Page 43 of Married to the Cruel Duke

“Do you need anything else this morning?”

Rebecca shook her head. “I’m all right, but thank you.”

She curtsied, “Then I will leave you to go about your day and see you when you come up to prepare for dinner. Is there a time you would like me to be here?”

She shook her head. “Just ask the kitchen when they are planning on serving it and let Mrs. Anderson know what time you would want to start helping me get ready.”

“You want me to choose?”

Rebecca nodded. “As I said, I’m not used to having someone help me get ready, so I would rather you choose what you think would be best, at least for the moment.”

Mary blinked in shock. “Very well, if you are sure. I will talk to the cook and let you know.”

Then she curtsied and headed out.

Rebecca turned to look herself over in the mirror. In truth, she didn’t look that different, but her hair. It was far more elegant than anything she could have done herself.

She smiled. “I suppose I should try and get used to it. I am a duchess now.”

Then she made her way down the hall and headed off to meet with Mrs. Anderson. Usually, she had some time to walk around and relax, but she was running late. No doubt the other womanwould be there any moment if she wasn’t already there waiting for it.

Sure enough, when Rebecca slipped into the parlor, Mrs. Anderson was already sitting there with a cup of tea.

“Sorry, I’m late, Hellen.”

She waved her off. “It’s quite all right, but can I ask what kept you.”

“I’m afraid I’m not used to getting ready with a lady’s maid,” she said, taking her seat.

Mrs. Anderson smiled. “That’s understandable, but how did you like it? Did you and Mary get on well?”

“She’s wonderful, but I feel bad taking her away from her previous responsibilities.”

“You aren’t keeping her from anything. She’d the cook’s daughter who just finished her training. If you like her, she’ll stay on here, if not, she will stay with her mother while she seeks other employment.”

“So it’s up to me whether or not she has a job?”

“I assure you, that if you two don’t have good energy then she will be able to find a job someplace else. However, generallyspeaking, yes, as the Duchess of Danton, you do have the ability to hire and fire staff. There will be times you need to let someone go or you need to fill a position and you can’t hire everyone who applies.”

“But how am I supposed to handle that? I don’t know if I could look someone in the eyes and tell them to go.”

“Why don’t we start by you telling me what you think of her.”

“She’s wonderful, but I find myself worried she is overqualified for the position.”

“Whatever do you mean?”

“Well, I’m sure she wants to dress her lady in elegant gowns and do beautiful hairstyles before she goes off to balls. I doubt I will be doing much of that.”

“Even if you don’t, you are a Duchess. That means there is a level of finery that is expected of you. I assure you, once you get comfortable with your position, you will be pleased to have her. All that matters is that you like her, but you don’t need to say anything now. Take some time to get to know her. Get to know her work. We can talk about it in a few days. How does that sound?”

Rebecca nodded. “I think that sounds like a good start.”

“Wonderful! So, moving on to business, was there anything you want to go over or should we just continue from where we were?”

“Actually, I do have something I wanted to ask about.”

“Of course. What is it?”

---