Rey arrives at Caserta. Dinner is served with a major helping of The Feels.
[excerpt]: The muscles in his forearms tensed as he steadied her movement, and his breath hitched as he felt her body press against his. He used his free arm to pull her into a standing position, the touch from his gloved hand and the heat which emanated from underneath the smooth fabric causing her pulse to quicken.
~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~~O~
Character must be kept bright as well as clean
-Lord Chesterfield
xx
"Aiyee! Stay away from me, you Mistress Princum-Prancium!"
Rey gripped the remains of her tattered clothing close to her body, growing progressively more alarmed as the thin fabric tore from under the group of hands which were actively working to pull them off of her.
An older woman looked at her kindly but firmly, her gaze brokering no dissension.
"My name is Mrs. Kanata. I am the housekeeper at Caserta. Mister Kylo has given us very strict orders. You are to be bathed and then dressed for dinner." Ever the consummate professional, her face remained schooled and unflappable despite the girl's state of hygiene and the foul language being spewed from her mouth.
Rey fought furiously against the traitorous tears which threatened to spill from her eyes. She wouldn't cry. She refused. But her clothing, as torn and dirty and ill-fitting as they were, was all that she had left of her own. For the second time in eight short years, all of her belongings and the familiarity of her surroundings and routine were being stripped away. She was left standing, nearly naked in her humiliation, in front of Mrs. Kanata as well as several other strangers who moved quietly in and out of the room, drawing the curtains and bringing up buckets of heated water for her bath.
"Please," she pleaded, ashamed that she had to be reduced to begging. "These are all that I have."
Mrs. Kanata's voice softened, but she remained resolute. She signaled the maids to remove the pile of rags on the floor. "Mister Kylo has also requested that your clothes are to be disposed of when we are done."
How dare that hard-hearted nib get rid of her things without consulting her! Anger and fear warred within Rey. She briefly contemplated picking the rags off the floor herself and fleeing, before she realized the futility of such an action.
Mrs. Kanata sensed her discomfort. She gestured to a pretty young woman who stood to her right. The girl's face was kind, with lively eyes which observed all around her, her dark brown hair pulled neatly into a bun.
"This is Jessika. She is Miss Organa-Solo's personal maid. She will be assisting you with your bath and dress.
Jessika's voice was good-natured but with a hint of spunk. "Mister Kylo has asked us to provide you with some of Miss Organa-Solo's clothing until you are able to purchase something suitable in their place."
Rey flushed, feeling embarrassed that she had thought so poorly of her host. Her discomfiture was made greater when Mrs. Kanata made a "tsking" sound upon seeing the cloth strips which were bound tightly around Rey's chest.
Mrs. Kanata spoke gently. "You poor girl. What have you had to endure in your life to do such a thing?" Her hands worked deftly to unwrap the stained material, freeing Rey's sore breasts from the confines of their tight and sweaty prison.
Jessika brought Rey to the edge of the copper tub, where she eyed its steaming contents suspiciously. She couldn't decide which was worse: standing naked in front of a group of strangers, or entering a bath where she was likely to be boiled. Bathing was an infrequent occurrence in her life, generally performed once a month, in which she shared in the cold and dirtied waters with the other children after Plutt's doxies had taken their turns. She had also experienced the occasional joy of cleaning her body by the banks of the rushing Kamino River in warmer weather. But she had never enjoyed the luxury of a private bath, and a heated one at that.
Rey dipped her foot in tentatively, drawing it back quickly in response to its temperature, watching as the water turned dark at the site of her entry while her toe turned pink.
"Miss Rey, either you will get yourself into the bath this instant, or we're going to put you in forcibly." Mrs. Kanata's mouth was drawn in a firm line. The woman was commanding, having had many years of experience in dealing with the Organa-Solo children as well as the responsibility of keeping the rest of the female household staff in line.
Rey visualized Lord Ren smirking and raising an eyebrow at her indecisiveness and she lowered herself in, stubbornly refusing to give even the slightest bit of satisfaction to his imaginary self.
