“A pillow?” Aurelia looked up from her paper, and cocked her head to one side in confusion. “Does she not already have one?”
“No actually,” I replied with a shrug. “None of us who live at the mill do. Mr. Dwarfer is kind enough to let us sleep in the laundry piles, but he isn’t able to provide us with typical bedding.” I watched as Aurelia’s expression faded into horror.
“The laundry!?” she shouted with disgust. “You mean to tell me that the pretentiously wealthy Wilson Dwarfer makes his workers sleep onother people’s clothes?!” Clearly, she was enraged, and while I knew her rage was not directed at me, I still shrank back subconsciously, not wanting to prod her further.
“I was unaware that he was so well off.” I attempted to divert the conversation in a different direction before she busted a blood vessel. “He had always seemed fairly modest when I spoke with him.” I though back to his polished appearance and copper monocle. He was well-kept, but never showed any obvious signs of wealth.
“Oh, he is rich alright.” She huffed another curl away from her eyes. “He used to make a modest living, but recently, he has been dressing like he is the emperor of this town. He just bought a new estate a few days ago and has been begging my parents to come over with their friends. If he suddenly has so much money then why is he mistreating the women who do all the dirty work?” She stomped her foot and I felt some of her anger spread into me.
He was wealthy?I suppose he could use his money however he pleased, but how could he go about flaunting it when he knew perfectly well the living conditions his workers endured? The sweet smiling faces of my fellow workers flooded my mind as rage built up inside me. They worked so hard, and they deserved better.
“How many beds do you need?” Aurelia grabbed my attention with a fire burning in her blue eyes. “Do you need blankets? Sheets? Never mind, I shall send everything.” She scribbled furiously on her paper, not bothering to look up.
“You don’t have to send all that. We have lived like this for as long as we have been there.” I stretched my hand out as if I could stop her, but she only wrote faster.
“Look what has happened to Sylvia.” She glanced up for a moment, and I recoiled at her fury. “It is no wonder she fell ill living in such hazardous conditions. I am just grateful the rest of you haven’t grown ill as well.” She finished writing and called for the nearest servant. “Please purchase these items and have them delivered to the Woodlands Laundry Mill with haste. If the owner has any questions about the delivery, tell him he may address me directly regarding the issue.” She handed the paper off and the servant left as quickly as he had arrived. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the presence this young girl empowered. She was around the same age as Hazel, so she was probably a full four years younger than me. I found myself mentally aspiring to possess the same bravery she did. Her position required her to look down upon others, yet here she was, enraged over the mistreatment of common employees.
A sensation of guilt flooded me as I reflected over my previous treatment of our staff. Had I been any different than Mr. Dwarfer? So many times I had put my loyal servants through trial and difficulties with my foolish pranks and teasing. They had always been so kind and humble toward me, yet I looked down on them as if they were nothing more than toys for my amusement. My mind flashed to the faces of the mill workers in comparison to the castle servants who roamed the halls of my previous home. They were no different from each other, yet I treasured the girls and had mistreated the servants. It was utterly deplorable of me.Has it really taken me this long to recognize how self-centered I am?If I ever made it back to the castle, I swear things will be different. My servants deserved the same respect that Aurelia and I gave the mill maids, and now I knew it.
“Thank you,” I finally said. “Your kindness is inspiring, Aurelia. It makes me wish I had been more like you when I was younger.” I smiled softly, and she returned it having cooled down from her rage.
“I am nobody special,” she admitted modestly. “Kindness exists within everyone. You just have to be brave enough to accept the consequences that may come with. For instance, my parents are sure to be short with me after spending my whole allowance on something other than jewelry. Too bad I don’t care what they think.” She chuckled at the notion. I laughed alongside her, then peered out the window to examine the time of day.
“This has been the most pleasant visit, but I’m afraid I shall need to return soon.” I sighed heavily. As much as I desired to stay and waste the hours away, I truly needed to get back to the mill. If I was going to sneak out after supper, I should at least do my fair share of work beforehand.
Aurelia dropped her gaze to floor without even trying to hide her disappointment. “Very well then, I understand.” She rose to her feet, brushing her rumpled skirt. “I shall fetch the carriage so you may ride back, but you must promise you will visit again soon.” She held out her hand to help me out of the soft chair, and I smiled cheerfully.
“I promise!” We continued giggling down the halls until she led me to the front gates where the black coach was awaiting.
