Chapter I

Jones Family Mansion

August 15th, 1887

I got up early to do my homework as usual, it is interesting how I went from being a lady who had just been introduced in society to a servant in my house, since 3 years ago my parents stopped treating me as a daughter and more as someone of their servant.

-Ariana -cry Marissa -I need you to wash my dresses immediately

-And I need you to set up all my jewelry, tomorrow is the dance with the Dukes of Alnwick and we need to look beautiful," said Michaela.

-Okay, Marissa and Michaela, I'll do it in a minute.

-If you don't do it quickly we'll tell Mom to punish you," they both said in unison.

After 3 hours I finished the homework my sisters asked me to do.

-Mother," I said subtly, "I've finished all my homework for today. Can I be allowed to go to the dance that the Dukes of Alnwick are giving tomorrow?

-No way, you have a lot of homework to do, you still need to clean the dishes, the windows, shake the rugs and curtains, and tidy up our dresses.

-But mother, I am an English lady, don't you think I should go to the dances more often?

-Yes, but you do not have any dress to go with and your sisters do not have dresses of your size, you cannot go like that and provoke all the nobles to speak ill of us.

-All right, Mother, I'm sorry I asked, I'll go back to my room.

-I hope it will not be repeated, until tomorrow.

-Hello Ariana, how have you been? -I'm sorry I didn't come to visit you sooner, I had to go on a hunt that lasted several days and as soon as I arrived.

-It's all right, Naomi. How have you been?

-Not very well, it's boring to gossip with the other ladies while the gentlemen only arrived for lunch in the afternoon.

-Apparently it was boring.

-Yes, if only you were allowed to go to the dances with me more.

-You know it's not easy to convince my mother to let me leave the house.

-I know, she only lets you go out to take care of your sisters who are on tape.

-Yes, and soon I'll have to go take care of them, I think it will be next week.

-That's good, so you can be my guest of honor at a dance my parents are organizing.

-Really? -I haven't been to a dance in a long time.

-Yes, the last time was at your sisters' wedding a year ago.

-I know, my mother doesn't let me go out to many places.

-Maybe it's because she doesn't treat you like a daughter, but as part of her service.

-Don't say that Naomi, I like to help with the work and live with the workers.

-Yes, but he has taken advantage of your kindness and even of your bedroom.

-Michaela no longer wanted to sleep in the same room as Marissa and asked me to give her mine.

-Yes, your sisters are the ones who take advantage of you the most, and they have you as their lady companion.

-Michaela has just been introduced to society and she wanted me to help her.

-Okay, I have to go, my mother is waiting for me to have tea with her friends and their respective daughters.

-Well, I hope to see you soon.

-Of course, Ariana, when you go to visit your sisters.