Another bucket of water was poured over her head. Rey winced as Jessika ran a comb over her knotted hair, painfully working through the tangles. A cavalcade of maids repeatedly refreshed the dirtied water. Once Rey's skin was scrubbed raw, Jessika brought over a bar of soap. It was soft, made of mutton fat and wood ash, and smelled of sweet flowers and herbs. The soap perfumed the water and Rey's skin with its softness, and she allowed herself a contented sigh as its rose fragrance saturated the air, tickling her nose and soothing her sore muscles.
Once Mrs. Kanata had deemed Rey to be thoroughly cleaned, she was led to a room to get dressed. Jessika was talkative, her dark brown eyes flashing excitedly.
"I am to be your abigail, as Miss Organa-Solo is not due to return to Caserta until the fall." She whispered conspiratorially "I've taken the liberty of picking out some of her clothing from years past which may fit you. They are of a slightly older style, as Mister Kylo's sister is much taller than you, but they are not totally unfashionable. Mister Kylo says that we are to go shopping for something more à la mode this week!"
She proceeded to hold up four or five dresses in front of Rey, in various colors of yellows and soft blues before settling on a white muslin shift delicately embroidered with Greek key patterns on the hem and banded sleeves. Rey was glad for Jessika's assistance, feeling completely lost as she stared at the unfamiliar garments and accessories. A pair of flesh colored pantaloons were slipped over her slim legs, followed by a chemise to smooth the lines of her dress. A long corset was then positioned into place. Rey held her breath as Jessika cinched the undergarment, its whalebone busk and criss-cross lacing creating a lift to her bosom and providing a straightness to her posture. The elegant gown was finally placed over her underthings, its filmy material drawn high underneath her chest, her bust further highlighted by its square décolleté neckline. A separate skirt was attached to the back, with a small bustle pad providing a shapely lift.
Once Jessika was satisfied with her ensemble, she began to work on Rey's hair. She brushed through the shining and softened locks, parting it in the center and piling it high on top of her head. She created an intricate basket weave pattern in the back, threading a string of seed pearls throughout the delicate strands, and finished the look with a few hanging wisps to frame her face.
She stepped back, frowning slightly at Rey's tanned complexion and the smattering of freckles across her cheeks. There was no need for a vegetable rouge due to the natural pink which highlighted its curve. Jessika opened a silver cachou box and applied a salve made of wax, almond oil and alkanet to Rey's lips, softening and tinting them and leaving them smelling of roses.
Jessika handed her a pair of silken long, white long gloves. She laughed delightedly as she admired her handiwork, leading Rey to a mirror to see the finished result.
Rey had not known much vanity in her lifetime, but she could not refrain from gasping at her reflection. The simple classical lines of the dress showed off her natural beauty, the white fabric set against the tan of her skin. The cut of the neckline was barely decent, and made more so as the dress was still too big for her delicate frame, causing it to hang even lower than its designer had intended. The volume of the skirt was full, increasing the flare of her hips. Dainty puff sleeves barely capped the slimness of her shoulders, highlighting the shape of her arms. The gown's material clung to the softness of her curves, and the flesh tones of her stockinettes gave the appearance that she was wearing no undergarments under the sheerness of the dress. Her face looked fresh and windblown, her doe shaped eyes slightly lined and tinged at the lash line, making her hazel eyes wider and more mysterious.
"Jessika-thank you," she breathed, her voice wavering. She couldn't remember ever feeling so coddled or so beautiful.
"One more thing, Miss Rey." Jessika handed her a pair of shoes. They were made of a striped silk and trimmed with a leather covered heel. Jessika frowned slightly at the fit, as they were too long and wide for Rey's small feet.
"We will need to look into shoes for you as well." Still, she smiled, extremely pleased. "Wait until Mister Kylo sees how you look at dinner!"
Rey descended down the steep staircase, holding the train of her gown carefully so as to not to trip over its length. She felt her nerves flare, conscious of the slapping sound which resulted from the back of her overly large shoes slipping off her heel with each step. The noise seemed to grow louder as she approached the dining room, echoing her nerves and the pounding of her heart like the thud of a bass drum announcing her arrival.
A young man stood by the door, his handsome form surveying the dinner table which was already covered with multiple dishes and platters.
Jessika whispered. "That is Dopheld, Mister Kylo's valet. He is serving as both the butler of Caserta and Mister Kylo's valet until Mr. Daniels returns from London with the Marquess and Marchioness." Rey noted Jessika's wistful tone as well as the way her eyes lingered on the attractive male.
