The bedchamber was gloomy, with minimal sunlight streaming in through the cracks of the thick curtains. Aurora Montgomery liked it this way, for the sunny outside felt like a merciless tease to her current state. Her strained coughs echoed throughout the hall that her bedchamber was situated in, and although she was fully occupied with good books, Aurora did wish to get out of bed at times. Today was one of those days, and as she slowly lifted herself into a seat, she moved to the edge of the bed, slipping her bare feet from underneath the covers and onto the cool floor. Standing proved to be a difficulty in the past few months, so she took as much time possible to stand up straight as she could. And when she did, the woman, in her white nightgown padded over towards the window. Let the teasing commence, for when she reached the window, she whipped open the curtains, allowing a cloud of dust to be released from the ripples of the fabric. Immediately, the sun streamed in, warming her face. With a shaky sigh, the woman felt an ounce better, if only she could breathe the fresh air.
Her doctors, however, assume that it would be best for Aurora to stay inside and away from other potential problems. For nearly an hour, the woman stood at her window, admiring the weather, even if her once-beautiful garden was now a forest of weeds. She knew she was lucky to still own the house, but her future seemed so unkind to her and her daughters.
Meanwhile, two stories lower, Georgina was in the study room, going through her familys paperwork. With the last set of horses and that one carriage, they were only able to pay off a small percentage of their debt, but it was a certain start. Ever since her father passed away, Georgina took over as the bigger enabler. She learned numbers and bargaining, and how to save for their own convenience. Those were all lifetime lessons, and Georgina couldn't be happier in being able to handle herself so well in these situations.
There was a knock at the door, which caused George's blond head to snap up. "Come in," she called out, glancing down at the papers once more. It was Patrick, their aging butler.
"I'm sorry to bother you, Miss, but a young lad has conveyed a message for you," Patrick spoke in his usual shaky, but baritone voice.
"What is it?" Georgina lifted her head to stare at Patrick. She knew what the message could be, but there was a little bit of hope that it wasn't what she was thinking.
"Lord Ruthford will call upon you later this afternoon," the old man spoke, his hands neatly clasped behind him.
"I see," George grimaced, for it wasn't good news at all. The man hadn't even taken the courtesy to 'wish to call', no, Lord Osborne had made it entirely clear that he will. "Is mother awake?"
"I do believe she is, miss," Patrick nodded gently, and once Georgina dismissed him, he quickly disappeared, leaving the girl in silence. It was a bitter silence, and although Georgina was fine to gather her wits and think of a plan, she needed the gentleness of her dear mother. Valerie was probably out riding or in town, daring to show her face in the many shops that line the streets of London...