Summary: Belle is a hand maiden that serves under the Mills family as Zelena and Regina's personal servant. When Regina runs off with her thief lover Robin, her mother Cora advises her oldest daughter Zelena to win Lord Gold's heart while he is staying at the estate. What happens though when Lord Gold sets his eyes on the family's personal maid Belle instead of an aristocratic woman like Zelena?
Rated M for later chapters.
This is also set in the 1700's {The same century that Beauty and the Beast took place in. See what I did there? :-p...}. Lord Gold is from Scotland, whereas Belle and the Mills's live in a French village Avignon.
A/N: Alright alright, I know I shouldn't start something new. But I was given this prompt over on Facebook by a few friends in my Rumbelle group...and, well, I thought it was amazing and wanted to write it.
So...this goes out to Andrea and Kristin :-). I hope it turns out like how you'd wished it would!
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Chapter 1:
All of her life Belle French remembered nothing but living with the Mills family. She knew nothing outside the walls of the mansion she lived and worked under and the gates of the surrounding town. No, she did not live as an equal, but she was a personal maid to the Mills sisters, Regina and Zelena. She didn't know much about her mother or her father, she'd been raised amongst the other servants of the house. She'd been told that her mother died in childbirth and then her father had been an unknown, a man her mother had never spoken of.
But she wasn't one to let her position in life get her down. She was happy, enjoyed her life and always tried to make the best out of her situation. After all, she could have it worse, she could be an orphan on the streets rather one raised in such a beautiful estate like the Mills one. She was raised and trained on how to be a maid.
The mistress of the house, Cora Mills, wasn't the nicest of women. She tended to look down upon her staff, speak harshly to a maid for an honest mistake. And her oldest daughter Zelena almost seemed just like her mother. It was the younger daughter, Regina, a woman that was closer to Belle's age, that was different.
Regina had always had a softer heart than her sister or mother. She'd never been content in her rich upbringing and she definitely did not like her mothers cruelty. Regina made Belle's work easy and they'd practically grown up at the same time. So Regina was more of a friend to Belle than anyone else.
Really, Belle enjoyed waiting after Regina. Moments spent helping Regina with various tasks usually meant talking, giggling and gossiping. And when Regina had come to Belle talking about a young man she'd met in town with so much love in her eyes, Belle had been the first to encourage Regina to chase after her heart. The young man Regina fell in love with was a thief and had actually attempted to rob her. But instead of making off with her purse it seemed the young blonde haired blue eyed man made off with Regina's heart and Regina kept a piece of his. Belle encouraged Regina to run off with the man, knowing Mistress Cora would never approve of such a man for her beloved daughter and so running off was all that Regina could do to be with the man she loved.
It was the most romantic thing Belle had ever witnessed in her life. She'd helped Regina pack a small bag, pretending to be helping her get ready for bed. And then Regina had snuck out in the dead of night to be with her lover, her Robin Hood.
Even now, weeks after Regina had left, Belle sighed happily as she thought of how happy Regina must be at the moment with her true love. True love was something that Belle read of in books but had never had it herself. She was twenty years old and really hadn't ever lived, not yet anyway. She always wanted adventure that she found in her books, but at some point she'd thought it might not ever happen. After all, she was just a maid, how far could she go?
But now that Regina was gone she was left with Cora and Zelena. She had fewer duties since she only had to wait on Zelena for the most part, but she missed her friend.
When she woke up, the first thing she had to do was get Zelena out of bed. Dressing quickly in her long blue dress and white apron and tying her hair back with a blue ribbon to keep it out of the way. Walking upstairs, Belle knocked once and then opened Zelena's bedroom door, glancing in.
"Miss Zelena? It's time to get up.." she said.
Zelena groaned a bit as she heard Belle. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and stretched before she glanced at the maid. "Hmm..right...I suppose so.." she muttered.
Walking over, Belle helped Zelena into her robe and then walked with her to the vanity where Zelena sat down and Belle took the brush, slowly and carefully starting to brush through Zelena's knotted hair. With Regina this would be a time to chat, but with Zelena Belle stayed quiet as she worked.
They both glanced up for a moment when the door opened and Cora walked in. Of course, Belle looked back down to Zelena's hair to pay attention to what she was doing. She knew if either woman wanted to speak to her then they would.
"Ah, Zelena you're up. Perfect! Today is a big day." she said with a smile as she walked over towards Zelena.
"What for mother?"
"Oh we are getting quite a wonderful visitor today. Lord Gold will be visiting the estate and staying for a while." Cora said as she looked at Zelena's vanity, glancing through the jewelry.
"Lord Gold? Whats that to do with me?"
