Once I'm in my nightgown, I sit at the vanity and work on taking my hair down. It's rather pleasant doing this myself. I keep thinking of how Chancellor Zade noticed my dress and said it was nice. I hope Katherine's coming tomorrow while he's gone. I'm excited to see if she's willing to design a dress for the ball. Maybe even another dress or two for the week. That's a lot to ask without pay though. I wish there was a way for me to earn some coins like Waverly's doing.
When my hair is down, I grab a brush and work through the locks. After a few strokes, there's a knock on my door. Cynthia must have an idea that she can't wait to share. “Come in.”
Waverly bounces in the room. “Evening.” She sets a tea tray on the vanity before me.
I stop brushing my hair mid-stroke. This was supposed to stop with Phyllis. Perhaps it's some other tea. There's no reason to tamper with me when I'm just going to bed. Even if it's not the Califrasum, I've no use for any type of tea.
“What's wrong?” Waverly asks.
I stare at the tea tray. “Nothing.”
“Clearly something.” She grabs the tea pot and lifts it to a cup. “We can talk about it over—”
“No.” I slam the brush on the vanity. I won't be forced into drinking it again. She stops. Is this going to bring problems like it did with Phyllis? Please tell me it won't. “I mean, no thank you. I wouldn't care for any tea this evening.”
Her forehead wrinkles. She looks from me to the tea tray and then laughs. “Oh, don't fret. Zade told me about the Califrasum fiasco.” His name rolls easily from her. “I wouldn't drink tea either if something like that happened to me. This is just warm milk.”
He told her about that? She pours a cup and then grabs another that I hadn't noticed. “I thought we could get to know each other so I can better serve you, and warm milk is always soothing before bed. Or any time really.”
I've never heard of a stranger servant. Though perhaps since Phyllis was the only one I've had, I don't have enough to compare with. “I haven't ever tried warm milk.”
“Try it for a couple nights. It may seem strange at first, but soon you'll be asking for it. I promise to have your chocolate in the morning.”
I take the proffered cup. It doesn't sound like anything a person should drink, only calves. Her eyes are so big and her smile so encouraging, I find myself taking a sip anyway. My face scrunches. It's not right.
She laughs. “Try it a few more times. If you don't grow to like it by next week, I'll quit pestering you.” She pulls a chair beside me and pours her own cup of milk. “Now then, what sort of things do you expect of me? Is there a particular way you like things done?”
I set my cup down. “No. I don't think so.”
“There's got to be something.”
“What type of things are you expected to do?”
She studies me. “Is this a test or don't you really know?”
I shift in my seat. “We had servants at the house, one for mother, but mostly they did things for Father. My sisters and I helped with chores and taking care of each other. I can't imagine needing a servant. The only one I've ever had for myself is Phyllis, whose job you are replacing.”
“It's hard for me to understand that. Families in Envado aren't big like yours. Usually they have one child, maybe two.”
“The only big families are those who produce a lot of boys. Once they have a girl though, they stop. And families like mine who can't produce a boy.”
“I see.” Her brows draw together. “Sisters would have been nice, I think. But as for being your servant, I can help with dressing and cleaning. Drawing baths, doing your hair and face paint, bringing you treats, delivering notes. I'll help with the ball of course.”
“It sounds like too much. I'm fine with doing things myself. Except for planning the ball. That I could use help with.”
She finishes her milk and sets down the cup. “I'll help with that, but Zade said I was going to get paid extra for it, so I'll need some other duties. Let's start with this one.” After grabbing my brush, she stands behind me. Part of me wants to be grateful for her help, but the other part is resentful that she's taking it from me. “Your hair is so long. It must be hard to take care of.”
I shrug. “We aren't allowed to cut our hair, only trim it. With so many sisters, we take care of each other's hair. But being here, I've been doing it on my own. Until Phyllis came that is. Sometimes Cynthia and I still assist one another.”
“Well, I'm a bit rusty at doing hair, but I'll soon remember and can help make up for your other sisters not being here.”
The brush moves over my hair as if one of my sisters was using it. Once she's done, she turns down the covers.
“If you need anything, feel free to ring for me.”
“I will.” Except I won't. It seems odd to have someone at my beck and call.
She gives a half smile, as if she knows what I'm thinking. “Goodnight.”