Lady In Waiting

Lady In Waiting
Written By Sharon

Chapter 1

The year is 1889, 10 year old Zebrina Stride, is going to live with a man she's only met once. He was a friend of her late mother's. She has spent the last 5 months living in an over-crowded orphanage. Sleeping on the floor, and eating rancid tasting food. A housemaid has been sent to travel with her. Zebrina thought to ask her about the place she would be living, and the man that was taking her in. But the housemaid sat across from her, with what seemed to be a permanent scowl on her face. She decided to remain silent. The housemaid, Lucy, stared at the too thin girl across from her. She noted the mass of unruly golden curls that framed her face, and cascaded down her back."We'll be lopping that mess off", she thought to herself. She saw Zebrina's deep blue eyes the one time the girl dared to look at her.

Lucy held nothing but disdain for this child she didn't know. This waif would live in the Master's house, eat his food, benefit from his riches, be treated as an equal to the Master. Lucy seethed at the thought,"She is nothing but the daughter of a whore". Zebrina's mother was murdered. She died in September of 1888.Zebrina knew nothing of the circumstances surrounding her death. Except for what the Headmaster of the orphanage told her. Zebrina's mother died, he told her, because she was a prostitute in the Whitehall section of London. Now she sat shivering in the cold winter air, traveling to a strange place. Although grateful to be out of the orphanage, she was scared. All she remembered of the man, was that he was very tall.

He paced the room, wondering if he was doing the right thing. He wasn't legally responsible for the child, but felt drawn to care for her. He visited her mother, several times during his trips to London. He met the child once, Zebrina's mother had grown to trust him. He treated her with respect, despite her chosen profession. When he heard of her death, his thoughts went to the child. He remembered the girl, seemingly shy, her head lowered the whole time he talked to her."How frightened she must be",he thought. It had taken several months, but he found her in the orphanage outside London. Now she was on her way to him. His brother had expressed displeasure at his decision. But Cainan,18 years, was away at school now. The housemaid he sent to fetch the girl, was displeased too. He was only 21 years, to saddle himself with a child was silly, they told him.

Their words fell on deaf ears, he would care for the child, for some unknown reason, Marqus knew he had to. He continued to pace, till he heard the carriage come to a stop outside the door. He drew a deep breath, and went to greet Zebrina.

Chapter-2

By the time they reached Dawlish, Zebrina's little body shook violently with from the cold, and fear. She wore only a tattered dress, and light sweater from the orphanage. In a shaking voice she finally spoke to Lucy. "Are we almost there ma`am, I´m terribly cold". Lucy glared at the girl who dared talk to her. She reached into the carpetbag next to her and pulled out a little girl's coat.

She threw it onto Zebrina's lap,"Put this on, and if the Master asks, you tell him you had it the entire trip", Lucy fumed."If you tell him other wise, you'll be sorry little girl".

Zebrina slid her arms into the coat and wrapped it around her thin body. "Yes Ma`am",she whispered. As the coat started to warm her, the shaking stopped. Zebrina looked out the window, at the town she would now live in. Compared to London, it was very small. Though she couldn't see much in the dark, the gaslights lit up some of the store fronts.

After leaving the town again, she settled back in her seat, only to see Lucy glaring at her again. Zebrina diverted her eyes to the floor of the carriage. A few miles out of town the carriage turned on to a rutted dirt road and passed beneath an archway made of stone. Zebrina again looked out the window. She could see dots of light in the distance. As they drew closer she could see the outline of grey stone against the black sky. Her eyes widened at the size of the building before her."Could one person live here?.It looks like a castle", she thought to herself.

As the driver stopped in front of the house, the front door opened. The tall man stepped out. "You remember what I told you girlie", Lucy whispered, as she shoved by Zebrina to get out of the carriage, and greet Marqus.

Zebrina nodded and sat back in her seat. She started to wonder if she was only brought here to be a servant. Lucy's treatment of her didn't tell her otherwise.

