Violet stood frozen on the bottom step; one gloved hand perched on the banister. Her face remained placid throughout the entire exchange, but she could feel Isabella’s words begin to stir something in her chest. A profound sorrow at being the source of so much pain for the woman. Worse yet, she had no idea the distress she’d been causing. And those last words…she may well have taken a physical blow to the stomach for all the discomfort they caused.

After a minute or two, Violet took a deep breath and continued up the stairs. Uncomfortable as it was, she still had to check on Isabella and ensure she was alright. When she reached the top, she spotted the young woman far across the large room, hunched over and hugging her knees. Well, Isabella appeared to still be upset, but at least she was safe and within sight. Violet decided it was best to give the woman some space and leaned back against the railing. After a few moments, she turned and cast her gaze down the stairs in an attempt to give Isabella more privacy. 

While she waited, her own doubts began seeping in. Maybe she really hadn’t been the best choice for this assignment after all. There had barely been any improvement in Isabella’s performance and they were no closer towards finding a way to make progress. At this rate, she worried that Isabella wouldn’t be able to debut in three months. Not because Violet would fail her assignment, but because she would fail Isabella. Which was similar, in a way, but the difference mattered. 

Violet stayed that way until the other students began to filter out from their meal. No doubt the staff would begin cleaning up soon, and the pair had both left before being able to eat. With one last glance to check on Isabella, Violet headed back down the stairs to at least retrieve the little boxed lunch she left behind. The few students she passed all gave her knowing looks but didn’t say anything. Word of the incident probably spread through the entire dining hall once they left. However, she paid them no mind and proceeded straight to where she’d left her food.

After scooping it up, she returned to the second floor to check on Isabella. However, after her face came above the top stair, she found that the student had vanished. Though she didn’t run, Violet’s pace quickened as she made her way across the large room. Unfortunately, the sound of her heels was all she was greeted with while she searched. Isabella was gone. There was only one place she could be though, or so Violet hoped. So, she once again made her way back down to the first floor and then proceeded through the large doors that led to the courtyard.

The return trip to the dormitory felt odd not being by Isabella’s side. Even if they both usually remained silent during their walk. More stares and whispers greeted Violet as she went, the subject of which seemed to focus primarily on the absence of Isabella. Overall, comments about the two women had been declining. The other students must be getting accustomed to her presence, just as she predicted. Today’s incident in the dining hall would reverse that trend, at least for a little while until that too faded. Hopefully, not to be replaced with another. 

In only a matter of minutes, Violet returned to their room. However, she paused in front of the door for a moment and decided to knock gently before opening it and entering. She didn’t even wait until she was inside before her eyes quickly scanned over the whole interior for Isabella. Thankfully, she spotted the woman in her bed, or at least a large tuft of wine-colored hair sticking out from underneath the covers. Violet let out a small breath she hadn’t realized she was holding before continuing in and shutting the door. She didn’t chide the young woman, didn’t say anything at all as she moved to the table and set down the box of food. 

Now that Isabella was aware of her presence in the room, there was a slight shuffling under the covers and then a muffled voice. “I’m not studying.”

This time was usually reserved for that activity, but Violet knew it would be futile to try and get the young woman to review anything from today. “Very well, but please come to the table and eat, Miss York. You missed lunch and I’m sure you’re hungry. I’ve brought mine from the dining hall.” Violet’s voice had a softness to it that she hadn’t used up until this point. Something she hoped would help soothe any ruffled feathers.

Again, there was shuffling from beneath the comforter until a head popped into view. Hoping to further entice the woman, Violet moved around the table, pulled out a chair for her, and then did the same for herself. Even after she sat, there was still a moment of hesitation before Isabella finally let out a deep sigh and began to slip from the bed. First, her feet appeared, then she threw off the covers in dramatic fashion and hopped from the mattress. 

“Alright, but only because you made me miss mine…” Even though Violet knew that wasn’t the truth of it, she chose not to confront it. Preferring that Isabella join her over correcting the assertion. After she sat, the handmaiden slid the box across the table without removing anything for herself. 

Isabella’s eyes watched its movement and even peered inside once it came to rest. However, her face soon contorted into confusion. “You haven’t eaten any of it…” The woman looked up, locking eyes with her maid. “Don’t you want something?”

In response, Violet shook her head no, but went on to explain once it was clear that wouldn’t suffice. “I’ll be alright, there were plenty of times I went without eating. One meal will be fine. You should eat up; you need your strength.” The explanation softened Isabella’s expression and her gaze dropped back to the food.

“I may not have been in the army but I’ve gone hungry too, you know. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.” She paused then to reach into the box and grabbed half the sandwich before extending it back to Violet. “So, please eat, ok? I don’t want you missing out on my account.” When Violet didn’t immediately reach out, Isabella rolled her eyes and waived the food back and forth gently. “I’ll make it a command if I have to. You are required to listen, right?” 

Violet looked down at the sandwich and then back up to Isabella before conceding defeat. “Very well.” After taking the sandwich, they sat in silence. Each eating their respective halves. Today’s selection wasn’t bad and even Isabella seemed to enjoy it. Though, it probably wasn’t anything like those noodles the woman seemed to love so much. 

While she finished her portion, Violet’s mind couldn’t help but wander back to something Isabella had said. About being going hungry too. The letter had implied she’d had a rough life, but that was something else altogether. Was it because of the war? Some places were affected much worse than others. Food was taken for soldiers, crops and fields were burned to prevent the same. All the while everyday people suffered. Had Isabella been one of them? Even in a well-off family? 

She almost asked, but then she remembered what the young woman had said to her on that first day. Keep it quiet unless it’s absolutely necessary for my education. The words rang out in her mind, causing Violet to remain silent while they worked through the rest of the meal. She only offered a quick, “Thank you” once she finished and then sat quietly waiting for Isabella to do the same.