Cora looked at her daughter and smiled. "Well, Zelena dear, since your ungrateful sister ran off with that...that thief of all men, it is my job to better ensure your future my daughter. Gold has quite the estate up north in Scotland. You, my beautiful daughter, will win his heart. I have all the confidence in the world in you." she said, looking up at Belle. "You, girl. Make sure my daughter looks her best today. We must give a good impression. His room will be down the end of the hall, it's already prepared."
"Yes ma'am." Belle said with a nod, combing through Zelena's hair as best as she could. The girl had naturally curly red hair and sometimes it could be unruly.
Though honestly the whole idea disgusted Belle. Hunting men like they were sport. What if this man didn't like Zelena? Or, what if Zelena didn't like him? It didn't seem to her that Cora wanted her daughters happiness, just to ensure that they marry rich, within their station. And at that moment she was never more grateful she'd talked Regina into following her heart. Cora didn't know that part, of course, and Belle hoped she never would.
"What's he like mother?" Zelena asked curiously, looking up at her mother.
"Well, he's a bit older. Not too much so, don't worry. He's rich, he owns many properties and most of the town he lives in. Usually he makes deals with the desperate, asks a huge price and is not one you want to cross by not paying it. But he'll be able to take wonderful care of you dear."
Zelena looked at herself in the mirror, watching as Belle brushed through her hair. "When will he be here? What should I wear?"
"He'll be here any minute I'd expect. His letter said sometime this morning. Now, come come lets get you dressed. Belle!" Cora said, looking at the girl. "Help Zelena get dressed. And when Lord Gold gets here you are to attend to his quarters. You don't have Regina to watch after anymore, so I expect you to be his maid for the duration of his stay. Ensure he enjoys himself, and that he likes Zelena as well."
"Yes Ma'am." Belle answered, resting the brush down on the vanity and walking with Zelena to her closet.
She would help dress Zelena in one of her beautiful silk gowns that Belle was certain cost more than she could make in a year. Though she wasn't envious of Zelena, not in the least. Through Belle's eyes women like Zelena, Regina and Cora had all been born into privilege and thus came certain responsibilities. Responsibilities that included marrying for money or power and not true love. At least Regina hadn't been content to just accept her life, she did something to change it. Though Belle was certain that Zelena didn't feel the same as her sister. No, Zelena seemed so much more like her mother whereas Regina had been more like her father.
Belle got Zelena dressed in a beautiful green silk gown, tying up her corset and dress before she walked with Zelena downstairs towards the dining room where the family would take breakfast. Of course Belle wouldn't eat with the family. No, she had to get her chores done in her Lady's room.
Ever since Regina left those chores revolved more around domestic things. She had to escort her lady downstairs, be dismissed, and then head back upstairs where she made Zelena's bed, fixed up her room, took the night dress to be laundered. She also had a few dresses of Zelena's that had to be mended. While sewing wasn't something that Belle enjoyed she did learn to be good at it, becoming good at making the mend look practically invisible.
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As Belle hummed to herself while she cleaned up Zelena's room to ensure everything was alright, the door opened and both Zelena and Cora practically raced in.
"He's almost here! I saw his carriage. Come come now. BELLE! Belle, fix Zelena's makeup and hair, won't you? Good!" Cora said without waiting for Belle to answer. But they all knew Belle would act without questioning it.
Zelena sat down in her chair and moved to pull a few pins out of her hair to let it down while Belle took the brush and started re-doing it quietly. Pinning Zelena's hair up, ensuring every strand was in place before Belle walked around to fix Zelena's light makeup.
"I'm so excited! Now Belle I want to look good for my future husband." Zelena said smugly.
And it took all that she had not to roll her eyes at the woman. Was she that confident? Noble women with noble blood thought themselves above everyone else. Belle always thought Zelena was no better than herself, but Zelena would beg to differ. So, Belle nodded a bit and gave the response Zelena expected. "Yes Miss. Of course, you'll look beautiful for him."
"I intend to. Belle! Get my green necklace, the one that goes with this dress." Zelena commanded as she looked at Belle. "Can you imagine it? Meeting your future husband?" she asked almost dreamily. "Hmm...no, I suppose not. Who would marry you? Couldn't possibly be as exciting for you." she said as she looked at the mirror.
Belle swallowed thickly, gritting her teeth as she tried not saying anything. Stepping to Zelena's jewelry box, she took the green necklace and moved to fasten it around Zelena's neck, ensuring it was in place before she smiled. "You look lovely Miss." she said, her voice dripping with false kindness.
Oh Belle did hope that Zelena found her match, because then she would move far away from this place and leave Belle in peace. Well, perhaps not in peace since she'd still be living with Cora.
