Page 18 of A Maid's Fateful Courtship
“Since when did a bit of soil stop us from having fun?” Ethan asked her, holding on tight to the basket handle.
“I have wanted to speak with you, Josephine as it vexes me that we cannot be the friends we once were,” he began. “I know it is not your fault, and I will try not to put too much pressure on you, but I am finding it difficult to adjust to your changed role in my life.”
She watched him, not sure what to say as he handed the basket back to her. As her hand reached out to take it, he touched her slender fingers with his own and she enjoyed the slight caress of contact.
Their eyes met and it was a magical moment for she longed to tell him that he had captured her heart. Were they both looking to find the right words? Did Ethan share the same feelings that had nothing to do with their childhood friendship?
Josephine broke the spell, "It would not be fitting to be seen dallying with a servant by the kitchen door, m'lord.”
Ethan smiled and looked down at the basket that had come between them and was now preventing their touch.
“You have good taste in the flowers you choose, Josephine,” he said before they parted ways. “I hope my sister appreciates all the effort you have put into making the arrangements around the house. They look stunning and smell divine. Every time I come across them, it reminds me of you.”
“Thank you, Lord Ethan,” she said with a short curtsy. “Lady Cynthia puts her trust in me, which is a great honour. I have much to do and must get on, m'lord.”
With that, Josephine turned and entered the open doorway to the kitchen corridor. The door was always open as it allowed cool air into the heated kitchen. She could see that Ethan remained standing outside, but the sound of clanging of pots echoing down the kitchen corridor soon reminded her where she belonged.
***
Once Josephine's figure had disappeared into the mouth of the open doorway, Ethan stood contemplating on his loss. He too turned to head off and continue with his day. He intended to stroll by the stream, as he found the sound of running water very soothing.
Despite their separation, his thoughts remained on Josephine. Passing by a large, gnarled oak tree, he recognised it. Ethan recalled how they had often thrown ropes over the strong thick branches, and then swung out and over the meandering stream.
The game had been to see who might fall into the water first, taking a dip to sodden their clothes. Each one of them, at some point, had fallen victim to the game. They had received a thorough soaking, which, more often than not, had received a stern look from the housekeeper, Doreen.
It did not seem to bother Anthony or Cedric that Josephine no longer played such a huge part in their lives. But to him, it was difficult to comprehend. Never once whilst they were away, had anyone mentioned in their correspondence that she had become a servant of the manor. Given her origins as the daughter of a farmer, he supposed it was apt.
“Comme il faut,” he whispered to himself in French. “My poor Josephine is conforming to what is right and proper, I suppose.” As he mumbled to himself, he bent down to pick up a twig and throw it into the bubbling stream, watching it float away out of his reach.
Walking on, he entered a small, dense woodland where his steps caused the dry twigs underfoot to crack. There was little noise, not even the sound of singing birds. The large trees dominated the skyline, their crowns crowding the sun out overhead. Yet the dimness was a blanket of comfort to him in his dream world of thoughts.
So, why cannot I accept it?he pondered.
He arrived at the edge of the lake and spotted a pair of mated swans. Their long, slender necks almost intertwined at their close bond for one another. He continued to observe male and female swans as the Cob paddled to the side of the Pen.
Soon, you will mate and produce cygnets, he contemplated.You get to play a happy family with no complications or interference from those around you.
Feeling envious of their freedom, Ethan moved on, leaving them to their love game. From his vantage, he could see more carriages coming up the long driveway to the manor house. Perhaps he should get back and show his face, but he was enjoying the peaceful setting of the lakeside. Did he really want to mingle amongst house guests who would expect to discuss politics and all manner of things drab?
He knew his answer, as the image of walking hand in hand with Josephine entered his troubled mind.
If only Father had made her into a lady. Why educate her as a lady and then push her back down amongst her own? It is outrageous what they've done to you, my love.
He knew his father only ever meant well, for Josephine had been orphaned at a young age. Her parents being tenants on the Sarandale Estate had meant his father would have felt an obligation.
“But your good deed was all for naught, Father!” Ethan spoke out loud in his annoyance.
He looked at the blue skies that were dotted with puffy white clouds. For all he cared, it should be grey and raining as that would suit his frame of mind far better.
Josephine has the talents of an educated woman of society, but she will never be able to use them. She will never dance in a ballroom, or play and sing on the pianoforte, as she has been taught.
His mind was in turmoil at the injustice of her treatment.
No, it is not right. She is a lady and not a servant,he told himself.As much of a lady as any of those arriving in the finest of carriages, simply because they are invited to a garden party.
Without realising it, he had been scratching at his arm. The aching sting brought him to his senses, and he lifted the sleeve of his jacket to see bloodied scratches on his skin. He would been scratching at the sting mark without realising and had opened up the wound. It was only a small thing, but it felt apt as if it symbolised his broken heart.
Josephine had seemed to accept her lot, which surprised him. She had been a strong-willed child, always leading him and his brothers on her adventures at play. They had followed in her wake because she had been such fun. And now… now she was a compliant servant.
