Simply Absurd

A topic of gossip

It was announced to Adeline that the ladies were meeting for an afternoon picnic at the Brodsworth Hall. She was quite excited due to the fact that she has not seen her friends in some time. Her mother was trying to teach her proper etiquette as a young lady. How one should speak in front of a gentlemen without insulting him.

Her clothes have also changed. Adeline did not mind the changes, she only wore the best of everything. Her father would have material shipped from Europe for her clothes. So this picnic would be different. It would not be about chattering of nothings. They were young ladies now and the picnic would have young men as well.

Her maiden was at her aid, doing her hair, running a bath, and helping her with her corset. Words were never shared between a maiden and her lady. Adeline never thought anything of it either. That is just the way it was. This maiden was new however and Adeline had no idea where she came from. Nobody introduced her which made it that much more uncomfortable.

While she was eating her breakfast she took a double take at the girl who just helped her dress.

“Adeline, this Eilleen Doherty. She will be your maiden for some time we hope; if she works out.”

Adeline did not know what to say. She only had panic sweep through her body.

“Adeline, it is not proper to not introduce yourself.” Her father held a look of daggers in his eyes.

“Yes, sorry for my delay. My name is Adeline. I hope you enjoy your stay with us.”
She continued to eat, trying not to make eye contact.

This is horrible! How could father do this to me? Surely I will be the laughing stock of the country, let alone this very town.

Preparing herself for the picnic was not a pleasant preparation. This girl was an Irish immigrant. She had no idea her father was taking in such ignorance into their home. The very thought of her seeing her unclothed was absurd. It was the worst two hours of her life as she knew it. She kept her mouth shut. She wasn't rude but she wasn't nice. Eilleen did not utter a word unless asked.

Time was of the essence. The day was moving forward and Adeline had to be sure she looked her best. One never knows who you would meet up with. One last look at herself and she nodded to Eilleen to be on her way.

Her coach awaited her in front of the manor. It wasn't long before she was at the Brodsworth Manor. No words could describe it's beauty. The garden was stunning. Hydrangea bushes everywhere, bird baths, a stone walk way leading to a fountain. She held her head high and walked towards the back of the manor. She could hear the giggling and chatter, until she got a little closer. It stopped, just like that. It felt like she was thrown in front of strangers. These were her best friends, it shouldn't feel awkward.

“Good afternoon girls. What a glorious day! I am so glad we are together this afternoon.”
Adeline took a once over at the girls. Elaine, Rosa, Camellia, and Lena. They looked up at her like she just fell of the apple cart.

“Good afternoon Adeline. How have you been keeping?” This coming from Lena who was quite bold on the best of occasions. However she was one of her best friends, and their fathers were friends also.

“I have been keeping fine Lena, how about yourself?”


“Well I must say I am a little better off than you these days.”

“Oh and why is that?” Adeline had no idea what she meant. She was taken aback by such a statement.

“I heard some gentlemen talking earlier and they were saying your father has taken in immigrants from Ireland. Right off the coffin ship they said.”

The other girls just stared at her in disbelief. Of course they could not let on that they knew and were talking about it before Adeline even showed up. How would they know this in a matter of a day?

“Oh I think you are mistaken Lena. I do have a new maiden but she is not right off the coffin ship. I assure you that.” Hoping to save herself. She had to sound sure and almost abrupt.

“What is her name?”
“Eilleen.”
“Oh yes, how do they pronounce that one? Aileen!”

Adeline was so insulted. There was no way she could leave. How could her father do this to her. She knew this girl came from somewhere. She had no idea her father was shuttling in immigrants straight off the boat. There was nothing she could do but to stand her ground and keep her head up.

The rest of the day was not the best but she made up for it. Addison Wright made his way over and offered his arm in a stroll through the garden. This made up for anything the others had to say to her. When she returned home, it was late. Her father was in the front room with his scotch and pipe.

“Adeline? Is that you?”

“Yes father. I am just coming in.”

“Can you please come in here a minute.”

“Yes father?”

“I want you to respect Eilleen. She has not been here long and has no family. I believe she will suit you well. She is a hard worker. I trust you will behave accordingly.

“Of course.”

A couple of weeks have gone by and Addison came calling for Adeline a few times. Her father was quite happy. There was another event on the way and this time Adeline would be prepared for any unnecessary chatter about the help in her home.

Camellia walked right up to her and asked her, “Adeline, where is Addison?”

“He will be here shortly. He had business to take care of first.”

Camellia turned around as if she was told to confront Adeline with this question.
Lena approaches her next, ” You know Adeline I saw your Irish squalor the other day. I believe she was being quite flirtatious with Addison. Are you going to put up with that?”

“Why on earth would Eilleen be with Addison? That is absurd!”

With a smirk Rosa spoke up, “That would be awful to lose your new gentlemen to an Irish girl with nothing to her name. Could you imagine what they would do to your reputation? It is a shame Adeline that your gentleman is so easily distracted.”

Highly insulted, Adeline removed herself from the situation. How could Addison do this to her. How would they know this if they didn't see it. Wait until I get home and get my hands on that Coffin Sailor.

By the time Addison showed up, Adeline was not in a mood for walking in a garden nor talking. She was furious with him. Actually she wished she could just leave and never have to face him again.

“Addeline? What is wrong? You seem so upset.” He seemed to genuine with concern.

“Why are the girls saying they saw you in town flirting with my maiden? How on earth could you do this to me?”

“Addeline, I was not flirting. I asked her to come with me to show me your favourite colour for a broach. She was quite helpful. You should be nice to her. She really cares for you.”

“She is an immigrant Addison. She has no business out and about with my gentleman. If that is how you will remain to act, then I am sorry; I will not put my name on display.”

“I am not sure why you see her as such a vulgar young lady. She is young Adeline and was born very poor and trying to make a life for herself. You can't judge her for that, nor listen to the politics involved. These are matters out of our hands. You need to keep an open mind darling. I hope this brings that smile back to your face and know it is you I only have eyes for.”

“Oh Addisone, it is quite exquisite indeed. I am sorry about what I said.”

“So do me a favour and never get caught up in the gossip of such nonsense.”

It was beautiful. A lavender broach with diamond settings. He pinned it on her dress and she walked over to her friends.

“Girls, look what Eilleen helped Addison pick out for me. Isn't it beautiful. I am so lucky to have such a great new friend as my maiden, and of course a handsome, dapper beau.” She turned and walked away and swore to herself she would not listen to others without knowing the facts. Sunday gossip will never intrude on her happiness again.