Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

R ebecca let out a long breath before turning to her food. She didn't mind being on her own. Really, she didn't it was fine. She was used to taking her meals alone.

Just because it was her wedding day didn't mean there was anything special about it, and really after the excitement of the day, she was grateful for a chance to catch her breath in peace. She wasn't used to so much excitement, so of course a break was nice.

She needed it really, so Rebecca enjoyed the rest of her meal, even if it was alone. Besides the food was so good it didn't require conversation to be enjoyed.

Just as she was finishing up, the door opened and a woman stepped inside. She was of medium height with dark hair and dark eyes. Just as William had when they first met, she studied her with an unreadable expression. Rebecca could only assume it was because she had disappointed her as well.

"Good evening, your Grace," she curtsied. "I am Mrs. Anderson the housekeeper."

"Good evening! I'm Rebecca."

"Yes, I am aware"

"Right, of course. You were probably told I was coming to marry Duke Danton ahead of time."

"That's right. We wouldn't have been able to prepare your room for you if we hadn't, let alone prepared this meal for you."

"Yes of course. I'm sorry I wasn't thinking."

"It has been a long day," she said, a tight smile on her face. "I'm sure you must be rather tired. Would you like me to show you to your room ?"

"Yes, that would be lovely. Perhaps you could show me some of the house on the way? I know Duke Danton expects me to manage things so I should start trying to get the lay of the land."

"Of course, your grace," she said, but Rebecca couldn't help but notice the frown etching its way onto her face.

"Thank you, I appreciate it," Rebecca said as she got to her feet and followed her from the room.

"It's my job to ensure you are comfortable here at Batton Manor."

Rebecca followed her as she led her through the massive house. Here and there, the housekeeper made an effort to point out important rooms and items that she thought might be of use to her.

But try as she might, Rebecca couldn't make herself focus on anything. It was all just so overwhelming. Rebecca had to bite back a sigh. It would just be another thing where she disappointed someone. It stung worse this time because she really wanted to prove she could do what they needed. She really thought maybe she could have done it this time, but she never even had a chance to really try.

Those thoughts were still circling in her head when they came to a stop outside one of the countless doors.

"Here' s your room, my lady," Mrs. Anderson said.

"Thank you. I should be fine on my own from here."

Mrs. Anderson frowned. "Before I go, I should mention that I don't believe your lady's maid has arrived at Batton House yet. Would you like me to send someone up to help you change for bed?"

"That's alright. I can manage just fine on my own."

She studied her for a moment. "Do you know when we can expect her?"

"I- I'm not sure," she chewed her lip. Rebecca knew she should just tell her that she didn't have one, but found herself far too embarrassed that her father had never seen the point in such an expense. Not that it was a problem. She could manage just fine on her own.

"Then I will check among our staff to find a temporary one for you until she arrives."

"You don't need to go to all that trouble. I will be able to manage fine on my own. It's perfectly alright."

"It's no trouble. It would only be temporary, and a duchess should never be without her lady's maid."

Rebecca smiled, shaking her head. "I appreciate it, but I can manage on my own just fine. You don't need to worry about me."

Mrs. Anderson spent another few seconds scrutinizing Rebecca. The longer she stood there, the more Rebecca could feel herself beginning to spiral.

Even though Duke Danton wasn't the most social person doesn't mean he doesn't care at all about his family image. If he wanted her to properly look the part of a duchess, they might expect her to get some more elaborate dresses and hairstyles, but how could she even consider it? Rebecca wouldn't even know where to begin, and that wasn't even to mention the cost! She could never expect William to pay for it, and it wasn't like she had any way to make her own money. Maybe she could-

"If you're sure you Grace," Mrs. Anderson said, cutting off her thoughts.

"Yes, I am, but thank you for your concern," she forced a bright smile, hoping it didn't look too stiff. If it did, she mercifully didn't say anything.

Instead the older woman just sighed. "If that is what you would prefer, I can leave you to settle in for the night. I will see you in the morning and we can go over your duties as lady of the house."

"That sounds perfect. Thank you."

"Very good. I shall see you then. I hope you have a good night, please let us know if you change your mind and need anything."

"I will. Thank you. I hope you sleep well as well."

"I always do."

Rebecca smiled as the other woman made her way down the hall, leaving her alone. Rebecca took a deep breath, turning to the door. She put her hand on the door knob, hesitating for a moment.

