Chapter 10

CHAPTER 10

W hen Rebecca stepped inside of her room, she was surprise to find she wasn't alone. A young woman only a few years younger than her was over by the wardrobe.

She dropped into a curtsy when she saw Rebecca. "Good evening, your grace. I hope you had a lovely evening."

"I did, thank you, but can I ask what you're doing in here?"

"My name is Mary. Mrs. Anderson sent me up. She said you were in need of a lady's maid."

"Oh that was very kind of her, but I will be all right. Neither of you needed to go to so much trouble."

"It's no trouble, ma'am. Shall I help you prepare for bed?"

Rebecca shifted on her feet, nerves gathering. "I suppose."

She had never had a maid prepare her for bed and wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

Rebecca stood there as Mary helped her out of her dress and into a nightshirt.

"There," Mary smiled. "Now, why don't you go take a seat at the dressing table and I'll be over in a moment to help you with your hair."

Rebecca wanted to tell her that wasn't necessary, that she didn't need to go to all the trouble, but she didn't want to seem ungrateful, especially after Mrs. Carter went to so much trouble to select Mary.

So she simply took her seat and waited. A moment later, Mary's hands were in her hair, gently pulling pins free and brushing through her locks until they were smooth.

"How do you like your hair while you sleep? Do you put it in a braid or something else?"

"Oh!" Rebecca wasstartled for a moment. "A braid is fine."

Mary smiled. "Then I'll do that and let you get to sleep. What time do you want me to be up with your breakfast in the morning?"

She thought for a moment. "What time has my breakfast been coming up? Whatever that is perfectly fine. There's no reason to make anyone else change their routine."

"I'll have to ask in the kitchen and see when they have been sending it up. Is there anything you want me to prepare for you in the morning?"

" No, I should be all right. Thank you."

Mary stepped away. "Then if there is nothing else, I will see you in the morning, ma'am."

It was only when she was alone that Rebecca let out a sigh. She hoped she didn't make too much extra work for her.

Still, she fell into bed and drifted off looking forward to the next day.

Rebecca was sitting at her dressing table when there was a knock at the door. Then Mary stepped inside, breakfast tray in hand.

"Good morning, Your Grace," she said then hesitated, setting the tray down on the bed. "Did I come later than we discussed?"

"Not at all," Rebecca smiled.

"But you are already up and dressed."

"Yes?" she said, then Rebecca realized her mistake. "I'm afraid I have gotten rather used to not having a lady's maid. It may take some time for me to unlearn my ways."

"But hasn't it only been a week or so since your wedding?"

She winced. "Yes, I suppose it has."

"Well, if you are used to being dressed and ready by the time they have been sending up the tray, perhaps I can plan to come up about an hour before?"

"I hate to have you start your day so early."

"It's no trouble. If you are used to getting up , then that is when I can be here."

"All right. If you're sure."

"Now, why don't you eat some breakfast and we can talk about the rest of your outfits for today."

"The rest of them?"

"I mean, if you are planning on spending the day in, then I suppose there's only dinner to change for."

"Right," she sighed. "Well, I'm afraid you are going to be rather disappointed for the moment. I don't currently have any dinner dresses, but I have ordered some. They should be here soon."

"That's all right. Why don't you let me take a look at your wardrobe today and see what I can come up with?"

"If you like you're welcome to, but I'd hate to make more work for you."

She smiled. "Why don't you let me worry about that ? Now, eat up then I can get started on your hair."

She hesitantly ate the rest of her breakfast as Mary set some things up at her dressing table. When she was done, she took her seat and let Mary start on her hair.

It felt strange, having someone else do it, but she found herself relaxing as the woman worked her hair into something far more complex than she would have been able to do on her own.

Finally, Mary stepped back with a smile. "There, how do you like it? Is it to your taste ma'am?"

"It's perfect. Thank you."

"Do you need anything else this morning?"

Rebecca shook her head. "I'm all right, but thank you."

