Secret Lovers

Leaving Home...

Chapter 1

Leaving home…

The tears streamed down my face as I finished backing the few things I actually owned. A few plain dresses with matching aprons, a nightgown, an extra pair of shoes that were as worn as the pair I had on, and the standard gray head scarf that all the maids wore while at work.

It was now my turn to work and considering my peasant status, I was to be a maid to one of the wealthier families in the city. I hadn’t heard much about them, just that their family name was Cavanaugh. I was obligated to work for them for a year and if it was a good fit, I could continue to stay if I wished. In return for my service, my family would be given a weekly ration of food and money. It wouldn’t be much, but it was all I could do to help.

I wiped the tears away but the redness wouldn’t be so easy to conceal. I closed the small trunk that would accompany me to my new home. I sat down a tried to fix my hair as to not look messy. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Everyone always said I had the biggest eyes that could catch any man’s attention and in this world that was a valuable asset. Marrying well was the only way to ensure a comfortable life.

My mother married a Baron, making her Baroness and they lived happily ever after…for a while. I don’t remember much of him but Mother fills in the gaps for me. She told me of the times when I was a baby and wouldn’t stop crying, she would hand me to my father, I stopped fussing immediately. I did admire her for always doing her best, even after my Father’s death. It happened during the winter, just two years after my birth. The fever caught him and didn’t let go till he drew his last breath. After his burial there were so many things to be paid that my mother thought a house manager would help with the burden. He was a snake of a man and stole from us till there was nothing left.

After being unable to pay the dues that all nobles paid, my mother was stripped of her title. Not soon after that, we sold our house for half of what it was actually worth. My mother’s sister took us in and that is where we have lived for the past fifteen years. My aunt Fiona was the one who helped me get the job for the Cavanaugh’s. She explained to my mother that she had worked for them previously and that they were not too demanding of her. That was the only reason mother agreed to let me go.

I was lost in memories until Mother pulled me out of my daydream. She took hold of my hair and began to finish the bun that I had started. She started to pin up my raven curls. We looked alike; she was just the more mature version. We both had hair that was the color of the darkest night with no stars.

 Her touch was gentle and comforting but I couldn’t be put at ease this time. I was leaving her, my aunt, and cousins to live with strangers who could order me to do their will.

“It will be all right, Lamb.” She assured me.

“How do you know?” I asked unconvinced.

She rested her hands upon my shoulders and sighed.

“Because you are like your father…weary at first but successful in everything you put your mind to.”

She knelt before me and grabbed my hands then laid her head in my lap. I could see the tears forming in her eyes. I knew she blamed herself for the life we were living. We were part of the peasant working class that had little to look forward to. I would try my best not to make her guilt overwhelming.

“I will try.” I said as I lifted her head in my hands.

She embraced me and I tried to save this moment in my mind forever. I hoped that I would never forget her loving demeanor and her lavender smell.

The sound of horse hooves and neighing cut our goodbye short. I was time for me to leave the only person who cared about me. She grabbed my trunk and walked out of our small cottage to the carriage that had arrived. The horsemen tied down my belongings as I said my final goodbye.

“I love you, be safe.” My mother choked out as she hugged one last time.

“I love you too. Say by to the others for me.” I began to cry again.

Mother helped me board the carriage and held my hand through the window. We were both crying because we had no control over the predicament. We lived in a time where status was everything and without it…sacrifices were made.

The carriage stared to pull away and our hands were pulled apart. I waved at her till she was out of sight. It was a quite ride as I sat with my hands in my lap, patiently awaiting my destination.

Okay so it’s a new story. A historical fiction which is completely different from what I usually write. Thoughts?