Who knew what would be on the other side. While she was sure whatever was set up in there would have to have been done well before she met William or Mrs. Anderson, she couldn't help but worry she could have done something to make them change the room or take something away.

Still, it couldn't be worse than the attic she reminded herself. There was no point in lingering in the hall any longer. Rebecca took a deep breath, squeezed her eyes shut, opened the door, and stepped inside.

When she saw the room, she gasped in surprise. She had expected it to be an improvement over her childhood room, but it easily surpassed her wildest dreams by leaps and bounds.

The room was large. There was a window over on the far wall, deep emerald green drapes blocking out the moonlight. The walls themselves were a pale cream, a stark contrast with the dark wood of the floor and the furnishings. Breaking up the space there was a thick rug covering most of the floor. It almost seemed thick enough that when she woke up in the morning, it would keep her feet from getting cold until she finished up getting dressed. Or at least it would if she didn't have to go over to the wardrobe on the other side of the room to get her stockings.

Perhaps she could ask about having it moved closer to the bed. As quickly as the thought formed, she shook it from her head.

How ungrateful could she be? There was no reason for her to ask for anything. They had gone to more than enough effort for her already.

Taking in the rest of the room, she saw a small, well-stocked writing desk near the window. It looked like it would get wonderful sunlight, especially in the morning. A short distance away was a dressing table. Then there was the wardrobe. The majority of the space was a large plush bed.

The bed itself was a dream in its own right, a vast improvement from where she slept in the attic. It was so large, with four posts and a damask canopy. The covers were thick and made of the softest material she had ever felt. As for the pillows, thick and plump and feathery, she could hardly wait to sink into them.!

Rebecca didn't know if she had ever seen that many together in her life.

"Is this really all for me?" she asked herself, running her hand along it.

She gave herself a few moments to marvel at it all before turning her attention to the only other thing of interest in the room, the single case she had brought with her from her family home.

Normally, unpacking something like this would have been done by a lady's maid, but she didn't have one so it had fallen by the wayside, but that was preferred by Rebecca.

She grinned to herself, making her way over to the small bag. Opening it, she set to work unpacking her few positions. There wasn't much in there, three-day dresses, two sleeping gowns, her two shawls, her warm cloak, and a few pairs of stockings. Her shoes were still on her feet so she didn't need to worry about those and she had never been allowed to have her own hobby supplies, so that was all she had.

Once she was happy with where everything was, she stood back with a smile. Maybe it was a bit selfish or conceited of her, but it was really starting to feel like her own space, far more than the attic ever had. She gave herself a moment to appreciate it all before starting the process of getting ready for bed.

It wasn't hard for her to get h erself undressed. Wedding day or not, her dresses always tended to be rather simple. They were always Dorothy's cast-offs and she tended to strip them of any lace or decorations before she handed them off. Not only that but since they didn't want to get her a lady's maid, they tended to either be wrap dresses or have a bib front opening. That was the kind of dress she had on that day. She unbuttoned the small buttons on either side of her chest, letting the top fall open before undoing the ties where the short bodice turned into the skirt.

Once she slipped it off, she hung the dress with her others before slipping off her petticoat and unlacing her corded stays. Then she pulled off her shift and pulled a sleeping gown over her head.

Her hair was back in a simple bun and it wasn't hard for her to take it down and pull it into a simple braid so it would be out of her way when she slept.

Then it was the moment she had been waiting for since she stepped into the room.

It was time to slip into that heavenly bed.

Turning down the covers she couldn't stop smiling. Before she even climbed into the bed, she had to stop and marvel. The blankets felt so thick and soft in her hands. She just knew that when she was finally under them she would feel perfectly warm even in the worst of winter. She didn't think she could remember a winter where she had slept without suffering at least a few nights of the bitter cold.

But she wouldn't have to muddle through that here.

The very thought was enough to make her beam. Then she slipped under the covers and leaned back against the pillows.

She couldn't help but marvel at the sheer variety of them! Some were soft, some were firm, some had silky covers, andothers felt more like cotton. Part of her didn't know what to do with all of them. As she lay there, Rebecca couldn't believe her luck.

This was her home now. She was going to build a life here.

She could only do her best to make sure she didn't let William down. He had already done so much for her thatshe couldn't bear the thought of letting him down.

She would just have to learn to be the best duchess possible. She would blow them away with just how competent she could be.

She had to.