Chapter 7

Alice had long since stopped calling me, but her voice rang through my head as I ran out through the front doors. I needed air! I pushed the front doors apart as I bolted outside, immediately met by a cool breeze.

I felt my feet stop, my breathing was ragged, but it soon slowed. I calmed down. I was surprised by how composed I became once I reached the outdoors. It felt like a great weight had been lifted. My only worry then was that I might catch a cold, and I wished I had thought to have grabbed a shawl.

My mind began to focus on one point now, as opposed to the countless thoughts that had been running through it moments ago. I heaved a sigh as I finally felt my body seize all shuddering. I decided then that if I wanted to get my thoughts together, I needed to sit down.

I walked in the direction of the woods, much less agitated than I was only minutes beforehand. The garden was just as it always was, sparklingly beautiful. As I approached the calm stream near the far wall, I noticed the small bench along its banks. I sat down and simply watched its flow; counting the few fish that I could see swimming in the pristine water.

Hours could have passed by, and I hadn't noticed.

He had paid five thousand to a man he severely disliked, to ensure the safety of a woman he doesn't even know.

I spent my time pondering the complex being that went by the name of Edward Cullen. He seemed so cold and formal towards me sometimes and on occasion… he got so close. Then, when Jacob had shown up in the house… the way he stood between us. As if he was protecting me. Very strange.

I wished I had Angela with me then; she always knew how to make ends where they didn't exist.

I relished in the thought of seeing her on Sunday, and suddenly that familiar nervousness took over as I worried if she may not be permitted to come here after what had just happened between Edward and Jacob.

However, I was pulled from my reverie by the sound of a carriage coming to a halt close to where I sat. When I looked up, the door of this phaeton was opened and I was met by an oddly expressional Jacob Black. His countenance could almost have passed for friendly.

I however was no fool.

"Miss Swan," he called, beckoning me with his hand. Habit told me I should go to him, but instinct and common sense kept me still. I gave the man a polite smile, and gracefully shook my head.

I couldn't stay there without an excuse, however; so I spoke in a calm voice that hid my true terror at seeing the man so close by, "My master told me not to leave this place. I'm afraid I cannot disobey orders, under any circumstances."

His complexion reddened. I then realised he may have hoped I had not known the new arrangements, and I suddenly felt extremely grateful for Alice's eavesdropping. I was sure he may just hop from the carriage and beat me, when…

"Mr Black, I hope you haven't been disregarding the circumstances of out agreement." That velvety voice brought a sickening pain to my stomach, along with the shiver that ran down my spine.

Jacob's intense glare met Edward and a sly grin covered his face, "On the contrary, Mr Cullen. I was merely bidding this fine lady farewell." His voice was snake-like; he played kindness as if it were common in his nature.

Edward's hand fell to my shoulder, "I am sure a fine lady like Miss Swan had nothing more than a polite farewell to give to you as well. Which is why, I wonder, are you still halted in my laneway?"

There it was; that murderous glare that was usually reserved only for myself. I pitied Edward that he should have to share the same look that haunted my dreams, but the recipient bared it rather amusedly.

Without another second gone by Jacob then slammed the door of the Phaeton shut, calling to his driver to move on before the carriage pulled off and out the gates.

I watched the quickly retreating Phaeton in wonder… and shock. Edward had done something I never could. He had shown no fear to the man that had caused me all my own. He had single-handedly put my monster in its place.

I was unable to believe how easy it had been for him. It could easily have infuriated me.

There was a gentle pressure against my shoulder as Edward squeezed it… in comfort?

"How are you feeling now, Miss Swan?"

I wanted to laugh, despite myself. How was I feeling? I had heard what was spoken between them. I knew where my fate now lay. How was I feeling after being sold? I felt like property.

And still I felt relieved.

I was undoubtedly confused.

"I'm fine." Was my own feeble response, and I knew the moment the words left my lips that he wouldn't believe me. I did not believe myself.

He made a humming noise to further prove my assurance as he rounded the bench and stopped before me. I watched as he kneeled down, now eye level with me, before he spoke, "Are you still feeling sickly?"

My brow furrowed for an instant before I remembered the earlier events of that morning. I had not eaten breakfast and Alice had kindly sent for her brother to make sure everything was alright.

