by Rose, D. L.
“My lord, I’m sorry,” she put her hand to her chest to stop her heart from jumping out of it. “I did not hear you come in,” she made the best effort she could for a curtsy in the position she was of half sitting, half standing between the table and chair.
“My apologies Miss James, I did not mean to startle you.”
“The fault is mine, my lord. I should have been more aware of my surroundings.”
Dominic studied her for a moment. Her speech was impeccable; in fact, he had heard that very same phrase used in ton ballrooms more times than he could count. How odd?
“I realize Miss James that you have already received a position in my household, but I wanted to conduct my own informal interview if you don’t mind. Please, have a seat.”
Resuming her seat Lilly’s pulse began to pound dangerously. She was positive every beat echoed throughout the room as well as in her ears.
“I understand you used to work for the late Duke of Cranbury,” Dominic asked, never taking his eyes from her small down turned face. Her eyes seemed to be riveted on the hands folded neatly in her lap. She looked like a scolded child.
“Yes my lord, for eleven years.”
“What made you change employers Miss James.”
Lilly met his eyes briefly and then looked away again. “I had to tend to a sick aunt. When I was able to return to work the duke had passed away and the Duchess had remarried that merchant who was then accused of treason.”
Dominic pondered her response silently. The glow of the candle on her luminous skin was mesmerizing. Each flicker of the flame wavered across her warm skin--dewy with sweat from working all night in a hot kitchen. Dominic was becoming aroused from the mere sight of her, much to his own dismay.
She grew nervous from his constant gaze. Her eyes darted from the floor to the table and a blush began to creep up her neck. There was more to this girl than she wanted to let on, Dominic thought. Beauty aside it was clear she was hiding something in her past.
“Did you enjoy your work in the Cranbury household?” He asked benignly. It would not do to scare the poor girl away.
“Yes my lord. The staffs there were very close to me, like a second family. I was heartbroken to go, but circumstances prevented me from staying. I wish things could have been different, but such is life,” she smiled tentatively.
Lilly glanced at him from under her lashes. She was sure she had never seen or met him before. She would remember meeting a man like him. He was strikingly handsome, but not in the traditional way. It was as if he lived by different rules, a different life, and only masqueraded as a gentleman of nobility. His face was classically aristocratic, but the energy around him was untamed. He was a mystery, a complete opposite of the pale gentlemen of leisure Lilly was usually swarmed by, well … used to be. She would not miss their attention. His hair was an inky black, his skin seemed olive toned in the dim light of the secluded kitchen, as if he were not truly English born. However, what frightened Lilly the most were his eyes. Even with such little light, she could tell they were blue, like they radiated with some unseen power. They were alluring, drawing her into their depths, and holding her captive.
“Is there something you would like to eat my lord? The stove is still warm, I could prepare you something if you wish,” Lilly asked nervously.
“No, don’t trouble yourself. I just wanted to welcome you to the staff. This position of earl is a new experience for me. I won’t keep you from rest any longer Miss James.” He would let her go for now, but he had ways of making a woman share her secrets.
“Good night Miss James, I hope to enjoy your talents tomorrow evening. I have very refined tastes and I expect nothing but the best.”
“Yes my lord.”
“You may retire now Miss James.”
“Thank you my lord,” she tried to stand as calmly as she could although her hands had developed the most infuriating shake. She moved to take her candle, but then stopped herself when she realized it would leave him standing in the dark.
“No take it; I wouldn’t want you to trip in the dark,” Dominic turned away and left before she could reply, disappearing into the dense shadows beyond the candle’s glow.
Lilly sighed with relief and nearly ran back to her room. She desperately prayed that was her first and last meeting with the earl. She quickly undressed and put her cloths away, brushed out her hair and slid under the blankets. She blew the candle out and stared at the dark ceiling above her. When she finally fell asleep the black eyes that had haunted her all evening were replaced by a quietly assessing icy blue.
***
The night of the Earl's dinner party was crisp and clear. The kitchen buzzed with activity and excitement, for this was the first time Lord Dominic would entertain at home. Lilly was so nervous she felt sick to her stomach, but there was so much food to prepare she was barely able to stand still for two seconds.
