The Cinder Bullies (8)

"There has to be some way to protect young girls who are being forced into the subservient role of scullery maids," thought Rosa. "My life was terrible when I was a scullery maid, as was Millie's, Cindy's and now Maddie's."

"Let's go see how Cindy is doing at the estate," suggested Millie. "She would probably welcome some visitors."

Rosa was still quite shook up from her encounter with the young ladies who had reminded her so cruelly about her early life and graciously declined.

"I am not that young anymore," she thought to herself. "I don't have the strength and stamina to fight back."

"You go ahead, dear," Rosa said to Millie, kindly. "I have something that I need to work on." The work of a seamstress was never done and her time was valuable. Rosa had started to create an elegant gown for Cindy, but had not told Millie about it, as she wanted it to be a surprise for Cindy. She was also debating about making Cindy a pair of soft sandals to wear with her new gown, but she decided to discuss it with the cook first.

"She might have a better idea," thought Rosa.

"I hope those young ladies will not bother you while I am visiting Cindy," Millie said to Rosa. "That is not fair to you."

"I know," replied Rosa, with a gentle smile. "But, each one of those young ladies will get their just desserts at some time, or another. Perhaps they will all need elegant gowns to wear. We have already won this battle, as there are no other seamstresses in this village."

Millie smiled, amazed at Rosa's resiliency. So she left, and on her arrival at the estate was pleasantly surprised to find Cindy playing with a young puppy. She seemed so relaxed and happy that it almost brought Millie to tears.

"Hello, Cindy! Who is your little friend?" She asked, playfully reaching out to pick up the little puppy and cuddle him.

"This little fellow is so sweet!" replied Cindy. "I have not picked out a name for him yet.Nadia brought him so that I could enjoy his company. She may allow me to keep him as my own puppy."

"That would be wonderful," replied Millie, as the puppy licked her face.

"There is going to be a welcome home party for the owners of this estate in several weeks, too. I am so excited, as I get to work on the flower arrangements for the party. I have never done anything like that before, but the cook has, so she will show me what to do!"

"Nadia always has wonderful ideas for floral arrangements for parties." said Millie. "She will invite everyone for miles around and cook the best food ever, just like always."

"I have never been to a party," said Cindy, hesitantly. "You will have to show me how to act, and what to do."

"I would love to do that!" replied Millie, excitedly. "But, just be yourself and you will be fine."

"I cannot be anyone else," said Cindy, laughing aloud. "I have never been a high society, young lady like my sisters."

"Trust me, that is a good thing," responded Millie. "I will speak to Rosa about making something for you to wear."

"I had not thought about that. I guess I cannot go to a party wearing my rose garden clothes and boots."

"You won't need to, I promise," replied Millie. This would be Cindy's debut, a coming out party for her, and Millie could hardly wait to tell Rosa. Meanwhile, Rosa was busy working on the gown she had designed for Cindy.

"Young lady," Rosa said to herself. "You will look like a princess with all of the beads, lace and embroidery work. None of the cinder bullies will look as beautiful as you."