AN- Here's is another long update for you guys! I work really hard on this story so I hope that those who read it could give me your opinions. It will be very much appreciated! Thanks to those of you who encourage me to continue. Enjoy!
Chapter 4
Jacob…There was no Jacob in the days to come. Everyone barred her from leaving the house, and intercepted messages that were sent to Jacob's home. Once, she managed to sneak outside to call on him, but the Baron, Jacob's father, paid no heed to her pleads. He dismissed her stating that Jacob was not home. She caught the fear in his eyes just before he closed the door in her face.
If Bella was ever afraid of anything, it was the power of the Cullen name. She had no doubt the Duchess had spoken to the Baron and made it clear that she was to become Lady Cullen soon. Turning to leave, Bella felt like her heart had been sliced in two by the very man she loved most.
Edward's accusations hit her like a ton of bricks. 'You speak about love, and where exactly is this undying love you seem to cling to? Where is he, Bella? Why isn't he offering to marry you? Why isn't he fighting for you?' She didn't know why Jacob haven't even spoken to her since the day he walked in on them. But she did know he wasn't doing anything to stop the wedding.
The wedding…To Bella, it was more like her funeral. One that never seemed to end with a million guests all trying to catch a glimpse of what she looked like. Her mother had to pinch her cheeks a few hundred times in order to bring color to the paleness that never seemed to leave her face. Good, let them all think she was catching her death, she sure felt like she already had.
People thought she and Edward were a perfect match and how Lady Lovejoy's soiree has brought them to their union. The dull ache in her heart caused a haze that clouded her eyes through the whirlwind celebrations. She didn't even realize it was over until she was neatly placed in a carriage engraved with the Cullen crest.
"We are going to my- our London home," Edward announced once the carriage started moving.
There were no more words until the carriage pulled to a stop. His servants were lined up to greet her, but Bella simply did not care. Nor did she care when the younger, female servants boldly stared daggers at her, probably hating the fact that she was married to their Lord so suddenly before he had a chance to bed them.
Edward guided her upstairs to what seemed like his bedchamber and sat her down on the edge of the bed with him beside her.
"You haven't spoken a word," He said softly.
"What would you have me say?" Bella asked.
Edward left out a long sigh and stood up pacing the floor in front of her.
Tears came to her eyes as she realized this was their wedding night. A wedding night she dreamed of with Jacob stolen by the very man she married. Surely, Edward didn't expect her to give what she wasn't willing in the first place, would he? So, what if he did? Oh, but what would she do if he forced himself upon her at this very moment? What objections could she give? He has every right to demand and take her for she was his legal wife.
"Will you take me?" The questioned quivered out of her for she was trembling in hatred and fear.
"Not if you don't want me to," He replied.
"I don't want you to," Bella stated.
"I see that there will be no honeymoon period. Therefore, I'm letting you know that I will leave for Rochester early tomorrow morning. I have business I need to discuss. I will be gone for a few days. You have everything at your disposal," Edward announced calmly.
Then, he was gone. She wept for the life she would never have with Jacob.
Bella found it odd that the next morning, no maid or servant came to wake her nor see to her morning attire. She dressed herself and washed her face with frigid water that chilled her to the bone. Then, she proceeded downstairs where she ran into a young maid.
The girl looked no older than she, but a scorn was forever etched in her face it seemed. There was no polite greeting and if Bella hadn't stopped the girl, she would've kept walking. For such a rich Lord as her husband, he had the most atrocious servants ever.
However, Bella remained polite and composed.
"May I ask when will breakfast be ready?" Bella queried.
The girl gave a haughty huff, "How should I know?"
If the girl was in her father's employment at home, she would've thrown her out onto the streets long ago. But Bella decided not to cause a scene; after all, she had no intentions of taking her place as Lady Cullen.
"Could you please check with the cook, please? I'll be waiting in the sitting room," Bella turned on her heel after catching a glimpse of disdain on the girl's face.
With her stomach grumbling, Bella waited for over an hour and heard nothing. No tea was delivered either. What kind of a household was this? Did Edward know his servants were surely lacking?
