Page 27 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
“Indefinitely,” he repeated. “But if I employ you, you will have a valid reason to live under my roof until you decide otherwise.”
Employ her? As what? “I do not understand.”
“Would you like to become a servant of this household? I pay well, give my staff one day off a week and holidays, and everyone is treated well. You can ask Kitty if you need more convincing.”
Juliana hadn’t expected the duke to suggest that she become a servant. How did he know she would be able to work well? She had no memory of being a maid. However, this was her opportunity to stay in his house with dignity, and for that, she was grateful.
“Yes, I would love to become your servant, Your Grace. I’m afraid I might disappoint you, for I do not recall knowing how to do such work, but I will try my best.”
The duke smiled. “I’m glad you have agreed. I do not expect you to start working right away, not when you still need to heal, but I will have Kitty show you around the household and give you details about the chores you will be expected to do.”
“I look forward to it, Your Grace. Thank you.”
The duke looked pleased as he stood up. “I am glad we have agreed on a solution. I shall speak to Kitty and explain your new position in this household.”
“Thank you.”
If she were standing, she would curtsy, so she nodded her head once instead. The duke returned the nod and left.
How tall is he? He must be over six feet or so.
Juliana looked down at herself. She didn’t seem short, but the duke made her feel much smaller. He was also rather handsome, but Juliana didn’t have any memories of other gentlemen to compare him with. However, she liked how he looked.
I probably shouldn’t be thinking about my new employer in such a way, but I would be lying to myself if I did not admit he was handsome.
Her new employer. It seemed so odd, but right at the same time. Juliana would not have been able to stay in the house once she had healed because she was neither a servant nor connected to the duke. People would have eventually raised eyebrows and perhaps started a terrible rumour about her position in the house. Making her his maid cleared up all of that.
Juliana smiled. The duke was her protector, and she did feel safe around him. It didn’t matter that it was strange, only that she trusted him.
It took another week before Kitty could take Juliana around the household. She met several servants during the tour and found some friendly, while others were more reserved. Mrs Black, Mr Stevens, and Mr Johnson did not seem happy with her being in the house, which did not bode well for her.
They were the people who ran the household and spent the most time with the duke and his sister. If they did not like her, they might cause problems for her.
“Have I done something wrong?” she asked Kitty, taking a cloth from her.
The woman was showing her how to wipe down and shine the furniture in the house. Juliana wasn’t doing such a great job, but she made up in enthusiasm what she lacked in skill.
“What do you mean?”
“I have noticed the housekeeper, butler, and the duke’s valet do not like me. I have only just met them, so I do not understand what I could have done to upset them.”
Kitty laughed. “Oh, you need not worry about them. They are like that with everyone. They believe they should be sterner with the servants because of their position in the house. Mrs Black and Mr Stevens scold me at least twice a week, but I am used to it.”
“What do they reprimand you about? You put so much effort into everything!”
The maid loved her job, and it showed. What could anyone possibly have to complain about?
“I suppose I talk too much at times, and I am often forgetful. I do not mean it, but it is not their fault if I forget to do something. It is only right that they take me to task over it.”
They sounded like mean-spirited people, and Juliana said as much. That made Kitty laugh harder.
“Oh, you will get used to it,” the maid assured. “You have to put a little more work into getting the corners,” she advised, watching Juliana with the cloth. “Otherwise, you’ll never reach the cobwebs.”
Juliana stretched her hand, wincing when it pulled on her side.
“Did that hurt?” Kitty asked. “It did, didn’t it? I knew it was too early to start working. You need more time to rest.”
“The duke has already started to pay my wages,” Juliana protested. “I cannot just sit about doing nothing. I’ll just be more careful from now on.”