"Lets go! He's probably here!" Zelena said as she stood up and started to walk out of the room and down the stairs.
Though Belle wasn't sure how far she should follow her. Really, it wasn't common for maids to meet the guests other than passing by when doing chores around the house. But...Belle couldn't help but be mildly curious of the man that Cora deemed so worthy of her daughters hand.
Slowly Belle followed, but she stayed at the top of the steps, peaking down at the foyer entryway at the family. She could see Cora and Zelena standing there with a man that she'd never met before. Perhaps that was Lord Gold?
He looked like he'd be a bit taller than her with short brown hair and brown eyes. He was dressed in fine clothing that any noble man would wear, a pair of black pants with a tunic and he carried a black cane with a golden handle. While he did look a bit older he didn't look too much so with only small bits of graying in his hair. And really, Belle thought, he was quite handsome. A blush spread over her cheeks as she thought it. Really she shouldn't think that way, this man was the one that would marry her Lady Zelena. Well, if Cora got her way it would be.
Goodness, and she would have to serve as his maid?
"Belle! Get down here!" she heard Cora beckon and she quickly raced down the steps as ladylike as possible.
Stopping just next to Cora she nodded. "Yes Miss?" she asked, looking up and glancing at Gold.
"This is Lord Gold. He'll be staying with us for a while. I want you to see to his comfort while in this house." Cora instructed, looking at Gold and smiling. "Belle here will get you anything you would happen to need during your stay. She is quite capable."
"Indeed?" he asked as he looked at the woman standing before him. He couldn't deny that she was quite the beauty even not dressed in the finest gown. And when she looked up at him he was captivated by her beautiful blue eyes that stared back at him.
As she looked at him she swore she felt her heart skip a beat. His gaze was so intense, more intense than any other man she'd met. And for some reason she didn't want to stop looking into his eyes. Though, he was nobility, she was not. Having a bit of a crush on him would be a foolish thing of her to do.
"Of course. Now Belle, see that his things are sent to the proper room?" Cora asked.
Belle nodded. "Yes Ma'am." she said, nodding to Gold. "Pleasure to meet you Sir." she said as she started to lead the people with his luggage towards his room.
Quickly she walked away from him, glad to be out of his presence. She felt as though she could stare into his eyes all day and that was a dangerous thing. Developing a crush on the man surely wouldn't be good. She could just imagine Zelena now if she discovered something like that. Though, she supposed, she didn't have anything to worry about. The man was nobility, and noble men liked noble women, thats just how things were. And she was far from noble.
Walking upstairs and into the room she'd been directed would be his. "You can place his things here. Will Lord Gold be staying long?" she asked, looking up at the other servant that had brought the suitcases up.
"We expect a couple of weeks at least Miss Belle. He's from Scotland, quite a trip to make back really."
"Ah then, I'll start unpacking his things in that case." she said, happy to have a reason to avoid Lord Gold for the moment. Though she knew there was no avoiding him forever, she would have to confront him, wait on him. But if she did perhaps she'd learn he was just like all the other nobles she'd ever met and would get over the little slight crush she'd developed while looking into those chocolate orbs of his.
"Well I shall leave you to it. Good day Miss Belle." he said with a smile.
"Good day to you too Lumiere." she said, returning his smile before she went to work on unpacking Lord Gold's things.
Humming quietly to herself as she settled his things into his room. She'd seen his suitcases were engraved with the initials 'R.G.' and it made her wonder what his first name was. She'd only been told his name was Lord Gold. Surely the man had a first name, everyone did.
Really she loved being on her own to do her work when she couldn't be with Regina. She was left alone to her thoughts and her imagination. The books she read saw to that. Granted being a servant didn't afford her many books. She only had a small few in her collection, but Miss Cora usually would allow Belle to read from their library, not seeing much harm in it since Zelena and Regina had never really been interested in it.
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Back in the foyer, Gold stood leaning on his cane as he watched after the maid as she ran off to see that his things get put away. He would have to make a mental note to get to know that woman a little more.
"Now then, Lord Gold, why don't you let Zelena show you around. The grounds are quite beautiful." Cora said with a smile, lightly pushing her daughter closer to him.
Ah, he could see what this was. A way for him to spend more time with the young Mills girl. She was younger than him by several years since he was in his forties. But the girl looked up at him with hope in her eyes as she smiled. "Yes, please let me show you around. It'll be lovely." she asked.
"Well alright I suppose. I haven't anywhere to be. Lead the way." he said. Instead of offering his arm to the girl, he walked just to one side of her.
