Chapter 2 - "New Friends..."

Clara's PoV

'Why are you bringing me my shoes?' Dad sighed.

'Because I was in the kitchen and figured I'm coming back up, might as well bring them' I shrugged.

'Clara we've been over this. There's a whole new family moving in with us. Relatives of ours. You can't go around being so... Friendly with the staff'

'I can and will' I said waiting out the front for their arrival with him. Whenever we're together we never meet eye to eye, because he just spends the whole time scolding me about things I shouldn't be doing.

'Are you wearing that dress to dinner?'

'Yes. Of course I am' I said rolling my eyes once again.

'Here they come, now behave' he snapped. 'That are cousins and your mother sister so just behave'

'Will do' I muttered.

- - -

'You bought your own maids correct? Your room Lilly will be right next door to Clara's' he said motioning to the room. 'Mr Williams. Send down for her luggage' Dad said and I followed into Lilly's room as everyone else moved on.

Stood in front of me was a leggy blonde. Little taller than me, with blonde straight hair down her back, flowing with ease.

She was the same age as me and seemed to be quite like me. I can't wait to get to know her and it would be quite nice to have somebody to talk to.

'Thanks Rory, leave it there' I said, as she looked at me.

'Isn't that Mr William's?'

'Are you one of those really old fashioned people like my father? Because I hate formality. I'm friends with all the staff. Mainly for something to occupy my time over the years. My mother was just the same' I sighed.

The death of my Mother still hung over this house fresh as if it was yesterday. She was friends with all the staff as well which is what encouraged me.

When she died, every single member of staff spent as long in mourning as I did.

'Oh. Is that allowed?'

'Probably not but it's how I live' I shrugged. 'Now. Tell me about yourself. Your life. Your upbringing. If we're related then you have to tell me everything'

'I was raised pretty normally really. My maid Lucy. Well she was one of my best friends too I guess. Of course Dad would never allow me to go out with them. I'm engaged of course. You'll probably meet him soon' she said admiring her complexion.

'Your engaged? As in to be married?'

'Yeah. Met him last summer in London. Did your father not tell you that we're having the wedding here?' She questioned.

'No. Oh my god. A wedding? That's so exciting. I can't wait to help plan in the kitchens' I clapped. 'I can help right? It's just I haven't had much to do in the last like forever'

'Of course you can help. You'll have to run everything past my mother though. She's been planning my wedding since I was 6'

'My Dads planning my husband' I said rolling my eyes. 'Hasn't even given me a chance to find my own husband. I rarely leave the house. Unless I go to London of course'

'Maybe you should find a hobby?'

'I have loads of hobbies. Reading. Writing. Farming. Horse riding. Checking on the chickens. Anything that passes the time during the day really' I shrugged. 'But a wedding that's going to be so much fun'

- - -

'As far as plans go. It's believed that we need to still set a date. Everything else is pretty much organised' Lilly's mother said.

'Actually Mum. Richard and I have set a date. We want a summer wedding. August' she said.

'In that case. It's only 5 months away. That's not exactly long. Of course you'll have it here. The staff will be prepped. And your mother will sort the invites. When will we get to meet the man?' Dad said excitedly.

He's just hoping that with this wedding happening that maybe I'll be wanting a wedding and I'll happily be married off to which ever guy is happy to keep sleeping with me until I have a son.

'Do you want to come down to the kitchen with me? We can discuss food while I cook' I asked.

'Cook? Would you even know how to cook deer?' Lilly's Father... Mr James chuckled mockingly.

'Better than you' I said rolling my eyes. 'That soufflé your eating I made earlier today' I said as he chewed.

'Clara what did I say about behaving?' Dad scolded.

I'm sick of everyone thinking I can't do things that everyone else can do. I bet Mr James couldn't make himself a sandwich.

'Rubbish. If love to come down' Lilly said, as we excused ourselves, and headed down to the kitchen.

'Rose. We've got a wedding to plan. This is Lilly. She wants to discuss food with you' I squeaked.

'Miss Lilly. You would want me to prepare your wedding food?'

'Of course. If cousin Clara trusts you then of course I do' she smiled, grabbing a note book and started taking down notes.

I jumped up and went to inform Rory. I bet he didn't expect a wedding to plan on his first day.