Page 22 of The Trouble With Her Duke
“It is, indeed,” her father said, turning to the young woman. “Miss Annabelle, we are pleased to have you.” With a slight nod, he indicated the valise. “Dickens will see to your things.”
Hearing his name, the butler walked in and picked up the bag. “My pleasure, Miss Andrews.”
Annabelle blushed. “Please call me Annabelle. It’s an honor to spend the holiday with you all. I have no family . . . except my work family.”
“Then you can count us as your extended family.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hammond,” Annabelle said in a soft voice.
“Papa, everyone, Annabelle and I will head upstairs to settle in and will be back down for dinner.”
“Well, we are happy to have you home. I look forward to spending time with you,” her father replied.
Lydia smiled and ushered Annabelle up the wide staircase, as she pondered how she would tell her family the news about her new position. She was equal parts excited and nervous about their reactions, especially Blake’s, for she was certain he would have something to say about her working for the Duke of Danforth.
Chapter 7
The next morning
Lydia lay in her bed staring at the small robin through her window. She believed in the adage that when one sees a robin flying, it can mean new beginnings. As a child, she always felt her mother, who her father said loved birds, was nearby and was telling her everything would be all right. “I hope it’s you,” she whispered. She never got a chance to meet her mother—at least not that she remembered—and she felt cheated. I wish you were here, Mother. A tap on her door tore Lydia from her musings.
“Colleen asked me to tell you your father wishes to see you in his study before you break your fast this morning,” Annabelle said.
“Oh.” Lydia groaned, hating to give up the warm bed. “I should get up. I’ve been laying here watching that robin.”
“She’s beautiful, Miss Hammond,” Annabelle said.
“Annabelle, please call me Lydia. We are friends.”
The young woman flashed the biggest smile. “Lydia, I had a warm bath this morning. I have never bathed in a copper tub before,” Annabelle gushed excitedly. “There’s one for you, as well. It’s waiting in there.” Annabelle pointed towards the blue and gold folding screen that had been set up in the room’s corner. A soft giggle escaped. “I’ve never slept in such a beautiful room. I feel like a princess.” She whirled around. “Thank you for bringing me, Miss . . . Lydia.”
Lydia smiled and gave a quick nod. “You’re quite welcome, Annabelle. And a bath is exactly what I need after two days in a coach,” Lydia said, stretching. She moved her legs over the edge of the bed and stepped into the slippers before pulling on her robe.
While Annabelle laid out things she would use for her hair, Lydia looked around her room, something she had taken for granted. Her room was done with white, yellow, and touches of blue. A small white damask settee sat in front of the roaring fireplace. A small Chippendale cabinet that doubled as a small table sat between the settee and a yellow upholstered chair. She kept a small writing desk and her latest books in there so they could be accessed easily. Her coverlet was ivory, with a subtle gold and blue floral pattern.
“I thought you’d look pretty today in the sapphire blue walking dress, so I laid it out,” Annabelle said. “I’ll do your hair when you are in the dress.”
“Annabelle, you aren’t here to work. I’ll accept your help with my hair, but I’m not used to having a maid. You are to use this time to enjoy the holiday.”
“I know, Lydia, but I need something to do. And when I return to Bath, I’m hoping to find an assignment as a lady’s maid. I wonder if you will permit me to help you when there is no one around.”
“I am not a peer; you are not my maid.”
“Lydia.”
“You could go shopping with us and help me choose gifts for the children if you’d like,” Lydia suggested. “I could use the help—from a friend.”
“You’ll have your sisters with you. If you don’t mind, I rarely have this much time off and I never get to read a book. Would your father mind if I borrowed a book from his study?” Annabelle asked.
“I’m sure Papa would be fine with it. He would encourage you to read—he has always encouraged me.”
* * *
Thirty minutes later, Lydia entered her father’s study. Her father stood and walked to the door, closing it behind her. “I wanted to spend time together before we break our fast, daughter.”
“Certainly. I would love nothing more, Papa. It seems an age since we could sit quietly and talk.”
“I feel the same way.” He slowly stirred his mug of tea and then took a sip.
