Eleanor led me away to the room next to her mother’s old one. “Where do you sleep now, Child?”
“In the garret, Godmother. Maman Giselle had need for all the rooms on this floor so that was the only space left. I don’t mind too much. I can see out over the valley from my window when I arise. It makes me feel at one with the birds, being so high off the ground.“
“Why does that woman call you Cinderella? Is this some nickname that her daughters have given you out of jealousy?”
“No, Godmother, it is a name they gave me after I helped the footman clear out the kitchen chimney one day. I was covered in black soot and they were outraged that I would willingly get dirty in that way. Shall I stay here and talk with you, or allow you to rest?”
“I think I do need to lay down for a few minutes. I am feeling a bit lightheaded. I have much to ponder before I speak to your father. Will you come from me before dinner time?”
Of course, everyone knows the story of Bertram’s demise. Lightening from the storm startled his carriage horses on his ride home that night and his neck was broken. Giselle refused to allow me to take Eleanor with me after the funeral, saying she “needed all her girls at home now”. If only I had known.