Simple Servant

Chapter 3 - Market Day

^Madam Willaminia Pumberly

Chapter 3 - Market Day

Noah's detestation towards the Montego Family had grown considerably in the last few minutes.

He could proudly and honestly say that he hated them, and the ridiculous outfit that Lady Cathliene forced him to wear.

"My Lady," he nearly begged, "forgive me for asking, but why must I wear Lord Ronald's clothes this Market Day?"

The woman released a frustrated groan. "Johnathon and Ronald were invited to attend the Royal Masquerade Ball in honor of the Crowned Princess." She said as if that response alone was an adequate reason.

Noah held his tongue hoping that she would elaborate further.

Thankfully, she did. "My sons have already left for the post summer hunting season so they are unavailable. Since you are roughly their size, you must go to Town Central City today and purchase all the materials my family will need for new outfits for the Ball."

"Lady Montego," he asked hoping that he wasn't pushing his luck with her, "I understand, but why can I not dress in my daily attire? I have done so for all other Market Days."

Lady Cathliene released another frustrated groan. "You are truly an idiotic excuse for a servant."

Again Noah held his tongue, and eventually the silence prompted her to explain her absurd scheme.

"An invitation to any other event would allow servants the honor of fetching items for their masters, but a Royal invitation requires a bit more selflessness." She paused as if trying to emphasize her next point.

"If it was known that I sent a lowly servant to get materials for this Royal event, then Society might believe that I do not take pride in my new status or in my family's appearance in front of the Royals." She groaned yet again, "But really why must I explain myself to one as low as you. Servant, you should be thanking me for allowing you the honor of wearing such fine clothes."

It took every fiber in Noah's being to refrain from uttering a sarcastic remark. He knew the consequences for something slip.

Noah bent his head towards his Mistress as a sign of apology. As he did so, his eyes caught a glimpse of the horrid thing that was draped about him. He remembered when Ronald had worn the particular outfit that he himself was now draped in. The attire consisted of tight burgundy pants, a matching velvet jacket, and a magenta silk shirt with a high collar and frilled laced sleeves. The odd combination of colors and materials had worked well with Ronald's darker features, but that had been several years ago.

Now, the suit was discolored from its lack of wear and it smelled like one of the hunting dogs had used it as a bed.

Noah forced his face to appear emotionless. He felt preposterous and wished that he could turn the whole outfit into new washcloths for the housekeepers. But those actions wouldn't have helped the situation.

He nodded towards his mistress, as a sign of his departure, and went off tell Horse that the carriage would be needed for the next day. At least being forced to ride inside the thing might save Noah some humiliation.

~~~ The next morning

Market Day was just as busy as it was every Thursday, in Town Central City. With the Masked Ball still several weeks away, the market place wasn't as packed as it would become the closer the Ball drew.

He left Horse to tend to the carriage and horses at the market stables on the outskirts of the city and walked in a straight path towards Madam Pumberly's. Hopefully it was early enough for him get there without being noticed.