Read Princess of Glass for Free Online Page A

manor and didn't think that there was a single drop of moisture left in her. She took out a thin handkerchief and rubbed at the salt stains on her cheeks.
    "Hacks are so filthy, aren't they?" Mrs. Hanks said as she came in. "The pitcher's full, if you need to freshen up."
    "Thank you, ma'am," Ellen said woodenly. Mrs. Hanks looked very much like her sister, and despite Ellen's fond feelings for Mrs. Mills, she had found little comfort with her. "Now, Ellen," Mrs. Hanks began, her voice firm. "Here comes the lecture," thought Ellen. "At least she
    49
    remembered to use my new name." The former Eleanora Parke-Whittington found it painful to be reminded of her past by being called Eleanora, and so she had altered her name to something more in keeping with her altered status. She had been named after her grandmother, and that leader of fashion had never had to empty her own chamber pot, let alone anyone else's.
    "I know that you were not born to this work, my dear, but then I don't know of anyone who would have chosen it. I would rather be served than a servant myself!" Mrs. Hanks smiled but Ellen just looked away. The smile would fade soon enough, when it became apparent that Ellen was useless. "We'll do the best that we can to help you, but you have been in service now for some years, and I expect you to be able to do some things without supervision."
    Ellen just nodded, and out of the corner of her eye she saw Mrs. Hanks's smile thin out. "Yes, ma'am," she said hastily.
    "I will introduce you to His Lordship in an hour, though most of your duties will be with the young ladies of the household, Lady Marianne and Her Highness Princess Poppy of Westfalin." Mrs. Hanks swelled a bit with importance when she said the princess's name.
    "Yes, ma'am," Ellen said, her voice barely audible. She hadn't realized that she would be waiting on girls her own age, girls who would have been her friends if things had gone differently.
    It seemed that she did have tears left to cry after all. "Here is a dress that should fit," Mrs. Hanks laid a bundle
    50
    on the bed. "Apron and cap as well. We can alter them later if there is any need. The black stockings and shoes you have on will be just fine. I'll let you get freshened up," Mrs. Hanks said, not noticing Ellen's distress--and who cared if a maid was upset? The plump housekeeper went out, closing the door behind her.
    Steeling herself, Ellen went to the washstand, trying to avoid her reflection in the dim little looking glass that hung above it. There was a bouquet of dried flowers hanging next to the mirror, belonging to the maid that Ellen would share the narrow room with. At least they would not have to share a bed: there were two cots, thank heavens. And the basin and pitcher, though plain, were not cracked or chipped. The servants quarters at the Laurences' were furnished with things too damaged to be used in the more visible parts of the house.
    She lifted the pitcher and poured water into the basin. As it ran into the white porcelain, the water turned green. Ellen nearly dropped the heavy pitcher, only just managing to put it back on the table in time. From the glowing green water, she heard a kindly voice speaking.
    "Poor dear! All alone in the world, aren't you?"
    Ellen whirled around, but the door was still closed and there wasn't another soul in the room. "Who said that?" Her voice came out thin and shaky.
    "They call me the Corley," the voice said. "But I am also your godmother, my dear. Pour more water into the pitcher, that I may see you."
    "What?"
    51
    "When you pour water, I can see you," the voice said, still patient and soft. It was a plump voice, a gentle voice, the voice of a grandmother in a lace cap and woolen shawl. "Pour the water, dear Eleanora, and let us talk."
    Still shaking, Ellen picked up the pitcher again.
    52
    ***
    Dancer
    Purl two, knit four, purl two, knit four," Poppy muttered under her breath. She gave her yarn a tug to unspool more.
    "Step two, three, now