“A ladies maid? Why, indeed? I’m perfectly capable of dressing myself, Mr. Abercrombie.”
He looked at her attire with a studied eye. “First and foremost, now that your father has blessed our engagement and we can move forward, you must call me by my Christian name. And as for your toilette—if I may be so indelicate—of course you can adorn yourself in such a simple frock, but you’ll soon change your mind when you see the buttons on the dresses I’m having made for you today. I may be a bachelor, but it’s hard not to notice how many buttons adorn most ladies’ frocks.”
Buttons? Dresses? Ladies maid? It was all too much.
She had an idea. “Can’t one of me—my—sisters be my ladies maid?”
“The thought did occur to me, but I’m assuming none of your sisters has experience as a ladies maid.”
She didn’t have to think long. “No.”
“Please pardon me, as I mean no offense to you or your sisters, but I feel since you are new to this type of life, you need someone with experience. Someone familiar to this world who can give you compassionate advice,” he said. “Harrod has just the woman. I have no doubt you’ll like her. In fact, she will become your closest female companion, a friend and confidant to you. She worked for one of Providence’s finest families, and the only reason she’s available now is because her mistress, sadly, has departed this life.”
“Oh, I am so sorry.”
“Yes, she will be missed, but I am confident she resides in heaven now. We are blessed that the timing is fortuitous for the maid, since there was no other position for her in the family. Her name is Bernice Knowles. She’s due to arrive tomorrow morning.”
Remembering how Cook knew her family, Becca felt a bolt of unexpected fear. “Does she know who I am?”
He hesitated. “I did ask Harrod to fill her in only on the details she needs to know. My trusted butler and I would never consider placing you in the hands of anyone, servant or otherwise, who would do you harm. I assure you, she will understand the situation and will treat you with the greatest respect and courtesy. If she doesn’t, you can report any infraction to me and she will be dismissed without question.”
A different kind of fear visited Becca at this statement. She had never possessed the power to determine anyone’s future, including her own. Her father had always decided what she would do and when she would do it, and she never interfered with the affairs of her mother or any of her siblings. The idea that one word from her could cause the loss of a job for anyone scared her. She wasn’t sure she wanted that kind of power.
Obviously unaware of her anxiety, Nash continued. “Harrod will be instructing Bernice to help you stay on top of your speech patterns and any other little niceties you need to know. But if she is ever in the least bit impatient or harsh with you, that will not be acceptable and will be cause for her dismissal.”
“Oh, I ain’t plannin’ to dismiss anybody.”
“Perhaps it is better to say, ‘I have no intention of dismissing anyone.’ ”
She nodded. “I have no intention of dismissin’—dismissing—anyone.” Such elegant speech sounded strange to her ears, coming from her own mouth, but as Nash had pointed out, she’d have to become accustomed to speaking as a well-positioned lady would.
“See, doesn’t that sound much more lovely?” he asked.
She nodded. “Yes, it does.” Without letting Nash know, she congratulated herself.
“I told you you’d learn quickly.” He became more serious. “After we marry, you can dismiss any servant you like.”
She gasped. “I ain’t—I mean, I’m not sure I want so much responsibility.”
“With each feeling you share with me, I become more confident that I made the right decision to ask you to marry me,” he said. “Only a person of character would make such a statement. Many other people thrown into your position so suddenly would be almost drunk with the prospect of lording their newfound authority over others. I can see you will be a wonderful wife for me.”
Wife. Her heart beat faster at the prospect. Could it be true? She still didn’t believe it. “I hope so.”
“Not that I think you’ll have cause to dismiss anyone, at least not anyone we currently have in our employ. My servants have been faithful to my family for many years, and I have no reason to think you and they won’t be congenial.”
“I’ll do me—my best. I don’t wish to cause disruption. My father ain’t—I mean, isn’t—fond of work, but for the most part, I know how much people depend on their jobs.” She swallowed. “So when do we get started on our work?”
