Chapter 18: Chapter 18

The maids were hastily running around, the housemaids scolding them for being too slow, or moving too fast, Thomas...

Decorations, people bringing foreign objects around, cleaning, excitement...

It was the night of the ball.

"Lady Charlotte's not here, so at least you don't have to do any preparations for her. " Jenny was telling Della while trying to fold a big silk scarf.

Even though Della was helping Jenny often, Oliver had found out the girl was, in fact, Lady Charlotte's first maid.

"How come isn't she here?" Oliver asked.

"She left for the countryside two days ago. "

"But I suspected she's supposed to be here as well?"

Oliver inquired again. "

She normally is, " her first maid said, "but she hasn't been feeling very well recently and the lord advised she'd better rest in the family's house in the countryside.

"Why didn't she take you with her?"

"I don't know, " Della replied, between the folding of the heavily decorated cloth, intended to decorate the dinner table later.

"She doesn't take me anywhere with her. "

"The way master Callum has been taking you with him recently." the two girls giggled.

"He doesn't. It's only sometimes."

"Does he really have a woman he fancies?"

"I..."Oliver took a piece of cloth and began folding it.

"I believe so."

"No, give me that. It's not how it's done."

Jenny took the fabric from Oliver's hands.

"Is she pretty?"

"I'm sure she is, "Della said, swooning.

"He's so handsome too."

Oliver ignored the last part and quickly changed the topic.

"So is the Lady seriously ill?"

"No, I don't think so. But Kent's so beautiful at that time of the year, I think she prefers it there."

"Have you been to Easterwell Castle?" Jenny asked.

"Once, it's like a place out of a fairytale. They even have..."

"I see..." Oliver interrupted.

"And does she go there often alone?"

"Oh, occasionally, but ..." Della began.

"Mr. Abram," Thomas said.

God, the man was everywhere, ready to pop up from all corners of the huge manor. Oliver sometimes wondered how he managed to be always somewhere around.

"I'm sure it would be more beneficial to all of us if you help His Lordship prepare, instead of spending your time with the maids here." The butler said, "They can manage well by themselves."

Oliver put the other cloth he'd picked up back on the table.

"Of course,"

He said and smiled at Della.

She smiled shyly in return and Oliver reminded himself he should be more careful with the impressions he left on the staff of the household.

He finished his work downstairs, then resumed assisting the others in moving the bigger pieces of furniture around.

It was far from his duties as a valet, however, he had nothing better to do to occupy his time with.

Besides- he was way more suitable for heavier labor than placing fragile objects here and there.

He went upstairs to the grand ballroom.

The ballroom's floor to ceiling glass doors and windows were open, letting the last rays of sunlight of the day brighten the enormous space.

It was soon going to be filled with the richest people in the world, who would be wearing the best clothes, made of fabrics that cost a fortune, tailored by the best craftsmen, especially for the occasion.

Noblemen would be drinking the most expensive French wine, some of them deciding the fate of the world and future matrimonial matches over port and cigars.

Oliver was moving the last piece of heavy-gold chairs with red velvet tapestry when he heard Thomas's voice coming from somewhere to his left.

"Mr. Abram. I must say I'm thankful for your help."

Oliver turned and saw the man had clasped his hands behind his back, observing the tall portrait on the wall.

"This is the duke of Edinburgh, he's Liam's uncle."

Thomas turned and pointed to the portrait hanging next to it. It was another masterfully crafted picture of another member of a royal family.

"And this is Lady Charlotte's cousin- Gräfin Frieda . Do you speak German, Abram?"

Oliver put the chair down and placed his hand on the backrest.

"I suppose not," Thomas answered his question. "Germany is a great country, I'd say you should visit it, but I'd assume it wouldn't be something possible for you."

"Ah, well, "He continued  "The Gräfin's a frequent guest here, her husband is part of the royal family too. Excellent woman."

Thomas looked away from the portrait to Oliver.

"You can move that chair over there, next to the piano, by the way. It's good when every piece of furniture has its right place and it's justly put where it should be, wouldn't you agree?"

Oliver clenched his hands, fingers sinking in the soft velvet of the seat.

"My, look at the time, " the butler exclaimed, "now if you'll excuse me, I have to attend to something downstairs. I'm glad we could talk, Mr. Abram. "

*****

As the day rolled into an early evening, Oliver suspected Callum should already be in for the preparation.

He knocked on the dressing room's door and heard there was someone in.

Oliver opened and found a man sitting on the chair by the window. He got up abruptly, straightening his suit.

"Oh, good evening. I'm to meet His Lordship to finish the suit for tonight. "

The man checked his pocket watch. "a gentleman retains his walking attire until six or seven. It's almost 5:30, perhaps he should be here soon?"

"I would say I expect so."

"You are his valet, correct?"

"I am. How do you do." Oliver greeted still slightly perplexed.

"I remember you from last time in the shop. Ah, very troublesome. "

The older man seemed really concerned.

"Perhaps he's left a note?"

"Not that I'm aware of, but I could ask downstairs if you would like?"

"Thank you, Sir. That would be helpful. He even paid double for my work. And I haven't even done anything."

"I'm sure something has caused the delay and he should be here shortly. "

Oliver tried to reassure him. "Allow me to call for tea while you wait."

"Thank you, young man." He sat back down. "Thank you."

"It's my pleasure." Oliver headed out.

He isn't coming, he realized,as he was passing by the fuss in the hallways. He just won't. And God knows where he is.