"I-I believe I'm feeling better," my smile occurred naturally now. I couldn't resist meeting his calming gaze, and then I seemed to remember my place and suddenly finished my sentence, "I'm sorry. I should not have been so thoughtless as to decidedly stay out here all this time. I apologise for any inconvenience my being out here has been… Master."

And I watched as those eyes became instantly widened. As that calming gaze became anxious, confused… hurt?

"Excuse me? Miss Swan what are you talking about?" I wanted to heave a sigh of impatience. Why couldn't this man simply understand that I knew he had bought me? Why couldn't Edward simply now give me a list of commands and send me on my way? Why did he have to stay kneeling in front of me like I had mortally wounded him? Why did he have to look so ashamed?!

I cleared my throat, refraining from allowing any of those questions to leave my lips, "I… overheard the conversation between Mr Black and yourself. I'm truly sorry; I did not mean to invade my master's privacy." I made a slight inclination of my head to further prove my sincerity.

Edward still looked on as confused as before.

Moments of silence passed between us. When he seemed to have retained some form of composure he spoke with a steady, but forced voice, "Miss Swan, I'm fully aware that you heard my conversation with your previous Master." When I tilted my head, he went on to clarify, "Alice was never one to keep something from me, and I was well aware she would be listening in on us."

I did not speak, and so he went on, "I did pay Mr Black to release you, but… Miss Swan; I hope you doo not think that I would truly buy you off of Mr Black without your own consent. Thus, I did not pay for a new maid. I paid for your freedom."

I could not hide my shock, and as his own expression relaxed, I could tell he saw humour in my new found reaction. My mind continued to swirl around his last words, until common sense found the correct response,

"I- Mr Cullen! I cannot allow this!"

It was his turn to be taken aback. Before he could speak I continued, "You must understand; I have been a slave since my childhood. My mother was a slave, and I never knew my father. All I have ever known to be is a worker, a maid… a servant. I…" I continued to ramble incoherently for what felt like a century. I needed him to understand that this was all I knew. Freedom wasn't something I knew how to manage.

I was startled into silence when his soft hand came up and touched my cheek. I met his eyes then, steady, positive; all the things I wished I could be. His next words were smooth and simple, "Let me teach you to become more."

They were smooth and simple.

And they sent my heart racing.

I reluctantly moved away from his touch, "Mr Cullen, what may I ask has come over you?"

Before another word could be uttered, his eyes seemed to widen in some form of comprehension. His hand fled from me in an instant, and he was back on his feet before I had time to register that he had moved.

He straightened himself, and now spoke in a much more formal tone. As much as it upset me to hear someone speak like this to me, I knew it must be done. I was his now. Let him do as he will.

"Although your persistence to serve for my family is unnecessary, it is admirable and you are welcomed. If this is truly what you only feel comfortable with, then so be it. I have been in search of a new Head Housekeeper for quite some time. I have a feeling you'll fit the job perfectly."

I was speechless. He was giving me a job that would earn me more than I had ever made working for anyone else. I had to wonder why, but at that moment all I could do was be grateful.

"T-thank you." I curtsied and Edward made a slight bow before straightening up again.

His sly smile made me think this suited himself more than he would immediately let on. His eyes flashed from those cold emerald orbs once more, back to the warm gaze that I had been reluctantly fighting off all day, "Please though, Miss Swan. If I am to hire you… just don't call me 'Master'." He spoke the last word as if it were some form of gruesome disease.

I could allow that.

"Of course, Mr Cullen."

And he smiled.

I only noticed then how late into the after-noon it was. The day has passed by in a blur. Edward turned and encouraged me to follow him with his gaze. We made it back to the house in a comfortable silence; only broken as we ascended the front steps. It was Edward who broke this silence, "You may start tomorrow. Whatever time you feel comfortable with. I'll have your new quarters set up for tonight. Alice will most likely show you to them before the evening is out."

I was still trying to understand how some maids were treated with respect. It was a concept, foreign to me. I quietly thanked him as I approached the doors. Before I could open them however, Edward spoke up again, "Oh, and one more thing Miss Swan. Although you will be working for us, I still expect you to accompany myself in the library every evening after dinner. We had previous arrangements and I must insist that you keep to them."

I met his gaze. He looked almost worried. I wanted to laugh, oh I truly did. Instead I made a slight bow of my head and assured him that I would keep it at the top of my priorities. Then we entered the house— I was home.