“I can see we need to help you develop patience.” His tone was indulgent, not reprimanding. He drew a small velvet pouch out of his desk drawer and handed it to her. “This seems to be the right time to present you with a token of my commitment to you.”
She waved her palm toward him. “Thank you, but I can’t take a gift.”
“Of course you can. It’s tradition. At least, it’s tradition in my family.”
Remembering Father’s insistence that she gather as many jewels as possible, she felt too uncomfortable to accept anything. “It’s not tradition in my family. My mother just has a thin gold band, and she didn’t get that until her weddin’—wedding—day. That’s all I’ll need. Keep whatever it is in that box.”
“Then you don’t know it’s a ring.” His rueful grin tempted her.
“What else could it be?”
Nash shrugged. “It may be, and it may not be. Why don’t you open it and see?” He handed it to her.
Deciding there was no other option, she took the box from him. Opening it she found a gold ring set with a large ruby flanked by a small diamond on each side. The idea that anyone would give her something so exquisite left her wordless. All she could do was try to fight back tears of happiness. “It’s—it’s beautiful! I wish I could take this, but I can’t.” She sniffled.
“Yes you can.”
“No.” She handed it back to him. “I can’t.”
He looked puzzled, then a flicker of realization crossed his features. “You’re afraid if you accept it, I’ll think you’re materialistic, don’t you?”
“Materialistic? Do you mean that I only want your money?”
“Yes. That’s what it means, and no, I don’t think you just want my money. Not for a moment.” He paused. “With your permission, may I speak frankly?”
“Yes.”
“Let me remind you that already there is a woman desperately wanting to be engaged to me—thinking she is engaged to me even though I never asked her to be my wife—and I have every reason to think she is interested in nothing but my money. But she does offer a pedigree and already knows what’s expected of her in our social circle.”
Becca winced.
“So think, Becca. Why would I propose to someone else I thought wanted nothing but my money?”
She thought. “I—I suppose you wouldn’t.”
“That’s right.” He touched her hand so that it seemed as though a butterfly had lit on it for the briefest of moments, then withdrew it. The gesture was enough to show her his growing feelings, yet assured her he planned to remain a gentleman. Her tension diminished as he continued. “I realize all of this must be overwhelming to you. You have left a world where you had to scrape for a morsel to eat each day and entered a domain where you can enjoy more than enough of everything you could want or need. Of course none of this feels natural to you.”
“It don’t—doesn’t. I’m sorry. I’m such a fool.”
“No, I am the one who shouldn’t have rushed you by introducing so many changes in the course of a morning.” He stared at the ring. “I should have waited before giving you Grandmother’s ring.”
She gasped. “Your grandmother’s ring!”
“Yes. Grandmother Abercrombie wore this all her life. She presented it to me as long as I promised my future wife would wear it.”
By now tears coursed down her cheeks. Even when she cried because
of happiness, Becca wasn’t prone to prettiness. Knowing her face must make her look like a bloated, overripe tomato made her feel worse. “Of course I’ll accept it. How could I offend your dear grandmother?”
“I’m sure she’s smiling down from heaven now.” He took it out of the box. “Will you let me see your left ring finger?”
She extended her hand.
He slipped it on her finger. “How does that feel?”
The ring was a bit loose and the stone made it feel too heavy to bear, but she’d wear it no matter what. She nodded mutely as she stared at the jewelry, not believing it adorned her own hand and not someone else’s.
“Wear it for a few days and see how it feels. We can see our family’s jeweler to have the fit adjusted if necessary.”
Too elated for words, she could do nothing but nod. She tried not to stare at the ring, the first piece of jewelry she had ever owned, as though she were afraid of it. Imagine, a fine man such as Nash Abercrombie trusting her with his grandmother’s ring! She remembered her father’s glee at the prospect of newfound wealth. He’d be happy to see her sporting such a fine ruby and diamonds, but the ring would always be hers.
