Rosamund
I opened my eyes to two strangers standing at the foot of my bed.
The first was a woman in her mid-fifties, dressed impeccably in a high-collared black dress, her greying hair pulled back so tightly it seemed to lift the skin at her temples. She stood with her hands clasped in front of her, her posture so straight it looked painful. Her eyes swept over me silently, as if she were assessing the organs inside my body.
The second was younger, barely older than me. A slight girl with mousy brown hair tucked under a white cap, her gaze fixed firmly on the floor. Her hands were clenched in fists beside her, and she hadn't moved since I'd opened my eyes.
I sat up immediately and winced as my head throbbed with pain. My mouth was dry and tasted faintly of wine. My body was heavy, as though I'd been running in my sleep.
"Good morning, my lady." The older woman inclined her head, dropping into a small curtsey. "I am Mrs Harlow, head housekeeper of Wellspring. His Grace has asked me to oversee your care during your stay."
"During my stay," I repeated, eyeing her in confusion. The words felt strange, as if I were a guest rather than a fiancée. "I am to get married to the Duke."
"Of course, my lady. Forgive my error." Then she turned, gesturing to the young girl. "And this is Dora. She has been assigned to attend to you."
Dora dipped into a curtsy so deep she nearly knelt. "My lady."
"I already have a maid," I said, glancing toward the outer chamber where I assumed Fanny was. "Fanny came with me from my father's house."
"I am aware, my lady. And she is welcome to remain in your service." Mrs Harlow's face remained stony. "However, given your position as the Duke's fiancée and the influence of His Grace's household, it is customary for a lady of your standing to have more than one attendant. Dora will assist with your wardrobe, your schedule, and your general needs within the estate."
I looked at Dora again. She hadn't raised her eyes once.
"Thank you, Mrs Harlow. That's very thoughtful."
"Breakfast will be served in the dining hall at nine. Dora will help you dress. If anything is confusing to you, please ask me." Mrs Harlow said.
"I will remember," I nodded, holding her gaze. "Thank you."
She gave one final nod before she walked out of the room.
The door closed, and Dora remained standing exactly where she was, stiff as a sentry.
"Dora, you can relax," I said with a chuckle. "You seem nervous."
"Yes — no, my lady..." she stammered, dipping her head. "I'm sorry if I've offended you."
"Of course not!" I laughed softly, hoping she would truly relax, but the girl still looked terrified.
Drawing in a deep sigh, I started to swing my legs off the bed and paused, realising for the first time that I was naked. My nightgown — the one Fanny had helped me into last night — was folded neatly on the chair beside the vanity.
I stared at it, a chill running through me, because I didn't remember taking it off.
A prickle of unease crawled up my spine, but I pushed it aside. It had to be the wine. I must have gotten hot in the night and pulled it off without thinking.
I climbed down from the bed and padded barefoot to the vanity, picking up the nightgown and slipping it over my body. Then I walked to the window and pushed the curtains aside, drinking in the early morning beauty.
Wellspring was just as breathtaking as it had been yesterday when the carriage had crested the hill and I'd seen it for the first time. The rolling gardens, the bursts of colour from flowers, the shimmer of the lake catching the early light. Even the air smelled different here, making me forget everything for a moment.
I leaned against the window and let myself breathe with my eyes closed. I was so wrapped in my morning meditations that I didn't hear footsteps until I heard my name.
"My lady?"
I turned at Fanny's voice, and as my hands left the window frame, the sleeves of my nightgown slipped back from my wrists.
I froze.
Faint bruises, purplish and tender, circled both of my arms like bracelets. I lifted my hands slowly, turning them in the morning light. They looked like someone had gripped me. Hard.
How did that happen? When?
"My lady, are you alright?" Fanny stepped closer, frowning.
I pulled my sleeves down quickly, flashing her a smile. "I just slept oddly. How are you? Where have you been?"