She curtsied, "Then I will leave you to go about your day and see you when you come up to prepare for dinner. Is there a time you would like me to be here?"

She shook her head. "Just ask the kitchen when they are planning on serving it and let Mrs. Anderson know what time you would want to start helping me get ready."

"You want me to choose?"

Rebecca nodded. "As I said, I'm not used to having someone help me get ready, so I would rather you choose what you think would be best, at least for the moment."

Mary blinked in shock. "Very well, if you are sure. I will talk to the cook and let you know."

Then she curtsied and headed out.

Rebecca turned to look herself over in the mirror. In truth, she didn't look that different, but her hair. It was far more elegant than anything she could have done herself.

She smiled. "I suppose I should try and get used to it. I am a duchess now."

Then she made her way down the hall and headed off to meet with Mrs. Anderson. Usually, she had some time to walk around and relax, but she was running late. No doubt the other woman would be there any moment if she wasn't already there waiting for it.

Sure enough, when Rebecca slipped into the parlor, Mrs. Anderson was already sitting there with a cup of tea.

"Sorry, I'm late, Hellen."

She waved her off. "It's quite all right, but can I ask what kept you."

"I'm afraid I'm not used to getting ready with a lady's maid," she said, taking her seat.

Mrs. Anderson smiled. "That's understandable, but how did you like it? Did you and Mary get on well?"

"She's wonderful, but I feel bad taking her away from her previous responsibilities."

"You aren't keeping her from anything. She'd the cook's daughter who just finished her training. If you like her, she'll stay on here, if not, she will stay with her mother while she seeks other employment."

"So it's up to me whether or not she has a job?"

"I assure you, that if you two don't have good energy then she will be able to find a job someplace else. However, generally speaking, yes, as the Duchess of Danton, you do have the ability to hire and fire staff. There will be times you need to let someone go or you need to fill a position and you can't hire everyone who applies."

"But how am I supposed to handle that? I don't know if I could look someone in the eyes and tell them to go."

"Why don't we start by you telling me what you think of her."

"She's wonderful, but I find myself worried she is overqualified for the position."

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Well, I'm sure she wants to dress her lady in elegant gowns and do beautiful hairstyles before she goes off to balls. I doubt I will be doing much of that."

"Even if you don't, you are a Duchess. That means there is a level of finery that is expected of you. I assure you, once you get comfortable with your position, you will be pleased to have her. All that matters is that you like her, but you don't need to say anything now. Take some time to get to know her. Get to know her work. We can talk about it in a few days. How does that sound?"

Rebecca nodded. "I think that sounds like a good start."

"Wonderful! So, moving on to business, was there anything you want to go over or should we just continue from where we were?"

"Actually, I do have something I wanted to ask about."

"Of course. What is it?"

She hesitated. "Well, you may have heard that William and I are going to start having dinner together."

"I did. I must say it is nice to see you two getting on."

"Well, he mentioned that the duchess would usually put together the menus?" Rebecca tried to sound confident, but her voice came out small and unsure.

"That's right. Did you want to try your hand at it?"

"Perhaps, but I wanted to learn a little more about it first. For example, what dishes the cook is comfortable with and how many dishes there should be."

Mrs. Anderson nodded. "I have a book of all the recipes our cook normally does and if there is something you want and you don't see it we can always talk to her about it. As for the amount of dishes, we have abasic template we can start with and we can always modify them if you see fit for any reason."

"Can you show me those?"

"Of course." Mrs. Anderson looked through a few of the books before handing her two of them. "There you are."

"Thank you," Rebecca took them, carefully opening the first one. "Goodness, there's so many of them, I don't know where to start."

"Why don't we set the meals aside and start by looking at the dinner outlines ? That way we can get an idea of what is needed for different occasions?"

"Yes, that seems like a good idea. I won't lie, all of this is a bit overwhelming."

"I can understand that, but it isn't so bad once you break it down. It just takes time and patience."