Harrod entered the parlor. “Dawn Cobbs has arrived, Mr. Abercrombie.”
Nash whipped his head toward the butler, refocusing his attention. “The seamstress?”
Harrod’s eyes widened, and for a moment Becca wondered if he feared he had made a mistake. “Yes, sir. The seamstress you asked me to engage.”
“Oh. Yes.” His distraction told Becca he wished the interruption weren’t necessary. She, too, wished she could put off the seamstress and linger with Nash. “Indeed,” Nash answered. “Send her to the Blue Room and tell her Miss Hanham will be in shortly.” He smiled. “I hope you enjoy choosing patterns and cloth for your new dresses. I think you’ll need at least three to start.”
“Three? That number seems extravagant.”
“Perhaps it is extravagant for where you came from, but not at all for where you are today. We’ll start with basic frocks for you to be presentable at home, plus one dress for finer occasions. We’ll keep increasing your wardrobe at a quick rate and also as special needs arise. And they will. I promise.”
Put that way, she could see why he thought three dresses would barely help her start. Images of parties, summer outings, and fine dinners floated into her head, making her both awed and anxious. She tried to concentrate on her awe rather than her anxiety. Unwilling to seem ungrateful by not responding quickly, she rose, and he followed suit. “I’d better get ready now.”
“I shall have Harrod show you to the Gold Room so you can freshen up. Though I still don’t think you should stay here overnight until we are wed, that can be your room when you need the occasional nap or to retire for relaxation during the day. If you don’t find your bed comfortable, your dresser adequate, or any other accoutrements suitable, don’t hesitate to notify the maid.”
She studied his expression to see if he was teasing her. Surely he realized any room of her own would be a dream. Did he have any idea how luxurious she felt knowing she had her own bed? What a contrast to sharing a tiny mattress! His serious expression told her he meant what he said. Since he’d had more than enough all his life, maybe he didn’t understand the impact moving into such a grand lifestyle had on her. She prayed not to become ungrateful or spoiled.
“And though I hate to rush things for you, try not to take too long, as Mrs. Williams will be here shortly to teach you the fine points of speech and etiquette. In the meantime, the seamstress awaits.”
Seven
For the next few days, Becca didn’t see much of Nash. Instead she spent her time amid a flurry of ladies employed to wait on her hand and foot and to teach her how to behave in society. Becca felt undeserving, grateful, and overwhelmed. How would she remember everything they told her? The proper way to address important people. How to distinguish one fork from another. The difference between a butter knife and a fish knife. Sizes of spoons according to purpose. They instructed her to pace her eating so she didn’t conclude any course before her guests. Dining slowly felt strange after years of chaotic meals at the Hanham house.
And learning new songs to sing! The teacher’s method of unrelenting criticism discouraged more than inspired her, but for Nash’s sake, she persisted.
Their continued efforts evidenced themselves most in her appearance. Bernice, the ladies maid Nash hired, proved her worth. As soon as they met and Becca saw her sweet, plump face and upturned mouth, she knew she could get along well with such a cheerful soul. Bernice had been born in a Boston slum, so she knew what it was like to come from humble circumstances.
“I started in the scullery and worked myself up to being a ladies maid,” she told Becca during her first day on the job. “When I started with my first mistress, Mrs. Devon, my speech was much like yours. There’s hope, Miss Hanham.”
Bernice’s reassurances comforted Becca, though no doubt her new maid thought they had much work ahead of them. Still, she sympathized with Becca and did everything she could to help her transition, which lessened the burden for them both. Not only did Bernice gently correct her grammar and speech, she made Becca look the part of the future Mrs. Nash Abercrombie. Though she always made a point of being clean, Becca had never spent so much time on her appearance. Bernice styled and restyled her hair for different times of day, and she promised that once her new dresses were completed, she would help her don the appropriate dress for each time of day. Bernice even sprayed rose-scented toilette water on Becca, a luxury she enjoyed.
