The Duke and The Duchess (13 page)

Rochelle watched as the guest came to the palace. She was shocked to see how much they brought with them. It was as if they were staying for years not two weeks. The Queen had directed Rochelle to help Princess Aramatha and get her things in order. She followed behind the woman called Aramatha with her luggage in tow. She had several trunks and did not speak to Rochelle except to give directions of where things were to be placed.

Rochelle looked her over, Princes Aramatha had long blonde hair that had been braided and placed in a bun atop her head. Her crystal blue eyes stared through Rochelle as she unpacked for her. Rochelle noted that the Princess had 2 trunks of dresses, a trunk for hats, another trunk for underclothing and a dog in a cage. The dog growled at Rochelle as she passed by.

“That will be all girl.” The Princess dismissed her. “I will ring for you when you are needed again.”

“Yes miss.” Rochelle nodded and curtsied as she left the room.

There was something about Aramatha that Rochelle did not like, she was not a likeable person as Dunton had already pointed out several times to his mother and father. She shuddered at the thought of Dunton having to marry this woman who was nothing like him. His heart was kind and he cared for his people. Rochelle had watched him over the years and saw how he treated everyone. His words were rarely unkind.

The Queen called her in and informed her that they would be having lunch in the garden. That she needed to help the other servants make sure that everything was in its place. Rochelle went to join Katrina and help carry out the service that would be needed in the garden. She looked around for Dunton and did not find him.

As she went back to gather the linen that would be needed for the tables and saw him in the library. He had his head down with his hands to his head. He was upset, she could tell. She wondered if the Princess would ever know his moods or care. Her heart ached for him in his situation. Taking a detour she went into the library.

She knew that Katrina would give her a severe scolding if she got caught. Peeking into the library, he raised his head. He looked at her with a puzzled look as she waited for permission to come in. He motioned for her to come in.

“Yes Rochelle?” He questioned.

“I am sorry sir to interrupt you.” She began. “Lunch will be soon.”

“Thank you Rochelle.” He nodded. “Anything else?”

“Sir, I do not mean to overstep my place.” She paused, “I hope you are doing well.”

“I am well enough, thank you for your concern.” He responded. “I will be out for lunch soon. Thank you for letting me know.”

“Yes sir.” She left and found the linens.

The afternoon passed quickly and Rochelle was told by the Queen that she would be taking care of Aramatha in private later that day. Aramatha would need her during her stay. Rochelle shuddered at the thought. She felt as if she were being passed around like a rag doll. Aramatha was the last person that Rochelle wanted to be taking care of. Yet she knew she had no say.

Aramatha had Rochelle moved closer to her so that she would be at every whim that she or her dog had. It seemed that Rochelle never was able to sleep since she had been placed at Aramatha’s beckon call. Yet she found, she was able to be in Dunton’s presence when Aramatha would join him on walks and lunches. Though they honestly had nothing in common, Dunton and Aramatha, he made the best of the situation.

One day when they were in the garden and the sun was setting, she watched as Dunton walked around the garden. Her admiration had grown deeply into love as she watched him find flowers for Aramatha. In her heart, she wished he was finding them for her. She followed them around as they walked through the garden and headed back to the palace. Rochelle watched at Dunton paused before going in.

He turned and looked at her and mentioned that Aramatha had forgotten her gloves and would need them. As Rochelle headed back to the gardens, retracing the steps that they had all taken, she could not find the gloves she was seeking. As she turned to return and let Dunton know that the gloves were not to be found, she saw him standing at the edge of the garden.

“I have them here Rochelle.” He commented. “I just wanted to speak to you for a moment and give you this.”

He held out a new book that he had not been able to place in her room since she had moved closer to Aramatha. She held it to her breast as she looked at him. Words would not come from her lips at this time. Her heart welled inside that he cared enough to give her this.

“I am talking to mother that you will become Aramatha’s maid after the marriage.” He commented. “I cannot imagine my life without your services. I have become fond of your kindness and care.”

“Yes sir.” She blushed and could not believe her ears. “Thank you sir, I would be honored.”

“Besides, how would I get you books?” He laughed.

“Yes sir.” She blushed again and let out a small chuckle. “How would you?”

“Come now.” He handed her the lace gloves. “Surly Aramatha must have her gloves to put away for the evening.”

“Yes sir.” Rochelle nodded as she placed the gloves in her hands.

They walked back to the palace in silence, words were not needed for the moment. Though she knew that she could never be with Dunton, for her, it was enough to be near him. She could show her love in other ways and he would know. And she knew that in his own way, he loved her too. He showed her with every book he gave her over the years.

Victorian Secrets

Episode 1, 2 & 3

By Lady Aingealicia

Lady Angela had many secrets, not hers mind you, they were of others that were in the court and in high places. She had always had a knack to find out what was really going on. It was not until her husband suggested that she take her talents to find out about a string of crimes that had happened with the higher ranks of society. She laughed it off at first and then began to think, maybe he was right. So she played the lady during the day and night she donned her red cloak and became that of the night. Wild and free only to find out that people will sacrifice anything to hide the truth.

