- 1 - Getting Ready To Travel North

Sarah Derby had been personal maid to Lady Laura for five weeks now. She jumped as she heard the tinkling of the bell, summoning her to climb the stairs, to the upper floors where the bedrooms were housed. Upon reaching the bedroom door, she tapped lightly and waited until she heard Lady Laura command her to enter. She bobbed a curtsy then stood quietly to hear what her young mistress would say.

"Good morning Sarah, did you sleep well?" she inquired pleasantly. Sarah replied she had, and was smiling inside because she had such a lovely person to work for. Nothing was boring when young miss was about, and as they were to travel to London on the morrow, she knew she would be very busy today. "What would you have me do first milady?" She asked.

"Oh, please help me get dressed, then I shall go downstairs for a light breakfast." She turned to Sarah and asked, "Have you eaten yet?" "Oh yes miss, a few hours ago." Sarah replied. "Well that is good then." Lady Laura said. "Perhaps you will begin by ordering up the trunks, and make sure that one of the footmen carry them upstairs for you. By the time I have eaten, we can decide what is best to pack."

Sarah assisted her to dress, and helped button all of the tiny buttons on the back of the dress. Her mistress had the purest and creamiest skin, with a light blush of color upon her cheeks. Her eyes were very large, colored a sweet sherry brown, and she was fortunate to have long dark lashes to enhance them. Now dressed in a light caramel shaded gown, she turned as Sarah handed her a pale golden shawl, which had no fringe.

Sarah dressed Lady Laura's hair by tying a coppery colored satin ribbon around her long, wavy amber hair, to keep it away from her face. "You won't be able to wear your hair down whilst you're in London, miss." Sarah reminded her. "Oh yes, I shall wear my hair up, and turn into a grand lady." Lady Laura smiled, showing perfect white teeth and then, whirling in a circle, she hugged Sarah and continued "I am so happy finally to be going to London!"

A surprised Sarah watched as her young miss hurried away downstairs. She smiled again for she, too, would be traveling to the great city. This would be an adventure for them both.