A  young woman , who I did not recognise. With her wavy brown hair flowing around her shoulders,wearing a simple olive green dress held together by a tight corset hidden under many layers. My busted lip still raw and a slight purple bruising escalating  from my ear down to my chin. Besides the non-breathing part, I did feel like a princess out of a story book.

Mary comes in view behind me in the mirror."Im so sorry Brielle its the only dress they have left, Tomorrow we will arrange a new uniform to be ordered at the dressmakers." she looked a little embarrassed. Turning around to face Mary" It's absolutely perfect thank you"I smile back.Mary loops her arm around mine and leads us to a big sad empty dinging hall, one that a king would eat his feast at.

"We all sit eat in the kitchen with all the other staff miss  we all report to Mrs Gladstone, she will be meeting you after Breakfast today"Mary wispered over.

Maybe being  maid here wouldn't be so bad, though I don't expect to live here forever either.I will find a way back home ,I just need some time. I need a job, a job where I could easily stay under the radar until I figure out  a way back home. Sitting down with a hot bowl of bland  porridge and a glass of milk,I feel the stares consume me.

An elderly lady in slightly finer Attire storms into the kitchen with gusto.She had dark green eyes and grey hair placed into a neat bun."Okay-y ladies,breakfast is over !,Make sure you you clean all the bedrooms  and re wash all the bedsheets,Catherine and Annie ,you are on window Cleaning, the rest I want to see you all dusting, do I make myself clear?".

"Yes Mrs Gladstone" the young woman all said in unison. All the maids  start to seperate.In the clearing Mary and I stood."Who's this Mary!?"

"This is  Miss Mabel Jackson Ma'am,She arrived last night from docks to start as our new maid upon lord Daltons Request. Mary started to sweat while her cheeks started to rose with colour.Just before anyone could say another word, I interrupt.

"Pleasure to meet you Mrs Gladstone,I've heard many amazing things.." I smile lightly when I start to see her face frown I realise I'm going to have to try a lot harder."

"Very Well" she spat. quickly turning back around she eyed me out.

"Any Husband I suppose?"she said with gust.It was as if this very last question mattered the most. I stare blankly back at her.  "No", The monotone dragons voice blessed us with its presence  once more." I've seen girls like you Mabel ,and they don't last long around here,hope you prove me wrong" she bellows.

After what felt like five minutes of silence the  lady speaks.

"Mary will show you to your room. Your day  starts at the 4th hour of sunrise,Breakfast is  at 8,after our master Lord Dalton and his guests have eaten.As you are new  to your main role, you will be scrubbing the chamber pots and restocking and cleaning the fireplaces of every room, if you finish everything on time then dinner will be at 8:30.You will receive one Sunday off every week along with your allowances. Any disobedience or lack of duty will be punished. Do you hear me young lady?"                                                              

  "Yes Ma'am."  My voice dripping with unnoticeable sarcasm.With a quick nod she leaves the room.

"Mary,what did she mean,when she said "girls like me?" I question softly .Mary looked like she was thinking of the best  way to respond."Well, you are beautiful Mabel and you haven't  had to do as much hard work in your life, I mean look at your non scarred hands Brielle" Mary turns over my hands, while I lift them up having a good look while glancing back at Mary's.                                 " it wont be long till suitors are lining up,even if you a servant girl,she meant no disrespect" 

Oh but she really did, thats for sure,but If I can handle my mother I can definitly handle Mrs Gladstone.I walk back to my room when I suddenly hear whispers of two girls at the end of the corridor. 

 "did you get a look at the new girl ,you can tell she is hiding something,she hasn't worked a day in life, lets see how long she is going to last. Apparently they found her completely defiled and ruined when she was picked up at the docks., probably another play thing for Lord dalton to use and once he is done with her ,she'll be thrown out onto the street like the rest",the other girl cackled." 

ignoring the two bitches I walk away  pretending like it didn't strung a nerve when all of a sudden ,my attention is drawn to a big stair case .Following the decreasing stone stairwell I come to a big wooden door that has been left slightly ajar.Slowly walking in I discover a big massive room filled with hundreds and hundreds of books.

A Victorian Library .All the books had been looked after.Held upon a oak book case that descends to the ceiling. With rail Ladders that go all the way around I place my fingers tips  across the books edges when one certain book catches my eye. I slowly put my hand on the rails while taking continuous steps up the sturdy ladder.I'm Just about to reach it when a voice startles me,making me drop the book 2 metres from above the ground."So you like books"? A calm voice approaches me from behind.Turning around the horror is expressed on my face.

Still clinging onto the ladder with now my back facing the shelf."I-um ,I was just going to see if anything needed cleaning you see,I'm so sorry ,I'll be very careful from now on Sir Dalton". 

The thing is ,I am a horrible liar,my words become jumbled and my face goes red as a beat.A slight smile sits above his lips but his grey eyes seem, hungry. He picks up the book and looks straight at me with a questionable look before returning a quick smile ,he walks close to me while offering his hand to help me down."a pleasure to finally meet you Brielle,I heard what happened, had I been there, that man would not be seeing the next light of day."well, thank-,"You can just call me Henry"he interrupted while lifting my hand and giving it a quick peck. I quickly slip my hand out."wait so If your not Edward Dalton, who are you?"

As if on cue the door slams open,big strutting steps can be heard climbing the stairs . HIM! No It can't be. There walks in Edward Dalton,His scowl I could recognise from anywhere,His furrowed brow with his strong jawline and his cold stormy eyes."Brother",is all he said until his eyes lock onto mine."YOU!".I don't have time to think , I bolt for the exit When his hand reaches me first and pushes me up against the hard wooden door.His face inches from mine. All I can hear is his words echo in my head."Mark my words ,If I ever come across you again, I will make your life a living hell, do you understand!?"

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HOW DID EVERYONE ENJOY THIS CHAPTER?

 THINGS ARE GETTING A LITTLE STEAMY FOR A FIRST & SECOND  ENCOUNTER DONT YOU THINK? ;)  

"I do not own above image ,SOURCE:  http://www.fairychamber.com/blog/previous/2