“You know Angela.” Diego stated from the bed. “You are almost as good as Katarina in the bed.” Angela did not turn around and kept pinning up her hair. She knew Katarina was the whore that Diego went to when she was not available.

“That is nice my Lord.” She stated as she stood up in her shift and looked at him. Her long blonde locks were pinned up to her head and she found her dress. Ringing the bell she waited for the maid to come to the room to help her with her corset.

“Really?” Diego stated. “You could not wait until I was dressed you wench?” He threw a pillow at her that she stood aside and it missed her.

“No, I could not.” Angela stated. “I have a meeting with the Duchess today my Lord and I cannot be late.” The door opened and Diego laid down in the bed pulling the covers up to his neck.

“Yes my Lady?” The maid asked.

“I need my corset and dress on girl.” Angela stated clearly. Standing to be dressed. The maid grabbed the corset off the dresser and started to cinch up Lady Angela.

“Yes my Lady.” She quietly said, averting her eyes to the Lord that was in the bed. As she pulled on the strings, Lady Angela held onto the bed post.

“Very good.” Lady Angela stated as she felt the tightness around her waist and upper carriage. Standing up she waited for the dress to go on. She felt the fabric go over her head as the dress fell about her. Once the dress was buttoned up, she dismissed the maid. Walking back over to her vanity she looked in the grey mirror.

“So you are serious about me doing these investigations my Lord?” Angela placed on her rouge and a bit of paint for her lips to make them redder.

“Yes, I think it would be a lark.” He commented as he got out of his bed. His muscles outlined by the sweat they had just worked up. “I will need a bath this morning.” He rang for the maid who came in promptly not expecting to see what she saw.

“Lord Diego needs a bath drawn girl.” Lady Angela stated and waved her hand. The girl left nodding.

“Yes, my Lady.” She said as she bowed out and went to the next room to draw the bath water.

Diego walked over to Angela and kissed her on the top of the head. “And where will this meeting be with the Duchess so I may avoid it?” He asked.

“In the garden of course.” Angela stated as she made sure that everything was in place. “Over tea.” She stuck out her tongue.

“Well I think you should find out what is going on in the county my dear.” Diego stated as he walked towards the bath room. “Just a thought. I am going to be gone for a few months. Something must keep you busy besides your lovers.”

“At least I do not have as many as you.” Angela spatted. It was no secret that both Diego and Angela had lovers outside the marriage. It was what kept them together in a way. Angela got up and headed downstairs to wait for the Duchess who was always late. She walked around the garden until a servant came to her and told her the Duchess was there. Angela hated having to deal with those of this level. They always had some urgent thing that did not matter. She walked to the foyer to meet with Duchess Vivian. Vivian was dressed in a brilliant green silk dress and her red hair was highlighted by the color. Her Emerald eyes were glazed over with tears as she held a handkerchief in her hand.

“Oh Angela.” She cried out. “He is cheating on me.” She burst out into tears and held the handkerchief to her eyes. Angela shook her head and dismissed the staff as she took Vivian to the garden so they could speak in peace.

“Now Vivian,” Angela began, “it can’t be as bad as you state.”

“Oh but it is Angela.” The Duchess cried out in hysteria. “It is horrid. He runs around with these tarts, thinking nothing of my reputation.”

“Honestly Vivian.” Angela stated, she despised the hysterics.  “You can’t possibly expect a man to stay faithful to a woman who will only do it laying on her back.” Immediately Angela knew it was the wrong thing to say as Vivian burst in to tears again.

“How do you keep Diego loyal?” Vivian asked between sobs.

“We have lovers.” Angela simply stated as Katarina served the tea and almost dropped it.

“And you are fine with that?” Vivian asked.

“Of course. Please, Diego can become a pain.” Angela stated with a laugh. “As long as we are honest with each other, it does not matter.”

“I do not believe in lovers Angela.” Vivian stated.

“Then you will never be happy.” Angela leaned over and whispered.

Vivian looked at Angela with her green eyes. “What do you mean?”

“Please, one man cannot be enough for you Vivian.” Angela started as she sat back in her chair. “Besides, Ralph must be extremely boring under the bed sheets.” Vivian blushed. “For you are still without a child and it has been over a year.” Angela continued.

“It is not my fault.” Vivian exclaimed. “I try to entice him.”

“Well that is half your problem.” Angela stated. “Do you really think that Lord Diego does not find me attractive after he has had his riff raff?” She pointed to Katarina.

“Well you do have children.” Vivian exclaimed.

“Exactly.” Angela patted her belly and winked. “So let Ralph have his lovers, you need an heir.”

“Indeed I do.” Vivian stated as she perked up.

“Well let’s hatch that plan and get an heir on the way.” Angela stated clearly as she dismissed the servants except for Katarina.