Chapter 2

Edward had retired early, hoping to get some rest before he would be needed to assist the duke in dressing in his bedclothes in the middle of the night.

He was startled awake by a sharp rap at his door.

"Come in," he said, pushing his covers down and moving his feet to the floor, pulling a hand down his face.

Mr. Mitaka quietly stepped into his room.

"His Grace is requesting your presence in his study."

Edward blinked. "His study?"

Mr. Mitaka merely nodded.

"He has been summoned by the king and will be leaving for London immediately."

Before Edward could voice his confusion, Mr. Mitaka turned and left, closing the door behind him.

Edward quickly dressed before hurrying to his employer's study. When he walked in, the duke glanced up from the sheet of paper before him.

"I assume Mr. Mitaka informed you we will be leaving immediately for London?"

Edward nodded. "How shall I pack? Will we be there for long?"

The duke nodded absently. "Yes. Several weeks at least. Please pack an array of casual and formalwear."

"Of course, sir."

The duke glanced down at the blank sheet before him, waving his hand. "You may go. We leave as soon as the packing is complete."

Edward hurried away, quickly heading up the stairs to the duke's bedroom. As he was reaching the door, the door to the duchess's room opened and Beatrice stepped out, looking worried. When she spotted Edward, she started.

Edward glanced around before whispering, "We're going to London for several weeks."

Beatrice's eyebrows rose. "We are?"

Edward frowned. "You mean you don't know? Did Mr. Mitaka not tell you when he woke you?"

Beatrice shook her head, stepping further away from the door. "No, and Her Grace is in quite a state. She hardly registered my presence as I helped her prepare for bed. Do you know what happened? They were quite enamored of each other this evening as they left."

Edward pressed his lips together. "No. His Grace gave no indication to me that things were remiss, though I did find it strange that he was in his study rather than his rooms."

Beatrice exhaled sharply. "Why must they persist in being so stubborn about their feelings?"

Edward raised his eyebrows. "I did warn you not to play matchmaker."

"Surely even you can see that they care for one another."

Edward sighed. "That much is obvious, yes, but I think you're forgetting that the peerage do not marry for love."

"I forget nothing. There can be only one reason why His Grace would choose a woman of such low birth and that is love." Beatrice crossed her arms before sighing. "I suppose I had best report to Mr. Mitaka."

Edward nodded and turned the knob, stepping inside the room to pack as Beatrice continued down the hallway.

He had scarcely gotten started when Beatrice entered the room in a tizzy.

"She's not going!" Though the words were whispered, the irritation in them was evident.

Edward frowned. "The duchess is not going to London?"

Beatrice shook her head. "Weeks. You'll be gone weeks and we just started to make some progress."

Beatrice dropped into a chair, sighing. Edward frowned at her informal behavior.

His frown deepened when he realized they would be away from the manor for weeks, ignoring the sudden pang he got as he realized he would not see Beatrice for so long as well.

"Well," he said, "they do say that absence makes the heart grow fonder."

Beatrice sighed again before standing. "Yes, well, if that's true then the duke and duchess will surely be in love by the time you return."

A strange expression crossed Beatrice's face, causing Edward to look down at the trunk before him.

"Yes, well," he cleared his throat, "I had best get to packing. His Grace wishes to leave immediately."

When no reply came, he glanced back up, to see Beatrice chewing on her bottom lip, a conflicted look on her face. Abruptly she nodded at him before turning and hurrying out the door.

Edward frowned at the empty doorway for several moments before shaking his head and returning to the packing. Though he had begrudgingly agreed to help Beatrice, he had to admit that it was obvious neither the duke nor duchess realized the other returned their affections. He could only hope their feelings did not wane as they were parted.


The weeks passed slowly for Beatrice. She had not quite realized the feelings she had for Edward until he was leaving. It left her discombobulated. She did her best to remain busy, finding she quite enjoyed Rose's company. The woman also had more incite into the duchess.

She was startled out of her thoughts one day by a flurry of whispers.

"What's happening?" she asked.