She sat still till Marqus came to the door of the carriage. "Come child, don't be frightened. You're home now". She remembered his deep voice. She enjoyed listening to him talk when she met him. Now it soothed her. A familiar spark amid the strange surroundings.

His giant hand reached in the carriage and grasped her's. His warmth felt good on her cold skin. "You're freezing, child, lets get you in by the fire". He effortlessly lifted her out of the carriage. He held her tightly against his chest and carried her inside. Almost immediately her head slumped onto his shoulder. For the first time since her mothers death, she felt safe.

Marqus smiled when Zebrina relaxed against him. He knew at that moment he had done the right thing. "Lucy, fetch Zebrina some hot broth. The poor thing is frozen. Did you keep her close to you like I instructed you?". "I tried sir,,but the girl wouldn't let me hold her. She fought my every attempt to help her". "Well, she's frightened. Fetch the broth, let's get her warmed up". He set her down in a chair next to the fireplace. He looked up to see Lucy standing, staring at the girl.

"Lucy!,,,,the broth". "Yes sir", Lucy turned and left the room. Marqus removed the coat, he rubbed Zebrina's arms to warm them. He didn't understand why she was so cold. The coat should have kept her warm. Zebrina's eyes settled on his face. When Marqus saw her watching him,he smiled,and brushed some hair from her face. "Welcome home child".

Chapter 3 Marqus watched as Zebrina drank the broth and ate some bread that Lucy brought her. "Lucy did you eat along the way?". "Well sir, I and the driver did. The girl refused even a nibble. She is very defiant sir, she'll be nothing but trouble. She should be punished for her actions on the trip sir.She fought my every effort to help her,sir".

Marqus saw Zebrina"s quick glance toward Lucy. He couldn't believe that this child who was so quiet and polite the first time he met her, could cause any trouble. "Nonsense Lucy, Zebrina has had a hard time of late. She will be fine when she is used to her new surroundings", he said, keeping his eyes on Zebrina,"She'll bring new life into the dreary house". "She's trouble sir, nothing but trouble, take her in hand now or she'll be giving you grief".

"Enough Lucy!,,The child is frightened enough, she doesn't need your acid tongue adding to it." "Sir, might I help the child prepare for bed?. She smells bad, I'll give her a good scrubbing sir", Lucy said, so wanting to punish Zebrina, for no other reason than she had won the master's favor. Something Lucy could not seem to do. "No you may not, retire to your room. Send William in and have him bring Sharley, she will aid the child tonight."

"But sir, Sharley is but a child herself,,,," "Don't argue with me woman, do as your told. She needs a friendly face, yours is sour. Go and do as I say". Marqus glared at Lucy. It was obvious to him she didn't like Zebrina. He would have to watch her around the child. "Now Lucy!,,I won't repeat myself". "Yes sir". Lucy turned and left the room. She fumed at the thought of this girl being treated as an equal to the master. She was nothing but the daughter of a whore. As far as Lucy was concerned, she belonged in the gutter, with the rest of the dirt.

Marqus saw Zebrina visibly relaxed when Lucy left the room. He knelt down in front of her. With a finger under her chin, he lifted her head to see her eyes. He smiled at her. "Don't be frightened child, no one here will ever hurt you". "Is this a castle, sir?',she asked in a whispered voice. Marqus laughed at her question. "Yes, I guess it is. We don't call it a castle anymore. It is just a house, a very big house. This is your home now, does it please you Zebrina?" "Yes sir, am I to be a servant sir?" Her question surprised him. He wondered if Lucy had told her she would be. "No Zebrina, you are my ward. I will take care of you, I will get a governess to teach you. You will have all the finest things. New clothes, toys, whatever you like. You only have to ask. And you need not call me sir. My name is Marqus".