She seemed to pout as she walked, glancing at him and smiling a bit. "You've come at a lovely time of year. It doesn't get too hot. How long will we have the pleasure of your company?" she asked, casually leaning close to him to loop her arm through his. It seemed the girl didn't want to wait for him to offer his arm.
"A few weeks at least I would wager." he said, stiffening a bit when she looped her arm through his, but he continued walking.
"Ah good then! I can show you around Avignon! It is a beautiful place Lord Gold." she said with a smile, looking up at him. "What is your first name? You know mine but I do not know yours."
Slowly he glanced at her before turning his eyes forward again as they walked through a set of doors and out to a garden. "Ah, Miss Mills, names hold power. I prefer to be called Lord Gold, or Mr. Gold, whichever."
For a moment she seemed off-put when he didn't give her his name, she grit her teeth and set herself to find out what his name was. "Oh, alright then Mr. Gold. That's fine." she said. For now, she added mentally.
She put on a bright smile as they walked, starting to tell him about different plants that grew in their garden this time of year, and about the beautiful sights along the city. She talked and talked, and really he began to tune her out. All in all, it bored him and his mind drifted off to that girl he'd caught but a glimpse of upon his arrival. The little maid, Belle.
As they walked he began thinking of ways to get out of this little walk. He could claim his leg was bothering him as not to be rude. So he did. He gave her a slight, fake, smile and a nod. "Miss Zelena, this has been lovely. But I would like to be shown to my quarters so I might rest. It has been a long trip after all." he said, motioning a bit to his leg.
She followed his hand, seeing his leg and remembering the cane and gasped a bit. "Oh! Oh of course Mr. Gold! I'll escort you."
"No need, I'll have a servant show me the way. It has been a pleasure Miss. I shall see you at dinner." he said before he walked off from the girl.
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Belle wasn't paying attention as she put things away and hummed to herself, she didn't look at the time and didn't notice when the door opened just slightly.
Gold had seen the little maid, had seen how quick she'd been to get away from him and of course it peaked his curiosity. The woman was gorgeous even without noble clothing, silk or jewels. He wanted to know more of her. And thus he'd excused himself to his quarters to get some rest from his travels. Really, the young Zelena hanging on him was just entirely too much for the moment. Especially after he'd seen that little maid.
He hadn't come here looking for a bride, not really. He'd come on travel around France, and at Cora's insistence he'd agreed to come stay with her and her daughters. It seemed though her youngest daughter had flown the coop though. And that left him with Zelena. The girl was pretty, but talked entirely too much. He wasn't new to women that were after him for his money, he got plenty of that in Scotland. Though really he never saw a woman that interested him than the little maid...what was her name again? Belle, yes, Belle intrigued him.
And to his surprise, he found her in his room putting his things away, obviously not paying attention. And he watched her for a moment as she almost nearly danced around his room. The girl was definitely a beauty and an odd one. Though that didn't deter him, it only made him more curious about her. And she would be his maid for the duration of his stay.
Since he didn't say a word Belle didn't notice he was there. So when she turned around and saw him she let out a squeal of surprise, dropping the clothing in her hands. "O-Oh! Oh Lord Gold I...I didn't hear you come in! Oh please forgive me." she said as she knelt down to pick up the clothes she'd dropped.
Chuckling, he shook his head. "It's no matter. Belle, isn't it?"
"Y-Yes Sir." she said as she stood up with the bundle of cloth in her arms. She was so clumsy sometimes. What a time to be clumsy! A blush spread over her cheeks as she tried to hide her face a little, just glancing up at him slightly.
"No need to be embarrassed. Accidents happen. I'd only come up to gain a little...reprieve from Zelena..." he said as he stepped up to her, holding his cane in one hand. Gently he reached out to cup her chin and brought her head up and gave her a slight smile. And he rarely smiled at anyone. "There, no need to hide such a lovely face."
She blushed deeper at that. Surely her cheeks were entirely too red now. Nodding a bit, she moved to sit the clothes on the bed, smoothing out her apron a bit. "Y-Yes Sir. Shall I go so you may rest?"
"No need. Please, continue with what you were doing."
Oh god, that accent. she thought to herself. His thick Scottish accent was different here in the south of France but his voice almost made her go weak in the knees. Calm yourself, girl. He's a noble here probably for Zelena. Relax.
"Yes Sir." she answered finally, slowly moving to take the clothes she'd been putting away.
And he watched her again. But this time she was all too aware of his eyes on her as she moved about the room to place things into drawers and clean things up. It unnerved her, it made goosebumps grow along her skin as she felt his eyes examining her. Why was he still looking at her? Most people didn't, most people saw the help as those who should be there but not really seen.