The next day I forced myself to rise early.

Alice had shown me my new room. I was undoubtedly shocked to discover that the Cullens gave their Head Housekeeper her own room. I couldn't help but shake the feeling that I was being treated specifically well however.

My room was just opposite Alice's, with Edward's two doors to the left of my own; between which was a large closet. Emmet had a room on this floor as well, though I still did not know where. I had only witnessed Alice and Edward retire to their rooms the night before.

I stretched sleepily, rubbing my eyes as I gazed around at my living dream. My room was beautiful. Unlike many of the rooms in the Cullen house, this room was designed in a beautiful blue theme. My bed… well, I was still having trouble describing just how amazingly comfortable it was by the time I had risen.

As I pulled back the poufy blankets I twisted out of the bed and padded my way over to the wardrobe at the opposite wall. Alice had fitted me the day before and my uniform was prepared by the time I was heading to bed. I carefully extracted the clothing from the wardrobe and gathered myself into it.

It felt… soft… comfortable. I had trouble remembering I was a maid. Quickly tying the apron around the back I headed out of my room.

The house was peacefully quiet; it was still far too early for any of the Cullen family to be awake. I made no hesitation in walking towards the kitchen. I had been told to meet with a young woman by the name of Jessica Stanley. When I reached the kitchen I swallowed any anxiety before it could grow on me and I quickly opened the door.

A few looked up as I entered. The Chef, who had been in the middle of preparing bacon for breakfast, gave me a quick smile before getting back to work. The other kitchen workers were all quite kind faced too.

I then realised I hadn't really moved from the door. I took two steps inside. I was hoping to easily find,

"Jessica!" a young maid called, "The new Housekeeper is here." This woman then turned to face me. Judging from her appearance I would have assumed she may have Spanish ties; her hair was straight and raven-black, she had gentle brown eyes. She smiled easily as she spoke with a foreign yet smooth accent, "A pleasure to meet you, ma'am. My name's Miranda."

"Isabella," I replied, holding my hand out. She took it. "Although, I prefer Bella."

"Bella. What a lovely name." her smile was almost as contagious as Alice's. She spoke in a bubbly voice, "Well, I hope you don't find yourself in any trouble here. We all consider ourselves to be family. Miss Alice encourages it too. I tend to be a little informal, unless you'd rather I addressed you by your surname?"

It took me a moment to realise what she had asked me. I soon shook my head, assuring her that I had no trouble being called by my first name.

"That's great," her tone was obviously relived. Then in a much more hushed tone she added, "I think the only one around here that has a problem with it is Jessica… but don't let her get to you."

I couldn't help but think that when she gave me that piece of advice, it may have been meant especially for me. I nodded quickly, but before I could say any more a new voice filled the kitchen.

"Alright, where is this girl?"

I turned abruptly, only to face a woman of my own age, but much shorter. She had brown hair, a little lighter than mine, tied back in a loose bun with a few strands framing her face. Her blue-grey eyes were a nice colour. She could have looked pretty, was she not scowling.

"'You Isabella Swan?" she asked, scrutinising me with her gaze.

"I'm she, yes. I assume you're Miss Stanley." I noticed her surprise at my formality, a small smile betrayed and she nodded curtly.

"Well lets get this over with." Her voice was snappish as she quickly called around to everyone else in the room, naming them and explaining their duties to me. I wished I had brought some ink and paper. When she had listed off everyone there she then turned on me once more, "You're job is to make sure everyone here does theirs. On top of that you have the duty of glossing everything up and making positive no duty is left half done. You think you're going to be able for that?"

I could tell she was trying to intimidate me, and I could only smile as I assured her of my capabilities.

Miranda then kindly added, "Jessica, why would Dr Cullen have bought Bella had he thought she was unable to handle the job?"

I swore I heard Jessica scoff before mumbling something along the lines of, "Why indeed…" But I paid no heed.

And the woman left. Miranda approached me once more, "She's a little grouchy, but you get used to it. You handled her pretty well." She began digging through her pockets and produced a folded piece of paper, "Here," she handed it to me, "It's a list of all the chores that need to be done. If you think you need any help with anything just ask. You also have the job of assigning us to our duties."

