When she sat, she touched my arm, studying me for a few seconds. “Mila, spill. You’ve been quiet, which is unlike you.”
Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the letter and spread it on the table, looking from Mother to Aveline. “Yes, it’s because I have an announcement. I’m going to work at the Dawn.”
Mila
Mother and Aveline both stared at me, shock written across their faces. Aveline was the first to recover, slapping a hand on the table, her mouth agape. “TheDawn?” she stressed. “It’s a magnificent old inn, quite remote, but a few of the businessmen Tomas works with have been there. Apparently it’s a paradise, set in the foothills of the Lagoda mountains. I believe there’s a popular horse breeder in the vicinity, which encourages people to make the journey. I can’t believe you’re going to work there!”
“Yes.” I passed the folded paper to her. “Here’s the official letter.”
Mother snatched it before Aveline could, her dark eyes hastily scanning the words, and then her eyes filled. Pressing a hand to her lips, she stared across the table at me. I held my breath, unsure what she’d say. “I’m proud of you, Mila,” she said at last. “I’ve always told you to follow your heart, your dreams, fight for them.” Her fists tightened at the wordfight. “I’ll miss you, but I’m sure you’ll come visit during your time off.”
“I will,” I promised.
“Let me see.” Aveline took the letter and breathed in. “It smells like oranges, heavenly. Remember when we were young? Mother, you’d bring us oranges for Christmas. What a treat. This reminds me of those times.”
Her smile was wistful, and it took me back to Christmas mornings when we were children. We’d creep out of bed, dressed in our long wool nightgowns, our braids bouncing on our shoulders. Barefoot, we’d cross the cold floor to find the three-feet-tall tree, snug in a corner, with oranges and chocolates and toys hanging off its branches. We’d squeal as we unwrapped gifts, trying not to wake Mother, but she knew. She’d march out of her room, pretending we’d woken her, then stoke the fire and make sticky buns. We’d cuddle around the fire, faces glowing, bellies full of sweets, and I could not think of a happier time.
Aveline’s mouth fell open. “They are quite generous with pay, and I’m impressed. Most jobs for women involve cleaning, cooking, or childcare. This is highly unusual.”
“I know,” I agreed. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to follow my passion for music.”
Aveline rubbed her hands together, her excitement mirroring mine. “Promise you’ll write and tell us about the curious people you see come and go.”
“Of course.” I reached across the table to squeeze her hand. “And I expect both of you to do the same. I’m only sorry I won’t be there to help you settle in, Mother.”
“Don’t be sorry.” Mother held my gaze with her dark eyes. “This is an excellent opportunity, but if you don’t like it, you always have a place with us.”
Nodding, I smiled even though I disagreed. This would be the start of a new life. I’d forge a fresh path for myself with music, and when I returned to Solynn after summer’s end, the symphony would accept me.
“You know, it’s odd.” Aveline dropped her voice. “But the inn makes me think of that nasty business that happened with High Tower Castle.”
Crossing my arms, I poked Aveline with my foot, wishing she hadn’t brought it up. Turning my attention back to Mother, I spoke quickly to assuage her concerns. “The Dawn is nothing like High Tower. That was a place for performers and pleasure…this is simply a place for people to stay. Nothing more.”
Wincing at her mistake, Aveline passed the letter back to me. “You’re right. High Tower Castle had a theater. I’m sure the Dawn will boast reputable entertainment.”
“I recall reading of High Tower Castle in the papers.” Mother frowned. “Mila, I do trust you to make wise choices. If you ever find yourself in a situation that is overwhelming, I know you’ll ask for help.”
“I will.” Reaching across the table, I squeezed her hand, looking her in the eye to confirm I’d be fine.
Aveline cleared her throat and stood. “Luc will probably sleep for another hour, and I want to see Solynn in the daylight. Mila, I’ll walk you to the stagecoach to book your trip, and you can tell me everything I’ve missed. Only, Mother, if you promise not to lift a finger.”
Mother laughed. “Go, girls. I need a nap myself.”
* * *
“Tell me plainly,what is your financial situation?” Aveline asked as she looped her arm in mine.
We walked the crowded streets, conscious we had little time to discuss. My heart lurched, and my lips twitched. Whenever we discussed money, resentment and shame came over me because Mother and I relied on Aveline’s generosity.
Shrugging, I tried to make my words light. “It’s just the rent for the flat and Mother’s medical bills. They were unexpected…”
“Debtors have no remorse.” Aveline snorted in disgust. “What about your job at the market?”
I’d assisted the herbalist with deliveries and grinding herbs. She was getting older, and the work made her joints ache. “Her daughter moved to the city to take over the family business. I’ve been searching for employment since then and considered it worthwhile to pursue music.”
“Oh,” Aveline breathed. “That is disappointing. I didn’t know you wanted to play the violin so badly.”
“I assumed I’d have to stay here in the city because there aren’t any opportunities where you live, are there?”