Chapter 3
Oak Door
A/N: Hello! Thank you very much to all of you who have reviewed so far. I'm reading them all. : ) I know this chapter is very short, but I just felt like getting it out of the way so that some of the actual plot can begin! Just getting Bella settled in her new home. :P
My thoughts were completely boggled and I decided that I needed to organize and prioritize my mind. I needed to find out a few basics. How many more masters were there? What would I have to do around the house? How can I gain their trust? And how can I plan the best possible route to my happiness and freedom?
I finished my bath and wrapped myself up in a towel. I noticed Miss Alice left some undergarments on the stool. I hesitantly put them on and called out for her.
"Miss Alice, I'm finished bathing…" In truth, I did not believe she could hear me but I tried anyways. I heard a loud knock at the door and then she entered with a beautiful dark blue dress in her hands. It was simple, compared to hers, but it was the most beautiful dress I had ever been given.
"Here, put this on over what you are wearing and I'll start with your makeup."
I froze. I had never worn makeup in my life. It was reserved for Mistresses.
"Oh no, Miss Alice, I couldn't. It would not feel right; I am simply a slave here. I appreciate your kindness but I simply couldn't. You understand that I…" I rambled on, knowing I should not have spoken so out of line. She looked at me quizzically for a moment and put the makeup down.
"All right. Have it your way if it makes you so uncomfortable. But I insist you let me do your hair." I let out a sigh of relief and sat down on the chair.
"You have very nice hair… would you like a bun or a braid?" she asked me.
"A braid, if you please Miss." This was so new to me; even Jessica hated braiding my hair.
"All done Isabella." She held a mirror out for me to examine my appearance. I looked heaps better than I did during our long journey.
"Thank you" I whispered. She nodded, acknowledging me. She sat down and patted the stool next to her, indicating she wanted me to sit.
"Isabella. I know that you are new to our home so I will inform you of the necessities you need to know to function here. This is all preliminary to what Master Edward will discuss with you." She looked at me, waiting for my acknowledgement. Why did people always think I wasn't listening to them? I've had this problem with many previous Masters and it has gotten me into unpleasant situations. And just who was this Master Edward and why was he going to discuss my duties with me?
"Isabella." Spoke Alice, her voice uncharacteristically sharp. I focused my full attention on her.
" I beg your pardon Miss, I'm very sorry." She nodded and continued.
" First of all I'd like you to know that you are to obey all of the Cullen Family. That includes Master Carlisle, Lady Esme, Sir Jasper, Sir Emmett, Miss Rosalie, Master Edward, and myself." She got out in one breath. Wow, that was unanticipated. So many masters.
" Master Edward will be your primary Master, you should report to him first always and serve his needs and expectations before you tend to your housework." She elaborated. I nodded and let out a sigh.
"I know it is a lot to absorb at the moment, but please bear with me." She smiled. I returned the gesture with a weak smile.
" He will discuss those things with you in about an hour or so. But as for your basic duties this winter you will be on kitchen staff and cleaning staff. During warmer months you will be asked to help with landscaping, since Lady Marianne apparently made it a point that you excel at that?" she looked at me for a confirmation.
"Err…. I would not use the word excel to describe my abilities in physical labor Miss…" I answered truthfully. It did not matter though; I would not be living here during the summer months, or even spring months. I wanted to go home.
"Very well, we will think more about that when the time is right. As I was saying… about your living quarters. We have slave corridors, which you are probably familiar with. Margaret is the head servant and she will direct you for all of your personal needs. Okay?" She finished and pretended to look exhausted after delivering a heap of information.
"Yes, Miss Alice I understand. Thank you for sharing all of that with me." Hell. It seemed simple enough, I could find myself in a routine. The only issue was the amount of Masters I would have to obey and somehow find a way around. I only hoped Master Edward would be merciful and lenient, I could wish.
"Okay! Now that all of the formal information is over with, would you like to see a tour of the house so you can get a better sense of your duties?" It did not seem like a question, more of an enthusiastic demand.
"Alright, lead the way Miss." I answered, getting up from the stool. I could hear the wind howling from outside, it was snowing. I shivered.
"Don't worry, it is warmer downstairs Let's go."
Miss Alice and I walked around the estate for about an hour and a half. It was more enormous that I could have possibly imagined. It would be impossible to learn my way around this place, and I was already lost. Alice looked at the time.
"Oh my! Edward will be looking for you soon. He told me that he wanted you in his study in… about 10 minutes from now. I have to go attend to Sir Jasper, will you find your way okay?" she asked, only slightly concerned. She had a confident expression; did she know I would find my way? I hoped so.
"Absolutely Miss. Thank you very much for the tour, I appreciate it a great deal." I curtsied towards her and she was already off on her way. I looked after her. Why was she so graceful and quick? I shook my head and sighed angrily. These people were unusually kind so far, and I did not want to hurt them intentionally. But, from what I knew, Masters could change their demeanor in a heartbeat and lash out on unsuspecting slaves, simply because "they owned them." I would just have to keep reminding myself of my mission, and I would have to complete it.
Now, to find Master Edward's study…. Miss Alice did not show me the wing of the house that included the private quarters of the Masters and Mistresses. I figured if I just retraced my way back to the bathroom and went from there I would be fine. So that's what I did. I heard a clock chime and realized it must have already struck the hour. I was late. I broke out into a cold sweat. I had no idea where I was. Should I go right, left, straight? I ran blindly, opening doors frantically. I was hysterical. My old mistress, Clarice would kick me mercilessly, one swift kick for every minute I was late. I swung open a thick oak door, just like I had the past 5 doors, but this one hit something- hard. I heard a growl. A growl. Shit! Without thinking, I bolted in the other direction down the hall. I heard a cold, angry, but beautiful voice yelling my name.
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