Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

T he next morning, Rebecca's heart ponded in her chest as she and Mary stood outside of one of the rooms she hadn't spent much time in yet. The lady's maid turned to her with a smile.

"Are you ready?"

"As I will ever be."

Then Mary pushed open the door. Inside was another wardrobe as well as countless dressing tables covered in boxes.

"All of this is mine?" she asked, running a hand over the elegant wooden boxes.

"It is. Why don't you open one of them and take a look."

"I don't even know where to start."

"Why don't you start with the one right in front of you?"

"I suppose that is as good of a place to start as any."

She hesitated for another moment then carefully pulled off the lid. What she saw inside made her gasp.

It was an elegant diamond necklace that seemed fit for a queen. Her hands hovered in the air, hesitant to touch it lest she sully or break it.

"Is this truly mine?" she whispered.

"It is," Mary smiled. "Do you like it?"

"How could I not? It's beautiful."

"Then I'll be sure to select something that it matches for you as soon as your new gowns come in."

"Do you think they will look all right with it?"

"I think you will look lovely. Do you have any idea when the gowns will be done?"

She shook her head. "I'm afraid I'm not sure."

"That's all right. Do you mind terribly if I send someone down to the shop to ask? I'm rather excited to see them."

"Sure, why not. I don't see any harm in it."

Mary lit up. "Thank you! I will send someone to ask about them as soon as I get back down stairs."

"Very good. Thank you."

The pair chatted for another few moments, then Rebecca headed off to meet with Mrs. Anderson in their usual parlor.

"Good morning," she smiled at the older woman as she walked in.

"Good morning, your grace. I see you are on time this morning."

"I am. Mary made a few changes to our morning routine to get us back on track."

"I'm glad to hear that. Does that mean you have gotten more used to having someone help you get ready in the mornings?"

"I don't know if I would go that far, but it was easier than it was yesterday, but it still feels like so much more than I need."

"You are a duchess. I can assure you, you need it, even if you don't feel like you do just yet."

She nodded.

"Did you have a chance to ask Duke Danton about having lunch?" Mrs. Anderson asked, changing the subject.

"I did, and you were right. He said he would be more than happy to have lunch with me. All we have to do is let him know wheen."

"Then I will ask the cook how soon we can serve your menu and pass that day along to Duke Danton."

"That's wonderful! Thank you!"

"There's no need to thank me. I'm happy to help. Did Mary get a chance to show you yout jewelry?"

"She did. I didn't look over all of it though. There's just so much! I can imagine I will ever be able to wear all of it even over my whole life!"

"You will wear more of it than you think, even if you never go out much, dressing for dinner alone can use more than you think."

Rebecca smiled. "Then I will do what I can to wear it well. Now, what did you have for us to work on today?"

"I would like for us to keep working on menus. I thought we could just have you make a few practice ones if that sounds good to you."

"That sounds perfect."

"Then let's get started."

The pair spent the better part of an afternoon doing just that.

Later that day, Rebecca was back in the library when William entered with a soft knock at the door.

"I was about to go for an afternoon ride," he said, dressed in his finest riding outfit.

"Of course," she set her book aside. "I do hope you enjoy yourself."

"Thank you, I will."

But he didn't leave, hesitating in the doorway. Rebecca looked up at him. She was about to say something else when he spoke once again.

"I don't suppose you would want to join me."

"For a horse ride?" she confirmed, unable to keep the surprise out of her voice.

"If you like. Of course you are not under any obligation," he moved to step away, a excuses already growing on his lips.

But she cut all of them off. A bright grin bloomed on her face. "I would love to!"

"Well then, why don't you go get changed and we can make our way to the stables."

She faltered.

"Is something the matter? As I said, you are not obligated to go."

"It isn't that. I want to, truely, but I am afraid I don't have anything suitable to wear. I also may not be very good. My father rarely gave me a chance to go riding."

"That isn't a problem. You can barrow something of mine."

She hesitated. "But what if someone sees? It isn't appropriate."

"I won't push the issue, but we can stay on our grounds. Theres no need to go anywhere where we could see others."

She smiled. "All right then, if you are sure."

"Perfect. Head up to get changed. I will send someone up with something for you to wear shortly."

Rebecca smiled. "That sounds perfect."

They each went their separate ways. Rebecca wasn't waiting in her room long before Mary came in with a bright smile and a stack of clothing in her hands.

"I hear you want me to help you change to go horse back riding?" she asked with a grin.

"That's right, but I didn't have anything of my own. I hope you didn't go to too much trouble to find something for me to wear."