One of the other maids, Anna, turned to her. "His Grace just returned and found Captain Dameron touring the gardens with the duchess. He was quite upset. I saw him racing up the stairs just now with the duchess trailing behind him."

Beatrice's eyes widened, but before she could respond, Edward rounded the corner. Her heart leapt into her throat at the sight of him, though she quickly pushed aside those feelings at the look of concern in Edward's eyes.

"Their Graces just received an urgent message from the Skywalker estate. They are leaving immediately and we are to pack for several days and follow behind them."

Beatrice took a deep breath. "Of course. I shall go pack immediately."

Edward paused, looking as if he had more to say before simply stepping aside for Beatrice to pass.


The carriage ride to the estate was silent. Beatrice frequently glanced at Edward, who was doing his best to remain calm.

Seeing Beatrice again had nearly taken his breath away. When he had developed feelings for the maid, he did not know, but the weeks without her had been long.

When she cleared her throat, Edward's eyes snapped to hers.

The corners of her mouth turned up into a shy smile. "I'm glad you've returned."

Edward swallowed, feeling his chest expand in happiness. "I'm glad to be back."

They stared at one another in silence before Beatrice ducked her head and turned to look out the window. Edward cleared his throat and did the same and they spent the remainder of the ride sitting in companionable silence.

When they arrived at the manor, they were met by Mr. Threepio, who showed them to the room the duke and duchess would be staying in.

Beatrice shared a look with Edward, the corners of his mouth turning up as he returned the glance. After weeks apart, now the duke and duchess would be sharing a room, sharing a bed. He could already see the schemes brewing in Beatrice's mind, but rather than feeling annoyance, Edward felt affection welling up.

"Well," Mr. Threepio said, clearly unaware of the silent conversation between the two of them, "I shall leave you to unpack. Please report to the servants' all for dinner when you are finished."

After he left, Edward turned towards the duke's trunk, and began unpacking the contents, Beatrice doing the same.

"Weeks apart and now they'll be forced into each other's company," Beatrice said as she carried a dress into the small guest closet.

Edward raised his eyebrows in mock shock. "Whatever schemes your dreaming up, they won't work."

Beatrice smiled, ducking her head as she walked back to the trunk. "We shall see."

Edward blinked rapidly when he realized he had stopped to stare at her, shaking his head and heading back to unpack.

As they were finishing up, the door abruptly opened, the duke striding in quickly, seeming unaware of their presence, the duchess trailing behind him. The duke strode to the window, stopping to stare out.

Edward and Beatrice shared a look before she turned towards the duchess. "Is there anything we can do, ma'am?"

The duchess looked troubled, but shook her head. "No, thank you Beatrice." She nodded to both of them. "You may leave us."

Edward nodded and left quickly, stepping aside to let Beatrice out the door first, closing it behind them.

"That was strange," Beatrice said in a low manner.

Edward, who knew of his employer's familial strain, said nothing. He feared the next days would be long.


Beatrice and Edward had just finished helping clean up from dinner when the bell for the guest room rang. Drying their hands and sharing a look, they both turned to walk out the door, Beatrice hiding her smile as Edward once again waited for her to pass through first.

When they arrived, the duke nodded at Edward, who set about pulling out his night clothes.

Beatrice hid her smile as the duchess quickly averted her eyes, her face reddening as she turned towards Beatrice.

The duchess cleared her throat. "I'd like to prepare for bed now, please."

"Of course, ma'am," Beatrice stated.

There was no vanity and only one mirror, which the duke was currently standing in front of. As Edward removed the duke's shirt, the duchess's eyes widened. Beatrice watched, barely containing her smile as the duchess gaped at her husband, her gaze sliding upwards. She quickly averted her eyes when she found her husband watching her, his face impassive. Turning around, the duchess placed a hand on the desk in front of her.

"Where should you like to dress, ma'am?" Beatrice asked, walking up to her side, unable to keep the laughter out of her voice.

"You can take the mirror," the duke replied, stepping back. "I'll finish dressing over by the desk."

