Crossing the bridge for what you hoped would be the last time for a while yet, you left the district of Lambeth behind – but sadly the foggy skies and dulled sunlight followed as the horse drew the cart into the heart of the city, Whitechapel bound with a bouncy trot. 
                              
The driver beside you hardly said a word, he was an older gentleman with a cap and pipe and looked as if he had seen many a cold wintery mornings like this one. Exhaustion riddled his features, and you felt it best to stay silent. He didn't look like the type of man you'd want to wind up. 
                              
But he did his job, albeit wordlessly and with a face like a slapped arse. Soon enough, you had arrived at your destination – Whitechapel had never looked so formidable with the thick cloudy grey skies and striking grey colors that ran through the buildings and right down to the cobbled streets. It was a place that had encompassed a sense of despair and dread ever since the Ripper's reign. 
                              
When you arrived, carrying one of the smaller cases and your mute carriage driver bundling the others for you – the main door was open to the foyer, allowing you to carry on through and unlock the door to your lodgings. 
                              
You politely directed the man where to set down your cases, thanked him again and pressed a few coins into his palm. It seemed a grunt sufficed as a thank you in this cart driver's language – before he went marching back to his cart outside with his rather unsteady gait. 
                              
 The first still moment of the day befell you, a moment you feared would not last too long or but all that apparent. With caring for Jacob, you would be expected to be around all day, every day. A quiet second to gaze upon your surroundings, ground yourself in the situation and just be would seem like a rarity. 
                              
"Ah! Settling in already!" a friendly voice chirped, as you turned towards the doorway and fixed your gaze on Evie. She looked ready to depart, cases bundled in each hand and the hood of her intricate garments thrown up over her head. 
                              
"Good morning, Evie." You smiled, pacing back to the door, a hand resting on the chipped frame. "I bet you won't miss these miserable skies." You humoured her, the Frye sister not attempted to hide her snigger. 
                              
"No, I can't say I will." She responded, a gentle sigh leaving her lips, "I trust you'll be fine here, (name)." her voice seemed to take on a more serious inflection, "But if you should need me at all, I have written down my address on a note and left it on the kitchen table."
                              
You fought the urge to laugh, it wasn't anything spiteful, you just found it highly amusing considering it wasn't exactly like Evie was just returning to her home a few streets away. She was going halfway across the world!
                              
"I will be fine. I'm sure Jacob will be too once he warms to me." It was hard to convince yourself just yet, you could still clearly remember the cold distance in his mannerisms and looks when you had been here but yesterday. 
                              
"I don't doubt that at all." Evie chirped back, seemingly more at ease. "I'm glad you are here, really. I wish I could stay but I must dash." She set one case down and reached over to pat your shoulder briefly in a fond gesture of farewell. 
                              
"I hope I shall see you again some day." 
                              
The woman retreated, bags in hand and merely a shadow disappearing through the doorway and gone with the wind. You really felt a sense of responsibility claw you like talons the moment Evie's footsteps weren't audible and suddenly the lonesome creaking of the house's structure began to sound prevalent in your ears. For a startling second you almost felt anxious about what the hell you were supposed to do now? Like a child, thrown out onto the street to defend for themselves. 
                              
After calming yourself down, you reminded yourself this was just like any other of your roles... except without the head maids there to scold you. It was as simple as being dutiful, taking initiative and doing what you were always told to do. Serve.