Page 66 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
The servants had gossiped about the women, saying they had overheard them complain about the duke’s lack of attention throughout the evening and how Lady Spencer had monopolised his time.
“Have you forgotten how to talk?” Lady Stratford asked.
“No, My Lady. I was waiting for you to explain your comment.”
The woman pulled her head back slightly. “Frankly, I do not think I like your tone, Isabella. It seems my brother is giving you too much freedom, and it is going to your head. You may be educated, but you are still a servant in this house.”
Juliana wished to ask about the freedom the woman seemed to believe the duke had given her but instead schooled her features into polite blankness and hoped Lady Stratford would move along.
“I am aware of my position, My Lady. Forgive me if my words appear contrary.”
“I can hear the words leaving your mouth, but you do not seem sorry or humble. My, how much we think of ourselves!”
“I assure you that is not true,” Juliana argued.
“You speak of truth, but I cannot be certain you know what the word means,” the woman commented. “But let us leave that aside for the moment.
I need to speak with you, but I prefer not to do it standing about like uncivilised women. Follow me, please.”
Juliana inwardly sighed and did as the woman commanded, dreading whatever she had to say that required her private parlour.
Juliana took the least comfortable chair once again and sat up straight with her hands resting in her lap. Her mind and body were poised for the worst, so it surprised her when Lady Stratford asked after her health.
“My health, My Lady?” Juliana repeated.
“Yes, Isabella. You were injured a little while ago, were you not? My brother was particularly worried about your head injury. As I recall, you walked about with an unsightly bruise on your brow for many days.”
“I am much better, My Lady.”
“That is good to know. I can only imagine how terrible it is to suffer such injuries.”
“Yes, My Lady,” Juliana replied suspiciously.
The woman’s sudden kindness was worrying and perplexing because she was aware that the duke’s sister disliked her immensely and had wanted her out of the house before her injuries had healed.
“Have you enjoyed working here?” Lady Stratford asked.
“Yes, My Lady. Stratford Manor is a lovely place to work.”
“I’m glad you think so. My brother is a kind and generous master who takes care of his employees and treats them well. I must say that he has given you more attention than any other servant, but that must be due to your special capabilities. ’Tis not every day that one employs such an educated servant.”
Juliana said nothing. The woman was working up to saying something, but she was taking her time and drawing out the conversation.
“Do you not find it strange that you can recall some things but not others?” said Lady Stratford. “What you have recalled has impressed my brother, but you have yet to recall anything to help you find out about your life. I find that rather odd.”
“It is distressing, My Lady,” Juliana admitted, “but I try not to dwell on it. I live in the hope that my memory will fully return to me soon.”
Lady Stratford shifted in her chair and sat forward, staring intently into Juliana’s eyes as though trying to look for something.
“You can be honest with me,” the woman claimed. “We certainly got off on the wrong foot at first, but there is no use living in the past.”
Juliana frowned. “I’m afraid I do not understand, My Lady.”
“Has your memory truly not returned?” Lady Stratford asked.
“My memory comes in bits and pieces, My Lady,” Juliana admitted. “But none of it makes any sense to me. There is no connection from one memory to the next.”
“Indeed? What kind of memories have you recalled?”
