Page 42 of Married to the Cruel Duke

“Oh!” Rebecca wasstartled for a moment. “A braid is fine.”

Mary smiled. “Then I’ll do that and let you get to sleep. What time do you want me to be up with your breakfast in the morning?”

She thought for a moment. “What time has my breakfast been coming up? Whatever that is perfectly fine. There’s no reason to make anyone else change their routine.”

“I’ll have to ask in the kitchen and see when they have been sending it up. Is there anything you want me to prepare for you in the morning?”

“ No, I should be all right. Thank you.”

Mary stepped away. “Then if there is nothing else, I will see you in the morning, ma’am.”

It was only when she was alone that Rebecca let out a sigh. She hoped she didn’t make too much extra work for her.

Still, she fell into bed and drifted off looking forward to the next day.

Rebecca was sitting at her dressing table when there was a knock at the door. Then Mary stepped inside, breakfast tray in hand.

“Good morning, Your Grace,” she said then hesitated, setting the tray down on the bed. “Did I come later than we discussed?”

“Not at all,” Rebecca smiled.

“But you are already up and dressed.”

“Yes?” she said, then Rebecca realized her mistake. “I’m afraid I have gotten rather used to not having a lady’s maid. It may take some time for me to unlearn my ways.”

“But hasn’t it only been a week or so since your wedding?”

She winced. “Yes, I suppose it has.”

“Well, if you are used to being dressed and ready by the time they have been sending up the tray, perhaps I can plan to come up about an hour before?”

“I hate to have you start your day so early.”

“It’s no trouble. If you are used to getting up , then that is when I can be here.”

“All right. If you’re sure.”

“Now, why don’t you eat some breakfast and we can talk about the rest of your outfits for today.”

“The rest of them?”

“I mean, if you are planning on spending the day in, then I suppose there’s only dinner to change for.”

“Right,” she sighed. “Well, I’m afraid you are going to be rather disappointed for the moment. I don’t currently have any dinner dresses, but I have ordered some. They should be here soon.”

“That’s all right. Why don’t you let me take a look at your wardrobe today and see what I can come up with?”

“If you like you’re welcome to, but I’d hate to make more work for you.”

She smiled. “Why don’t you let me worry about that ? Now, eat up then I can get started on your hair.”

She hesitantly ate the rest of her breakfast as Mary set some things up at her dressing table. When she was done, she took her seat and let Mary start on her hair.

It felt strange, having someone else do it, but she found herself relaxing as the woman worked her hair into something far more complex than she would have been able to do on her own.

Finally, Mary stepped back with a smile. “There, how do you like it? Is it to your taste ma’am?”

“It’s perfect. Thank you.”

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