Page 15 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
However, they looked like the typical male servant at first glance. The men were ready to come to Henry's defense if he needed them, but until then, they worked with the other servants. The guards also provided security against thieves and anyone else who wished to do harm on the estate, so the men were kept fairly busy.
Rising to his feet, he stretched his neck from side to side, getting ready for the agonizingly polite but fake facade he would have to deal with. Basil was a slippery, venomous creature that no one wanted to touch once they got to know the real man behind the mask he wore. Henry wished he didn't have to deal with his cousin, but since family was family, he couldn't ignore him without causing unnecessary problems.
“Basil,” he said moments later as he entered the parlor. “What brings you by today?”
His tall cousin stood up, his back slightly hunched from constantly leaning forward. He was usually the tallest person in the room, so he likely felt the need to lower himself to fit in better with the crowd.
"How are you, Cousin?" Basil asked, bowing slightly.
It was just a fake show of respect. Basil didn't respect anyone but himself, and just used others to further himself in life. Still, Henry accepted the bow with a slight nod and sat down.
“Have you just returned from your trip to London?” Henry asked.
“No, I returned a few days ago and had every intention of coming to see you,” Basil replied. “However, I had matters to attend. Have you been well? You look well, perhaps even better than I recall. You seem to have a glow about you. Did something good happen?”
Henry didn't answer because a soft knock drew his attention to the door before Arabella entered with the tea tray. His hands involuntarily clenched on his legs as he watched her, as though he were trying to stop himself from saying or doing anything he might regret. He shouldn't be affected so much by a servant, no matter how pretty or alluring she was.
“You must be new,” Basil said with interest, his dark blue eyes tracking her every movement.
“I started working here recently, my lord,” Arabella confirmed. “May I pour you some tea?”
Basil smiled a tad lecherously. “Certainly, Miss—?”
“Arabella, my lord,” she said cheerfully. “Everyone calls me that. How many sugars would you like, and do you take milk?”
Henry frowned. He didn't like the idea of Basil being so informal with her. It was silly because everyone called her Arabella, but it struck a nerve with him knowing Basil would do so.
“Two sugars and a little milk,” said Basil. “I've never had a maid serve me so happily. Your smile lights up the room, Arabella.”
"Thank you, my lord," she replied, turning two cups over and preparing them.
She already knew how Henry liked his tea, serving him first before she handed Basil his tea.
“Thank you, Arabella,” said Basil.
Henry narrowed his eyes when his cousin's hand touched Arabella, knowing he was doing it on purpose. Arabella likely thought it was merely accidental as she pulled back, her smile never faltering. Henry knew better, forcing himself to swallow the urge to protect her from his cousin.
“Please excuse me, Your Grace, my lord,” she said, curtsying.
Basil surprised them both by leaning forward and catching her wrist. “Leaving already?” said Basil.
Arabella appeared surprised and confused as she looked at the hand on her wrist. “My lord?”
Henry was ready to fly out of his chair and pummel his cousin into next week, which was the very reason why he didn't. The sudden protectiveness didn't feel normal. While he was mindful of his servants, he was never this forceful about their protection.
“Arabella has chores to do, Basil,” he said, struggling to keep the anger out of his voice. “You should release her to do so.”
Basil's hand didn't budge. "Oh, but I hoped to get to know your new servant better," he said, grinning at Henry. "I certainly approve, Cousin. Not only is she lovely to look at, but she also has a sunny disposition. How fortunate for you. If only I had met you first, Arabella," he added, turning his attention to her.
Arabella stilled, her discomfort palpable. Henry immediately saw the reason. Basil was stroking the inside of her wrist with his thumb. Rage filled him quickly and violently, snapping him to his feet. However, Arabella seemed to have the matter under control. She pulled her wrist away and curtsied before Basil.
“Please excuse me, my lord,” she said. “I still have many things to do. Please, enjoy your tea.”
Henry couldn't help but smile at the surprised look on his cousin's face. Basil thought he was the gods' gift to all women and expected women to fall at his feet, especially commoners. He seemed to rub it in Henry's face that women found him desirable while he was despised.
Arabella walked away, Basil's narrowed gaze watching her leave the room. He wouldn't take kindly to a servant rejecting him so easily, but Henry swore to himself that Arabella would come to no harm.
“She's a little feisty, don't you think?” said Basil. “Where did you find her? She doesn't strike me as your typical maid. There's something different about her.”
