Chapter 7: Pillow Fights & Little Lies

This chapter is dedicated to cc_maaaa & BloodyMaireJeanne. Thanks for the support!

Revised, Published Version

Regency London-Mayfair District

Jade crept toward her bedchamber with featherlike steps, took a deep breath, and opened the door.

"Jade! Where on earth have you been?" Abagail stood, hands on hips with worry etched on her forehead.

Jade rushed into the room, shut the door, and slid to the floor. "I do not know how to describe my immense relief at finding you here, Abby!"

"Here, take my hand and get off the floor," Abagail held her hand out, pulling Jade up. "Do tell... Where have you been? I was worried sick and moments away from waking the entire house."

Jade's mouth formed an O before finding her voice. "I'm so sorry, Abby, but let us sit so I can explain." Once seated, Jade recited—with crimson cheeks—everything that had happened. It felt good to unburden herself, and Abagail reminded Jade that no one, including her uncle, could force her into an unwanted or arranged marriage. Abagail was always the logical one, while Jade was impulsive and emotional.

"Now, let us get you undressed and into bed where you belong," Abagail announced and rose from the chair. "I hope you are not planning on sneaking back outside tonight." She winked, teasing Jade as humor and mischief glittered in her eyes.

With her hand over her heart, Jade said, "You have my solemn vow... I shall not leave this bedchamber until it's time to break my fast." Between the two, they made quick work of getting Jade ready for bed. "Thank you, Abby, and I'm sorry I caused you concern. Now we must both retire. Tomorrow brings a new day, and we shall leave this house and explore London." Jade threw Abagail a cheeky grin.

"Excellent, I am excited, and mayhap I will get a glimpse of your earl." Abagail gave Jade a coy smile and threw her head back, laughing. She didn't see the pillow coming until it hit her square in the face.

"He is not my earl!" Jade cackled. "But I am glad you find it so amusing," she said, turning just in time to duck. The pillow still hit its intended mark on the side of her head. Jade held up both palms. "Ceasefire. I'm waving the white flag!" The girls stifled their giggles and bid each other goodnight.

Jade felt exhausted, yet sleep evaded her, as she tossed and turned while thinking over the last twenty-four hours. It has been the longest day of my life! While thoughts of the earl continued to invade Jade's mind, her hand drifted to her lips. Although appalled at her wanton behavior with the man—a stranger—she enjoyed his kiss. Jade cringed at the indecent memory. How would she ever face him again?

"So that was what a real kiss feels like," she whispered aloud.

∞∞∞

Jade must have slept, but it felt like she had only closed her eyes when she heard her name called out. Harsh sunlight invaded her eyes as Abagail threw open the curtains. She pulled the covers over her head and groaned. "Go away, Abby."

"I have already made excuses for you, Jade. And your tray of food is on its way. It is high noon, and you must eat, wash, and dress. Your mother and uncle request your presence, and we shall not put them off much longer." Jade watched Abagail as she busied herself in the bedchamber.

"You have far too much energy, and I despise chipper people in the morning."

"'Tis not morning anymore, so wake up!"

"Fine, will you please get my new light green morning gown out? And thank you for letting me sleep late. I don't know what I would do without you. Sorry for being such a boorish and mean friend."

"Think nothing of it, love. You forget I know you well." Abagail smiled. "Now, what are our plans today? It must be of importance for you to wear the new dress!" Abagail's excitement reminded Jade of a child.

"We are going to Hyde Park, and I am ever so delighted! It is time to give the ton something to gossip about." Jade flashed a devilish grin at Abagail.

"That sounds delightful, and the weather is perfect, but I hope your family doesn't dampen your spirits." Abagail frowned.

A knock sounded, and Abagail opened the door, allowing the maid inside to deliver Jade's meal. She placed a tray of scones, fresh fruit, sausages, and tea on the table and turned to Jade. "Would you care for anything else, miss?"

Jade's mouth watered, and her stomach rumbled as the delicious aroma reached her nose. She remembered she ate little last night and was ravenous. "What is your name?" Jade smiled at the timid maid.

"I am Suzanna, miss." She stood with her head lowered and her hands clasped together in front of her.

"That is a lovely name. How old are you, Suzanna? Jade asked, trying to bring the shy girl out of her shell.

"I am one and twenty, miss."

"Suzanna, we are the same age, so please call me Jade."

Suzanna's eyes grew large, and she once again lowered her head.

"I don't want to cause you any trouble, but I would like for us to be friends. It can be our little secret." Jade smiled and said, "It would bring me great pleasure."