He walked away from the mirror, still without a shirt. Beatrice pressed her lips together at the look on the duchess's face when her husband headed towards them.

"Thank you, sir," she said as she quickly moved past him, head down, Beatrice sharing a glance with Edward as she passed. Though he seemed much more adept at hiding his amusement, Beatrice noticed the gleam in his eye.

As Beatrice unbuttoned her dress, the duchess glanced again at her husband as he slid on the nightshirt Edward held out. So caught up in watching the man dress, she did not notice when Beatrice had finished unbuttoning her dress.

"Ma'am?" Beatrice asked.

Shaking herself, the duchess apologized.

Standing now in only her undergarments, the duchess looked uncomfortable, though the duke and Edward kept their backs to them. She rushed into her nightshirt as Beatrice held it out.

"Would you like me to remove the pins from your hair?" Beatrice asked.

The duchess nodded, quickly moving her gaze to the floor. Beatrice efficiently unpinned the updo and braided her hair back.

Stepping away, she asked, "Will there be anything else, ma'am?"

The duchess put a hand up to her collar, looking uncomfortable. "No, that will be all, Beatrice. Thank you."

Beatrice nodded, sharing a look with Edward before she left, the corners of her mouth turned upwards. Perhaps things would not be so bad after all.


"How do you think the evening went?" Beatrice asked.

Edward frowned, glancing around them, thankful when none of the other servants seemed to be paying attention.

"What does or does not transpire in that room is none of our concern."

Beatrice sighed, but before she could respond, the bell for the guest room rang again. Setting their napkins on the table, both she and Edward rose to answer the summons.

When they arrived at the room, Beatrice pressed her lips together, feeling giddy at their employers standing quite close, the duke looking softly down at the duchess as she blushed. Beatrice looked over at Edward in triumph. He sighed silently at her.

The duchess walked unsteadily over to the mirror. As Beatrice unplaited her hair and ran a brush through it, she watched the duke through the mirror. He spoke in soft tones to Edward, who then walked towards the small closet. The duke, seeming to feel his wife's stare, turned his head towards her. She quickly averted her eyes.

Beatrice, lips pressed together to hide her amusement, asked "How did you sleep, ma'am?"

The duchess mumbled a response and turned back to her own reflection, a small frown on her face.

Once she was done, the duchess quickly left the room, the duke following her out shortly after. Beatrice immediately walked over to Edward.

"Things certainly seem cozy this morning."

Edward's lips twitched, but he straightened. "I'm sure it's none of our business."

Beatrice scoffed, walking back over to grab the duchess's nightclothes off the floor.

"Do not pretend you have not been scheming with me."

Edward whipped his head around. "I've tolerated your schemes, at best." The words lacked any real censure, however, and Beatrice smiled fully.

"If you say so, Mr. Durand."


"He's alone in library."

Edward glanced up from polishing a scuff out of a pair of boots. Beatrice stood just inside the doorway, arms akimbo, an expression of annoyance on her face.

Though he knew very well who she was talking about, he asked. "Who's alone in the library?"

Beatrice scoffed. "His Grace, of course." She raised her eyebrows. "You have to do something."

Edward looked back at her. "I'm not sure what sway you think I have with our employer, but nothing I saw will make a difference."

"Why must they be so difficult?" Beatrice stepped further into the room, her cheeks flushed prettily in her annoyance.

Edward cleared his throat as he realized his observation and returned to polishing the boot. "Maybe it would be best if we left things alone."

At the silence, Edward looked up, wondering if he had been left alone. Instead Beatrice was chewing her lip, lost in thought. He swallowed thickly at the sudden thumping of his heart, clearing his throat once more.

Beatrice gasped and turned to him. "I've got it. Tell him to take a walk with her in the gardens."

Edward could not help an incredulous laugh. "You want me to tell my employer he should take a walk with his wife? Do you know the man at all?"

Beatrice didn't seem to be deterred. "But you're the only one who could. Surely you're the one who knows him best."

"He'll find it an impertinence."