As they got to know one another, Becca felt more relaxed in Nash’s house. She wasn’t sure she’d ever be comfortable as the center of so many servants’ attention, but she tried to relax and allow herself to be tended by others.
When she wasn’t being served, speech and music lessons occupied her time. Practice was a must, and sometimes repeating the same song over and over bored her, but rehearsing proved less of a chore than she thought it might. As for speech, she tried taking tips from the poetry of the King James Bible. Such inspiration helped.
The outdoors held its distractions. Nash had offered to teach her how to handle a horse, taking her to the country to ride horses he boarded there for hunting and pleasure. Even in the chilly weather, she found she enjoyed the lessons. After she became accustomed to the pretty dapple gray filly he chose for her, she relished the feel of controlling such a large beast, riding along with fresh air delighting her skin. Even better was the chance to spend time in Nash’s company. Rarely did they gallop, so they could talk as their horses trotted.
They took meals together and spent time with one another each evening before she went home. Every day confirmed her growing fondness toward him, and though he never played less than the gentleman with her, she could feel his emotions toward her grow as well.
As time passed and her new maid grew familiar with Becca’s hair, she experimented with styles until Becca found one she liked in particular. Curls framed her face, and more curls cascaded from the top of her head, touching her shoulders for a lovely effect.
Becca stared at herself in the mirror as she sat in front of the vanity. “Oh, Bernice! For the first time since Mother styled my hair for me to tell Nash I’d marry him, I feel beautiful. Only this time I’m enjoying the experience even better, for I am not as nervous.” She couldn’t help but pat her curls with a light hand.
“I’m glad I could please you, Miss Hanham. I am eager to see the complete picture once you are in a new dress. The seamstress will be here for your final fitting today, am I right?”
“Yes. I hope the alterations are such that I’ll be able to keep them all today.”
“Just wait until you see yourself dressed as a lady should. I expect you shall look as a young princess does when she goes to her first ball.” Bernice let out a little sigh.
Becca giggled. “It won’t be a ball gown. Just a morning dress.”
“Just a morning dress? It s
ounds as though you are already starting to think like an Abercrombie.”
Bernice’s observations left Becca feeling mixed emotions. To survive in her new environment, she had to think like a woman born to society. But she never wanted to forget her beginnings. “Do I sound like a snob?”
“Oh, I did not mean to say that.”
“I know.” She patted Bernice’s hand. “I don’t think you could utter a bad word about anybody if your life depended on it. You know you can be honest with me. So how do you know I haven’t let all these blessings I don’t deserve go to my head?”
“That statement, for one. And I see you reading your Bible every morning. As long as you cling to the Lord, you’ll keep a humble heart. And I know that’s what you have because I can see it. I think Mr. Abercrombie can see you have a good spirit, too. You’re beautiful on the outside, that’s a fact. Yet I believe your spirit is the real reason he chose you.”
“Thank you.” Bernice’s opinion had come to mean something to Becca. Nash had been right. The servants had been respectful of her—more respectful than she deserved—but Bernice had become an advocate and a friend.
Her ladies maid adjusted a curl. “You are improving every day in manners and elegance. It is time for you to look like a lady as well. You have much of which to be proud.”
She looked back in the mirror. “But such an elaborate style. I hardly recognize me—myself.”
“You will become accustomed to so many new things that sooner or later you will not even think twice about them.”
“Do you really think so?”
“I know so. Why, think about the way you eat now. Mr. Abercrombie does not overindulge as they like to in some fine households in Providence, but the food is superior, indeed.”
“Yes it is.”
Bernice sent her a wry smile. “I daresay you don’t miss the meals your mother makes out of what little she has.”
“I can’t say I do. I’ve been taking food home at night, so the family’s diet has improved greatly.”
“I trust Mr. Abercrombie has found a new home for your family, as you were telling me was his plan.”
Master's Match Page 9