She just had to get out from under his gaze. Looking up at him, she drew in a breath. "Sir, please shall I bring you some tea?" she asked, looking for a reason to leave and gather herself.
"Ah, tea would be lovely Belle. Thank you." he said with a slight nod. He was known as not being the nicest of men, but he wanted to get to know this woman and he hoped he could. Slowly he moved to the small table in the room to have a seat, leaning his cane against the chair a bit as he watched her leave.
Walking out once again as quick as she could without seeming too noticeable, she let out a breath and her shoulders visibly relaxed once she was out of his presence. Why did he have to be so handsome? Blushing at the idea, she walked downstairs to gather up a tea service ready.
Gently sitting each item on the tray, bringing only one cup because of course she wouldn't take tea with him. Walking up the stairs and to his room. Before she entered she took in a deep breath, readying herself for his deep brown eyes on her. Eyes that she so wanted to stare at.
After she'd gathered herself she stepped inside, walking to the table and sitting it down. "How do you take your tea?"
"One sugar and a lemon." he answered, watching her carefully.
Just how you take your tea, too. she thought to herself. But she nodded and took the tea, carefully pouring it into the cup. Dropping one sugar and then taking a slice of lemon to drop into it.
Though when she picked it up to sit it in front of him, her clumsy self stumbled and dropped the small cup onto the floor. Wincing and gritting her teeth as she sat down onto her knees. "Oh Sir! I..I'm so sorry! I'm so clumsy today." she said as she picked up the cup.
Seeing the small chip in the rim, her thumb moved over it and looked up at him, her eyes locking with his as she swallowed a bit. "It...it's chipped. I'll...get you another one." she said quietly.
His brown eyes stared into her blue eyes and something fluttered in his heart. He'd heard of things like this but had never felt it. Looking into her eyes and he knew there was more to this girl than just a maid, he also knew it was a girl he wanted to know in ways he hadn't known a woman in years.
"Its quite alright. It's just a cup. No need, please, I'd like to use this one." he insisted.
Looking at the cup and then back up to him, still on her knees. "Are you sure?"
"Completely." he said, giving her a slow smile.
She returned his smile as she sat the cup on the table. Getting a small cloth from her apron, she dabbed up the tea she'd spilled on the floor, hoping the carpet wouldn't stain. When she went to stand up though, she saw his hand in front of her, offering to help her up. Staring at his hand for a moment before she looked up at his face once again.
And she took his hand, slowly standing up and nodding to him. "T-Thank you Sir." she said. His hand was oh so warm in hers. She wondered if he could feel it too, feel the same butterflies that she felt looking into his eyes.
But he did, in a way. Her hand felt perfect in his and he didn't let go for a moment. Gently his thumb rubbed the back of her hand, feeling her slightly rougher hand in his. She definitely worked for a living. Her hand was rough without being too rough.
"You're welcome Belle. Please, my name is Rumford. It's just us, no need for formalities."
Did he mean that? Not many nobles would think such a thing she knew, and she wondered if thats just how it was with him, did he allow everyone to call him by his first name? Really she wasn't sure if she could just call him from his first name. Sure she called Regina by her first name, but then again she'd known Regina for years.
"Keep that between us, hm?" he asked with a smile, answering her question without her having to say it.
So he was letting her call him by his first name but did not let others? She smiled and nodded. "Yes S-Rumford. I like that name...it's different." she said, almost forgetting every manner she'd been taught when speaking to a noble such as him.
Chuckling a bit, he shrugged. "Perhaps it is. Is Belle your actual name or a nickname?"
"A nickname. My full name is Isabelle. I prefer Belle." she said, almost visibly relaxing as they talked. She relaxed enough to take the chipped tea cup and pour him another tea, putting one sugar and a slice of lemon in it and sitting it in front of him with no problems.
"Isabelle...that is a beautiful name for a beautiful girl..." he said, looking up at her. "Have you worked here long?"
"My whole life. My mother was a servant here, she um...she passed away when I was born. So the others here raised me, taught me to serve the Mills family." she answered, standing up straight and folding her hands in front of herself, holding the cloth she'd used to clean up the tea on the carpet in both hands as she looked at him.
Gold reached to take the tea, taking a sip of it as she answered his question. Resting the cup down on the saucer, his thumb slightly moving over the chip, not enough to cut himself though. "I'm sorry about your mother." he said, looking up at her.
Belle shrugged, twisting the cloth in her hands a little. "It's okay. People tell me I look like her, like she did, so there is that. I enjoy that." she said with a smile. "At least I know what she looks like. And you know it isn't all too bad. People have had it worse out in the world born with no parents." she said, biting her lip and looking down, remembering herself. "I...I'm sorry Sir, it seems my mouth has gotten away with me."