Hux acknowledged Rey with a slight bow of his head and a delighted look in his eyes.
"You look lovely, Miss Kenobi." Rey couldn't hide the blush which creeped up her face at his praise.
Kylo turned as he heard Hux's greeting. He drew his breath in sharply as he saw her, his eyes widening in surprise. She looked nothing like the dirtied street urchin from that fateful afternoon. He had the sudden realization that she was older, and definitely more shapely, than he had previously thought. Her dress revealed her slim and lithe form as well as the roundness-and what he could only imagine would be the firmness-of her pert breasts, which were fully on display in the squared neckline of her gown.
She looked natural and guileless as her eyes lifted, awaiting his approval.
She looked beautiful.
He didn't realize that he was holding his breath until he exhaled, quickly pushing away his inappropriate thoughts as he frowned. He scrutinized her dress further, and made a mental note to discuss Rey's future-more appropriate- clothing choices with Jessika once he had the chance.
Rey felt a slight disappointment at his silence, her ego and vanity bruised as he continued to watch her, his full lips pressed into a frown. She was chagrined with his lack of reaction as well as with her desire for his validation. Her irritability dissipated, however, once they were seated and when she saw the foods which were laid out in front of her.
Their first course was an artichoke soup, a creamy, yellow-green concoction dotted with leeks, shallots and potatoes. Accustomed to eating quickly whenever and wherever she could, her instincts took over as she brought the bowl to her lips, her empty stomach welcoming its savory contents. She sighed as the warm and delicious potage flowed through her. Her bliss was suddenly interrupted by a muffled sound from Hux, his spoon in his hand and soup untouched. She looked up and saw Ren's eyes narrowed in disapproval, his face registering a mixture of amusement and mild distaste.
Kylo cleared his throat. No matter how she cleaned up on the outside, the girl was in desperate need of some manners and etiquette.
"I see that we will need to start your lessons immediately. I will have Mrs. Kanata interview several candidates tomorrow." He asked her a question, not expecting an answer in the affirmative. "Have you had any previous schooling?"
Rey hesitated. "Yes. I was fortunate enough to attend a Girl's Academy growing up in America."
"A Girl's Academy? Is that a type of American finishing school?" asked Hux.
Rey shook her head. "No, quite the opposite in fact. Our teachers believed in providing us with an education equal to that of men by holding us to the same standards. We had lessons in various subjects, including reading, history, arithmetic and moral philosophy."
Kylo was surprised at her revelation. He kept his tone deceptively casual as he pushed for further information.
"So how did you, an educated American, end up here, mixed up with the likes of Plutt?"
Rey held her breath. She had not been prepared to divulge all the details of her past, although she knew that he was entitled to at least the courtesy of a response and an honest answer as her new guardian.
"My family made the trip to England when I was ten. The ship was crowded, with unsanitary conditions, and we fell ill, with fever and delirium." Her voice became quiet. "It was the Putrid Fever. So many on the journey became afflicted. We were stripped naked and doused in cold water. Even bloodletting did not help the condition of my parents or my sister. I was the only one of my family who survived." She stopped as fought against the painful memories.
"I had nothing and no one when I arrived in London. I became a mudlark, scavenging the Thames for anything which could be sold. Occasionally, when things were especially desperate, I resorted to pilfering from the river traffic." She had a guilty look on her face. "My skills were noticed by Plutt, and he recruited me and taught me-those additional talents I needed to survive as one of his bulk and file."
She finished, embarrassed but glad that her sordid history was finally out. The servants continued about their duties, as if they were oblivious to the details of their conversation. She waited to hear the censure and disgust from the two gentlemen, but found none.
Hux murmured sympathetically. "I have seen many a horror befall even the greatest of men during times of war. I cannot imagine what you must have had to endure as a child following the loss of your family."
Kylo grunted his agreement but refrained from delving further. He had no wish to become personally invested in the girl, although he had become her guardian in a manner of speaking. His dealings with her were supposed to be limited to the requirements of a simple bet, a relationship which he could manipulate from afar with the assistance of the hired help. If he were to flatter himself, his participation in her planned transformation was a way to showcase his compassion for those less fortunate than himself. If he were to be honest, his involvement was simply due to the fact that he hated the idea of losing even a casual challenge.