"Not if you approach it the right way." She chewed her lip once more, lost in thought. Edward watched her, the boot in his hand completely forgotten.

Her eyes brightened and she straightened. "I have an idea."


Edward pressed his lips together, hardly able to believe what he was about to do. Surely their schemes would be obvious to the duke. With the man's mercurial emotions, Edward wouldn't be surprised if he was dismissed on the spot.

When he entered the library, he quickly spotted the duke sitting in a quiet corner by the window.

"Pardon the intrusion, sir." Edward clasped his hands in front of him to hide their slight tremble.

"Yes, Edward? What is it?" The man set his quill down, clasping his hands on top of the table.

"Your mother had intended to show Her Grace the gardens this afternoon, but has found herself unable. She asks that you take the walk in her stead."

Edward swallowed as he spoke the lie, trying hard to school his expression into neutrality, lest he give himself away.

The duke blinked at him a moment before nodding his head, picking up his quill, and continuing to write.

"Very well. You're dismissed."

Edward exhaled in relief as he turned around. Now he could only hope that the duke didn't mention anything to his mother.

Edward and Beatrice packed in silence, the somber air of death permeating the manor in the wake of the prince's death.

They had been pleased with the duke taking his wife on a daily walk, that their scheme had worked to get the pair together, but whatever triumph they felt was hollowed by the death of the prince.

The duke and duchess entered into the room, both looking distraught. His Grace turned to Beatrice.

"The duchess will not be leaving tonight. She can return after breakfast in the morning."

Beatrice nodded, schooling her face to hide her surprise.

Turning towards Edward, the duke continued. "I will be leaving within the hour. You may follow after with my things. And please let Mr. and Mrs. Smith know they will be staying until the Duchess leaves tomorrow as well."

Edward bowed. "Of course, sir." Nodding towards the duchess and sharing a quick glance with Beatrice, he exited the room.

Beatrice turned towards Rey, hiding her dismay at this turn of events. "Would you like to prepare for dinner, ma'am?"

The duchess, however, turned towards her. "You mean you're leaving?"

Beatrice walked into the closet, trying to melt into the background as her employers continued their conversation as if she wasn't present. She closed her eyes, hearing the pain in the duchess's voice as the duke continued to speak coldly to her. She wondered what could have caused such a change in his manner.

She was abruptly brought out of her wonderings by the duke's departure.

"Then it's settled," she heard. "I shall see you tomorrow then, madam."

Beatrice waited a moment before exiting the closet, her heart constricting as she watched the duchess stare at the doorway, hurt evident in her expression. How had things gone amiss so quickly?


After leaving her mistress behind, Beatrice raced down the stairs to apprise Rose of the situation.

"Oh dear," Rose said, her hand going to her mouth. "I should go to her."

Beatrice nodded, twisting her fingers together, hoping Rose would be able to provide distraction for the duchess. She couldn't help the anger that rose over the duke's dismissal of his wife. Could the man not see that his wife clearly loved him and was hurt by his departure? Surely he was not so dense.

Beatrice slept fitfully that night, unable to stop worrying about the duchess. Rose had returned shortly after leaving, stating she had been dismissed so the duchess could go to sleep.

As the sun rose, Beatrice rose with it, knowing it was likely that the duchess would also rise early and wish to leave. When she entered the servants' dining hall, she was unsurprised to see Rose and her husband sitting there as well.

She nodded at them as she sat down, all three sitting in silence until the bell for the guest room rang. She and Rose looked at one another, before both rising and heading up the stairs.

The duchess tried to smile, but failed. Instead she turned to Beatrice, her voice sounding hollow as she said, "I would like to leave as soon as possible."

Beatrice curtsied. "Of course, ma'am."

Beatrice and Rose shared a glance before Rose walked towards the closet. "I can help pack while you ready Her Grace, Beatrice."

Beatrice nodded as she also walked to the closet and came back with a black gown. Rose worked quickly at folding Rey's dresses, shoes, and other accoutrements into the trunk as Beatrice helped the duchess into her dress and set about arranging her hair.