“The sauce Millie, stir the sauce.”
“Yes Bertha.”
Lilly was flustered beyond repair. This was her first aristocratic party in which she would play the role of a servant and God help her if a guest wandered into the kitchen.
“Calm down Millie, did they not do any entertaining in the country?” Laura asked.
Lilly thought frantically, of course, her parents entertained family, close friends, and other local lords and squires, what could she say to explain her anxiety?
“Um yes, but I knew everyone ... so I never wondered what they thought of my food.”
“Never worry love,” Bertha patted her on the back, “In a few years you’ll be replacing me.”
“Thank you Bertha,” Lilly smiled for the first time that day.
Lilly sighed as the others went back to work. She had to concentrate; after all, she did not want Mrs. Fields ringing a peal over her head if the presentation of the food was not up to par or worse, to give another reason for that blue-eyed devil to come down here.
Meanwhile in the formal dining room Dominic sat at the head of the table watching his peers make polite conversation. His dinner guests included his few closest friends, business acquaintances and their wives, his Aunt Edith from his mother's side, her two spinster daughters, and one very—merry--widow who was spending a great deal of effort trying to catch his eye.
Finally, the dessert trays were brought out and Dominic eagerly accepted a strawberry tart from the footman.
“These tarts are divine my lord, where ever did you find strawberries this time of year.”
“I would not know Lady Burne, I did not pick the berries,” Dominic replied.
Lady Burne began to giggle and then stopped when no one else had found the earl’s words to be humorous.
“Come now Lady Burne,” Chance consoled her, “An Earl never knows what’s going on under his own roof.”
“Thank you Chance,” Dominic said dryly. He did not want to invite the unwanted attention of yet another woman. He did not have the patience to play nice anymore.
Hours later, all the guests had made their excuses and gone home. The only person left to witness Dominic’s mood was Chance.
“What’s the matter Dom? You’ve been sour all night.”
The two men sat comfortably in the library by the fire, casually sipping their balloons of brandy.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I feel listless.”
“You don’t entertain much or go out about town. Maybe you’re bored?”
“And spending every night dancing and gambling would fix that? I doubt it.”
“You’re right of course, but there are still some entertaining people in the world.”
“Like who?”
“Like me,” Chance said incredulously.
“You're sitting here with me, as you are most nights.”
Chance was silent for a moment, “You’re right old chap, we are the only two interesting people in the world and more boring than a block of wood.”
“Don’t be so melodramatic Chance.”
“I’d rather be drawn and quartered,” Dominic looked at the mantel clock. “Chance, I want you to do something for me.”
“Depends on what it is,” he said warily.
“Go down to the kitchens and ask for more brandy. 1600 I think.”
“I cannot ring for Fields?”
“I want you to see my new cook’s assistant.”
Chance gave Dominic a level stare, “Dominic.”
“Just do it and tell me what you think.”
Chance sighed heavily and made his way to the kitchens. He did not like the faraway look Dominic had, especially if it was to do with some maid. Lord help him, he was beginning to worry about Dominic. He did not know how to bring him out from under the dark cloud overshadowing him. Chance strode through the kitchen door with an air of nonchalance.
“Hello ladies, I’ve been sent to find more brandy. 1600 and French if you plea–,” his eyes focused on the girl standing over a pile of dishes ready to be washed and froze. Her eyes widened in horror and she began to shake her head in the negative.
Lilly looked around to make sure no one witnessed her silent communication with the gentleman.
“I will help you my lord, follow me,” she ungraciously pulled Chance into the wine cellar and down a narrow flight of stairs. Once out of earshot she turned to him.
“What are you doing here?” He hissed.
“What does it look like, I’m hiding out.”
Chance pinned her with a glare. “I have been worried sick over you. Everyone thinks you fell off the face of the earth.”
“Good, that’s what I need right now.”
“How long do you plan to masquerade as a kitchen maid?”
“As long as I have to, possibly the rest of my life, and I’m a cook’s assistant not a maid,” Lilly folded her arms indignantly.
“Oh God you didn’t just say ... oh no, this is a bloody mess,” Chance sat on a barrel and put his head in his hands.