"Yes sir,,I mean Marqus." She lowered her eyes as she spoke his name. "Keep your head up Zebrina, you're a very pretty young lady. Let people see your face", he told her, lifting her chin again. He saw a blush color her little face and smiled. "Do you live here alone?", she asked. "Not anymore now that you're here, and my brother is here occasionally. But he's at school now. You will meet him soon". Zebrina studied his face. She reached up and put her tiny hand on his cheek. Then ran her fingers over his beard. It felt rough on her soft skin. "What do you think. does it make me look handsome?", he asked jokingly, turning his head from side to side.

"Oh your very handsome, is your brother handsome too?". With a chuckle, he answered,"I'll leave that for you to you to decide when you meet him". "Ah, here's Sharley, she'll help you get settled." Holding his hand out, he beckoned Sharley to him.

"This is Zebrina,I want you to help her get settled. William will you draw a bath for the girl? Sharley, take Zebrina to her room, there are nightclothes waiting for her. Help her with her bath, and get her into bed". "This way miss", Sharley said. Zebrina got off the chair and started to follow. She stopped and looked back at Marqus. As if he knew what she was thinking, he walked over to her and caressed her face.

"I'll come to you after your settled in bed, and say good night". For the first time since she arrived, Zebrina smiled. Chapter 4 Over the next month, Marqus placed an ad and hired a governess. He took Zebrina to town to show her around and to buy her decent clothing. She was introduced to his friends and business acquaintances. Whenever they went to town, Sharley would accompany them. She and Zebrina had become fast fiends.

When Marqus bought new clothes for Zebrina, Sharley got a new dress too. He sent her to the governess to study with Zebrina, too. Despite her father's protests.

Sharley's father William, the butler, was a cold ,distant man. More so since the death of Sharley's mother 2 years ago. As William grieved for his lost wife, he shut out his daughter, leaving her to fend for herself. He wouldn't allow her to go to school, saying servant girls didn't need schooling.

Marqus found Sharley sitting on the kitchen steps one day, in tears. He sat next to her and hugged her to him. Knowing she missed her mother terribly. He talked to her for over an hour. Telling her she had to continue on with her life, her mother would want her to be happy.

"Perhaps Sharley, you could assume some of your mother's duties. Doing some chores a few hours a day will take your mind off your troubles. I intend on speaking to your father about your schooling, it will be good for you to be around others your own age. Just because he's bitter, doesn't mean you must be too."

Sharley looked at Marqus with tear-filled eyes. She knew she was lucky to belong to him. Without thinking, she stood and put her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. "Thank-you Master,,,,excuse me sir, I shouldn't take such liberties",she said with a reddened face.

Marqus chuckled,"It okay child, go, wash your pretty face and we'll get you started". "Yes sir, I'll make you proud sir",Sharley said as she ran into the house.

Although William refused to allow her any schooling, Sharley worked hard to make herself happy. Marqus watched her with pride. He knew Sharley would be a good friend to Zebrina. She was part of the reason he took her in.

After classes with the governess, Zabrina and Sharley would walk in to the field behind the manor, on nice days to study. They would spend hours talking and giggling. Reading to each other. Speaking of their future dreams as young girls like to do. Having the loss of their mothers in common, they filled a need in each other. Zebrina grew accustomed to her new surroundings. She became more confident. Her sad expression disappeared, replaced by one of happiness and contentment. She grew to cherish her time with Marqus. It would be during her fourth month with Marqus, that she would meet Cainan for the first time.

During these four months, Marqus did his best to keep Lucy away from Zebrina. He thought on occasion of letting her go. But knowing he could no longer give her a good letter of referral, he knew it would be hard for her to find another position. So he kept her on. He didn't understand Lucy hatred for the girl. Lucy was, in fact, in love with him. She saw Zebrina as a threat. She was always hostile to the girl, once trying to cut Zebrina hair. Grabbing Zebrina as she passed by one day, she dragged her into the kitchen. With a pair of dull kitchen shears, she ready to start cutting when Sharley walked in. She immediately ran to tell Marqus. As he rushed into the room. Lucy dropped the shears. "She has a terrible tangle sir, I was just trying to get it out, thought cutting would be easiest. She could do with a cut anyway sir", Lucy explained.