"Stevens!" Bella called for the butler, the one servant she did remember from the introductions late last night.
The old butler appeared shortly, "Yes, Milady?"
"I was wondering if breakfast has been prepared," Bella said.
Stevens knotted his eyebrows in confusion, "Why, yes, Milady. Have you not had breakfast yet at this hour?"
Bella shook her head and Stevens gasped, "But it's nearly noon!"
"Could you kindly see to it that I may have my lunch?" Bella asked.
Stevens nodded, "I will serve you myself, Milady."
Surely, Stevens delivered her lunch within a few minutes. The ham was left deliberately cold and halfway cooked with a soggy mess that looked like vegetables. Obviously, someone was trying to provoke her. First, no breakfast and now scraps for lunch.
"Is something wrong, Milady?" Stevens asked.
"I've suddenly do not wish to eat. Pray excuse me," Bella rose from the table.
Making her way to kitchens, Bella wished to have a word with the cook when she heard two low voices speaking back and forth. She recognized the scornful girl's tone and stepped back in a crevice before they could see her, but she had a clear view of them.
"I hope she chokes on the ham," The scornful girl said hatefully.
"Say, Mila, don't you think it's wrong? After all, she is the Lady of the house," Another voice said.
Mila, the scornful girl, sighed in annoyance. "I say she deserves it, Lindy. It's probably because of her that the Lord has been in such a vile mood. I can't get anywhere close to him."
Lindy gave a mocking laugh, "Do you think a Lord such as him will lain with a servant girl like you?"
"A Lord like him gets lonely. You just have to pick the right time to persuade him," Mila retorted.
"Have you seen her? What does she look like?" Lindy questioned curiously.
"Can you believe it? She's about the same age as us, and she expects me to serve her. It's like I were serving my sister!" Mila exclaimed.
Bella retreated back upstairs to her chamber. The nerve of those servant girls to speak about her in such a way! She had not made an enemy out of them, so, why do they hate her? Because she was married to their Lord? How absurd! And utterly annoying. She was simply hated for being tied down to the object of their desire. But something Mila said caught her attention. That Edward had been in a terrible mood over her. Well, she could think of a few reasons why she would be in a terrible mood over him.
Dinner was a disaster when Stevens asked Mila to served her for he had an errand to take care of. Her potatoes were rotten and her meat was extremely salty. Again, Bella feigned she had no appetite and ordered a bath. She could've sworn she saw the corners of Mila's mouth tilt up.
When Bella slipped into her bath, the water was tepid at best and by the time she was done. She was shivering from head to toe with a dying fire to warm her. Bella had no doubt that this was all Mila's doing. The girl seemed to be running the servants of this household. Bella wondered if Edward knew exactly what kind of maid he hired or if he hired the girl to torture her. Shivering from the cold, Bella climbed into bed and huddled for warmth.
The next day, Bella was leisurely reading a book by her window when the door to her chamber suddenly opened. Mila dumped a pile of clothing on the floor. Bella stared at the heap before it made sense to her that it was all her dirty gowns she sent to be washed.
"What is the meaning of this?" Bella stood up.
"What does it look like?" Mila replied.
"Soiled clothes that you should be washing," Bella said trying to keep her anger in check.
"If you want it washed, go do it yourself. Everyone is busy," Mila whirled around to leave.
The red haze of anger nearly brought Bella to her knees. If this was Edward's punishment for denying him, it was too much. No servant had ever dared speak of her in such a way. Ever since stepping into his home, she had received nothing but hostility and disrespect. She was the only daughter of a Viscount, doted on and waited on hand and foot. But since marrying him, she had cooked her own food for that was the only way she could eat anything. She had heated her own bath water so she wouldn't freeze to death, and now it seemed she would be washing her own clothes.
With a stubborn streak of will, Bella carried her clothes to the stream that ran across the back of the house. If this was her punishment, she would take it and when he returned, she would let him know that there's no way she could live like this. Surely, he had planned his servants to act like this for her benefit or lack thereof. Because why would a servant dare behave on her own in such a brazen way? Bella was sure Edward hated her just as much as she hated him and this was his revenge.