"As you wish, miss... I mean, Jade." Suzanna's cheeks flared like fire, but her smile looked genuine.

"This is my dearest friend, Abby." Jade motioned to Abagail. "Her Christian name is Abagail, but we like to call her Abby. All of our friends are in New York and we need new friends here in England."

Suzanna gave Abagail a quick curtsy, and with a confused countenance, replied, "Nice to meet you, Abby, and if you need help while getting settled in, I believe my room is across from yours." The scarlet blush still covered Suzanna's cheeks. "Pardon me, but I am perplexed..." She stopped speaking, tilting her head as if weighing her words.

"Go ahead, Suzanna, tell us what has you so perplexed," Jade urged, her tone gentle.

"Well, I assumed Abby was your lady's maid, but you said she was your dearest friend, yet she has a room in the servants' quarters," Suzanna exclaimed without taking a breath, with a bashful yet inquisitive expression.

"Oh, I see!" Jade giggled and took Suzanna's hands in her own. "Suzanna, it is different where we are from and not quite as formal or stuffy. Abby lost her parents when she was young, and my parents raised her. She is part of the family but assists me like a lady's maid of her own accord. She is not my servant. Abby's parents were from a well-to-do family, and my father was in the process of adopting her before his sudden death."

Abagail cleared her throat, and both girls glanced at her. "I fear I was feeling rather silly with you speaking of me as if I were not in the room."

"My apologies, Abby, but you know how I ramble on, and poor Suzanna was confused," Jade stammered.

"It is quite all right. I am used to how you carry on. However, as much as I am enjoying this time, your mother and the duke are waiting!" Abagail reminded Jade.

"You are right, as always, but I am glad we have made a new friend!" Jade squealed in delight. "Suzanna, now that we are friends, do you think you could do me a favor?"

"Oh, yes, Jade, anything." She laughed and covered her mouth with her hand.

"Please take this tea away and bring me some coffee. I prefer coffee when I wake, but you may leave the sugar and cream."

"I will return in a thrice with coffee." A bright, beautiful smile crossed the young girl's face, and she left after a curtsy.

Jade tore into her meal in a very unladylike fashion, while Abagail laid Jade's dress and undergarments out. "You were very kind to that poor skittish girl, but it shocked me when you told her my parents were 'well-to-do.' It's not like you to spread untruths," Abby announced as she busied herself preparing Jade's toilet.

"Trust me, Abby, I was only bending the truth a little, and it was necessary. And I will not have people look at you as a servant. Plus, I want Suzanna to feel comfortable around us because we need to befriend her and the rest of the servants. I assume we will need all the help we can get, and nobody knows more about what goes on than the servants! They see and hear everything, but I plan to use that to our advantage." Jade continued devouring her food.

"You wish to use the poor girl?" Abagail asked, appearing astonished.

"Of course not, you ninny. I want to befriend her because she seems to need a friend, and I need a lady's maid. Besides..." Jade shrugged her shoulders. "I like her."

"What about me?" Abagail asked with a hurtful expression in her eyes.

"Abby, you will not always be here. You will fall in love, marry, and have children. Besides, you are family, not a lady's maid! I bet Mother has already addressed the problem with your room." Jade glanced up from her tray and smiled. "I know you will catch the eye of a fine, upstanding, and devilishly handsome gentleman!"

"Jade Elaine Fulton, you are stalling!" Abagail grabbed Jade's hand and pulled her from the bed. Once reaching the dressing table, Abagail pushed her down in the chair.

"I have not had my coffee yet, Abby. You are too cruel." Jade grimaced as Abagail tugged on her tangled locks.

"You may drink the coffee when Suzanna returns, but until then, you are at my mercy. Your family is anxiously awaiting, and we must make haste."

Jade conceded to Abagail's torture and sighed in relief, hearing Suzanna's knock on the door, and yelled, "Come in."

"Thank you so much, Suzanna. Can you pour for me? Abby is taking delight in torturing me."

"Yes, miss... I mean, Jade." Suzanna giggled and fixed Jade's coffee. "Enjoy your coffee, and I feel honored to call you both friends." With a smile and curtsy, she retreated.

Ten minutes later, Jade was ready and bid Abagail an apprehensive goodbye. "Wish me luck, and I will send for you as soon as I can." Jade threw Abagail a tight, nervous smile.

"Just be yourself, but promise to think before you speak," Abagail warned. They embraced, and with reluctance, Jade headed for the staircase, peering back at Abagail for strength several times as she descended the stairs.  

♥♥♥

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Lady Lisa

September 2023 revised published version

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