Page 10 of Stars May Burn

Beatrice beamed. “It’s my own design, my lady. I had your measurements sent over and altered three dresses for you. I acquired newspapers from the last two years and cut out every dress you were featured in to try and gather your tastes. The drawings were very basic, so I had to guess a little, but you were in the papers enough for me to get an idea.”

My throat tightened in surprise. “Thank you. That is very thoughtful. I’m sure I will love them all. You must have been so busy these last few days.”

Both maids shared a smile, and I couldn’t help but smile with them. I hadn’t expected such a warm welcome. A small part of me tensed in warning. People weren’t normally this kind unless they wanted something or had something to hide. Or, perhaps, they thought I was someone I wasn’t.

Lucy seemed to catch herself. “Would you like some dinner brought up to your room? I imagine you’re tired.”

My shoulders dropped in relief. “That sounds perfect. I feel like I’ve been on display all day. I would appreciate a peaceful evening—if that doesn’t disrupt anyone else’s plans, of course. I don’t want to be a bother.” I tried to read their expressions carefully.

Lucy raised her eyebrows as if in surprise. “Of course. It wouldn’t be any bother. What would you like?”

Beatrice pulled out a plush chair for me, and she leaned on the back. They were much more informal than the maids Frederick had given me at my previous home, and I welcomed the change. “I would recommend Florence’s eggs on sourdough. So tasty. She won’t tell anyone what she puts in the sauce.”

I sat down. “That sounds perfect.”

Beatrice grinned in delight. “You have to make use of Florence while you’re here. She only works in Highfair and stays here year-round. And she’s an incredible cook.”

“And you two? Do you only work here or in Kasomere too?”

Lucy leaned forward. “Oh, we’ve been assigned to you, Lady Batton. We go wherever you are. Previously we were mostly based in Kasomere, but it was a little dull because almost all of the guests were men and General Batton doesn’t host any balls or parties.”

Beatrice performed a little jump, rubbing her hands together. “We’re so excited to have you with us now. Things will be much more interesting.”

Lucy nodded. “We’re completely at your service.”

Their enthusiasm was so unexpected and appeared so genuine, I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped my lips. “Thank you.”

Beatrice left to collect dinner while Lucy brushed my hair and chatted about so many different topics vaguely connected to weddings that my tired brain couldn’t keep track, but she didn’t seem to mind.

I was relieved when they left me alone with my food. My eyes felt so heavy, it was hard to keep them open. And now I was alone, that strange feeling of being adrift and anchorless in the world returned.

Beatrice stuck her head through the door as soon as I finished the food. It truly had been delicious, and I wanted to meet Florence and thank her personally, especially if we were to leave early the next morning.

Beatrice looked worried. “My lady, a Miss Claris is in the atrium. She says she has been your maid for many years and has been sent by your father to continue that service.”

I hesitated. Miss Claris had followed me from my father’s home to Cuthbert Manor, which had been a relief at the time. The day I’d married Frederick, she hadn’t been there, and everything had been awful; none of the servants thought I was an appropriate match for their lord and made that very clear. Having Miss Claris on my side to help me dress in the complex gowns Father had sent and ensure I was provided with food had been a relief.

I wasn’t surprised that Father had sent her again, though, it seemed the maids here didn’t mind that my station was so far below the general’s. I suspected he was trying to keep an eye on me, and Miss Claris was certainly good at keeping my mind on what was important. Father had regularly criticized how easily I got distracted in the past.

Beatrice bit her lip, and I smiled at her. “Would you mind finding her a room? Don’t worry, I still want you and Lucy to attend me too. And don’t be put off by Miss Claris’s demeanor—she means well.”

Beatrice seemed relieved. She curtsied and left. I hurried to the mirror to check that my hair was in place and my makeup still sharp before Miss Claris could see me. It would do. Surely my long-term maid couldn’t care too much what I looked like when I was alone in my room?

Miss Claris walked in moments later, a large bag clutched in her hands and a worried expression on her face.

She tutted, shaking her head when she saw me. “This is not a good sign at all.”

I rose to calm her. My maid had a habit of pessimism. “What is not, Miss Claris?”

She looked at me as if the question were stupid. “That you aren’t spending your wedding night with your husband. He shouldn’t find his business in Kasomere more interesting than you, his new wife.” Her tone bordered between accusatory, as if I had performed some error, and outrage on my behalf.

I straightened my skirts and forced a placating smile. “It’s only one night. I’ll be with him again tomorrow.”

My maid didn’t hide her sigh. She placed her bag on my bed and put her hands on her hips. “I suppose it can’t be helped.” She patted the bag, and it clinked softly. “I brought extra bottles of your fertility tonic as I don’t know how long we’ll be gone on the edge of nowhere, and you must take a sip every day, as you know. If he only lies with you a few times a year between campaigns, you can’t afford to take chances.”

I nodded and lowered my head to hide my blush. I wasn’t sure why this conversation still embarrassed me. Miss Claris had ensured I’d taken the tonic the whole time I had been wedded to Frederick, starting on our first night. Maybe it was the shame of never being with child despite the tonic that made the topic uncomfortable.

I heard Miss Claris sigh again as she sat, and she patted my knee. “Try not to worry. How have things gone so far? Does he seem pleased? His proposal was so quick, he must see something in you.”

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