“What ... what’s wrong?”
Chance seemed to be mumbling to himself, “All the years I’ve known you Lilly; I have never had to pull you out of such a scrape.”
“What do you mean?”
“How did you get hired here?” He asked suddenly.
“Ellie helped me,” Lilly wrung her hands nervously.
“Your cook?”
“Yes! Now tell me what’s so wrong with me working here?”
Chance just stared at her. The beautiful vibrant girl who used to glide across the dance floors and make men fall to her feet was covered in grease and flour. She had dark circles under her eyes and her frazzled hair hung limp and lifeless around her face.
“He noticed you Lilly; you have to stay away from him.”
“Who?” Her voice squeaked with alarm.
“Lord Redwick.”
“Oh,” she sighed with relief, “He doesn’t know me; we have never met before last night.”
“Last night?” He glared at her again.
“It was an interview, nothing else, just talking.”
“He may have been talking, but that’s not what he was thinking. Christ, I’ve got to get you out of here.”
“But I’m safe here,” she cried.
“No you’re not. You don’t stand a chance against a rake like him.”
Lilly raised her chin stubbornly and looked away, “I’ve faced plenty of rakes before Chance.”
“Not like him.”
Lilly scoffed, “You act like he is some kind of God. He’s just a man and even though I’m dressed as a maid I can still put a man in his place, earl or not.”
“Fine Lilly have it your way--for now,” he emphasized, “but I’m going to find a way to get you out of here.”
Lilly’s eyes softened, “Thank you Chance. I’m glad I can still count on someone to help me. I don’t want to stay like this if I do not have too,” her voice choked on her last word.
Chance pulled her into a brotherly hug, “Just be careful and stay away from Dominic.”
“I will, promise.”
“Good. Now, I will need that Brandy, if you please.”
Lilly laughed with the freedom she had not felt in days. It felt good to have an ally who knew who she really was.
“And don’t forget to call me Millie, Millie James is my new name.”
“I’ll try, but I won’t be able to talk to you directly, we might have to set up some sort of correspondence.”
They returned to the kitchen and eager stares of the staff.
“Thank you Millie for your delightful assistance,” Chance winked at her and left the kitchen--brandy in hand.
Lilly rolled her eyes at his retreating form. “God’s gift to women he thinks he is.”
That promptly dispelled Mrs. Fields stern gaze and caused Laura to giggle.
***
When Chance returned to the library, he found Dominic leaning against the fireplace mantle and gazing into the fire.
“That took you long enough,” he said without looking up.
“She’s innocent Dom, don’t ruin that for her.”
Dominic looked up and narrowed his eyes. “I’m not a monster Chance; beautiful as she is, there is something different about her that I can’t put my finger on.”
Chance eyed his friend warily. His eyes were too sharp for this to go on for even a week. He had to act quickly. However… what if Dominic could help?
“She’s just a maid Dom. Enjoy her talents--her culinary talents--while you can. She’s probably from some well born impoverished country family, forced to leave home and find work,” Chance smiled, “Better keep her happy before Lord Tuttle buys her off, his chef needs at least four assistants.”
Dominic finally relaxed and sat down again. Maybe Chance was right, maybe he was reading into something that wasn’t there.
Relieved that the tension between Dominic and himself had dissipated, Chance relaxed. It was time to go home. The transition from Dominic’s old life to his new one as earl was proving far more difficult than he had thought and Chance worried about him. He was the closest thing to a brother he had ever known. Although Dominic had had an elder brother, they had never been close. The heir was kept busy with lessons and lectures about his future role and Dominic, the spare, had been left alone most of the time. His family had not been a family at all.
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About The Author
I have been obsessively reading romance novels since I was fourteen. Every few months my aunt would send a box of books to my older sister, who was not nearly as interested in reading, and I would sneak out the romance novels. I started writing my own stories to appease my imagination until I had the means and transportation to buy my own books. I have given oral reports on them in school and have been in trouble plenty of times for reading during lecture. I live in Southern California with my husband, my son, and our fur babies. It is my dream to be at home with my son and write love stories that I can share with readers like me. This book is my beginning and there is so much more to come!
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