"Nothing complicated please," she said.

Beatrice nodded, pulling her hair into a simple knot. When she was finished, the duchess stood and she faced the two women.

"I-I believe I'll go on ahead, if you don't mind. You can follow after you've packed and have eaten breakfast."

Beatrice and Rose again shared a glance before they both curtsied. As the duchess walked towards the door, Rose called out to her.

The duchess stopped and turned, Beatrice's heart squeezing at the pain she saw reflected the young woman's eyes.

"I hope you know that I am here to speak, should you wish it," Rose said, concern also coloring her expression.

The corners of the duchess's mouth turned up. "Yes, I am, thank you. You're a very good friend, Rose."

Rose pressed her lips together and nodded before stepping away.


Immediately upon their return, Beatrice sought out Edward, finding him in the hallway, just having exited the servants' dining hall.

Seeing him, her stomach did a strange flip. He seemed startled to see her, though he recovered quickly.

"I wish to speak with you." Beatrice spoke in low tones, hoping to avoid garnering too much attention.

Edward nodded, indicating Beatrice should follow him as he walked down the hallway and into one of the many servant's hallways. When they were well away from prying eyes and ears, Edward stopped and turned to her.

"How is the duchess?"

Beatrice was surprised by the worry in Edward's tone.

"Not good, I'm afraid. I have never seen her so brokenhearted."

Edward pressed his lips together, nodding once sharply. "The duke is also not well."

Anger rose in Beatrice's chest. "Well, it's his fault they're in such a state."

Edward frowned. "The man just lost his uncle."

"And if he's not careful, he shall lose his wife as well." Beatrice's voice came out sharp.

They stared at one another, both at a loss for words.

"What do we do then?" Edward asked, surprising her.

Beatrice shook her head. "I'm not sure there's anything we can do."

She sighed. "What a mess."


Several days later Edward was helping dress the duke, contemplating the wisdom of keeping his thoughts to himself over speaking his mind. This was all Beatrice's doing. He had never gotten involved in his employer's affairs before she had talked him into meddling.

The duke exhaled sharply. "Whatever it is you have to say, Edward, please get on with it."

Edward's eyes snapped up before he cleared his throat, holding out the jacket for the duke to shrug on.

"It would be an impertinence, sir."

"Very well, I'll consider myself warned. Get on with it."

Edward swallowed, contemplating his next words carefully.

"I would not wish to overstep."

The duke laughed hollowly, buttoning his cuffs. "Clearly you have a comment on my marriage and the fact that you so wish to avoid speaking it only pique's my curiosity. Now tell me what it is or I'll have you dismissed."

Edward looked at his employer for several more long moments before speaking.

"I have been in your employ for many years now." He swallowed before continuing. "As such I've had many years to observe the man you are."

The duke paused in tying his shoes to look up at Edward, a frown on his face.

"I have made it my job," Edward continued, "to know your moods so that I can best serve you."

He paused a moment, wondering how the duke would take his next words.

"I don't know the particulars of your argument with the duchess, but I can see that it has upset you. Would it not be best to speak with her rather than avoid her?"

A muscle ticked in the duke's jaw as his eyes narrowed. Edward was certain he had overstepped, despite his employer's insistence that he speak his mind, and prepared himself for a thorough tongue lashing.

After a moment, however, the duke turned back to tying his shoes. "Thank you, Edward, that'll be all."

Edward bowed and left the room, thankful that he had been dismissed from the room rather than his employment.


After several more days had passed there was a commotion as Beatrice was ironing. Setting aside the iron, she walked out to find out what the fuss was about.

"What's going on?"

One of the maids turned around. "His Grace is taking Her Grace for a picnic lunch!"

Beatrice's eyebrows rose in shock. "Truly?"

The maid nodded. "Yes! He asked for a picnic lunch to be prepared and he and the duchess rode off onto the grounds on horseback." She smiled knowingly. "On one horse."

Hope and excitement bloomed in Beatrice's chest. She turned, intent on finding Edward. As usual, she found him in the polishing room. She glanced around and then, seeing that no one was near them, walked up to him excitedly.