"I'm glad you have such faith in me, I'll try not to let you down."

"You won't, I can promise you."

Rebecca wanted to tell her that her hope was misplaced, that all she ever seemed to do was let people down, but she held it in. There was no point in letting all that out now. She just had to prove herself wrong. She couldn't let them down, not after everything they had done for her.

So instead, she forced a smile. "Please show me where to start."

Rebecca hadn't realized just how many types of meals there were. Formal dinners, semi-formal dinners, family dinners, formal family dinners, it seemed endless. And that wasn't to mention all the types of lunches, and teas, and even breakfasts.

"Goodness!" she gasped when there was a moment to breath.

"I know, but we can start small."

"What did you have in mind?"

"Perhaps an informal lunch would be easier than a dinner."

She frowned. "But who could I have for it? I think William is only free for dinners."

"Why don't you ask him ? It can't hurt, now can it?"

"But I don't want him to feel like he needs to find more time for me. He's already done so much."

"If he doesn't have time, he will tell you, but I don't think it can hurt to ask."

She hesitated for another moment, "I'll think about it."

"Please do."

From there they spent some more time working out a basic lunch plan until Mrs. Anderson sat back with a satisfied smile.

"I must say, I feel like this went rather well, especially for your first time."

"Thank you. I'm so glad you think so. Is this what we'll have for lunch today then?"

"Not today I'm afraid. We already gave the cook the menu for today, but we can soon. Tomorrow perhaps."

"How far out do you typically plan out the menu?"

"I prefer to plan them out a week or so in advance. Typically, I sit down on Monday morning and write it out."

"So you don't do it every day?"

"No, I don't. I know there are some people who prefer to, but I find it inconvenient and rather limiting."

"How so?"

"Because what happens if you are running behind one morning? Not only that, but some dishes require preparations the night or even days before. You can't make any of those if you're taking care of it day of. It just leaves so many areas for things to go wrong."

"I suppose that makes sense, so would you prefer to wait until then to have me plan any meals.?"

"Just because it's how I like to do things doesn't mean you have to. Why don't I just show this to the cook and see what she thinks?"

"Do you think its good enough for that?"

"I do. I wouldn't have offered otherwise."

"Then I think that sounds like a good idea. Thank you."

She nodded. "All tight. I suppose that's all for the day then?"

"I think so too. Why don't you go enjoy your lunch and check out the library?"

"That sounds wonderful. Thank you for the suggestion."

"Have a wonderful afternoon, Rebecca," she said then she stood and left to get back to work.

Rebecca looked over the books again before sitting back with a sigh. She was finally getting somewhere.

A maid came in a moment later with her lunch. When she was done, Rebecca made her way back to the library.

She hadn't spent mich time there up until now. There always seemed to be so much else to do. When she got inside she spent a moment just taking in its splendor. There were comfortable arm chairs scattered about, a writing desk, and of course countless books lining the walls.

Rebecca smiled, running her hands along the spines until she found one that captured her interest and she pulled the volume from the wall. Curling up in one of the arm chairs, she sat down and began to read.

But she couldn't have been more than ten pages in when the door opened once more and William stepped inside.

"Oh!" she moved to stand. "I'm sorry. I can go if you want to use the library."

"Why would you need to do that? The space seems plenty big enough for the both of us, wouldn't you agree?"

A hesitant smiled graced her face. "I suppose, but you must tell me if I get in your way."

"If all you intend to do is is sit there and read I doubt you could."

Rebecca smiled, turning back to her book, but as she read, she couldn't help but sneak glances at William as he searched for his own book. Once he found one he sat in on of the chairs not far from her. She would have to be careful if she tried to look at him again, he might catch her.

So she forced herself to lock her gaze on the words in front of her, but just knowing he was so close was strange. She couldn't help herself, she stole one more glance.

When she did, Rebecca was surprised to see he was looking at her. She flushed, quickly looking away.

He chuckled. "How is your book?"

