Chapter 78: The Manor
Rose nodded but did not attempt to leave the carriage until Lady Delphine stepped out with the help of Slade, who looked a little too eager to help her. He still wore a mask over his face and his cap. He stretched out his hand, and Lady Delphine took it with a soft smile on her lips. She thanked him for his help as she came down from the carriage.
"My pleasure, my lady," Slade replied. Slade looked like he was ready to offer even more help.
Lady Delphine was oblivious to this and quickly pulled her gloved hand from him, turning to face Rose. "Aren’t you stepping out, Rose?" she asked softly.
Rose nodded and lifted her rear from the seat, walking to the door with her head bent. Lady Delphine immediately offered her hand to help her while Slade glared at Rose like he was fighting back the urge not to kick her legs from under her. Rose shivered. It was scary—the difference between the looks he sent her way compared to Lady Delphine.
Rose got to the ground, landing softly on her bare feet. She could feel the gravel under them, but it wasn’t too bad that it would hurt her toes to walk on.
"Oh no, you’re barefoot," Lady Delphine cried, noticing Rose’s feet as she got off the carriage.
Rose wiggled her toes, trying to hide them from view, but her dress wasn’t nearly long enough. "Aye," she whispered, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"Quickly, let’s go into the house. I will ask one of my girls to get you something to wear and some shoes."
Rose frowned at this. Lady Delphine didn’t call them maids or servants. Girls. Rose thought it was an odd term, but as if to answer her question, the front door of the manor was thrown open, and two girls—who looked around Rose’s age—walked out of the manor.
"Lady Delphine," they said in unison with a curtsey. "Welcome back."