Chapter 88

The Sleepless Night of the Maid — Chapter 88

A gentle hand stroked Eva’s hair. The warmth of Cecil’s touch against her head was comforting after a long time. Eva stirred before she opened her eyes. She must have fallen asleep without realizing how tired she was the previous day. The first thing she saw was the ceiling of the small and tidy room, followed by Cecil’s smiling face looking down at her.

“Nanny, are you okay? When did you wake up?” Eva sat up and grabbed Cecil’s arm, her concern for her overwhelming.

“I just woke up. It’s already lunchtime,” Cecil replied.

“Really?” Eva asked in surprise as she looked out the window. The bright sun shone through the beautifully embroidered curtains, and the landscape was no longer dark like a typical morning. The moisture had disappeared, and it had the color of the afternoon.

“I can’t believe I slept in like this. I must be crazy,” Eva said, covering her mouth with her hand. She had never overslept like this in her life. Her body couldn’t handle the accumulated fatigue and tension all at once.

Cecil smiled gently at Eva and stroked her face with her fingertips. Then, she hugged Eva and cried, “Our daring girl. Now it’s all over. Don’t worry, we’ll live happily ever after.”

“Nanny,” Eva called out to her, her heart touched by Cecil’s words. She felt upbeat because she got through the tough times with Cecil by her side. After all, she had come this far and done it.

“Now that I’m healthy, I won’t let my girl suffer anymore. We’ll live here as a real mother and daughter,” Cecil said.

“Yes, Nanny. We must do that,” Eva agreed.

The two women hugged each other tightly, soothing their emotions. While they were imagining such a changed future and sharing their warmth, they heard a knocking sound.

“Yes, come in,” Eva said, turning towards the door.

The door opened, and a young woman stuck her face in. She looked about the same age as Eva, or a year or two younger. Her white face, round facial features, and freckles scattered on her face gave her a cute impression. She looked like Mrs. Leona and had the same red hair. So she was the daughter of this house.

“My name is Joy. Come out first and have some food,” Joy said, holding her hand out. Her expression and tone of voice exuded a clear and positive energy.

Eva and Cecil got up and followed Joy into the kitchen. Mrs. Leona was cutting bread with her apron on. When she saw the two women, she smiled broadly.

“I’ve prepared hot water, so please wash your hands first and have some food. You both look exhausted. Joy, take them to the bathroom,” Mrs. Leona said.

Mrs. Leona lowered the bucket she had placed on the stove and handed it to Joy. Inside it, hot water was steaming and flowing.

“Come this way,” Joy said, blinking brightly as she led Eva and Cecil to the bathroom.

The two women looked at each other with pleasant smiles. They were in a cozy space with hot water, the warmth of the fire, and delicious food. It felt like happiness.

“Thank you, miss,” Cecil said, greeting Joy with a friendly smile.

“You’re welcome. I hope you may find peace and comfort here. I work as a maid in another place, so I come home every two or three days,” Joy replied.

“I see. So, do you work for an aristocratic family?” Eva asked.

“Yes. I work at the Duke of Kensington’s mansion,” Joy replied, smiling brightly.