a new {world} ; a new {life} ~crystal~

[~echo~]

Hannah barely suppressed a shudder at his words but forced a nod. "Of course."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

They soon reached the fair-sized house, two stories with a porch that wrapped around the rear side. James helped her out of the carriage and then led her to the house.

[~echo~]

Hannah looked around, a subtle breeze picking up the wisps of her dirty blonde hair. She looked up at the house, her new prison. "It's beautiful."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"I'm glad you think so," James said. He certainly seemed like a perfect, charming gentleman at that moment. Once inside the house, he showed her their bedroom, the kitchen, and the various other rooms in the house. He mentioned the servant quarters and the tenements for the slaves out in the fields, but they didn't view them.

[~echo~]

Hannah listened attentively, marking down in her mind how to get to each room from other rooms. When their tour ended, Hannah cleared her throat. "So, when is the date for our marriage?"

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"Sometime next month," he told her. "I'll make all the arrangements, so don't you worry."

[~echo~]

She dipped her head in response. "And where will I sleep in the meantime?" Even though she had been raised poor, she knew that it was not socially acceptable to sleep with someone you weren't married to, even if you were engaged.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

James wasn't one who was particularly concerned with propriety, but he understood it affected how others viewed him. So, he had taken this into consideration and set up a spare room for her. "There is a bedroom two doors down for you to use."

[~echo~]

Hannah nodded and shifted awkwardly. "I suppose I should go and set up my room now..." she said uncertainly.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

James nodded. "I'll send some maids up to help you," he told her. Without another word, he walked down the hall the way they'd come, heading toward the servant area.

[~echo~]

Hannah watched him go, relieved to be alone as she stepped to a window and looked outside. It was a lovely day outside, but she was stuck in here. She sighed and headed to the room he had indicated for her, finding her unpacked bags on the bed in the room.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

A minute later, a knock sounded at the door and two maids sent by James entered.

[~echo~]

Hammah smiled at the two. She had never had servants before, so she didn't quite know how to act. But she tried. "Hello. Uh.. I suppose you can help me unpack my clothes and refold them and put them away."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"No need for you to do anything, miss," one of the girls said. Both of them had their eyes downcast. "We will unpack your things for you."

[~echo~]

Hannah looked confused. "No need? They're my things. You shouldn't have to do it all yourselves," she said, setting herself to it.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

"You are to be Mr. Ewing's wife," she said meekly. "Ladies do not do such menial work."

[~echo~]

"Well," she said, "I'm not his wife yet, and therefore not a lady yet. You can fold this pile, and I'll fold this one."

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

The girl looked like she was going to protest again, but then seemed to think better of it. She did as she was told, just as she was trained to do. She helped her fold the clothes and organize them in her dresser and wardrobe.

[~echo~]

When they were done, Hannah brushed her dress off and nodded. "There, that'll do. Thank you for your help," she said to the servant.

[ᴄʀʏsᴛᴀʟғʀᴏsᴛ]

The servant dipped her head. "Is there anything else I can help you with?"