The Gilded Age

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius ate quietly and calmly, watching the two sisters. He couldn't imagine a life where every meal was small and money was tight. He couldn't imagine being restricted by the work hours in order to aid in keeping for the family. He couldn't imagine being stuck in a small, cramped apartment all his life, trapped and hidden away.


He was happy that the sisters seemed to like their brief excursion out of the stifling life of work and poverty they had. However, Marius knew that they would have to go back to it very soon and it was a disheartening thought.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

"Thank you for this sir," said Grace. "This is honestly the nicest thing anyone has ever done for us."

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius smiled gently. "It has been an honor," he said. "Would you like me to take you two home afterwards?"

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Grace smiled. "If it wouldn't be too much trouble, sir." Grace knew how dangerous streets could be at night.

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

"Alright," Marius said, standing up and brushing the crumbs of his meal off of himself. "Come this way."


He led them through the brightly lit foyer out back towards his car and opened the door for Ada.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Ada got in the car and Grace strapped her in. Ada was clearly getting tired as her eyes were starting to droop.

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius smiled gently at the child before moving around and opening the door for Grace as well.


"It has been a pleasure speaking to you," he said formally. "Perhaps next time you come over, we can discuss lighter things."

 

[SandraDeelightful]

"Very well, sir," said Grace just as formally before getting in the car. "And thank you for your kindness."

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius drove them both back to their apartment to drop them off, peering out into the dark to ensure no one else was skittering about.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Grace smiled as they reached her apartment. "Thank you so much, sir. No one has ever been this kind to me."

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

"I cannot understand why," Marius said. "You're a lovely person. Where you stand on the social platform should not dictate the level of kindness shown to you."

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Grace blushed and smiled sadly. "I wish more people agreed with you, sir. Not for me, but for Ada."

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius hummed lightly.


"Well," he said after a moment, "good night." He waited for them to enter their building.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Grace got out of the car and went to grab Ada, who had fallen asleep. "Good night, sir," said Grace as she carried Ada into the building.

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

"Good night Grace," Marius said, watching her enter the building before taking off for her home again.


He aided the cook in cleaning up the table and bid her farewell before preparing for bed. He bathed and brushed his teeth and crawled under soft sheets, staring up at the ceiling.


It had been, in a way, a productive day. But there was still so much else that needed to be done.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Grace Wales into the apartment and tucked Ada in. Grace feeling just as tired climbed in bed and fell asleep with a smile on her face, after having a wonderful evening.

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

The next morning arrived far too early for Marius, who had spent some of the night shockingly conscious for whatever reason or another. He dragged himself out of bed and padded downwards towards the kitchen, making himself some toast and eggs. Afterwards, he went through his usual morning ritual and drove to the factory.


This morning, however, there were people crowded in front of the factory, shouting and waving signs. He frowned and parked his car, slipping out and walking towards the crowd. The majority of people there seemed to be like Grace; their clothes were worn and their faces dirty.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Grace woke up earlier than she had the day before. Grace woke Ada up and helped her get ready. After her sister was ready, Grace got herself ready. Even though it was earlier than the day before, she didn't have time for breakfast or to make lunch. She took Ada to Ms. Cassidy before going to work.


Grace went to work and was surprised to see the riot. It scared her slightly. She tried to make her way through the crowd, but was soon pushed down.

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius frowned at the crowd, noting a few other workers were trying to get inside. The crowd was rowdy, pushing each other out of the way as they tried to force themselves through the door, or get their point across. Marius glanced around and spotted Grace and slid over to her. The other workers seemed to be yelling about something to do with pay and hours. He was thankful none of them tried to throw anything at him and given his clothing, he was surprised that they hadn't tried.


He noted that Grace had fallen down and quickly helped her up by placing a hand on her back and taking one of her hands into his, helping her to her feet and using his larger bulk to make his way into the factory, where the doors shut behind them, keeping the rioters outside.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

"Thank you, sir," Grace replied as he helped her up. She was very frightened at the rioting crowd and she was grateful when she made it inside the factory. She did not want to be involved in a riot. She was not going to risk her job for a riot.

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

"Are you alright?" Marius asked in concern, holding her out at arms length and examining her. "Go to your station and I'll see what's going on, alright?"

 

[SandraDeelightful]

"I'm fine, sir," said Grace, ignoring that the sleeve of her dress had been torn and her elbo had been cut. It was really nothing and didn't hurt. She nodded when Marius told her to go to her station. "Yes, sir, and thank you, sir."

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius glanced over her once more, frowning slightly. "Alright," he said. "If any of the foremen give you any trouble, tell me."


He left to go to his father's office and see what the riot was all about.

 

[SandraDeelightful]

Grace nodded and went to her machine and began slaving away. Mr. Greyson walked up to her.


"I'm surprised you're not rioting, Miss Harris," said Mr. Gregson.


Grace didn't reply and continued sewing.


"Quiet today, are you, Harris," said Mr. Gregson.


Grace didn't reply again and Mr. Gregson walked away.

 

[FloatingAroundSpace]

Marius walked into his father's office. His father was gazing out another window at the mob outside.


"They come saying they want that wretched 8 hour work day that some have given," his father said.


Marius was silent.


"Do you believe we ought to?" he asked, turning to Marius.


"I believe we should pay them for how long they work," Marius said, dodging the question with another opinion.


His father turned back to the window, shaking his head. "Of the two sons I have, one had to be more intrigued by love and romance than the business world, and the other had to be a liberal bastard."


Marius' fist tightened but he said nothing back.