Revision [25516]
This is an old revision of 1869.08.22.1945.EllaArrives made by KellyToyama on 2012-01-19 04:06:23.
Location: St. James Hotel and Orphanage
<#kate: I realize lots happens before this event but I figured this was a good event to start for my character at least. Jump in as you like... #>
During Sunday Dinner, there's a jingle at the hotel's front doorway that the children can hear from their seats around the table in the cramped servants' dining room. Elizabeth holds up a single finger, keeping everyone at their place and noses in their meal. Through the thin walls, they can hear the valet's bell chime, floor boards creak in reply, and then Mr. French's booming greeting.
"Bonsoir Monsieur Constable. How may I be of service?"
"Evening, Mr. French" says a gruff voice. "I have a new addition for you."
"Ah, so I see, so I see. Would you wait one moment, and I will see if Madame Black is free?"
"Of course."
The floor groans under Mr. French's hurried stride. The doorway to the main dining hall opens.
Trying to suppress his booming voice to a whisper, and failing, Mr. French says, "Pardon, Madame. The Constable has brought a new charge for your care."
"Oh! How marvelous." Cutlery clatters against porcelain and a chair scrapes against the planks. Mrs. Black's clunky heels stomp after Mr. French as they return to the Hotel foyer.
"Why, she's just a little mouse of a thing," says Mrs. Black.
"You'll take her?" asks the constable.
"Of course, of course, what good Christian would turn away a child."
"She was..." The constable begins, but Mrs. Black tut tuts him. "Never-mind that now, I'm sure that's all behind us." Even over Mrs. Black you can hear Mr. French cracking his knuckles.
"I'll leave her in your hands then. Good evening, Ma'm. Mr. French."
"Good evening," says Mrs. Black.
The front door jingles again.
"Martin," says Mrs. Black, "go fetch Lizzy while I introduce myself to this little peach."
"Yes ma'am."
Elizabeth rises from her seat at the end of the table. She dabs at her lips with her napkin and tucks the cloth beneath her fork. She turns to face the swinging door as Mr. French appears.
He grins. "Another one for you, Lizzy."
"So I heard." She waves for him to head back outside, and casts a glance over her shoulder. "I can hear everything," she says with her no nonsense glare. Although aware of her kind nature, the children know all too well of the trouble they'll land in by misbehaving, especially at Sunday Dinner. Seeing her warning landing home, Elizabeth follows Mr. French into the foyer.
She returns a few moments later, her hand on the slim shoulder of a dirt and ash stained girl wearing a similarly stained dress. The girl has a single braid of wavy, raven hair and pads along on bare feet. Elizabeth guides the newcomer around the table and through the side door. The grind of the pump outside starts, encouraging a gush of water.
"Hands and face," says Lizzy. "Then we'll get you something to eat."
The water's flow cuts off, and as promised the pair return to the servants' dining room. Elizabeth guides the scrawny girl to the head of the table. Despite the recent wash, the girl's skin remains light brown, like the color of sandy soil. Fresh cuts and scrapes dot her face and neck, as well as the hands clutching the fabric of her dress. The hem is ragged, with threads left dangling.
Elizabeth puts both hands on the girl's shoulders.
"We have a new comer," says Elizabeth and looks at the girl expectantly.
The girl meets Elizabeth's gaze with a pair of wide, light blue eyes.
"Well, tell us your name, girl."
"It's Ella," says the girl in a strong, clear tone.
Elizabeth nods with satisfaction and turns to those at the table.
"Well, what's yours?" asks Ella.
Elizabeth's head swivels, her gaze locking with the young girl. "Ms. Elizabeth Clarke," she says, "but you can call me Ms. Clarke."
Ella mimics Elizabeth's earlier nod.
Nicholas looks up from his plate meeting Ella's eye with a smile. "I'm Nicholas!" he calls.
OOG: not sure how to read the ! here Bill. Is Cole shouting?
<#ann: I will respond to this very soon, but I need to do some of my own backstory before I can understand exactly what I do. I've been at the orphanage for almost four years at this point, so I feel like my status in the hierarchy of children and my relationship with the staff will influence what I say right now.#>
<#kate: No worries and no rush. I realize that lots happens prior to this which needs to get fleshed for people to understand where they are at this point in the "story". I just got this in my head, needed to get it out and so *cough* *hack* here it is. #>
NeedsCourt
NeedsJonah
NeedsKelly
NeedsKate
NeedsBill