"Its good," she stammered. "What about yours?"

"I'm enjoying it." Then he turned back to his own book.

Rebecca gave him one last glance, a smile spreading across her face.

After that, it seemed so easy to go back to reading. She found herself able to enjoy her book in peace.

It wasn't until William got to his feet sometime later that she looked up.

"I need to get some more work done. I'll see you at dinner."

She hesitated a moment. "Mary, the lady's maid said she wanted to try having me dress for dinner. I told her I didn't have anything that would work but she seemed rather set on it."

"I see, then I'll put in the effort too. I look forward to seeing you then, Rebecca."

Then he stepped from the room, leaving her alone. She spent a little longer reading her book before making her way to her bedroom.

When she came in, Mary was already waiting.

"Welcome back your Grace," she curtsied. "Shall I help you dress for dinner."

"If you like. Were you able to find anything suitable? I hope you weren't too disappointed."

Mary smiled. "While it is still hardly the most extravagant gown, I think you will be surprised to see what I was able to pull together."

"Then please, do show me. I can't wait to see it."

Then Mary began the process of dressing her into a gown she didn't recognize. It was a pale blue wrap dress with delicate lace on the sleaves and neck line.

"Where did you get this?" Rebecca asked with a frown. "I don't recall ordering this one from the dressmaker, nor does it seem like it has been long enough for any of them to arrive."

Mary grinned, tying the wrap front in place. "You truly don't recognize it?"

"I don't own any gowns with lace."

"I tacked some in for the moment. I can leave it in or take it out after tonight if you prefer. It will still be perfectly acceptable as a day dress with the lace so you don't need to worry about that."

Rebecca hadn't been worried about that. She was still just in awe at wearing something that actually had any kind of adornment. She shook her head. "It's lovely. Thank you."

"So would you like me to leave it on?"

"Yes, I believe I would."

"I'm glad to hear it. Now, why don't you take a seat and I can get started on your hair."

Rebecca moved to sit at the dressing table. That was when she saw a variety of boxes she hadn't seen before spread out on top of it. "What are all of these?"

"Duke Danton sent over the family jewelry for you."

Rebecca shook her head. "There's so much of it."

"This isn't all of it. There's more in your dressing room. I only brought what I thought would look best with your gown for this evening. If you like, we can go take a look at the rest later today or tomorrow."

"That sounds- I need to talk to William about this first, make sure he is truely all right with me having all of this."

She smiled. "You are the Duchess of Danton. It's yours."

Then she picked up one of the cases reviling a beautiful gold necklace with a few pearls studded in it.

Rebecca gasped.

"I thought we would stay simple tonight. I don't want to overpower the dress."

This is simple? She thought to herself, shaking her head in shock. "It just seems like so much."

"Don't worry. You are going to look beautiful."

She smiled. "Thank you. I'm sure you will do a great job."

The pair continued in comfortable conversation while Mary finished getting her ready.

Finally, she stepped back with a smile. "There you are. Please look in the mirror and tell me what you think."

Rebecca looked at herself in shock. There was more finery on her than she have ever even touched in her life before. There was a necklace with matching earrings and bracelet and even a jeweled hairpin glittering away in the updo Mary had twisted her hair into.

"You did a wonderful job. Thank you," she finally said.

She lit up, dropping into a curtsy. "Thank you, your Grace! I'm so glad you are happy with it."

Rebecca smiled. "I need to go join William for dinner, but thank you for helping me."

As she made her way down the hall Rebecca couldn't help but feel nervous. William had said he was going to dress for dinner, and while she felt beautiful and more elegant than she ever had in her life, she was still very aware she that the dress was wearing was an afternoon dress and not an evening or dinner dress.

Still, it was the best she had so she made her way into the dinning hall. When she stepped inside William was already waiting. He turned to her and looked her over.

"Mary, the lady's maid Mrs. Anderson found for me said she had some jewelry you said was for me?" she said voice sounding less and less sure with every word.