“Don’t forget to tell the others I say hello!” She waved to me regretfully as I stepped into the coach. “The supplies should arrive by tomorrow morning at the soonest. Please write me if you or anyone else requires anything more,” she shouted through a sudden wind that rocked the coach a little unsteadily.
I popped my head out of the window after the footman shut the door behind me. “Thank you, Aurelia! I am certain your gifts will be more than enough for us all.” I waved a friendly goodbye to her, and she proceeded to wave back until we had rounded the bend out of sight. I sat back into my seat with a joyful grin plastered to my face. On top of a lovely visit, I had discovered the solution to my most looming problem. Aurelia had been correct. All I needed to do to save Isalla was to prove that King Garrett had already broken the alliance of a marriage. He had been the perfect guest in the eyes of the kingdom thus far, but his background work had treachery written all over it. I only needed to compile the evidence, and for that, I already had a plan.
When we arrived back at the mill, I gave my thanks to the driver and made my way inside. Seven familiar faces turned to me with skepticism as I walked through the doors.
“Now where’ve you been all day?” Glenda shot me a stern look. I guessed Aurelia’s footman hadn’t explained my lunch invitation upon delivering the medicine.
“I apologize for staying out so long,” I said innocently, though the bothered stares continued. “Lady Aurelia invited me to her estate for lunch. She wanted me to tell everyone that she says “Hello” and wishes you all well.” I directed my gaze back toward Sylvia, who was sitting up to watch the interaction, but she still looked rather pale.
“That explains a lot!” Hazel’s energetic voice carried across the room as she remained bent over her washboard. “Lady Aurelia loves to gossip and can hold a conversation even longer than Captain Peter.” She giggled, and I was suddenly reminded of Peter’s generosity early.
“Aurelia and I ran into each other after I picked up the medication for Sylvia.” The brunette girl looked up weakly from her place of rest, and I gave her a soft smile. “Also, I wasn’t the one who purchased the medication. Peter was at the apothecary and purchased it for me before I could stop him. He said to consider it a gift.” I looked towards Sylvia who wore her own grateful smile. The other girls wore matching expressions of awe and surprise as I shared the news.
Daniela smiled with a touched expression. “How very kind of him. He truly seems to care about us meager mill maids.” She snuck me a knowing look that I pretended not to notice.
“Oh, and there is one other thing…” I paused for a moment, trying to find the best words to explain today’s events. “Aurelia sort of found out about our living accommodations and was rather disgruntled about it.” I fidgeted my fingers in an unladylike manner as the girls eyed me with ever-growing suspicion. “So in response, she may have ordered sleeping cots, bedding, and other home necessities that will arrive sometime tomorrow morning.” I clasped my hands together and held them tightly, awaiting their response. They all stared at me blankly at first. I knew the girls would refuse any outward help if offered due to their pride in their work, so I was anxious to see how this news would play out.
“Are you joking?” Bethanne spoke up first, but she nearly stuttered in bewilderment.
I took a deep breath “No, I am quite serious.” Many mouths dropped open as I confirmed my statement. “She absolutely insisted and would not take no for an answer. All she asked is that we make time to visit with her when we can.” I let out an exasperated breath as the shocked faces remained unchanged.
“I don’t know what to say…” Susan’s mouth hung just as wide as she gaped in awe. “I can’t believe it. A real bed!” Suddenly, her look of awestruck changed to one of elation. Her change in pace threw me off guard for a moment, until suddenly the women were celebrating in unison. Hazel ran up to me and enveloped me in a tight hug that nearly knocked me off my feet.
“This is wonderful, Annie!” She pulled back, allowing me to draw in a breath. “I would have never imagined Lady Aurelia would be so generous! I don’t think I have slept on a real cot since I was living with my family.” She gave me another tight squeeze then hurried off to exclaim with the others.
I stood alone for the next moment, trying to soak in their excitement. It was incredible how much joy something as simple as a bed could bring. I thought back to my first night on my own when I lay in the snow, wishing desperately to be home. That night seemed like a lifetime ago compared to all the memories I had created since. A smile spread across my face as I relished in the joy my friends were experiencing. Yes, friends. These women were my friends, just like Aurelia and Peter were as well. Before the excitement could get too out of hand, Glenda whistled loudly, effectively silencing the entire room.
“Alright, alright,” she hushed everyone within an instant. “This is great news, and we can all celebrateafterwe finish today’s workload. Everyone got it?” Her tone was serious but held its own unique expression of cheer. The girls all returned to their posts, and I picked up an unused washboard and settled in front of a basin.