The Cinder Bullies (3)

Rosa immediately went to see Cindy, being concerned about how she was coping with the complete break from her family, and the loss of her role as scullery maid at home.

As Rosa approached the huge estate, she was pleasantly surprised to find Cindy already outside, working in among the rose bushes. She looked so content!

"Rosa! I am happy to see you. Come and sit down in the rose garden with me," said Cindy, as Rosa drew nearer.

Moments later, the cook appeared with a huge platter of freshly baked scones with raisins, and a fresh pot of tea.

"I brought some things for you," said Rosa, who knew that Cindy had left home the day before, with only the clothes on her back. They were extremely worn out and very ragged looking. "You will need something more to wear. I can adjust these, so that they fit you properly. What Cindy did not know was that Rosa had been a gifted seamstress in her younger years.

"Oh, thank you, Rosa!" replied Cindy. "But, I have never had any more than just the clothes on my back."

The cook was listening in on their conversation and interrupted them, at that point.

"My daughter has outgrown several, lovely outfits, so you may be able to wear them too," she said. "I will bring them down for you, later."

"Perfect!" said Rosa, who realized that the cook was a kindly woman, too.

"Thank you so much!" replied Cindy, excitedly.

"You are going to become a lady of leisure," said Rosa, with a smile.

"I already feel like one," said Cindy. "These people here have been so gracious and good to me already. I did not know that people could be that kind."

"You deserve it, my dear!" replied Rosa, as the cook nodded in agreement.

"No one should be treated like a scullery maid by cinder bullies," the cook said solemnly, as she poured the tea. "At least, not in this day and age."

"Not in any age," replied Rosa.

"I don't have a family any more," said Cindy, sadly.

"But now, you already have two 'other mothers'," said the cook. "My daughter is a bit older, but she would be happy to have a little sister like you."

"I just love my new home," said Cindy, as tears of gratitude welled up in her eyes. "I have never slept in a bed before last night."

"You haven't?" The cook asked, as she sat down beside Cindy and Rosa, to enjoy a cup of tea with them.

"You have now," said Rosa, and the cook nodded in agreement.

"I will need some boots for the garden," said Cindy, who had been working in her bare feet.

"My daughter has some that will be perfect for you," said the cook, only too eager to help Cindy, as her daughter was getting married and moving away very shortly.

"If you need anything at all," Rosa said quietly and sincerely. "Just let us know and we will find it for you."

"Thank you. My world has always been so different!" exclaimed Cindy. "I have never known what it is like to be treated like a young lady. It may take a while for me to become accustomed to all of this kindness."

Rosa knew that Cindy had made a good move and that she would be loved and well cared for in her new home. Rosa was invited to visit her at any time.

"Don't invite those cinder bullies," suggested the cook to Cindy. "At least not yet!" she continued, as she saw the sadness in Cindy's eyes. "There is a whole other world to learn about first!"

Rosa nodded in complete agreement. When she left an hour or so later, she carried a bag of scones. The cook had encouraged Cindy to cut a fresh bouquet of roses for her, too.

"You can never grow too many roses," she whispered to Cindy. "Or give too many away."