"No, please, it is your mouth that has me hypnotized Belle. And please do away with the formalities here in this room. In this room I am Rumford, remember?" he asked.
She blushed, nodding a bit. "Yes, I shall try." she answered, flashing him a bit of a smile. "I should get back to putting things away. Is there anything else you need S-Rumford?" she asked, correcting herself before she called him Sir. She was so used to those formalities.
"No I'm fine, really. You should sit with me a while, have some tea?"
Looking towards the door, Belle shook her head as she returned her gaze to him. "Really I can't. If Miss Cora comes in.." she muttered. She was afraid of the older woman sometimes. Cora had a temper not to be messed with, and Belle knew her place in this house.
"Then I will tell her I asked you to sit. Please? What is Cora going to really do?" he asked. And he wasn't sure really what Cora would do. Cora didn't strike him as a laid back woman, not at all. She was a woman with an agenda.
"Please do not ask it of me..." Belle asked, looking up at him. "R-Really you...you should be taking tea with Miss Zelena. I...I'm sure that would be much more fun for you than having tea with a maid." she said, her eyes darting down to the floor with a sigh. She was supposed to be talking Zelena up, making her seem good.
But he chuckled, shaking his head. "If I wanted to take tea with Zelena I would have. Really does that girl ever stop talking?"
Belle couldn't help but giggle at his statement, quickly one hand moving to cover her mouth as if to take the small noise back. Clearing her throat, she shook her head. "My lady has many good qualities you know." she said as she moved to finish putting his things away like she'd been doing before.
"And those are?" he asked as he watched her, slowly sipping at his tea, his thumb lightly running along the small chip in the rim but being careful enough not to cut himself on it.
"Well..." Belle started. Really there wasn't much about Zelena that she liked, but she had to make her seem good to him, thats what Cora had told her to do. "Well, she's quite beautiful. And she is quite the hostess really, she enjoys parties and the like...she's good company.." she said slowly, attempting to find traits that would be desirable in Zelena. But really Zelena was out for one thing - herself.
Gold nodded a bit as he listened to her. "Qualities all noble women must have I assume." he said as he set his tea cup down, looking up at her.
She couldn't help but smile as she folded the last of his clothes into the dresser provided in the room. "True enough. Miss Zelena is quite pleasant though..." she said.
"I suppose she could be..." he muttered as he looked up at her. "But I'd rather know more about you.."
A blush spread over her cheeks as she looked down at the top of the dresser, sighing a bit. "You wouldn't want that. I'm just a maid Sir."
"Oh I don't believe that..." he said. Standing up and using his cane as he stepped closer to her, resting one hand on her shoulder. "I see more in you than just a maid, Belle. I really would like to get to know you."
Feeling his hand on her shoulder she turned around to face him, leaning back against the dresser as she looked up into his eyes. Could it be possible that he was more than just a nobleman? Could he actually like a common household maid? But she shook her head, looking away. It was dangerous thoughts she was thinking.
But the feeling of being so close to him made her heart skip a beat, butterflies flutter in her stomach and her breath catch in her lungs. She'd read of things like this, true love, love at first sight. But it couldn't be, not with him, not with the man Zelena was after.
"I really must not. I...I do have to be going, I'm sorry." she said.
Once the words left her mouth she moved away from him and darted out the door as quickly as she could. Her heart was racing and she could feel it pounding in her throat as she tried to calm herself during her walk down the hallway. Really she'd never felt such a thing in the presence of a man, she'd never felt so nervous that it made her clumsy and feel inadequate. After all, Lord Gold was a man of means, a rich man, what could he possibly want with a maid?
And then a blush ran across her cheeks as she thought of what he could possibly want of a maid. She'd heard stories of men in other households that manhandled their maids behind their wives backs. Stories of affairs with the maid that always ended with the maid being cast out by the wife once found out, or even whipped for 'seducing' the Lord of the house.
Could that be what Lord Gold wanted of her? Her body?
The idea crept up on her and she glanced around before she leaned back against the wall, slowly looking back towards the direction of his room. He didn't seem the type. Then again, what did she know of him? He had money, he was here on business and he was from Scotland. Thats it.
But then she really should let him know she was not that type of girl. No, she didn't have a husband, she'd never really known a mans touch like that. But she did read books, she heard stories, she'd been told by other women on staff and had even discussed such things with Regina in hushed whispers and giggles.
Gathering her courage before she stood up and firm, walking back down the hallway and towards Gold's room. She stared at the door as she let out a breath. "Do the brave thing and bravery shall follow..." she whispered quietly to herself.
