Page 56 of Trapped with the Forbidden Duke
“Your Grace.” The maids curtsied one after the other.
Lucien guided her down the line of impeccably dressed servants. “This is Harold, my valet. He served my father before me.”
Harold was an older man with kind eyes, and she smiled at him. He bowed at the waist. “Your Grace.”
Soon, she came to the housekeeper—something Montgomery Manor had not had in a long time. The woman had a no-nonsense air about her yet looked so patient, even though her smile was tighter than Edwina’s.
Edwina’s hackles rose, for she had heard plenty of stories about a new wife being envied by the housekeeper, who ran the ships tightly and without a great deal of interference.
But the Duke’s housekeeper curtsied to her, bowing her head respectfully. “Your Grace. Your arrival was most anticipated. I am Mrs. Galley. If you will follow me. I have prepared your rooms for you, and I will introduce you to Lily, your lady’s maid. I imagine your journey was long and you are craving some rest.”
“Indeed,” Edwina answered. “Thank you.”
“The butler is Mr. Hamilton, and should you need anything if Mrs. Galley is not present, then he shall attend to you.”
Edwina turned back to Lucien as he spoke and nodded her understanding, trying to commit the many faces to memory.
Heavens, it was somewhat overwhelming to go from a small number of servants to such a large group of them.
“If that is all, then I will retire to my chambers.” Lucien stood straighter and barely looked at her, before turning towards the hallway. “Goodnight, Edwina.”
“Goodnight,” she returned, but he was already walking away, leaving her in the company of Mrs. Galley.
“Well then, shall we?” the housekeeper prompted.
Soon, Edwina was being led up a staircase in the main hallway, and then down another hallway, and then she was ushered to her new chambers. She did not catch another glimpse of the Duke, and after housing him this past week, it was strange to wonder if they would dine together. Surely, they would.
“Does the Duke spend a great deal of time here?” Edwina asked, following the housekeeper into her new chambers.
“He does,” Mrs. Galley replied. “However, he prefers to conduct his business in London.”
“Does he travel often for it?”
“Am I to be left alone?”was what Edwina did not clarify.
“I am sure that if he does, you will accompany him, Your Grace,” Mrs. Galley assured her.
Edwina thought perhaps she would, but it was likely she would not, for theirs was a marriage of convenience. What need would he have for her in London while he met with his business partners? She was better off in Stormhold Hall, learning about her new duties.
From the adjoining door to her chambers, a petite maid walked out and immediately dropped into a curtsey.
“Your Grace,” she murmured. “Forgive me, I did not hear you enter. I am Lily, your lady’s maid. I was finishing preparing your bathing chamber and wardrobe.”
“Should you need anything, simply ask,” Mrs. Galley added, smiling politely. “I shall leave you to it. Lily, ensure that Her Grace has everything at her disposal.”
“Of course, Mrs. Galley.”
Once the housekeeper left, Edwina stood with Lily, who looked poised and ready for anything she might request.
“I wish for a bath,” Edwina said. “The journey was long, and I feel rather stiff.”
“In that case, I have some very luxurious essential oils that I can pour into your bath,” Lily offered. “Perhaps Your Grace mightwish to loosen up so you’re not so sore… after your wedding night? It is customary for one to perform at their best.”
“Perform at their best…” Edwina repeated, her breathing quickening as she realized what her lady’s maid was alluding to.
She ought to be fluid with her limbs—easily movable, perhaps. Her stomach tightened. In her mind, she thought of every woman who draped herself over some furniture or other, their bodies bending easily, the sensual way they commanded their limbs.
Lily gave her a bright smile, not suspecting anything to be wrong—because, of course, why would there be? Every wife knew her duties to her husband.
