With a silent nod, Vivian walked back inside to get a bucket of ice and the softest towel she could find. She brought both items back out for the Lady. "Will you be alright?" she asked, already mentally kicking herself. She was way out of line.
Theodosia takes some of the ice out of the bucket and carefully sets it up in the towel. She presses the now cold towel against her cheek. "Yes. I just need to make sure it doesn't bruise." With a quiet sigh, she looks down at Addie. "Thank you."
Vivian nodded and retreated back to the kitchen. Marissa, however, led her to boiler room and set her the task of cleaning and bleaching all the dirty sheets. Putting her hair up in a net, Viv set to work.
Theodosia sighs and stays outside for awhile longer before she has to suck it up and head inside. Pausing in front of a mirror, she examines her reflection. The red mark has faded considerably. That's good. She drops the ice and now wet towel off with Marissa. "Please watch Addie." Those are her only instructions before she heads upstairs to face her husband.
Scrubbing hard in the shallow wooden tub, she ignored the fact her hands stung from the harsh chemicals of the bleach. In the silence, however, she caught the brief hum of conversation followed by someone walking up the stairs— probably Lady Theodosia.
The two retire to the bedroom. Doing what Richard wants is the only way she makes it through another day. it's not ideal but it keeps her alive.
A little while later, Theodosia sits in front of the vanity in the bathroom, lacing up her coreset. At least it's over with for now.
As Lady sat at her vanity, Vivian was pinning the now clean sheets outside– she was a quick worker, no one could deny it. She was allowed back into the kitchen to help carve up the meat to be prepared.
Theodosia finishes pinning her hair up before standing and exiting the bedroom, not meeting her husband's gaze. Heading out into the garden, she spots the new serving girl. "Vivian, will you accompany me to the dress shop? I need to purchase something new for Mr. Wilson's party."
Vivian looked up from her work. "Of course, my Lady." She looked back towards the house, but no one was watching. Oh well, they'd find her unfinished work and she'd explain herself later. Washing her hands quickly, she pattered up to her Lady's side.
(I've gotta go now, goodnight!)
Theodosia thanks her and gathers her purse. She glances over her shoulder before heading down the path and opening the gate. The dress shop is only a few blocks away so they'll be able to make it there fairly quickly. She'd like to be back before dinner.
(Night!)
Vivian follows in silence, hands intertwined in front of her. She easily kept up step with her Lady, who wore heels, but she was distracted by the beauty of the town: it was relatively small, but still much more developed than where Viv had grown up. Decorated shop fronts, flowers, carriages, people dressed in refinery… Vivian couldn't help but let out the odd squeak of wonder.
Theodosia laughs quietly at Vivian’s reaction. Not in a cruel way, she was merely amused. Having grown up in this town, she doesn’t find it to be all that amazing. “What do you think of London?” She asks, a small smile on her way as she leads the way to the dress shop. There’s a good amount of people milling about. Carriages are pulled through the streets and stores are dotted every few feet. The city is large and beautiful. She can appreciate the beauty, just not the craziness that comes with it.
She shrugged. "I don't have the words. It's beautiful." She was tempted to keep talking, but remained aware of her status. So she kept silent.
With a quiet sigh, she enters the dress shop. What has she expected? An actual conversation? None of the serving people will say more than a few words to her. She can’t exactly blame them, they were taught that speaking to her is wrong.
Vivian followed Theodosia inside, looking around with wide eyes at all the colourful fabrics around her. Her Lady sighed, however, and Vivian looked over at her. Was she doing something wrong? Did her Lady actually want her to speak up? She'd try speaking again, and gauge her reaction. "I think the purple would look stunning on you, ma'am," she tried.
Theodosia looks at a couple of different fabrics, examining the quality of the silk and the durability of the cotton. Glancing over her shoulder, she smiles in appreciation. “Thank you, Vivian. Would you like to help me pick something out?” She doesn’t do well with these things according to Richard.
Vivian let herself smile. "I would love to." She nodded towards a rack at the other end of the shop of walking suits.
"The dress needs to have some form of pearls or lace. Richard is picky about that." Theodosia follows after Vivian, wondering about her opinion on everything.
Vivian pauses, looking around, before quickly making a decision and heading for the far shelves. She was getting excited, no doubt about it.
She stopped in front of a pastel pink chiffon dress with a pearl-lined collar and lace stitching at each hem.
Theodosia examines the dress that had been chosen. "Oh, it's lovely." The pink is beautiful and the pearls and lace will please her husband. She calls over the store owner and begins to discuss price and measurements. The dress can be ready before the party, thankfully.
Vivian stands quietly, watching wistfully as Theodosia is measured and the dress is bought. She's pleased, however, that her choice was accepted.
Theodosia purchases a few more things before getting her new items all boxed up. She gathers the packages and heads out of the store. Dinner will be served soon and she can't be late.
Vivian rushed to catch up with Theodosia, taking them from her and carrying them herself.
Theodosia thanks Vivian for the assistance. They soon arrive back at the house. Luckily, the make it back before dinner is being served.
(Should we skip?)