AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter 1
“Miss Bolton, here are the flowers that you ordered,” the thin man behind the counter said, handing them over.
Margaret Crowley had been to the flower shop only a few times, and for the life of her, she couldn’t remember the fellow’s name. “I fear that I don’t come into this shop often enough. You are called?”
“Mr. Hutchins.”
“This is a gorgeous bouquet, Mr. Hutchins. I thank you,” Margaret replied.
Margaret turned to her maid and chaperone, Jane Harrington, and grinned from ear to ear from the excitement over the flowers. Yes, Margaret could not make such purchases often, what with her father’s dwindling funds. But Viscount Bolton allowed her to make a purchase on this occasion, and for whatever reason, Margaret took this to be foreboding.
“Come along, Miss,” Jane said, encircling her arm in Margaret’s. “We’re going to be late for tea with his lordship.”
“Must we? There are so many things that I wish to see in the village,” Margaret remarked, looking out the light-filled windows and still clutching the flowers. “For instance, we could go for a walk in the park.”
Jane’s plump face was subtly scolding Margaret for saying such a thing. “You know how his lordship feels about such things.”
“Indeed. Oh, it’s so vexing,” Margaret bemoaned, making her way to the door whilst Jane followed her.
Before exiting Mr. Hutchins’ flower shop, Margaret caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, and it led to contemplation. Her brown hair and green eyes were cause for attention she’d often been told. But her figure had grown thin, and her blue gown hung on her awkwardly.
Thinking of all of this, Margaret felt a lump come to her throat. Most of the kitchen staff had been let go at Pelham Downs, and although the food was still good, it was dwindling in abundance. Alas, this was all due to her father’s dwindling funds—the explanation of which Margaret had a hard time admitting to herself.
“Such a lovely day, Miss,” Jane said, taking the flowers from Margaret’s hand so that she didn’t have to carry them herself.
“Oh, Jane. You know that when no one is around, you are free to call me Margaret.”
“Not whilst walking through the village, Miss! I may be your friend, but I still have a job to do.”
“I suppose.”
Margaret turned introspective once more. Yes, Jane was her only friend and companion, and this had been the case for several years—in fact, since her mother passed away. Margaret and Jane had been very young then, and Jane had been more of a companion than anything else, but after the death of Lady Bolton, Jane had taken on the position of handmaid and head maid of Pelham Downs.
Margaret bemoaned the fact that Jane had to do so much work. It didn’t seem fair in the slightest, but Margaret knew that her father had cut every possible corner in order to make ends meet. Would this decline go on in perpetuity?
Sadly, Margaret had to wonder if any of her dowry left.
“Can we please walk through the park?” Margaret begged. “Farthington is beautiful this time of year.” Margaret was referring to the charming village that was adjacent to the family estate.
Jane stopped and turned towards Margaret, a sad expression upon her face. “Do you fear that he’s in his cups, Miss?”
Margaret froze. Yes, sometimes it was as though Jane could see right through her! “I know that he is, Jane.” Her face mournful, Margaret realized that it was common for Viscount Bolton to begin his drinking just before tea. And sometimes, even earlier than that. So it was unpredictable what kind of state he would be in.
Margaret gazed towards the little park, thinking that she didn’t visit Farthington often enough, mainly because it was hard to get away from Pelham Downs, what with her father’s condition. She and Jane would often at this time be walking in the field behind the estate so that they didn’t venture too far. This was a rare treat, and Margaret was not going to let it go.
“Well, I am going to stroll through. You can come if you like,” Margaret went on.
Jane sighed and slumped her shoulders. “I suppose, Miss. Unfortunately, you leave me no other choice.”
The two girls strolled in silence, each close to one another in years. Jane was twenty-three, whilst Margaret was twenty-one. This closeness in age lended them an understanding of one another. Still, they were very different in appearance. Margaret marveled at how she’d become so slim over the years whilst Jane had become rather plump. Margaret was envious of this, for she wanted more womanly curves.
And although Jane felt like a sister, they would never be mistaken as such. Jane was short, with blonde hair and whimsical grey eyes. Margaret admired these qualities as well, for she always thought that blonde hair was rather appealing.
Jane was the one who broke the silence. “I’m sure his lordship will be in a good state. He seemed most optimistic at breakfast.”
“Yes, he did seem rather in a good mood. One can only hope for the best.”
“And he retired to his chambers rather… early last night.”
