Writing for Fun
July 2015
Deception - Diane Silverston
Elizabeth was woken by the glint of sunlight on her face, coming through the slats of the stable wall. The whistling of the working men could be heard and she knew she needed to move quickly so not to be discovered hiding away in the straw. She stood up and brushed herself down, collected her bag and crept carefully along the side of the stall, passed the horses stabled there, and through the double doors. She noticed a coach coming into the inn yard and realised she could hide among the passengers, as if she were one, then no-one would think it strange.
She mingled amongst them as they went into the inn, sat quietly at the corner table, accepted the refreshment offered, desperately hoping no one would ask her for payment, or ask her what she was doing there. Could she get away with it?
She was beginning to feel warm and comfortable, when people began moving. She had to get away. Elizabeth moved to the restroom, where she able to clean herself up a little, and was just leaving when she heard 'Coach leaving' called through the door. Knowing she would be seen if she stayed longer, she walked out and quickly hid round the corner of the buildings. She could see there was a crossroads nearby. She watched as the passengers boarded the coach, waited until it left and then made her way to the signpost. It would be better not to follow the main road; it might seem suspicious, a young lady walking along there alone. She followed the narrow road down towards what looked like a small village. Perhaps someone there would be able to help her?
Sometime later, she approached the village, she noticed a group of small children playing, watched by some young women, the children's mothers perhaps? Could she get help from them? They turned and stared at her suspiciously. She smiled and walked on, trying to look as if she knew where she was going.
Soon she was through the village and going up a slight rise in the road. At the top Elizabeth could see a stone church, at least she could rest here for a while. She went in and sat in a back pew, the peace and calm helped her to relax. She felt a benign presence around her. It wouldn't hurt to say a prayer, just a short one to give herself some comfort.
'Who have we here?' a gentle voice broke into Elizabeth's thoughts, 'Were you looking for me?'
Elizabeth looked ahead, down the church and saw an elderly man moving towards her. He was dressed in black, but he had a shock of white hair, he had a friendly face, which was wreathed in smiles.
'Well and how can I help you, my dear?' he asked.
'Maybe you can. Maybe you are the answer to my prayer,' murmured Elizabeth. 'I certainly need a friend at the moment.'
The elderly man sat beside her and Elizabeth told him her name was Elizabeth Moorcroft (her mother's maiden name). She explained how her life had suddenly and dramatically changed; how she needed to fend for herself.
'Well you've certainly come to the right place,' he cried. 'I am the vicar here. Come along you need to meet my sister at the Priory. You might be just be the lass she is looking for.'
Elizabeth felt a little nervous; what was she letting herself in for? Still really she had very little choice, she needed somewhere and soon. She gathered up her few belongings and followed the elderly man. At the lych-gate he helped Elizabeth into the waiting dog-cart.
'I'm Thomas Branton and my sister has two young daughters she needs a companion/cum governess for. You look and sound just right.'
Half an hour or so later, there was Elizabeth standing in the vast, ornate hallway of Fenton Priory. Thomas had left her there and gone to find his sister Lady Margaret. Suddenly Elizabeth felt nervous. Would she suit? Would they like her? Was this a chance for a new start?
A door opened and in bounded two large dogs, who immediately headed towards her. She leant down and spoke quietly and patted them. They squatted at her feet, looking up at her.
'Incredible,' piped two voices in unison. 'The dogs have never taken to someone so quickly before.'
Elizabeth looked up and found she was being watched by two young girls, with brown curls, brown eyes and smiling faces, but dressed in black. Just then another door opened and Thomas returned with a lady also dressed in black, with a sad look on her face.
'Well Thomas, your lass has certainly made a good first impression. Welcome my dear. I'm afraid you have come to a house in mourning, but Thomas has told me your story, and if you would be willing to stay and help my girls, I would be very happy.'
'Please do, it would be lovely if you could,' the girls whispered wistfully. 'Everything is so strange here at present, we miss Papa so much and the boys have left as well now.'
Elizabeth looked at the girls, then at their mother, 'I would love to try, I have been well educated and did have part of a season in London.'
'Just what we need.' The girls came next to Elizabeth and each grabbed a hand. 'You'll be able to help us prepare for when we have our seasons. I'm Letitia and I'm 17.'
'I'm Catherine and I'm nearly 16, so you'll understand what we need.'
Both girls looked towards their mother. 'It's perfect, just right.' They smiled as they spoke.
'Yes, I think so too. Thank you Thomas, I think you have come up with a good solution.'
'I'm glad I've been able to help you, Margaret, and you, Elizabeth. I can leave you here where you can see you are needed.'
'Thank you so much, I'm so glad I met you. You've been so kind.'
Thomas said farewell and left. The girls immediately grabbed Elizabeth's hands again, and led her into the sitting room, followed by their mother. They all settled down and Margaret explained to Elizabeth that they had been in mourning for a year and soon their lives would be returning to its more normal routine, and so soon they would be having visitors and going visiting to their friends.
She hoped that Elizabeth would be able to help the girls gain some confidence, and increase their ability to join in the festivities.
After they had discussed Elizabeth's duties and her payment, the girls offered to take her and show her the room she was to have, next to theirs. Once in her room Elizabeth was overwhelmed by the kindness she was being shown, but was determined to do her very best for this family. This was an answer to her prayer, a chance to have something like her old life back. A new beginning.
After a few days with the family, Elizabeth realised she would have to tell Lady Margaret the truth as she had recognised from the pictures in the gallery, that the two sons were Christopher and Jonathan Maybury, whom she had met in London. If they returned home they would know her and tell of her deception.