Angrily, Bella scrubbed, pounded, rinsed, and squeezed until her hands were raw and aching. It was then that the pain she felt in her hands was the same as the pain in her heart. Unchecked tears rolled down her cheeks until she sobbed silently by the steam that carried her sorrow away.
Edward felt almost exuberant by the time his carriage pulled up to his London home. For the few days that he left, all he could think about was Bella and how she was fairing. He worried and wondered if she settled into her role as Lady Cullen smoothly. He couldn't help thinking the whole time he was away that he should've never left her in the first place.
Before the carriage fully stopped moving, Edward hopped out and up the steps of his home. He wanted to see with his own eyes that Bella was well. For the oddest reason, he sensed that something was wrong the whole time he was away from her. So, he decided to check in on her himself.
"Where is your Lady, Stevens?" Edward asked when the butler opened the door.
"Glad to have you back home, Milord. Milady is still sleeping in her chamber," Stevens replied taking Edward's hat.
Edward stopped himself from running upstairs and throwing Bella's door open. It felt like an eternity otherwise.
"Bella?" He called from outside the door.
No reply, Edward turned the knob and pushed in. She was asleep on the bed, though it seemed like a fitful one. Her gown was not changed into a nightdress and when he drew closer, there were visible streaks of tears on her face. Edward's heart clenched, she'd been crying? Her youthfully smooth face was sculpted in a frown even in her sleep. Had he hurt her by leaving so abruptly? Surely, it wasn't that, was it?
Something nudged her and her muscles protested in response, which provoked a groan from her throat. She was so achy all over but the nudging continued with more force.
"Bella…" The voice called.
She allowed her eyes to open and took in Edward's form. He was caressing her cheek, more specifically, the tear streaks on her cheek. Bella turned away.
"You're home," She said lamely stretching out her sore limbs.
"Are you not happy to see me? Not even in the least?" He questioned a hint of hurt in his voice.
The look on her face was anything but happy. She looked about to burst into tears.
"Bella, what is the matter?" He pressed.
She refused to answer. It was then that the sunlight crept across her features from the window in her room. He noted the dark shadows under her eyes, the slight hollowness in her cheeks and the wariness in her body. If she wasn't his wife, he would've thought her a working girl.
He leaned in closer to observe her but she placed a hand on his chest. He put his hand over hers, "Won't you tell me what's wrong?"
Then, he felt it. Not the gentle softness of a Lady's hands, but the chafed skin of a working girl. His Bella was no working girl. He lifted her hand to study the dryness and the small bloody cracks that were not there before he had left. What in the blazes happened during his absence?
"Bella, tell me what happened to you," He demanded turning his sharp green eyes on her.
"Shouldn't you know?" Bella yanked her hand back and walked around the edge of the bed.
"What are you talking about?" Edward asked.
"Didn't you order your servants to leave me to my own devices before you left as a form of punishment? I'll have you know that it's been received," Bella said.
Edward rounded the bed to stand before her, "Bella, I would love to understand what you're talking about."
She glared at his confused expression, "I'll have you know that while you were gone, I cooked, heated my own bath water, and washed my own laundry. Imagine the daughter of a Viscount doing that kind of work."
Edward shook his head. "Don't act like you don't know!" Bella exclaimed.
"I don't. So, please, enlighten me!" Edward demanded. "Why did you cook and heated your own bath water? And washed your own laundry? Is that why your hands are scraped raw?"
"I cooked because it's the only reason I could eat food that wasn't spoiled or raw. I heated my own bath water because it was sent to me cold as ice. And I washed my own clothes because your servants were too busy!" Bella raged.
"My servants were too busy?" Edward asked in disbelief.
"After you left, I could not find a servant besides Stevens to bring breakfast lest heat my bath water," Bella declared.
"Bella, I have 10 servants in my employ just for this home alone. You met them all when I brought you home," He said.
"I never saw them after you left. Just Stevens and a maid named Mila. Didn't you tell them all to leave me to my own devices?" Bella asked.
Edward shook his head, "I told them to do whatever you asked."
"I don't believe you," Bella murmured softly.