"I've told you before Lucy, Sharley will care for Zebrina", he said turning to Sharley. "Take Zebrina to her room. Stay with her till I come to you". "Yes sir," Sharley said as she left with Zebrina. "I've warned you twice now Lucy. If I see you around the child again, I will let you go, whether or not you have another position. Do you understand?"

"Yes sir,,.I was only tryin to help sir". "Heed my warning Lucy". He glared at her,then left her fuming with anger.

Lucy did her best to curb her anger toward the child. She was after all a child. The master would need a woman, someone to give him sons. Lucy was determined to be that person. Perhaps, she thought to herself, she would have to be a little bolder. Convey her feelings for Marqus, in a more direct manner. She lay in her bed at night dreaming of their life together.

He would declare his love for her, they would marry. She would convince him to send the girl away to school ,then they would start their own family. Their life together would be perfect, she thought. She was sure Marqus would return her love.

A sharp knock at the door brought her back to reality. "Lucy! Stop your dreaming, there's work to be done. Cainan is coming home. The master want's his rooms freshened. Get busy girl or there will be hell to pay!", William said though the door.

Lucy had lain awake all night, now she wished she could sleep. She got out of bed and started to dress. She couldn't shirk her duties if she was to impress the master.

Marqus reread Cainan's note. From the date, Marqus expected Cain to arrive tomorrow afternoon. He would make sure his rooms were ready. After classes, he would prepare Zebrina for his arrival. Cainan had be against Marqus bringing the girl here. He would show Cainan that Zebrina deserved to be with them.

"Oh, how exciting Marqus,I can't wait to meet your brother," Zebrina said with delight. "Do you think he will like me? she asked nervously. Marqus smiled at her, and put his arm around her small shoulders, and gently hugged her.

"I won't lie to you child, Cainan did not want me to bring you here. He thought your presence would interfere in our lives. But When he meets you, I'm sure he'll love you as I do. I'd like you to be on your best behavior. I'll speak to the governess. There will be no classes tomorrow, it will be a private holiday for us all. Now, young lady, go find Sharley and have her help you clean your room." he said, trying to look stern.

With a slight blush coloring her face, Zabrina hugged his neck,"Yes Marqus", she said and climbed down off his lap. She smiled at him. "Off with you child", Marqus said. He watched as she left the room. "Surely Cainan will embrace this child as I have", he thought, as watched her leave.

The rest of the day was spent preparing for Cainan's arrival. Marqus made sure everything was in order. Marqus and Cainan had always been close. Their closeness intensified with the death of their parents in a road accident. They comforted each other during their time of grief. Marqus stepped in to keep their father's trade business going. Cainan would join in handling the company after his schooling was completed.

The next morning, Marqus made a final inspection. Finding everything in order, he allowed himself to relax a it. Zabrina and Sharley talked him into walking in the back field with them. The two of them never failed to amuse him. Unknown to three of them, Lucy watched from the back door.

Chapter 6

Lucy watched till the were out of sight, then went inside. She poured a cup of tea, and sat at the table. She had decided to tell Marqus how she felt. She thought if she spoke first, it would put him at ease. She was sure he would reveal his true feelings for her.

She had been sitting at the table for an hour. Her face had softened, and there was a slight smile on her lips. Lost in thoughts of her and Marqus. Then she heard giggling, and Marqus telling the girls to get cleaned up for lunch.

The girls came bounding into the kitchen, Marqus right behind them. He shooed them off to prepare for the noon meal. "Lucy, will luncheon be ready soon?",he asked. "Yes sir, it will be a cold lunch if that's okay sir?".

"That will be fine Lucy". Marqus turned to leave. Lucy grabbed his arm. "May I have permission to speak my mind to you sir?",she asked. "If this is about Zabrina, Lucy, I won't hear it". "No sir, its not about the girl.". She paused for a long moment.

"Sir,,Marqus,,I wish to speak to you from my heart. I love you. I have since I came to work for you. I think I would make a good wife for you. I'm still of age to have babies. I could give you sons to carry on your name."