Reaching out, she opened the door and stepped back in, looking over at Gold who was sitting at the table once more. Swallowing a bit before she cleared her throat. "Lord Gold?" she asked.
He looked back up to her, surprised that she'd come back. Surely, he'd thought, she'd run off for good and perhaps would have another maid assigned to him. She seemed quite flighty in that moment. But then again being so close to her caused odd feelings to flow through him, ones he didn't know he could feel. This girl was different from most it would seem.
"Yes Belle?"
Standing there for a moment as she gripped her hands into light fists, reaching to close the door before she stepped up to the table, nodding a bit. Bravery she reminded herself. "Look, I don't know what type of girl you think I am. But I assure you I am not that type of girl. Your money and your power might buy most women, heck a lot of maids I would assume. But it shall not buy me, you hear? I am your maid, nothing more. And I will not accept advances from you that will most assuredly get me fired or worse." she said, the words tumbling out of her mouth before she could stop them.
And he listened to her, looking up at the fire in her eyes. Did she really think that was all he wanted from her? A smile spread over his lips as he chuckled, shaking his head. "I assure you, Belle, I am not looking to buy you. You simply intrigue me. I've never met a maid quite like you. And it would seem especially so now with such an outburst."
She blushed and shook her head. "I don't get it then. Why would you want to get to know me then?" she asked.
"Because you interest me, Belle." he said simply, looking up at her as he stood once again. "I do not want to do something you're uncomfortable with. I assure you, I do not take advantage of my maids. Really I don't talk to them like I've spoken to you. Frankly none have intrigued me as you have. You are quite the woman it would seem.."
Looking up into his eyes, her blush deepened the slightest hint as she nodded. "Oh...I...my apologies, I...I'd just thought..."
"Never mind it." he said, slowly reaching up to cup her face, brushing his thumb over her cheek and smiling at her. She was rather beautiful, especially when she blushed like she was doing now.
She swallowed, licking her lips a bit as she stared up at him. Oh god, is he going to kiss me? Oh god ohgodohgod. she thought to herself as her eyes traveled down to his lips. There was no denying there was an attraction, but she'd just stood there telling him she wasn't that type of girl.
But before he could, a knock came at the door and Belle jumped away from him like she'd been burnt. She went to the tea set, pretending she had been gathering up the dishes.
Gold sighed as he sat down, looking up at the door. "Come in."
The door opened and in walked Cora. She gave him a slight smile. "I do hope you're settling in nicely Lord Gold."
"Quite well, dearie." he said. As Belle was gathering up his empty tea cup, he looked up at her. "Thank you Belle. Please, leave the cup and just bring more for Miss Mills as well?" he asked. He quite liked that cup with the little chip in it.
She looked back down at him and nodded. "Yes Sir. Are you sure you don't want me to get you another cup? It's got a chip in it..." she asked.
"No need, this one is just fine. I rather like this one actually." he said, flashing a slight smile before he looked back up at Cora.
Though Cora didn't seem amused. Walking over and looking down at the cup before she looked up at Belle. "A chip? Did you break this cup girl?" she asked bluntly.
Belle felt her heart sink. She would be in trouble, she knew it. And she couldn't lie, it wouldn't be right. But, Gold beat her to that.
"No, I'm afraid I did Miss Mills. I accidentally dropped it and Belle here helped clean it up rather nicely. Really it's quite fine, I like it. The chip adds...character." he insisted.
For that Belle sent him a small smile meant to say 'thank you.' They both knew he wouldn't get in trouble if he'd chipped a cup, but she would.
"Ah. Very well. Yes Belle bring some more tea." Cora said as she took a seat, looking back to Gold. "I hope you'll enjoy your stay. I have arranged for Zelena to take you sight seeing tomorrow if you're alright with that. She does rather like your company.."
Belle faded into the background of the two talking as she took the tray out to get more tea, leaving Gold's chipped cup.
The idea of spending an afternoon with Zelena was quite painful to Gold. Though he supposed he should be respectful to his host. Really, he'd rather tour the city with Belle than with Zelena. Belle seemed more interesting, and much better company than the Mills girl.
"Hmm, I suppose that would be alright. I do have business to attend to tomorrow, so perhaps after lunch?" he asked.
"Perfect!" Cora said with a smile. In her eyes, things were going brilliantly. Zelena would have herself a husband before this was over, a husband that was more than capable of taking care of her. Quite a lot better, in her mind, than the thief that Regina had chosen.
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The rest of the afternoon and evening had been quite dull for Gold really. He hadn't had a chance to talk to Belle since that early afternoon in his room. Though he noticed she was almost always somewhere in the background, ready to help if anyone asked it of her. Or, rather, told her to help.