He lived his life shunning emotional ties to any woman who wasn't his mother or sister.
And yet, upon learning of Rey's pain and loss, an unwanted sympathy and protectiveness welled up inside of him. He grew quiet, watching her carefully as she and Hux made pleasant conversation, her voice soft and occasionally punctuated by a tentative smile. He saw as she carefully monitored Hux's table manners, her delicate and nimble fingers expertly mimicking his form and movement. He noticed the surprise on her face as she tasted the roasted meats of the second course, expertly seasoned with rare spices, followed by her look of pleasure as the tender morsels fell apart and rolled within the heat of her mouth. He observed as she savored the fresh vegetables, plucked from the garden and drowned in butter, her delicate throat moving upwards to swallow mouthfuls of the fresh sprigs slathered in their rich sauce. He witnessed her delight at the display of fruits and marzipan, her fingers fluttering to the corners of her mouth at the soupçon of honeyed almond confection which collected there and which she erased with a quick swipe of her pink, wet tongue. He gazed at her expression of rapture when, as the meal entered its third hour, she experienced capillaire for the first time, the syrupy, orange-flavored spirit moistening and reddening her lips and causing her eyes to dilate and her skin to flush, making him hard and aroused at the sight.
She noted him staring at her, hungrily and intently, and she parted her lips as if to speak but remained wordless, drowning in his stare.
He caught her eye. He shifted in his seat as he downed a glass of claret, and when he spoke, his face was hardened and stern, his manner brusque.
"The hour is late, Rey. You have a long day ahead of you in your studies tomorrow."
Kylo had also determined that while Rey was busy with said studies, he would head back into town for a good, hard, long overdue fuck.
Hux rose, bowing his head slightly in Rey's direction. "I also need to prepare for my trip back to London tomorrow. I'll be in the library, Ren." He smiled at Rey. "Good night, Miss Kenobi."
Rey stood, replacing her gloves as she prepared to walk back to her room. The fatigue of the events of the day finally caught up to her, and her full belly and the fermented beverage left her feeling slightly woozy and warm. She prepared to ascend the staircase, when Jessika touched her arm gently, indicating that Kylo should proceed up ahead of her.
"So he can't catch a glimpse of your ankles, Miss Rey."
Rey almost sighed out loud. She wondered if she would ever be able to learn everything it took to be a 'proper' lady, or whether she would end up dishonored, a failure to both herself and Lord Ren. She held the voluminous fabric of the gown as lifted her feet on the steps, nearly making it to the top before her too-large shoe caught the fabric, pinning it against the edge of the landing and propelling her forward. She reached out in front of her in an attempt to stop her movement, becoming entangled in the overflowing silk and ruffled petticoats, grabbing Ren's arm and nearly knocking him over in the process.
The muscles in his forearms tensed as he steadied her movement, and his breath hitched as he felt her body press against his. He used his free arm to pull her into a standing position, the touch from his gloved hand and the heat which emanated from underneath the smooth fabric causing her pulse to quicken. He stared at the front of her gown which had been lowered by the pull of her shoe, exposing her chemise and her corseted breasts and he nearly growled as he tore his gaze from her bosom back to her face.
His voice was husky with want and desire. "Never mind your lessons. We will need to find something more suitable for you to wear tomorrow."
Later that night, as Rey lay in bed, her mind was at odds with her exhausted body. She should have fallen immediately into an unfettered sleep on the fresh linens which Jessika had laid out for her, in the comfort of a soft mattress and the security of her own bed. Instead, unsettling thoughts filtered into her dreams, of a dangerous and dark man who held her briefly in his arms, whose stare caused her heart to race, whose wicked smile caused her stomach to flutter, and whose touch caused her breath to quicken. She thought of a man whose involvement in her life was the result of a careless wager with his best friend, and whose ultimate goal was to marry her off to another stranger in another city in the course of less than a year.
Rey wondered if meeting Kylo and coming to Caserta was perhaps the biggest mistake of her life.
Little did she know that downstairs, as Hux indulged in a glass of port and smoked his cheroot, Kylo sat with his friend, moody and quiet, his drink untouched, wondering the very same thing.