Marqus was slightly stunned at Lucy's words. Although he had suspected she had feelings for him. He listened as she continued to talk. She continued to profess her love for him. She understood. She said, if he was nervous about taking a simple servant girl as a wife. But she would make him proud. When she finished talking, she stood nervously wringing her hands waiting for Marqus to say something.

He looked at the woman before him, he didn't share her feelings, but she seemed to think he did. He tried to choose his words carefully. "You flatter me with your words Lucy. I'm sure you will make someone a good wife. I'm sorry, I don't feel the same as you do for me. You will someday find a suitable husband."

Marqus was at a loss for words, he fidgeted nervously. "Well, Lucy, would you prepare lunch. Then you can retire to your room till its time to fix the evening meal". "Yes sir", Lucy eplied. She turned away from him, her eyes stinging with tears. She heard him leave. When she got through serving, she hurried to her room.

Marqus decided he would advertise for another housemaid. Lucy's words made him uneasy. He thought it best that he let her go. While he still felt he could give her a good letter of recommendation.

He spent the afternoon with Zebrina and Sharley in the library. The girls took turns reading to him. At 1 hour intervals, Sharley would run outside to see if Cainan was on his way up the road.

It was about 4 p.m. when an excited Sharley ran back in saying he was coming up the road.

As the carriage turned onto the road leading to the manor, Cainan looked out. He was a little apprehensive about coming home. But he wanted to see Marqus, he would not let an orphan girl keep them apart.

As they got closer, he saw Marqus come out to greet him, followed by the two girls.

Chapter 7

As Cainan got closer to the manor, he could see Marqus and Sharley. He assumed the third person was the girl Marqus took in. He was against brining the child in, but he promised himself to meet her with an open mind. He would not snub her. He saw Sharley and Marqus waving. the girl stood back, almost behind Marqus.

Marqus put a hand on Zebrina's shoulder and coaxed her around to stand in front of him. She watched as the carriage drew near. Since Marqus told her Cainan didn't want her here, she worried that he would convince Marqus to send her away. She looked up at Marqus, he smiled at her. He always seemed to know when she needed comforting. "Don't worry child, he will grow to love you as I have. You have nothing to fear." As the carriage came to a stop in front of them, Sharley, before the driver could, opened the door to greet Cainan.

Cainan smiled, putting his hand under her chin he looked her over. "You get prettier every time I see you Sharley. You have grown some too". Thank you sir, welcome home", she said, as she blushed lightly. Cainan looked up at Marqus, then to Zabrina. "Well, who do we have here?", he asked with a smile on his face. Marqus shook Cainan's hand,"Welcome home, Cainan, this is Zebrina, the child I told you about.", He said, hoping Cain would except her. "Well, hello Zebrina,it nice to meet.". He extended his and to her. She just looked at it for a moment, marveling at the size of it. When she placed her hand In his, it seemed to disappear.

Cain wrapped his fingers around the tiny hand. He looked at the little girl, the brilliant blue eyes,golden curls everywhere. He smiled down at her. "Don't look so frightened child,I don't bite", He said with a deep laugh.

"When Zebrina first arrived Cain, she wondered if you were as handsome as I. I tried to prepare her, but I guess your hideous face scared her', Marqus said jokingly. But Marqus, he's not hideous, he is quite handsome", she said, Then blushed when they chuckled at her statement.

"If you say so little one",Marqus said,"Come, lets get your bags inside Cainan, you must be tired from your travels". "Yes,very tired,Might I have time to rest before supper?". "Of course, Ladies, run up to Cain's room and turn down his bed", he watched as they raced up the stairs.

When they reached the top, Sharley went on to Cainan's room. Zebrina stopped and looked back. She thought herself very lucky to he here. She smiled at the brothers. "Well. What do you think of her Cain?".

"She is a very charming young lady. Despite her background, she has an air of dignity about her. I think you did the right thing in bringing her here. She deserves to have a good life".

Part 2

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