Page 5 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
Henry didn't answer immediately. He didn't want to scare the woman away by revealing his face to her, but there was no other way. However, if Mrs. Cooper believed the woman would fit well into the environment, he merely had to trust her.
“Your Grace?”
“Yes,” he said. “Bring her here.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” she replied and left.
Henry's hands twitched where they lay on the armrests, unable to remain still. He was nervous—he couldn't deny that. For the first time in many years, Henry wanted the meeting to go well. He generally wanted all first meetings with possible employees to go well, but this woman was different.
Perhaps it was simply because she had spoken to him earlier and given him a taste of what it felt like to be normal, but it couldn't last. She would balk when she saw his face, so he needed to prepare himself for her look of disgust or fear—whichever would come first.
Mrs. Cooper eventually entered the parlor with the woman, and he was tempted to hide his face. However, the need to see her up close overwhelmed his need to look away.
“Your Grace, this is Arabella Lockhart,” his housekeeper introduced.
Ah, so that was her name. It was as lovely as she was. Arabella's head was down, and her hands clasped before her in respect, likely waiting for his approval to approach him.
“I understand you wish to work here,” said Henry, willing her to look up.
She finally did, revealing striking amber-colored eyes. It was like someone had infused brown with gold until it gleamed and looked otherworldly. Henry held his breath, waiting for the rejection to come. Only, it never did. Nothing in her eyes or expression indicated she was disgusted or afraid.
Instead, she smiled at him with just a hint of compassion. It wasn't pity—Henry knew that emotion well. This was a woman looking at the horribly scarred face of a man and not caring that he was disfigured. He found himself wanting to smile. This was a first for him.
“I'm happy to make your acquaintance, Your Grace,” she said, curtsying. “I would very much like to work as a made here at Euston Hall. I promise to work hard and never give you any hassles. I only ask for an opportunity to prove myself.”
She spoke cheerfully, her smile lighting up her face and the room around her. It was so infectious that the corners of his mouth had tilted upwards before he could stop himself.
“Why this house in particular?” he found himself asking.
“If I may be just a little cheeky, Your Grace,” she began. “Why not this house and estate? Everything is beautiful, and judging by the general contentment among your employers, working for you would be much more preferable than being a maid in another household.”
It was a little inappropriate to be so frank, but Arabella's sweet nature told him she didn't mean to sound rude. She only wished to tell the truth. Even if she had been a tad rude, he would have dismissed it in favor of the lack of fear in her eyes as she stood before him.
“You can work here, Miss Lockhart,” he said. “Mrs. Cooper will give you the details you need.”
Arabella's smile widened until her eyes were happy half-moons. "Thank you, Your Grace—you will not regret hiring me," she said, bowing. "Thank you, Mrs. Cooper."
“You may go now and return tomorrow morning for instructions,” Mrs. Cooper told her.
“Yes, Mrs. Cooper,” Arabella replied. “Thank you once again.”
Arabella left with a spring in her step, her dark braid swaying against her back. Henry was disappointed that she had to leave so early, surprising himself at how quickly he had developed a bit of an attachment to her. Even the room seemed to lose its brightness and warmth, leaving it uncommonly cold and bleak. It was rather strange because the room had been just fine before she arrived.
“I'm glad you approve of her, Your Grace,” said Mrs. Cooper, drawing his attention. “I truly believe she will do well here. We need someone with a disposition like hers.”
“I agree, Mrs. Cooper,” he replied.
"She also seems well-mannered and speaks well," the housekeeper continued. "Even how she carries herself is quite different from your usual commoner. She is undoubtedly interesting. I'd like to put her at the front of the house."
Henry had to agree. He had never met a commoner with mannerisms like her. They were rather ladylike and not blunt like the rest of his maids. It made Arabella rather interesting.
“I trust your judgment, Mrs. Cooper,” he said. “Do as you see fit.”
Either way, Arabella would begin work on his estate soon. The thought excited him more than he believed was wise. Henry quickly reined in his emotions, realizing how inappropriate they were. An employer should not be excited about a servant, no matter how charming and intriguing she was.
Chapter 3
Lockhart Residence