It surprised her when he grasped her wrist firmly but gently and started pulling her into the hallway and down the stairs.
"Where are you taking me?" Bella asked.
"To clear up this matter," Edward replied pulling her into his side when they reached the bottom stair.
"Milord, is there something you need?" Stevens asked upon seeing his Lord and Lady from the foyer.
"I want every servant in my employ to present themselves to me," Edward ordered.
When Stevens didn't jump to it, Edward emphasized, "Now."
While waiting, Bella started to scratch the itch in her chafe hands.
Edward gave her a disapproving look, "Don't scratch it."
"It itches," Bella complained.
"Endure it a while longer. I will apply a salve after we have a chat with my employ," Edward said.
From the sternness of his jaw and the hardness in his eyes, it seemed like the chat was going to be a one way conversation. With him doing all of the talking.
Then, every servant filed into the hall, including Stevens. Bella hardly recognized any of them for she only saw them once except for Mila, Lindy and Stevens.
"Stevens, have you any idea why my wife hasn't had a decent dinner since I left?" Edward began.
"No, Milord. Milady has mentioned of no such thing," Stevens answered with genuine surprise in his eyes.
Edward looked down at her and Bella murmured, "I didn't wish to complain."
"Be that as it may, but as my servants you are to ensure the comfort of my life and also my wife's life. So, tell me why she cooked, heated her own bath water, and washed her own laundry?" Edward's voice grew louder and louder and ended with a bellow that made everyone jumped including Bella.
"What do I hire you all for?" Edward shouted.
"I am not aware that Milady has done any of those things," Stevens replied.
Bella turned to face him, "It's true. He doesn't."
"Then, who does?" Edward asked her. Bella bit her bottom lip wondering if she should point out the culprit in this mess. He saw her hesitation and turned back to his servants.
"Before I left, did I not give in order to serve my wife the way you have served me?" Edward questioned.
"You did, Sir," They replied in unison.
"Then, tell me why my wife was treated like a servant in her own home in my absence," Edward demanded. Silence fell over them all. "I shall release all of you from my employ if no one speaks up," Edward threatened.
It worked, for Lindy shot Mila a glance and stepped forward. Her head was bowed low and Bella couldn't help but think that Mila was responsible for the girl's behavior all along.
"What have you to say?" Edward's voice was stern.
"Milord, it was all Mila's doing. She refused to let us serve her Lady by taking up all our duties. We simply didn't know that she left her Lady to her own devices," Lindy said.
Bella stared at Lindy with hard eyes knowing full well that the girl did nothing to try to stop Mila, but the way she pleaded with her eyes kept Bella silent.
"Milord, don't listen to her! She's lying!" Mila exclaimed with the slightest hint of desperation.
Edward stepped away from Bella's side, "Do not dare tell me what to do in my house! My God, I should throw you out now."
Mila, for all her wickedness seemed to curl in on herself at Edward's rebuke.
"Now, Lindy, tell me what was her motivation," Edward demanded.
Lindy was trembling in fear so that her figure seemed to vibrate, "Milord, I-"
"If you do not tell me the truth now, I can make certain that the only work you can find is at an alehouse or worse," Edward warned.
The sheer terror in the girl's eyes was clear as she answered, "She was angry that you married Milady for she wished to-" Her eyes rested on Bella for a second before flitting back to Edward. "To service you," Lindy finished.
Edward rubbed his temple, "This is absurd! I cannot and will not keep a servant who does not know her place."
Mila rushed forward, "Milord, please do not send me to the alehouse! I do not wish to become the object of-"
"Silence! Do not use your course language in front of my wife," Edward ordered.
Bella turned her head to stare at Edward, for she couldn't imagine that he was protecting her ears from the language of the less educated. It was overly protective, of course, but completely unexpected. It was almost…tender.
"I beg of you, Milord," Mila's eyes were full of pleading now but not remorse.
"Stevens," Edward called.
"At your service," Stevens replied.
"See to it that she packs all of her belongings and sent straightaway to my mother. Make sure the full extent of her behavior is made known to her Grace," Edward ordered.
"Yes, Milord," Stevens steadily pulled the girl away.
