Page 54 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
“Thank you for your trust, Your Grace,” she said, feeling almost undeserving of it. She wasn't a professional. The duke could have hired someone with years of experience and references, but he had entrusted her with the work.
“The room feels and looks fresher,” the duke continued. “I cannot wait until it's done. I would like you to do the other rooms—parlors, drawing room, guest rooms—once you're done here.”
Arabella's eyes widened. “You think that highly of my abilities?” she asked.
The duke tilted his head, regarding her as though she had just asked a silly question. "Of course, Arabella," he said. "You have never disappointed me, and I believe you are more than capable of redecorating the other rooms."
The duke had no notion of how happy that made her. She stood up, intending to embrace him, but came to an abrupt halt. She couldn't make that mistake again. The duke wasn't her family or friend—she couldn't treat him however she wished.
“I will not make that mistake again,” she muttered, lowering herself back to her seat.
“What was that?” the duke asked.
Arabella laughed, feeling somewhat embarrassed. “Well, I almost embraced you again,” she admitted. “But I stopped myself,” she added quickly.
“I'm rather disappointed, Arabella,” the duke said, surprising her. “I would not have minded another embrace from you.”
Arabella's jaw dropped. It was the last thing she expected him to say. He appeared rather sincere about it as well. Fortunately, she didn't have to respond because Jane returned with their refreshment.
“Thank you, Jane,” said the duke as she served him first.
She curtsied and turned to Arabella. “I didn't realize the time,” she said, handing Arabella her flavored soda water. “We should leave for Thetford soon. We have a few things to purchase.”
Arabella nodded, disappointed to leave the duke. However, she had promised to help Jane choose a fabric for a new dress. Jane had a young gentleman she wished to impress in church, and Arabella had offered to help her with the dress.
"I hope you both have a lovely time in Thetford," the duke said, rising to his feet. "I know I had a wonderful time when I was last there." He looked meaningfully at Arabella, making her blush. All she did lately was blush around him! "I had hoped to help with the library, but perhaps another time."
He smiled at them but seemed to stare at Arabella longer than necessary. Her belly clenched involuntarily, uncertain what that could mean. It was too much to consider that perhaps he might like her, even a little. Dukes did not have happy-ever-afters with commoners—she needed to remember that.
Chapter 19
“It was wonderful of the duke to let us use one of his carriages,” said Arabella, looking away from the trees outside her window. “It makes it much easier to get around town.”
“I agree,” said Jane, happily stretched out in the carriage. “My friends would be jealous if they saw me now. They mocked me for working in Euston Hall, saying they would rather be barmaids than work for the Beastly Duke. Not only am I paid more than them, but I get a day to myself every two weeks, I eat well, and now I’m riding in one of his carriages.”
Arabella frowned. “Why do people continue to speak so unkindly about the duke?” she asked. “His scars are not as terrible as people make it seem.”
“What do you mean?” Jane asked. “Have you not noticed how his scars bubble along his skin as though they have a mind of their own? Perhaps I could have gotten past the ones on his body, but I cannot feel comfortable with what the scars have done to his face. Why do you think he always hides his face with his hair? Even he knows they’re disturbing.”
“Because people have rejected him on account of them,” Arabella argued, growing annoyed.
“No, because he has seen what he looks like when he sees himself in the mirror,” Jane argued. “The duke is undoubtedly a fair and kind master, but it’s hard to sometimes look at him and not feel some discomfort.”
“I’ve looked at him many times,” said Arabella. “Not once have I thought about him as beastly. Yes, he has many scars, and some have affected his features, but all I see is a kind and wonderful man.
And yes, I do find him handsome. Have you not noticed how his light green eyes contrast with his dark hair and eyebrows? Or how shapely his lips are?” Arabella pinkened a little. “His jawline is also strong and manly, nothing like the many weak-chinned men of today.”
Jane looked at her as though she had lost his mind. “I know what a kind and lovely heart you have,” she said. “No one else would readily see the good in the duke. However, while I do not mean to be rude, I cannot deny that he reminds me of a melted candle.”
Arabella sighed and said nothing more. It would take more than one conversation to help people change their minds about the duke, but it was possible. Many people’s beliefs resulted from fear and being influenced by others. If she could convince more people that they had nothing to fear from the duke, and that the scars were not a reason to judge and ostracize a person, he wouldn't feel the need to hide himself.
“Perhaps we can stop for ribbon before the haberdashery,” said Jane after a moment. “I would like something to complement my green dress. You know, the one with the lace along the sleeves. I wish to add some ribbon. I only have enough money for one new dress, but I'd like the others to look more updated.”
"A light pink will suit the green," said Arabella. "We should also buy a white ribbon for your hair. No matter what color fabric we purchase at the haberdashery, the white will look pretty in your hair. You can wear my white shoes since we have a similar foot size. I also have a pretty pearl necklace you can use."
Jane looked ready to cry. “Indeed? You would let me wear your shoes and pearl necklace?”
Arabella stretched to pat Jane's hand. "Of course, I would. We're friends, Jane. This is what friends do for each other." She smiled and sat back. "Besides, what is a pair of white shoes and a pearl necklace in the light of attracting the attention of your potential husband? I can be part of your love story, and all your children will know about me."
