Elaine stirred in her bed, waking up due to the sudden ringing of the nearby church. Despite being used to an early schedule herself, she felt really out of place, which technically, made sense. Her eyes, drowsy and squinting at her surroundings, she noticed what seemed to be Annie.. praying?
Annie seemed to notice Elaine's gaze on her and spoke in a very quiet tone.
"Are you awake miss Elaine? Good morning."
Vermont and Claire seemed to sleep peacefully with the inconvenienced noises and experiences in this entirely different sphere of life..maybe?
Elaine rubbed her eyes and slowly got up, it would be very unladylike for her to watch her subordinate work.
She took a while before standing up and washing her face with the cold water at the bowel nearby, hoping to arouse herself.
"Shall I help you make breakfast?"
Annie looked back and spoke in a nervous tone.
"Ah- no no, I'll be going to church, and maybe pay a visit to my parents home on my way back...I hope that won't be an issue.."
Elaine was moved by the gesture.
"I see..well there's no reason to argue with that, breakfast shall await your return. Although, I do request for you to go out with Claire after breakfast once more...if you do not mind."
"Oh? What for?"
"You'll see, now, go make haste for your errands await you!"
Annie practically was beaming with joy, "Yes! Good day, Miss!!!"
She said as she whirled away like a enthusiastic wind out of the door and down the stairs of the hotel.
Elaine closed the door and went ahead to make breakfast, something simple.
Annie returned after awhile and by now the hustle and bustle of the town had already begun. Shops were open, aligned at the sides, fruits, vegetables, and spices brought in by merchants, all were neatly displayed.
She walked up the stairs, greeting the owner of the hotel when they crossed each other's path and when she opened the door knob, a warm welcome waited for her.
The aroma of fresh baked bread permeated throughout the cabin. Her eyes scanned the table and there was hasty pudding, with posset. Quite a fulfilling breakfast, Elaine welcomed her in, Vermont seemed to have his breakfast avoiding any sort of unnecessary conversation, while Claire tried to stay awake and set her pace to the morning hour.
Annie thought about her somewhat socially miserable life back at the meadow and then this one which was so... friendly...and someone so warmly comforting. She smiled and said "I'm back!"
With breakfast being done, chores commenced immediately. From washing clothes with it's grueling long process of washing, starching, letting it dry and ironing, to cleaning dishes and dusting the place, all was done with each and every member's assistance.
After quite sometime in the afternoon, Elaine suggested to Annie.
"Annie? Remember how I mentioned you take a detour with Claire outside?"
"Yes? What about it?"
Claire's bored mood instantly wore off, and her head sprung towards them.
"What outing?"
"Well, I heard the masquerade is being held right? So, since I have already done my shopping, how about you and Claire go out together? Hm?"
The masquerade instantly clicked to Claire unlike Annie who was quite awestruck and confused at the very least.
"The masquerade...? Really? Miss?"
"Of course, is something wrong?"
"How could I possibly.."
Annie lowered her head down in what seemed like shame.
"Annie. Please, you've helped us a lot and that is the least we can do. I hope even there, you remember not to talk about us too much..I believe you recall the conversation we had about this?"
Annie's looked and how could she forget? She remembered the conversation...which was a sham only meant to let things settle with Annie without her knowledge.
"Yes..I remember, if you insist then..I have nothing more to say, Miss.."
Elaine smiled, thankfully everything seemed to be at her advantage...their advantage.
Claire exclaimed with great excitement and instantly got ready and was out with Annie in less than a second.
Elaine sighed and sat down on a chair nearby. She looked down, spotting the book in a satchel. Her eyes were locked onto it before she picked it up.
"How long..." She thought and thought, about how much time had passed at the current timeline and approximately how much more was needed to obtain the pocketwatch back. So far, everything seemed to be according to plan but of course, disadvantages will follow at some point. It's easier said than done.
This was basic realization to Vermont, who still had not spoken much and was not spoke to about it either.
Although, Elaine and Claire did try encouraging him to explore a little, and get more familiar with the environment.
Elaine looked outside the window and her eyes went towards the people, simply living their lives, carriages of nobles marching down the streets, some knights patrolling the area with ther horse's mighty neighs.
It seemed so natural for them and even for her, although she belonged to a time where all this was all but a record of history that is long forgotten.
Meanwhile, back at the current timeline, its been nothing but chaos. Servants from all three households have been stressed with the absence of their masters. Yet, nothing has been disclosed publicly, not just yet.
The former available masters(their parents) have been called and to them, they are simply worried for their beloved children but at the same time, in ther hearts, lingers a hope, that burns fiercely. For they know, no matter what issue arrives, if they are by chance together...all shall be well.