"I woke up a while ago and didn't want to disturb you, so I went down to the kitchen to get hot water for your bath. I was told it'll be delivered. Are you hungry, my lady? Do you want me to —"
"Fanny." I held up a hand, taking a step toward her. "Please don't."
She blinked. "Don't, what, my lady?"
"That. The curtsying. The 'my lady' in every other sentence." I caught her eye. "You're the only person in this entire estate I actually know. If you start treating me like a stranger, too, I'll lose my mind. When it's just us, talk to me like a normal person or as you would to your sister. Please."
Fanny hesitated, glancing at Dora in the corner, then back at me, an uncertain smile tugging at her lips.
"If that is your desire, my — Rosamund," she nodded, giving me a broader smile as the stiffness in her shoulders loosened.
"It is my wish, Fanny," I returned her smile. "And that is Dora. She'll be assisting you in caring for me. Dora, this is Fanny."
Dora glanced at Fanny briefly before dropping her gaze to the ground. Fanny and I shared a look but didn't probe further. It was clear the poor girl was terrified of something.
Moments later, after I'd had a bath, Fanny was helping me into a dress that Dora had picked out earlier.
"Fanny," I lowered my voice so Dora wouldn't hear. "Last night, do you remember much?"
"Honestly? Not a lot." She winced. "That wine hit me like a horse. One glass and my head was swimming. Two glasses, and I don't remember anything after sitting down on the chaise in your outer room." She paused, her fingers stilling on a button. "Why? Did something happen?"
"I don't know," I said carefully. "I woke up, and my nightgown was on the chair. I don't remember taking it off."
Fanny frowned. "That's odd. I helped you into it before the wine. You were already half asleep by then." She thought for a moment. "Maybe you got warm in the night? The fire was still going when I dozed off."
"Maybe."
"Did you at least sleep well?"
"I think so. I just... don't remember much."
Fanny squeezed my arm. "That wine is no joke. I'll be sticking to water from now on."
We shared a laugh while my mind went back to the bruises on my wrists.
How had I gotten them? Was it connected to me waking up naked?
Had the Duke already tried to kill me?
As soon as the thought crossed my mind, I shook my head to clear it. I couldn't start with presumptions, or they would wreck me. Whatever the Duke was and whatever this place was, I would survive it.
I turned to Dora, still standing in the corner.
"Dora, how long have you worked at Wellspring?"
She lifted her eyes to me, and I saw a wild, almost confused look on her face, as if she was trying to remember where she was. After a pause, she nodded. "Three years, my lady."
"Are you from around here?"
Another deep pause and a fearful look toward the door.
"No, my lady. I'm from the neighbouring town. My brother works here. He got me the job."
"Oh!" I nodded, turning fully to her with what I hoped was a kind smile. "Do you like it here?"
Her fingers tightened around each other. She looked like a trapped animal, so much so that I could almost smell the fear on her. And why did she keep casting furtive looks toward the closed door?
"It's a good position, my lady," She said finally.
I waited, hoping she would offer something more, but her gaze was fixed on the floor again as though something fascinating lived there.
"Dora," I tried again gently. "You don't need to be afraid of me. I truly hope we can be friends. I'm new to this life and would appreciate all the guidance you can offer."
Her eyes flickered up to mine for half a second. In that fraction of a moment, I saw amusement cross her face, but it vanished instantly, replaced by a blank, shuttered expression.
"I'm not afraid, my lady. Will there be anything else?"
Surprised by the sudden change in her attitude, I looked at Fanny. Fanny looked at me. Neither of us said what we were both thinking.
"No, Dora. Thank you."
"Then I shall take my leave to help with the breakfast preparations. Would you like any special meal, or is there something you don't eat?"
"Anything is fine, Dora," I said quietly, noting that she was now meeting and holding my gaze. "I'm not a picky eater."
"Very well, my lady."
With that, she curtsied and left the room.
Fanny and I remained silent after the door closed.
"That was strange," Fanny finally said. "This place is strange. Something feels off."