The Cinder Bullies (11)

"How can I possibly thank everyone for everything they have done for me?" Cindy wondered, after Rosa and Millie had left, and the cook returned to her work in the kitchen. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted through the rose garden. "I will have to think about it."

Nadia had already decided to make a pair of soft, white, leather sandals to match Cindy's new gown. She could hardly believe that the gown was so beautiful. Rosa really did wonderful work!

Nadia on the other hand, had learned how to make boots and sandals, when she was rescued by a cobbler's wife, many years ago. They had been appalled at the way she was being treated, when they realized that she was being left barefoot while working as a scullery maid.

Millie was determined to make a soft, wool shawl for Cindy, one like Rosa had made for her, when she had broken free of being a scullery maid. She recalled how cold that winter had been. Leaving when she did, Millie had no fireplace to keep her warm, and Rosa could see that she was very cold.

Rosa had already decided to start on a new gown for Millie, too, and maybe even make one for Nadia. It would take some time, though.

"I think I should go see Maddie, today," Millie said to Rosa, the next morning.

"She may not be very kind to you," cautioned Rosa. "I suspect that she is still very angry at Cindy, her mother, her sisters and their friends. She may just lash out at you. Young ladies in this era, do not normally let former, scullery maids into their society, so you may be subject to a lot of wrath."

"Maddie is already ostracized," replied Millie. "But, I hear what you are saying, so I will be cautious. I think she may need a friend now."

"There is no doubt about that. Only scullery maids know the pain of that kind of cruelty and ostracism," replied Rosa. "Maybe she will be able to talk to you decently, but it may take more time before she is willing to try to break free."

"At least then, I could let Cindy know how Maddie is adjusting. Sisters do bond somewhat, even when there is discord between them."

"But, it may cause Cindy to feel sorry for her, and she may want to go back home," replied Rosa. "It is really difficult to watch those who you love being hurt by others. We all tend to have self sacrificing spirits, when it comes to our own families."

"I understand," said Millie, but she also knew that she was the kind of person who felt she should try to do a random act of kindness, regardless of how it would be received by Maddie, or perceived by others. "I will go to see her and stay there for only a few minutes."

"That would be wise."

"To Maddie, I was an ostracized scullery maid and will always be one," thought Millie to herself. "Maybe now that she has become one too, she will begin to talk and act like a more compassionate human being. If nothing else, it will break the ice."

Millie was not prepared for the abuse that would be heaped on her when she did visit Maddie, later that morning.

"How dare you think that you a former scullery maid can come and visit me, like a young lady?" Maddie screamed at her, as soon as she opened the door. "Get out of here!"

Millie put the small bouquet of flowers she had brought with her on the doorstep and quickly left, nearly reduced to tears.

"You were so right," she said, upon her return to Rosa's. "I was not welcome!"

"She will need more time to adjust to her new role," replied Rosa. "She still sees herself as an elegant young lady, living in high society. She may never admit to you that she is being ostracized by her family and others, even though she knows she is. She may not want to face it with you. Forgive her."

"At least I tried to befriend her," said Millie. "Anyhow, I can tell Cindy that I saw her. There is no question that she is a scullery maid now, so she won't be invited to the welcoming home party, either. Cindy will be included."

"Yes, Cindy will fit in well, because she is such a gentle and loving person," suggested Rosa. "If the other sisters and their friends attend, it may prove difficult for Cindy. We will have to try to prepare her for the possibility."