Every part of her being seemed to blur with the darkness that entangled her. It Tossed her to and fro like a rag doll till her anguished screams blended into a high-pitched buzzing sound that resonated in her ears. It was as sharp as the claws that lunged at her as it seemed to scrape across her skull, making her head ache and her screams louder.
"Miss! Miss!"
With a gasp, her dark eyes opened wide with terror and confusion. Where was she? Who just spoke?... The soft glow of candlelight flickered and crackled above her as her surroundings became clearer. She was in her room with Mrs. Eisen looking down upon her with... concern?
"Are you alright, miss?" she asked.
"I am...." Cecilia's voice caught in her throat, " Yes, I am alright..,"
" Truly?" Mrs. Eisen gaped, 'You nearly knocked the candle right out of my hand. You were thrashing so!"
Cecilia slowly sat up, feeling her body ache and her mind vibrate.
"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Eisen-I did not hurt you, did I?"
"Of course not, Miss!" Mrs. Eisen smiled down at her wearily, setting her candle upon the nightstand, "Your mother wished you to join her for supper- but you look as pale as a ghost!"
Cecilia let out a shaky sigh as she placed a hand upon her forehead, feeling small droplets of cold sweat upon her brow. The sensation made her feel sick to her stomach. Her hair was cold and damp as it lay tangled and plastered against her skin.
" I must have had a terrible nightmare, " She tried to smile reassuringly, " But I am alright now, "
Mrs. Eisen furrowed her brow, making her crow's feet even deeper. It was clear Cecilia's smile wasn't convincing. With a tsk, Mrs. Eisen placed her hand upon Cecilia's forehead and frowned even further,
"hm...your temperature seems alright but your cheeks are quite flushed! I'll let your mother know you are not well -"
Feeling a sudden terror ripple throughout her body, she quickly reached out to Mrs. Eisen.
"Please don't! Truly I am alright!"
Mrs. Eisen sighed wearily as she stood and strode over to retrieve Cecilia's crumpled-up garments that lay upon the cold floor. Seeing poor Mrs. Eisen bend down to retrieve them and tsk at the coffee stain on the gown made Cecilia's cheeks flush with guilt and embarrassment.
"I will have your supper sent up to you, Miss," She said, folding Cecilia's gown over the crook of her arm as she made her way to the front doorway," But for now, you must rest! I'll send word to your mother that you are Ill-"
"Mrs. Eisen!"
Did she truly just raise her voice? She had never done such a thing in her life! Biting her lip she looked down in embarrassment,
"Forgive me..." Cecilia softened, " Please, Mrs. Eisen, there's no need to tell my mother. It was just a horrible nightmare. I am certain I'll feel much better after I have some supper,"
Still holding onto the door handle Mrs. Eisen raised her chin skeptically,
"If that is what you think is best-"
"I do!" Cecilia blurted out anxiously, "Please tell my mother I'll be right down,"
As if to prove to Mrs. Eisen she was in perfect health, she threw the covers off her and swung her legs over the bed, and quickly made her way to her armoire where she began to search for an appropriate attire,
Letting go of the door handle, Mrs. Eisen let out a frustrated huff,
"Let me help you with that Miss, "
Setting down Cecilia's coffee-stained gown upon the vanity table, she walked over to the armoire where she selected a gown for her.
"Will this do Miss Errington?"
Cecilia blinked.
Miss Errington? Hearing another man's surname instead of her father's was strange to her...shocking even. Could any trace of her father's existence truly disappear so quickly? Is that what happened once you died...your forgotten and replaced?
"I-Yes this will do, " she said, her voice feeling distant in her ears.
Shaking out the gown briskly, Mrs. Eisen slowly yet diligently began to dress Cecilia. Making sure each knot was tightened, each wrinkle and fold was smooth. And just as Mrs. Eisen was tightening the ribbon behind Cecilia, did she hear her take in a deep shaky breath,
"Are you truly alright Miss?" she asked, her brows furrowing, "If you're unwell and your mother finds out-"
"I'm alright," Cecilia smiled, turning around to face her "I'm just...tired,"
"Miss..." Mrs. Eisen began, her voice suddenly growing quiet as if Cecilia's mother would burst through the door at any moment, " If you don't mind me saying so, I truly believe you should rest!,"
Cecilia shook her head as she fidgeted with the ribbon about her waist,
"I could send for your supper just for tonight, and If you are well just as you say you are, come tomorrow I promise I will not mention anything to Mrs. Errington,"
Biting her lip Cecilia found the offer tempting... after her mother's spectacle at breakfast she feared what her mother's disposition would be tonight...yet if she didn't go to supper her mother would find it as an act of rebellion. No...she should go to supper.
"I...." she began, "thank you Mrs. Eisen but I think it best I go to supper,"
Hearing this, Mrs. Eisen tsked and shook her head as she gestured toward the vanity table,
"Sit here Miss, and I'll fix up your hair,"
Cecilia smiled in relief as she walked over and took a seat,
"Thank you, Mrs. Eisen,"
Cecilia listened to the candle as it crackled and popped nearby, watching the reflection of Mrs. Eisen as she began to brush out the tangles and unruly curls that lay cascaded down upon her shoulders. With an expert skill of hand, Mrs. Eisen tightly braided Cecilia's hair up in a chignon bun. Decorating Cecilia's dark hair with yellow ribbons. Gazing at her reflection Cecilia sighed in relief. Yes, she looked weary as her dark circles contrasted with her pale skin-but she at least did not look too unkempt. Brushing along her curled bangs with her fingers she hoped her mother would not notice.
"There you are miss!" Mrs. Eisen smiled, resting her hand upon her shoulder, "Are you certain you wish to attend supper?"
Watching her dark eyes flicker in the dim candlelight, Cecilia nodded. She had made her decision.
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