It was the biggest, nicest, room that Madeline had ever seen. She almost burst out laughing but checked herself when she remembered that Sissy, one of the kitchen girls, was standing behind her carrying her small bag. She took a breath and composed herself.
"Lay the bag on the window seat and you can go."
"I'm sorry miss, I was told to get you dressed for dinner." She looked frightened. Maddie felt sorry for her. She seemed afraid that Maddie was going to shout or hit her or something. She suppressed a smile.
"All right Sissy," she said kindly. The look of relief in her eyes was palpable. "I'm afraid you'll have to help me, I've never worn anything as fancy as these clothes." She carefully took off her dress. She was very proud of it. She had made it herself. It seemed plain and dingy compared to some of the dresses laid out on her bed but it was neat and finely stitched. She treated it with great care as she folded it and placed in the bottom of the trunk. "Which one should I wear?"
"Well, miss, if it's not out of place, I'd say that this one is the best one for wearing to dinner." Sissy said shyly pointing what appeared to be a mountain of deep blue fabric. It would be the nicest thing that she had ever worn.
"Okay," she said softly, "let's put it on." She started walking over to the dressing table and was almost there when she realized that Sissy hadn't followed. She stood, next to the bed, head down. "What is it Sissy?"
There was nothing for a long time. Then a very small voice said, "Miss, I'm to see you bathed, miss." Maddie burst out laughing.
Sissy looked up shocked. "Miss? Miss?"
"A bath?" She was practically crying now. She noticed how alarmed Sissy had become and tried to contain herself. "Ahem, take me to it then." She managed an encouraging smile and Sissy seemed to relax a little. Sissy led her into the far room where a large tub was filled with steaming water. She imagined Sissy, lugging bucket after bucket of hot water up here from the kitchen and felt familiar pangs of guilt. It wasn't that long ago that she imagined she'd have a job like that. She slipped out of her chemise and into the hot water. She had to admit, it was nice. She slid down into the water until only her nose poked out. The warmth soaked into her muscles, which were exhausted from the events of the last few days. She opened her eyes and saw that Sissy was standing over the bath with a cake of soap in one hand and a cloth in the other. She was staring at Maddie's naked body under the water. For a second, Maddie felt self-conscious, then Sissy snapped out of it and handed her the soap and the cloth.
The bath was wonderful. When she finally got out she was appalled at how dirty the water was. The air in the room was cold compared to the bath and she hoped to get dressed quickly but Sissy started slowly with stockings, then a clean low cut chemise. Then she wrapped her in an unusual looking corset. It pushed her bosom up from the bottom until her breasts seem to rest in each cup. Sissy pulled the deep blue dress over her head. It fit nicely. She looked down and was surprised to see how deep the neckline plunged. Most of the skin above her breasts was exposed as well as an ample amount of cleavage.
"You look real nice miss." Said Sissy shyly. Maddie looked in the little brass mirror, pinched her cheeks and turned around.
"I'm read for dinner, let's go!"
The long stone hallway was cold so they moved quickly down into the dining room. The dining room was breathtaking. Lit by brass lamps and candles the room buzzed with activity. Girls from the kitchen were running back and forth carrying trays, filling drinks, and seeing to the guests. The long dining table was covered with meats and fruits and cheeses. She was daunted by the task of joining all of these fancy people. Sissy seemed to sense her unease. She pressed her lips to Maddie's ear and whispered quickly. "Don't worry miss, I'll help you along." Sissy lightly and discretely took her arm and led her to a nearby seat between an older gentleman on the right and a middle-aged woman on the left. Across from Maddie was perhaps the oldest woman she had ever seen gaily popping grapes into her mouth and looking around happily.
Maddie tried to take it all in. The large windows were flanked on each side by long dark curtains. There were at least five doors leading away from the large room. She hoped that Sissy would help her to her room at the end of the night. She was no longer sure which direction they had come from. There was a large painting on each of the available walls. One of the larger paintings was of the hard looking woman sitting at the head of the table. Her hair was pulled up severely. She had met her only once, a few weeks ago. She hoped she could steer clear of her in the future.
The meal went well, there was ample food and the gentleman on her right was talkative and merry. She relaxed and enjoyed the food and the company. Just before they brought in dessert she looked up to see a tall thin man with dark hair and features leaning over and whisper into the ear of the lady from the painting. The woman nodded toward Maddie and the gentleman turned and looked. For a brief moment their eyes locked and Maddie flushed, then quickly looked away. When she looked back a few moments later the man was gone. But old woman was staring at her with a wry smile on her face. Maddie shivered. The lady on her left patted her hand under the table. When Maddie looked at her, the woman looked away.
Dessert came then, along with a tiny glass of light amber liquid. The table buzzed appreciatively. Maddie looked around at the people sipping their little glasses and did the same. It was like drinking the sun. The sweet warmth spread across her chest and flushed her face. She relished it, taking small sips until the glass was empty. She refrained from her impulse to stick her tongue in the little glass until she had licked up every last drop.
The rest of the night was a blur of talking and laughing. And then suddenly, dinner was over. She got up, surprised to see on the large clock that nearly three hours had passed. She should have been exhausted but she felt energized. Sweet Sissy was there to guild her through the routine to make a proper exit.
"Go over and curtsey to the misses, it's your first night here, say thank you for the meal and the finery" Sissy whispered quickly. Maddie made her way over to the old woman and waited as the others each made their goodbyes. She felt like she was walking on pillows. When it was her turn she stood under the gaze of the old woman. That gaze felt like wet linen weighing her down.
After a deep curtsy that made Maddie want to giggle, she said quietly. "Thank you Miss, for the fine room, the dresses, and this nice meal." She looked up and made eye contact with the old lady.
"Your welcome child," the old woman said shortly, gazing at her. Maddie dropped another quick curtsy and turned to go. She realized that Sissy was not with her. When she looked back she saw that the old woman had gripped Sissy tightly by the arm and was whispering fiercely in her ear. Sissy was nodding and saying 'Yes, mum." Then the old woman abruptly let go of Sissy's arm and, released, she ran over to Maddie.
"Sorry miss, let me take you to your room." She then grabbed her arm and led her away quickly. Once they were out of sight of the hall Sissy relaxed visibly. She turned and smiled at Maddie. "It was a lovely dinner." She seemed almost breathless. If Maddie hadn't know that Sissy had spent the meal running back and forth from the table to the kitchen, she would have thought that she had been right there next to her at the table. When they got upstairs, Sissy practically shoved her into the room and commenced running around, pulling out garments, lighting more candles. There was already a very warm fire alight in the fireplace. Maddie walked over and sat on the bed. To her surprise, there was one of the tiny glasses of the wonderful warm drink sitting on the table by her bed. She picked it up.
"What is this Sissy?"
"That's Missus Special, miss" she said with wide eyes.
"Have you ever had some?"
