– You must get up so early every day, Miss Vivian," smiled Jane warmly. – Our ma'am gets up at five in the morning, and at seven sharp, she, her son and the guests sit down to breakfast. And another thing: every Sunday the Cranfords attend mass.
– Oh, no, not that! – She rarely went to church, and on Sundays she preferred to sleep before noon. – Does everyone in this house like to get up so early and is so terribly religious?
– Everyone goes to church. The servants get up at five in the morning, Miss Vivian. I get up at five, too. But poor Emily has to get up at four o'clock to prepare warm water for Ma'am's washing, dress Ma'am and bring her freshly brewed tea by five.
– Poor Emily! She must be off her feet by noon," said Miss Cowell, sympathising with the poor maid. – But I must hurry… How am I to remember all the rules of this house? Will you help me, Jane?
– Of course, Miss Vivian: that's what I'm here for! Wash your face, and then I'll find you a suitable dress for breakfast.
– I was going to wear that yellow one over there. – Vivian nodded carelessly at a chair on the back of which hung neatly a modestly cut but rather brightly coloured cotton dress.
– Lady Cranford doesn't like bright colours at breakfast," Jane said firmly. She went to the open suitcase lying by the table, and took out a pale green dress. – 'That's just right!
In response to her assistant, Vivian only shook her fiery mane and thought that there was no way she would be able to tidy up in just half an hour. But thanks to Jane, to whom Vivian was most grateful, the morning was saved, and at seven o'clock precisely Miss Cowell entered the small but beautiful and expensively furnished dining-room. Jane had even taken time to arrange her mistress's hair in a simple but elegant style.
– What a marvellous morning!" said Vivian, appearing in the Small Dining Room, accompanied by Jane, with feigned cheerfulness.
Lady Cranford was already seated at the large oval table, dressed in a modest black muslin gown. She gave her niece an appraising glance, and, satisfied that she had observed the etiquette of the house, smiled and replied:
– 'You are right, Vivian, it is a wonderful morning. What a lovely dress. And the colour is just right for a quiet breakfast. I hope you slept well last night?