"Oh, I'm not the one who went to any trouble. Duke Danton just gave me a few of his things for you to wear."

"His clothes?" she gasped in surprise.

"Yes, is that all right?"

"Of course. I was just surprised he wasn't able to find something else or that he would offer that at all."

"I think he must be rather excited to ride with you then."

"I can't imagine why. It isn't as if I am a skilled or experienced horsewoman."

Mary chuckled. "I imagine it is less about your skills and more about spending time with you. The two of you make such a lovely couple."

Rebecca flushed, staring out a few words.

Mary continued on as though she had never made the remark to begin with. "Your hair should be fine. Let's get you changed."

As Rebecca pulled on his clothes, she couldn't help but smile. They were so big on her, she almost felt like a little kid playing dress up. The sleeves billowed around her arms and the pants had to be cuffed several times to keep from dragging on the ground.

Then, Mary stood back and smiled at her. "There, you're ready. I hope you have fun. I'll be here to help you change when you get back."

"I'll try not to keep you waiting around too long."

She shook her head, "Don't worry about me. Go and have fun."

Rebecca hesitated a moment longer then smiled. "Thank you."

When she made it down stairs, William was already waiting for her. When she saw him, she sped up, calling out to him.

"I'm sorry I took so long. I hope you weren't waiting long."

He frowned. "You hardly took any time. I was expecting to be waiting for far longer. Did the clothes I sent up work out?"

She smiled. "Yes, they should work perfect. Thank you."

"Then let's get going. Have you been to the stables since moving in?" he asked as they walked.

"Not yet. I'm afraid I haven't had the chance."

"They are quite nice. I spend a lot of time at them myself."

"Do you enjoy riding then?" she winced to herself. "I mean obviously you must. Otherwise why would you spend so ,uch time at the stables. I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For asking a stupid question."

"Did you? I didn't hear one."

She gave his a disbelieving look.

"I enjoy our time together. You don't need to be so careful around me."

"I'm just worried I will overstep your boundaries."

"If you overstep, I will tell you."

She let out a bright, a smile working its way onto her face. "I appreciate that. Thank you."

He was about to tell her there was no need to keep thanking him, but decided sometimes it was better to not push things too hard all at once. Instead he offered her his arm and the pair made their way out to the stables and the horses.

When she saw them, Rebecca lit up, all but breaking into a sprint toward the horses. When she realized what she had done, she froze, turning to him with a flush on her face.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that."

"Why not? What did you do wrong?"

"It isn't lady like to run."

"And? You are in your own home." After he said it, he heard his ton and winced. "You don't need to worry so much, Rebecca. The grounds are made for someone to run and play in. they have been far too still with only me here."

"What do you mean?"

He stiffened.

"I'm sorry. Should I not have asked that."

"I told you you were free to ask whatever you wanted." He let out a long sigh. "The truth is, after my brother and father were well…" he trailed off. "My mother became protective of me. Well, protective might be an understatement. She became convinced it was only a matter of time before something happened to me. She became obsessed with doing whatever it took to keep me safe. The included preventing me from any ‘dangerous play' like running outside or horseback riding."

"But she must have come around eventually. Clearly you learned to love it somewhere."

"No, she never did. I learned at school. If she were here now, I'm sure she would be horrified," he let out a bitter laugh.

"That must have been hard for you, but I won't lie and say I don't understand why she did it."

"I do too. That was never the issue, but the level of paranoia she had," he shook his head. "It was hard, especially as I was just a child. I was so young. All I wanted to do was play and have fun doing the very thing that terrified her."

"It must have been hard."

"It was, but it was worth it to have her there. When I lost her too, I developed a bit of paranoia of my own."

"What do you mean?" she asked.

William hesitated, but before he could speak the sound of hooves cut him off.

A great grey horse ran over to them, coming to a stop a few feet from William. Only a few yards behind came an out of breath stable hand.

"I am so sorry, your grace!" the man said, catching the horse's reigns. "He heard your voice and he just bolted."

"It's quite all right. I know how he can be." William turned to Rebecca. "I suppose this is as good of a time as any for you to meet my horse. Rebecca, I would like to introduce you to my noble steed, Hawthorn."

"He's lovely. Will I be riding him?"

"Oh heavens, no. even if I wasn't planning on riding him myself, I wouldn't recommend Hawthorn. He's known to be a bit… spirited."

The stable hand chuckled. "That's a very kind way for you to put it, your grace. He can be quite a handful when he wants to. Shall I go saddle up one of our more docile horses for Duchess Danton?"