"She asked Mrs Anderson about the jewelry you got when you received your title. I told her she was welcome to let her know where it was."

She softened. "Thank you, it's beautiful."

"There's no need to thank me. It is yours by all rights. I hope you like it."

"I love it!" she exclaimed.

He studied her bright face in shock of her joy.

"I have never owned anything even half as lovely before."

"Have you had a chance to look over the others then?"

"Not yet, but I know they must be."

"Right," he looked away. "Shall we sit for dinner?"

"Of course."

She joined him at the table and a moment later, their plates were brought out. After a few moments, she spoke.

"How was your day today?"

"It was fine." He paused for a moment. "What about you?"

"It was wonderful. I worked on putting together a menu and got to know my new lady's maid a bit."

"And how did all that go?"

"Quite well I think, but Mrs Anderson thinks it would be best to start with a lunch menu before I try a dinner menu."

"I suppose that makes sense. When will we do that?"

She lit up. "You want to have lunch with me?"

He frowned. "I'd assumed you would want me there for the first meal you planned."

"I do, but I didn't think you would be able to come since it was a lunch and not a dinner."

"I think I can find the time to come to a lunch."

"Then I would love that. I will ask Mrs. Anderson the next time I see her to find out when we can do it."

"Once you find out just let me know so I can make any necessary arrangements to ensure I will be free."

She smiled. "Thank you, William. I appreciate that."

He stiffened and look away. "What book were you reading when I interrupted you earlier?"

"You didn't interrupt me. I was in your library."

"You live here too. You have just as much of a right to the room as I do."

Rebecca gasped and looked away. "That's- thank you. I don't know that anyone has ever said anything like that to me before." Then she met his eyes. "I don't know that anyone has every tried to make a place feel like it was my home too."

He was stunned. "You never had that feeling when you lived with your family?"

She shook her head. "It was hard to when I was always seen as an after thought at best and a burden at worst. I wasn't even given my own bedroom," she confessed.

"But then where did you sleep?"

"In the attic with the extra furniture."

"How inhumane! It must have been freezing in there in the winter!"

"It wasn't as bad as it sounds."

"But why did your father do it? You can't tell me the house wasn't big enough."

"It was easier to keep me out of sight that way. After all, no one who came over would want to see me anyways."

"Somehow I doubt that."

"That's very kind of you to say, but it is true. Most of the guests would never have even met me."

"Why not? Surely he had taken you out at least for walks in the park or trips to the shops."

"He had occasionally taken me a few places, of course, but if there was any possible reason to leave me behind, then they would do so."

"That's terrible."

Rebecca forced a smile. "It wasn't that bad. Besides, it was nice to have the house to myself. It made it easier to move around without worrying about getting into any trouble."

"You shouldn't have to worry about getting into trouble for just moving around and living in your own home."

"But that's the thing I have come to understand. That place was never my home. It was just a place I had little choice but to live in. Besides, it wasn't all bad. I never would have met Penelope and I don't know what I would do with out her."

"She must be some friend."

"She is. I don't know what I would do without her."

"Then you should have her over more often."

She smiled. "Thank you, and I am sure I will, but I want to take a few days for the two of us first."

"That's-" he cut himself off. "Whatever you like."

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being so comfortable with me inviting her over."

William blinked, stunned. "That's- as I said, it is your hope to. You should be able to have a friend over if you want to."

"Still, it makes me glad to hear you say that."

He hesitated, unsure what to say to that, thankfully, she didn't wait for him to try. Instead she continued herself.

"Dinner is delicious tonight."

"I supposed, but it is only a basic roast."

"Perhaps, but that doesn't mean it isn't isn't great."

From there, the conversation flowed easily. Even when they had both finished their plates, they sat there, talking until a servant came and hesitantly knocked on the door.

"Excuse me," they said. "We just wanted to check and see if you needed anything else."

William glanced at the time and shook his head. "I think we should move this conversation into the parlor. Wouldn't you agree, Rebecca?"

