Rebecca Upton's Story

It was early morning at Willowcrock Manor, it was early spring and the grounds were full of life. The birds singing, bees humming, the tree budding with the signs of life that had been diminished all winter. That time of year that always brings the promise of new life, and possibly new love. Naturally the world outside the house was buzzing just as much as the world inside of Willowcrock Manor. It may have been quite early but the whole household was already up and moving preparing for that evenings events. A grand ball, put on by Master Thomas Linford on the behalf of his two lovely daughters. Eligible young bachelors from Melbourneshire and the surrounding areas, were invited along with some of the ladies that were around the age of the young Linford girls. To most it was just the Linfords being their typical hospitable selves. They were well known all over Melbourneshire for throwing some of the most lavish parties, and then inviting the whole town to join in the festivities. This was how they appeared on the outside, on the inside however was a completely different story.

With the over spending of Mrs. Linford, combined with the bad gambling habits of Mr. Linford they were terribly in debt. Not even their daughters were privy to the extent of the families financial troubles. Their first try at easing the debt had been to drop many of their servants, now left with only their butler, the cook, the maid, and the stable boy who had begged the Linfords to stay that and practically works for room and board. If you can call it that, he sleeps in the lofts over the stables, the Linfords of course had to step in themselves to cover the duties that the dismissed servants had left. Meaning the aristocrats had to learn to do menial tasks that they would never think to sully their hands with. The next to be limited was the girls clothing, now this was something that didn't bother their daughter Esther much, she was never one to worry too much about keeping up with the fashions. However her sister Rowena was devastated with the fact that in order to keep up with the other girls. She had to rework many of her old dresses in hopes that no one would notice that she was wearing the same gown that she had worn to the last cotillion.

The next step was to start cutting down on the amount of gatherings they were having, at one time the Linfords were having parties at least once a week at their home, ladies that had once come to call on Mrs. Linford regularly for tea were now only called upon once a month. But no matter how much the tried they couldn't manage to make up their debts, now Thomas was sure that he would be put in irons and sent off to Debtors Prison. Now his concern is for his wife and daughters, Eliza his eldest he had just managed to get married off to a nice young man, but that still left his two younger daughters, Esther and Rowena. So in a last ditch effort to insure his daughters happiness, he and his wife decided to throw a lavish ball. Inviting some of the most eligible bachelors, in hopes that his daughters would catch at least one of their eyes. Even if he could manage to get Esther married his daughter Rowena could go to stay with her eldest sister till a suitable match was made. He was also hoping that news of this would not get to one of the most powerful men in Melbourneshire a man that Thomas owed money to, Mr. William Nash. However news travels fast in this town.

So as the servants and the family flitted about getting ready for the evening, food had to be prepared so Mrs. Linford was busy in the kitchen helping Mrs Cuthboard. The girls Esther and Rowena were helping each other do some last minute work on their gowns, and trying to get decorations in order. Mr. Linford had just come in from the stables helping young Leo, prepare for the buggies and horses of the guests. Artemis the butler was going over all the families silver to make sure it was polished and in tip top for the guests, when a knock came from the door. The butler was puzzled, it was far too early for guests to begin arriving and the Linfords had made sure to tell everyone not to come till preparations were finished, they didn't want to deal with the scandal that would follow if anyone knew the family was doing such menial tasks. But as the butler it was his duty to answer the door. He straighten the tails of his coat as he made his way to the door, the bell outside began to clang just before he went to turn the knob. Whomever they were, they were quite impatient to say the least, he cleared his throat and opened the door and before he could say anything the person on the other side pushed his way through the door into the foyer. The man removed his hat, and when Artemis was certain who it was he swallowed nervously.

"Good day to you sir, how might I help you this fine morning. I'm afraid the house is in sorts right, and there was no announcement of your arrival I'm afraid, we are unable to greet you properly". Artemis said with a nervous tone is his voice as he took the mans coat and hat.

Mr. Linford must have heard the door because he stepped out, still covered in sweat and hay, he looked quite a sight indeed, but he stood tall in front of the visitor. "Artemis... please send...our guest to the study".

Artemis bowed respectfully as Mr. Linford headed into his study, "Yes, sir of course", he turned to the guest. "Sir, if you would please follow me". After hanging the coat and hat, he lead the man to the study where Mr. Linford waited.