William looked to her. After a moment she spoke a smile spreading across her face.

"Yes, I would appreciate that. Please select whatever horse you think would be best."

"Of course your grace. I'm sorry we didn't already have one ready for you. I had no idea you were coming."

"No, I'm sorry for causing you trouble. I should have sent word ahead of my arrival."

"I was the one who invited you," William cut in. "if anyone was causing trouble it was me. Hearing that, do you still think you were causing trouble?"

She hesitated, but before she could speak the stable hand spoke once more.

"Its no trouble. I'll go get one of them ready for you right away. I'm thinking Sunflower. She is a real sweet heart."

"She sounds perfect. Thank you."

He headed off leaving the couple alone for a moment. Rebecca turned back to William.

"Thank you again for bringing me."

"Its nothing."

"It isn't. Not to me."

He looked away. "Come on. We wouldn't want to keep Sunflower waiting."

They made their way the rest of the way to the stables where both horses were now waiting and ready.

"They are both all set up for your rides. I hope you have a pleasant journey."

"We will, thank you. I can take over from here," William said.

The stable hand bowed before heading off to attend to the other animals. William turned to Rebecca.

"Can you mount on your own or do you need any help?"

"I should be able to handle it on my own, but thank you."

They each mounted their horse then made their way out to the fields. In the late afternoon air, Rebecca breathed in the sunlight. Sunflower was as gentle as the man had said, her pace slow and steady as she trotted behind Hawthorn.

She found herself relaxing in the saddle, confidence growing with every step.

"Doing all right back there?" William called. "I know you said you didn't have much experience."

"I don't but I feel good so far. Sunflower is a sweet girl."

"I'm glad to hear it, but still be careful. Horses can be unpredictable animals."

"It's all right," she smiled. "I trust her."

He blinked in shock. "Then perhaps you trust too easily."

The pair enjoyed a pleasant ride for the rest of the afternoon, only returning when it was close to dinner time.

"That was lovely," Rebecca said. "Thank you so much for inviting me along."

"It was nothing. I was going to go either way, so there was no harm in bringing you along."

"Still, you didn't need to think of me, so thank you."

He looked away. "Yes, well, I will see you at dinner."

"Your right. I need to go wash up before we can eat. I'm going to head up a bit early."

"I had assumed you would want to. Mary should be in your room with a bath and change of clothes."

"Thank you for setting all that up."

"Again, it was nothing."

The pair went their separate ways, Rebecca making her way up to her room where Mary met her, a gent smile on her face.

"Welcome back, your grace. How was your ride?"

"It was lovely, thank you."

Mary set to work helping her undress then got her into the waiting wash bason.

"You won't believe what came in while you were out," Mary said as she helped wash Rebecca's hair.

"What?"

"The gowns you ordered."

"So soon?" she gasped in surprise.

"I know. I was rather shocked myself. Would you like me to pull one of them for you to wear tonight?"

"Yes, thank would be perfect. Thank you, but please send someone to let William know we will be dressing more formally."

"Of course Ma'am."

She helped her finish up in the bath then stood.

"Why don't you enjoy the warm water for a few moments while I go get your evening apparel ready."

And so a few minutes later, Rebecca got her first look at her new gowns. When she saw it, she gasped.

"It's beautiful," she said, unable to help herself from reaching out and running her hands long the smooth silk.It was a pale yellow with gold work along the hem.

"I thought so too," Mary agreed. "I also took the liberty of selecting jewelry that included that necklace you looked at the other day."

Rebecca barely breathed as Mary helped her dress in more finery than she felt she had any right to. She was terrified to breath too hard and somehow rip the gown or move to hard and accidentally break the jewelry. It was all far more than she deserved.

When Mary was done, Rebecca turned to her in awe. "Thank you for doing all this. I don't think I have ever felt this beautiful before."

"I am glad to hear you are pleased with my work, but it was nothing, really. All I did was work with what was already there."

"Be that as it may, you did amazing work. Thank you." She glanced to the clock and gasped. "Goodness! I need to get to dinner. Thank you again."

"It was nothing. I will see you when you come back up. Enjoy your evening."

"I will. Thank you."

Rebecca was surprised to find she made it down before William had. She let out a sigh of relive when she realized that meant she wouldn't be able to keep him waiting.

Maybe she could talk to Mary and arrange things so that she would always be ready before him.

Before she could think too much on that, the doors opened and William stepped inside.

Rebecca's breath caught in her throat. She wasn't sure if she had ever seen him in full formal attire. He cut an imposing figure in his suit coat and vest. She looked away before she could get caught staring.