Edward turned to the rest of his servants, "Let this be a lesson to whoever wishes my wife ill. Next time, I will not be so lenient. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Milord," They answered.
He took Bella's elbow and turned her toward the stairs but stopped briefly next to a plump woman who looked terribly guilty.
"I am so very disappointed in you, Mrs. Hailey," He spoke softly and a hint of hurt in his voice.
The woman, Mrs. Hailey, looked up with regret.
"Please, fetch me a salve for her Lady's hand," Edward gave the order as he guided Bella upstairs.
He sat her on the edge of her bed to examine her hands more closely with a touch so soft she barely realized it was there. Bella studied his face, there were worried lines etched in his brows and a hint of anger still in his eyes.
"What are you looking at?" He asked.
"Mrs. Hailey is-" Bella probed.
"My housekeeper, but she was always more than that. When I left my parents home, she begged my mother to go with me. How that woman does not have a backbone angers me so," Edward explained.
"It isn't her fault. People can't help who they are," Bella said.
Just then, Mrs. Hailey brought in a tray with the slave Edward requested and strips of clean linens. Bella smiled to encourage her but she was too ashamed to look up.
"You may leave," Edward dismissed taking the tray.
"Must you be so rude?" Bella asked as he dabbed a cloth with the slave.
Edward shrugged, "I'm disappointed and I shall express it so."
The smell of rotting eggs and mint filled her nostrils, "Goodness! It smells horrible and you want to put it on my hands."
"Trust me, it will heal very nicely," Edward tightened his grip on her wrist and gently dab the cloth over her cracked, blistered skin.
"I shall smell," Bella complained with a groan.
He had the nerve to crack a smile, "Maybe that's your punishment for being so daft."
"I beg your pardon," Bella gasped.
"What kind of a Lady would be bested by a servant girl if she were not daft? Any lady would've thrown the girl out of her husband's employ," Edward explained his thoughts.
Bella sighed, "I thought you told the servants to act in such a way toward me."
His green eyes were blazing again and his lips in a scowl, "You thought that because you do not see yourself as Lady Cullen. I may not have chosen you as a wife, but you are my wife now. The fact that you think I am capable of treating my wife like a servant is like a blow to the gut."
There was no doubt Bella did believe him at that moment.
"I'm sorry," Bella apologized.
"God, how am I to explain your hands to my mother or even yours? I shall never hear the end of it from my mother," He sighed continuing to work on her hands.
Bella bit her lip, "Were you really going to send Mila to the alehouse?"
He chuckled, "What? You would plead for her if I chose to?"
Bella didn't answer and Edward's head jerked up, "You were going to plead for her! I clearly do not understand you. The girl nearly turned you into a servant in your own house, yet, you wouldn't have me send her to an alehouse. Any other woman would demand it."
She shrugged, "I hear it's a horrible place for a young woman, though I am not certain what exactly goes on there."
"Let's keep it that way," Edward began to bandage her hands with strips of clean linen cloth.
"You do realize why she was being malicious, do you not?" He smirked.
"You're so handsome, it's no wonder a lowly maid wouldn't want to capture your attention," Bella spoke too quickly and couldn't catch herself in time.
He flashed her a very pleased smile, "Why, my most reluctant bride. I think you just called me handsome."
Before Bella could recover he pulled her up into his arms. There was a mischievous sparkle in his eyes as his hand rested on her lower back. Bella tugged against him but he only tightened his fingers pressing her against him.
"And do you want to capture my attention?" Edward asked as Bella's jaw fell open in shocked silence. "For I assure you, my little lamb, I will gladly give it."
Then, he brushed a feather-light kiss against her cheek before righting himself. They were a foot apart but Bella felt the blush seeping into her cheeks.
"Ah, if only you looked the blushing bride on our wedding. Perhaps, I should've stolen a kiss if I knew it would put color onto your cheeks," He gave her a wide grin.
"You are wicked!" She recovered.
Bella gasped when he winked at her, "So I am told. But if you should ever want to test the theory, I shall be a most willing participant. I assure you."
She was left staring at his back as he chuckled all the way into the hall.
to be continued…
For3ver Immortal