She lit up. "You want to?"

"Why not? I don't have anything else to be doing for the rest of the evening, and we seem to be enjoying each other's company."

"Yes! I would love that. I was just a bit surprised you asked. I thought you would be too busy."

He shrugged. "I've got the time if you do."

Rebecca got to her feet and followed him from the room. They made their way to one of the parlors where William's gaze immediately felt to a chess set.

"I don't supposed you would want to play," he said.

""I would love to, but I'm afraid I don't know how."

"You have never played before?"

She shook her head. "I am sorry to disappoint."

"You didn't. Just-" he hesitated for a moment. "Would you want me to show you?"

"Would you want to?"

"If you would like."

"Yes, I rather think I would."

"Great, then. Shall we?" he motioned to the table.

Rebecca eagerly took her seat and listened intently doing her best to follow along as he explained how all the pieces moved and how to win.

"Its a lot more complicated than I thought it would be," she said when he was finally done.

"Do you want me to go over it all again? We can also stop for the day if you like."

"No, I want to try and play, but just know I don't think I'm going to do very well."

"That's alright. No one does their first time."

She smiled. "Then cane we try now?"

"If you like. Do you feel ready?"

"I do!" she nodded eagerly.

"Very well. Do you want to play black or white?"

That evening, they ended up playing three games. Rebecca lost all of them, but they had fun playing.

After a the last one, William sat back and started resetting the pieces. "I think that's enough for tonight. Did you enjoy the game?"

She nodded. "I did, and I have to say, I did better than I thought I would."

"You did well, especially considering it was your first time playing. You just need to practice."

"Does that mean you would want to play more some time?"

"Of course. It is one of my favorite ways to pass the time and it's nice to play with someone other than Patrick for a change."

"Is really good at the game?"

He chuckled. "Oh yes. I can't remember the last time I ever won a game against him."

"Goodness! Then I had better hope I never have to play a gain against him."

"Somehow I dout he would go all in against you," he smiled. "Besides, give yourself time. You could end up being better than him."

She looked away. "You have such faith in me."

"It isn't like that," he said, looking away. "I just don't think you give yourself enough credit. You are far too hard on yourself, Rebecca."

A hot flush crept its way up her cheeks. "It's very kind of you to say, but you truly don't need to say these things for my sake. I don't need you to give me false complements."

"I'm not." He said, a frown etching its way deep onto his face. "I wouldn't bother trying to lie to you."

She floundered for a moment. "I don't think you would lie. I think you're just trying to be nice."

"Do you think I look like the kind of person who would say something just to be nice?"

She shook her head. "I suppose not."

"Then what do you have to be worried about? If I said it, it's true. Now, I am going to go get some rest. I'll see you in the morning. I hope you sleep well."

"You too. I will see you in the morning."

When she made her way back to her room, Rebecca was surprised to find Mary was already inside, waiting for her.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting long!" she said, coming inside apologies bubbling on her lips.

"I had a book. I don't mind waiting." she shrugged.

"Still, I'm sure you have better things to do than sit around waiting for me."

"It is my duty to help you get ready for any occasions. I don't mind at all. Would you like me to prepare you for bed now?"

"Yes, I suppose that would be wise."

As Mary helped take her hair down and brush it out, Rebecca spoke once more.

"I want to thank you again, for all the effort you put in to helping me look so nice for diner."

She shook her head. "Its my job, besides I enjoy it, but I am pleased to hear you are happy with my work."

"Perhaps tomorrow, if you have time, you could show me some of the jewelry and other finery you mentioned I had access to."

"I would be happy to. If you like, we can go as soon as I finish dressing you tomorrow."

"Yes, that sounds perfect, but are you sure it won't take too much of your time?"

"Not at all. Is there anything else I can do for you tonight?" she asked once she had changed into a night dress.

"I should be alright. Thank you for all your hard work today."

"I hope you sleep well, ma'am."