"The duke has taken the duchess on a picnic."

Edward's eyebrows rose. "He has?"

Beatrice nodded emphatically. "He has. The rode away on a single horse as well."

Edward frowned, his eyes glazing over. Beatrice cocked her head. "Did you say something to him?"

Edward exhaled, shaking himself as his eyes snapped to hers. "I spoke to him a few days ago, but I thought my suggestion fell on deaf ears as he continued avoiding her."

Beatrice couldn't help her smile. "You spoke to him?"

Edward pressed his lips together, but amusement sparkled in his eyes. "You've been a terrible influence on me, I dare say."

Beatrice laughed. "But just look where it's gotten us. Can you honestly say that the perpetually sour-faced Duke of Ren would have done something so romantic as a picnic lunch with his wife had we not been here to nudge him along?"

Edward snorted. "Yes. Thank goodness the duke hired you as his wife's lady's maid or they might never have spoken two words together."

Beatrice grinned before turning around, throwing over her shoulder, "They'll be properly in love by sundown, mark my words."


The entire house had been abuzz all day and night, remarking on the changed manner between the duke and duchess. They had dined sitting next to one another and had never rang for either Beatrice or Edward to come ready them for bed.

In fact, it was well into the morning before they were rang. Edward was surprised to find the duke in his own rooms, as the rumors had swirled that the duke and duchess had not spent the night apart. What was even more surprising, however, was how happy the duke seemed. Edward had never seen the man smile, and yet he kept smiling at the thoughts in his head. Once he was dressed, Edward gathered up the clothes and headed for the door.

"Edward."

He turned, surprised by the humble look in the duke's eyes. "Yes, sir?"

The duke cleared his throat. "I wish to thank you."

Edward cocked his head. "I'm afraid I don't know what I've done to deserve your thanks."

The corners of the duke's mouth twitched. "Though you were well aware that I could have dismissed you, you chose to comment on the state of my marriage. I want you to know that I replayed your words many times these past days and were it not for you, I might never have spoken to the duchess and found happiness. So I thank you for your friendship."

Edward stared at the duke, his mouth slightly open. Catching himself, he closed his mouth and shook his head. Bowing he replied, "You're most welcome, sir."

The duke waved a hand. "Very well, you're dismissed."

As Edward turned, he could not help but smile.

As he walked out the doorway, he saw Beatrice also stepping out of her mistress's rooms. His grin widened as she turned and walked towards him.

"Well, it would seem our work here is done," he said as they walked side by side down the hallway.

Beatrice looked at him, her smile lighting up her face. "So it would seem."

Edward glanced at Beatrice, her smile lighting up her face. He blinked rapidly when he realized he had feelings for the woman. Somewhere in the time they had spent scheming he had grown rather fond of her.

He turned to eyes forward again as he contemplated this turn of events. As they were descending the staircase, he decided to take his own advice and speak with her.

When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Edward placed a staying hand on her shoulder.

Beatrice turned towards him, curiosity in her eyes.

Dropping his hand, Edward cleared his throat. He opened his mouth, before closing it again, as he struggled to find the right words.

After several more moments in which he probably resembled a fish struggling for air, Beatrice surprised him by blurting out, "I've grown rather fond of you, Edward."

His mouth fell open and he blinked rapidly as his heart sped up. "You have?"

Beatrice bit her lip, suddenly looking shy as she glanced around and then nodded. Thankfully they were alone.

"I feel the same," he said, feeling rather laconic.

Beatrice's lips twitched before she nodded at him. "Well, since we both agree, I think it best we return to our duties before Mrs. Phasma finds us idle."

Edward smiled and nodded. "Of course."

Beatrice ducked her head, a smile on her lips as they walked back towards the servants' hall to tend to their chores, Edward frequently glancing towards her. Who could have guessed that their schemes to get their employers to realize their love would have led to him and Beatrice falling in love as well?


A/N: Probably not my best writing, but it was fun. Thanks for reading! :)