Simple Servant

Chapter 6 - The Favor

^ Noah Jenkins

Chapter 6 - The Favor

As Noah walked towards the stables his mind wondered back to Willaminia and what she had asked him.

~~~ Earlier

"Madam Pumberly," He'd asked cautiously, "I have come for my packages, do you have them ready?"

"You can relax Noah." She answered from behind the counter. "All members of Society are currently enjoying Market Day, and my staff knows who you are. You can be yourself now."

"Thanks Willie." Noah exhaled with relief, using the nickname that Willaminia only allowed certain people to call her. "You would not believe how hard it was for me to weave through the stalls, on my way over here."

The woman looked at him alarmed. "Are the fabrics too binding?" She asked concerned.

Noah openly rolled his eyes, "Your fabrics are fine, Willie." He said calming her. "It was the merchants that were the problem. They just kept stopping me, trying to get me to buy things. Apparently they I thought I was someone who could afford what ever it was they were selling."

Willaminia grinned happily, "The burdens of being a part of Society." She joked. "People use clothing to understand the ranks of others." She informed.

"And you made me into a Lord." Noah huffed. "I wish this charade was over."

A small silence hung between them as Willaminia mulled over what he had said. "Was there not one moment about being Lord Jenkins that you liked?" She asked slyly.

Noah eyed the woman across the counter suspiciously, "What are you trying to ask me, Willie?" He questioned.

She seemed to contemplate saying something, but then apparently decided to just ignore Noah's question completely. "I have gotten all of Montego's supplies wrapped." She informed. "Everything we spoke of earlier matches their extreme and annoyingly obnoxious specifications, right down to the colored paper that each box is wrapped in."

Noah sighed realizing that she wouldn't further explain the earlier statement. "You out did yourself." He praised, "As always."

It was Willie's turn to roll her eyes at him. "I wouldn't do this for any other noble family." She said sternly. "I would put my foot down and demand to be treated like the professional I am," she paused solemnly, "but" she began cautiously, "I know what happens when that family is disappointed."

Noah smirked and tried to brush off her statement. "You don't have to worry about us any more, Williminia." He said, referencing the Montego servants, "Everyone is going to be alright."

"I'm not talking about the other staff members, Noah." She shot back. "I know what you did. You shouldn't be the one to ---"

Noah's face hardened causing Willaminia to stop her rant mid sentence, "Let it go." He said in a tone that he rarely used.

Willie's eyes saddened, and a thick silence hung like a curtain between them.

"Are you sure that Lord Montego's staff will have everything ready in time?" She eventually asked dropping the subject.

"They should be fine." Noah told her, his serious tone starting to diminish. "What about you? Will you be able to finish everything?"

Willaminia smiled at his concern, but answered nonchalantly. "Every apparel merchant I know has called in help for the Masked Ball. I hired four new seamstresses, and an extra tailor for the event. Kimmie is helping with the overflow of customers. It will be busy, but we'll manage just fine."