anne beamed. "Right away, my lady!" She hurried off to prepare everything, leaving Victoria alone once more.

As she stretched her limbs, she stared at her reflection in the vanity mirror. Victoria Valenford. A noble's daughter.

After her morning routine, she sat at the vanity while Anne gently ran a brush through her hair.

"My lady", Anne spoke hesitantly, glancing at Victoria's reflection in the mirror. "Would you like to visit the garden today, since you couldn't go yesterday? The fresh air might do you some good."

Victoria considered it. Sitting in her room all day wouldn't accomplish anything. Maybe a change of scenery would help her gather her thoughts.

"Yes," she decided. "That sounds like a good idea."

Anne's face lit up with delight. "Wonderful! I'll have everything prepared after breakfast."

Victoria hesitated for a moment before adding, "Could I also get some writing materials?"

Anne blinked in surprise but quickly nodded. "Of course, my lady. I'll have them brought to your room right away."

As the maid hurried off, Victoria exhaled slowly. If she was truly stuck in this world, she needed to start making sense of it.

✯✯✯✯

The Marquis was unable to join her for breakfast due to his duties, but his butler delivered a polite apology on his behalf.

Victoria simply nodded at the butler's words, turning her attention back to her meal. After breakfast, Anne cheerfully handed her a small book and a fountain pen.

'I was expecting a quill, but this is surprisingly convenient,' Victoria thought to herself.

"Are you going to write about the flowers in the garden, my lady?" Anne asked, her smile warm. "They say writing is a good way to express yourself."

Victoria glanced down at the book and pen, her fingers gently tracing the smooth surface of the cover. It was a simple journal, but for some reason, it felt important, like a bridge between her past and present.

"Perhaps," Victoria replied. "But I think I have a few other things to sort out before I can start writing about flowers."

Anne nodded. "Of course, my lady."

Victoria gave her a small smile. The rest of the morning passed quietly, with Anne preparing her for the walk in the garden.

As they stepped into the garden, the sunlight filtered through the branches of the trees, casting soft, dappled shadows on the cobblestone path. The air smelt fresh, filled with the scent of blooming flowers. Victoria couldn't help but appreciate the beauty around her, though her heart still felt heavy with the weight of her situation.