And as he got ready for bed that night he laid back with thoughts of the young maid. The brief giggle he'd heard was adorable, and her smile was so beautiful. He wondered what it was about the woman that made him think about her all the time. All through dinner he'd had thoughts of the young woman, wondering if she was off eating dinner, where she was eating, if she even got to eat. He knew sometimes maids didn't get to eat until the very end of the day.
While he liked to portray himself as a beast, a monster not to be dealt with, he didn't treat his help like many of the nobles he knew. He treated them with respect. After all it was their hard work that he lived off and he recognized that.
Sighing as he laid back in bed, staring up at the ceiling and wondering just what Belle was doing. Sure she was his maid, but she was also Zelena's, and he hoped Zelena would let the girl get some rest.
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Zelena was getting ready for bed with Belle's help. Belle had drawn her a bath and had even helped Zelena wash her hair. Really, Belle wasn't sure Zelena even knew how to take care of her own hair at all since it was always Belle who washed it, dried it, brushed it and styled it.
And as she got Zelena dressed for bed, the girl looked up at Belle. "Did he say anything about me?" Zelena asked excitedly, knowing Belle had spent an afternoon in his presence.
But, Belle couldn't think of why she thought Lord Gold would even speak to her, most people didn't.
"Did you say anything about me? You must tell me everything." Zelena insisted as she sat up on her knees on her bed, looking at Belle expectantly.
And most would think that Zelena was being a friend to Belle, wanting to know the gossip. But no, Zelena just wanted to know for her sake. And it wasn't like Belle could tell her everything that had happened.
"Well...he did ask about you...about what good traits you have..." she muttered as a response, not really lying.
"And you said..?"
"I told him that you were beautiful and good company, a good hostess...you know, all the things a gentlemen would want in a lady for his wife." Belle answered, beefing up the truth a little. She knew what Zelena wanted to hear, and she gave it to her.
At that Zelena squealed with excitement as she laid back on her bed, Belle pulling the covers up over her.
"It's so exciting! I do rather hope for a quick engagement. I wonder what Scotland looks like this time a year. I suppose I'll find out since it'll be my home." Zelena said with a smile. "And he sure is handsome. Mother didn't say how handsome he was. Mother says we're to go sight seeing tomorrow. I want to look my very best."
"Of course Ma'am. You shall."
Looking up at her, Zelena smiled. "You'll bring him his breakfast tomorrow Belle, and you shall ensure that he is in a good mood. Keep talking me up to him so he gets nice and excited for our date."
"Yes Ma'am." Belle said with a nod, her stomach twisting in knots. She was jealous, she couldn't help it. Zelena would get to spend a whole afternoon with him with the freedom of being able to talk to him in ways Belle wasn't able to. And boy was he handsome. Belle couldn't help the blush that spread over her cheeks as she thought of those gorgeous eyes looking into hers.
"Mm...you might as well go. Don't be late tomorrow! And I want a full report!" Zelena demanded.
And Belle just nodded. "Yes Ma'am. Goodnight Ma'am." she said as she stepped out of the room with a sigh. It was silly of her to be jealous of Zelena, she didn't want to be Zelena...she wanted to be herself.
Slowly she walked away from Zelena's room and downstairs towards the maids quarters in the back of the house. Finding her room, she walked in with a sigh and moved to plop down on the bed. Really she should change and get ready for bed herself...but the bed was so comfortable, she almost didn't want to get up.
After several minutes she pushed herself up and moved to start undressing from her uniform. Folding it off to one side, she stepped up to the basin of water in her room to wash herself a little before she pulled on her night shift and laid back in her bed, looking up at the ceiling.
She had no idea what would happen now. Part of her hoped that Lord Gold liked her...and another part hoped that he would just leave her be, let her do her job and that be it. She was at odds with herself, not sure of what she wanted. Though she was sure nothing but a broken heart could come from liking Lord Gold. There was no way Zelena or Cora even would be alright with that.
And she shivered at the thought of what they might do to her if they caught wind that she liked the Lord. Heaven forbid he like her as well. No, they were of two different classes, two classes that did not mix.
Putting that thought to rest, Belle closed her eyes in attempt to get some type of sleep. Perhaps she would feel better in the morning. Perhaps it was just a few fleeting feelings. She did hope so, but somehow she doubted it.
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A/N: Chapter 1: Complete :-). Let me know what you think. Like it? Don't like it? Should I keep going and add it to my rotation? I have so many stories I'm working on, lesigh. But hey, I love plot bunnies, don't you? :-p.
And I *do* promise the next chapter of A Different Tale is coming soon! I've been working on that as well and it's almost done!
As always, read & review!