Evelyn caught the rebellious look in Lenora’s eyes as the girl reluctantly obliged her by dipping into a low curtsey. Her own eyes were alight with mischief as she stared steadily back at her. 

[i]"May it please you, my lady.”[/i]

The hint of sarcasm in Lenora’s tone only made the mistress smirk again, her eyebrows raised in amusement. For all her complaints against her old maid’s willfulness, Evelyn secretly preferred a girl with some spirit. It made things more interesting. 

“Better. You’ll remember next time, I’m sure.” 

She knew she was only fanning the flames but the look of disdain in the other girl’s expression made the temptation irresistible. She always did this – poked and prodded at the new ones, looking for a reaction. A small part of her knew she was only making things harder for herself by aggravating her soon-to-be companion. Being alone for long stretched of time should have made her eager to make a friend out of this new girl. At least, as far as their different social stations would allow. Apart from the occasional party, Evelyn spent most of her days cooped up in her parents’ empty, extravagant house. She felt bored and restless most of the time, always looking for some sort of mischief to get into. And now she was taking out her restless on this hapless young woman. 

“You’ll be staying in a room above mine,” she was telling Lenora as the maid helped her undress. She sighed appreciatively as the corset around her waist became slack, and then began again in a curt, commanding tone. “There’s a bell in your room that I will ring when I need you. In addition to attending to me personally, your responsibilities include keeping my room in order. Tending to the fireplace and such. Can you handle that?” She watched Lenora’s expression in the mirror, looking curious and a touch possessive. “Have you had many mistresses before me?”

At last, Evelyn stepped out of her dress and shivered in the cool air. It was early February and despite the hearty fire in the fireplace, the room was still dreadfully chill. 

“F-Fetch my night gown, it’s there on the chair,” she shuddered, folding her arms over her bare chest and nodding toward the lacy white gown.