Page 3 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
Arabella sighed, her compassion stirred to the surface. It had to be difficult living with the need to hide oneself from the public eye. It couldn't be easy with him being a duke.
Sighing, she looked up at the sky, her eyes widening at how high the sun was. She might never get to see Mrs. Cooper if she dallied along the path. She increased her pace, hurrying toward the house. Arabella considered going to the back door, but the servants all told her to go to the front door and ask for Mrs. Cooper.
Perhaps she should have said she wished to find a job as a maid, but it was too late now as she stepped up to the front door and banged the knocker. A neatly dressed man answered the door, his serious expression potentially intimidating for someone who cowered under authority. While Arabella respected everyone, she wasn't afraid of people, be they rich or poor.
There was no need because she believed people were equals despite their social class or wealth status. Of course, not many shared those beliefs, but her parents had ensured she grew up looking further than the outward man.
“Good day, sir,” she greeted, bowing her head slightly. “My name is Arabella Lockhart.”
“Good day,” the man replied, subtly examining her. “How can I help you, young lady?”
“May I speak to Mrs. Cooper?” she asked.
He raised a dark eyebrow. “May I know the reason?”
“I'd very much like to work here,” Arabella said truthfully. “As a maid,” she added quickly. “I was told that I would need to speak to Mrs. Cooper. Is she available? I'm happy to wait until she is.”
“I am not aware of there being a position available,” the man told her. “However, Mrs. Cooper is the authority on such things, so if you would wait for a moment."
“Outside?” she asked.
“Of course not,” he replied, stepping back. “Come in and wait in the foyer. I will speak to Mrs. Cooper.”
Arabella smiled. “Thank you, sir,” she said, walking into the house.
He gestured at an upholstered bench, indicating she should sit down. Arabella bobbed her head and thanked him, settling between cushions.
“Lovely chair,” she commented to herself, looking around the area.
The outside had been impressive enough, with its many windows, chimneys, and vines growing on one half of the building. Arabella had counted three balconies and had wondered about the rooms behind them. It would be lovely to have a room where one could wake up and sit outside on the balcony first thing in the morning.
One could have hot chocolate in the winter, curled up with a book, and lemonade in the summer. Perhaps a woman could get away with just wearing her undergarments in the summer, knowing no one would be able to see. The options were endless.
“Miss Lockhart?” a woman's voice said.
Startled, Arabella jumped to her feet, meeting the dark brown eyes of a plump, attractive woman in her late forties or early fifties.
“Arabella,” she told the woman cheerfully. “Might you be Mrs. Cooper?”
The housekeeper nodded curtly. “Correct. Mr. Black tells me you wish to work here as a maid. Judging by the looks of you, you have never worked as a maid before. Show me your hands.”
Arabella held them out, smiling to herself. The housekeeper likely expected smooth hands, but Arabella was a keen archeress. Constant handling of bows and arrows had left permanent calluses on her palms.
“It seems you're not foreign to work,” Mrs. Cooper said, frowning slightly. “Why have you chosen to work here in particular?”
“I heard many good things about this place,” Arabella said, hoping her lie wouldn't show. “It was my first option. The land is beautiful, and working in a house like this would be an honor. I've also heard many good things about the duke and his family. It would be a blessing to work for such an employer."
“You've heardgoodthings about the duke?” Mrs. Cooper asked incredulously.
"Well, I've heard bad things as well, but I don't like to dwell on them," said Arabella. "I generally do not listen to bad news or rumors. It's a waste of time. I'm more interested in how he manages this village so well. Rarely anyone leaves. He must be a fair and generous employer. Why not work for someone who treats his people well?"
Mrs. Cooper nodded slowly. “That is all well and good, but what makes you think you'll fit in this environment?”
Arabella had posed the very same question to herself before embarking on her journey. If she couldn't fit in, she wouldn't be able to fulfill her mission.
"I'm good-natured," Arabella began. "Someone not afraid of work. I'm not one for gossip, but I enjoy hearing good stories. I generally like everyone, and I choose to see the bright side of every situation. I'm by no means perfect, but I give my best in all that I do. I like working in harmony with others—it makes the job go faster. That's about it, I think."
Mrs. Cooper didn't answer her immediately. She appeared to be deep in thought, her head slightly tilted as she observed Arabella.