I audibly gulped, causing the raven-haired woman to laugh, "Don't worry. We usually take up jobs on our own. That's really just a check list for you to use. Just go around and make sure the list is completed."

I felt myself relax, "Thank you, Miranda."

She smiled that contagious smile again, "No problem, Bella." She then beckoned me to follow her as she approached the chef, "Breakfast is usually served at about ten each morning, and Mr Emmet and Miss Alice rather like to sleep in. Dr Cullen often rises before-hand though. It's not uncommon for him to wander in her to make himself tea or a sandwich. He's quite independent of our help usually. The same goes for all of the Cullens in fact."

She approached a small cleared counter and continued, "Each morning we serve out the family's meals, and then we come back for our own."

I couldn't help but furrow my brow, "We eat with the family?"

She seemed a little surprised by my question, "Well… yes. Once we have served the family we all gather at the opposite end of the table, just for privacy. Was it not that way with you?"

"No."

She made no other inquiries about my previous home and returned to naming tasks and procedures in a calm and easily understandable manner.

I was startled when the kitchen door flew open. Back at the Black Manor, that could only mean one thing — someone was in trouble. That someone was usually me.

I was relieved beyond words when Edward entered, though his back was to me he seemed flustered.

"Has anyone seen Miss Swan?" he immediately inquired.

Miranda cleared her throat from beside me and Edward turned round. His eyes met mine and I saw him visibly relax, he then took me in, eyeing the uniform I wore.

"I see… I see you've settled in already."

I nodded, "No time like the present."

He didn't look very pleased, though still better than he had when he entered.

I felt a small force press against my arm. I looked over to see Miranda nudging me. Her eyes quickly darted from myself to Edward and back again.

I internally cringed before facing Edward once again, "Uhm, can I get you anything Mr Cullen?"

He seemed taken aback by the offer. His Realisation dawned on him however and then he merely seemed bashful, "It's alright, I can handle myself perfectly fine Miss Swan."

I smiled, "I'm well aware of that fact Mr Cullen," before he could leave I continued, "But I believe it would benefit me greatly in finding my way about this kitchen. So, if you don't mind…"

His furrowed brow smoothed, and the corners of his lips began to twitch, "Very well, Miss Swan. Would you please prepare a pot of tea?"

I nodded, "I believe it's within my capability."

His faint smile enhanced some as he turned, "I'll wait out in the Dining room." Before he left he looked back, "Oh, and Miss Swan. Bring out two cups, if you don't mind."

My brow furrowed but I bowed in response, "As you wish."

Once he had left, Miranda appeared in front of me.

"Is this a joke?" she asked plainly, "Or does Mr Cullen seem to have a slight infatuation for you, Bella?"

My cheeks caught fire, "W-what?! That's preposterous!"

I quickly side-stepped her, hiding my blush as I took up a pot and filled it with water, before setting it on the stove. As I fiddled with the knobs Miranda returned to my side and helped me, "Are you certain? I have worked here for over two years. I have seen Mr Cullen on both good and bad days, but I have never seen him with that expression… well… not since…" she trailed off, finishing lighting the stove before moving away.

"Since what?" I found myself asking before I had thought about it.

Her mousey brown eyes widened momentarily before she looked down at her feet, "It's not for me to discuss… It is Mr Cullen's personal business and I have never heard him speak of it since its occurrence." She looked back up at me, almost shamefully, "Please forgive me, Bella. I just wouldn't feel right discussing it. I'm sure the others wouldn't mind telling you if you asked, but…"

I shook my head, "No, no… Thank you, Miranda. I don't think I would inquire after Mr Cullen's personal affairs for my own amusement."

She smiled, "I'm relieved. I thought I might be taking to you a little too quickly. I'm glad to hear you're not simply fooling us, Bella."

I pressed my back against the kitchen door, pushing it open as I carried the tray out to the dining room. It was only about eight, breakfast would not be for another two hours, and Edward sat at the table in a relaxed manner. His eyes seemed to be scanning a letter. As I approached the table he looked up and subtly returned the paper to his pocket.

I placed the tea pot down along with the two cups.

"Will that be all?" I asked politely, not wanting to disturb him for very long.

Edward smiled up at me once more, "Care to join me?"

I blinked a few times, before registering what he had asked. I agreed out of politeness— at least that's what I told myself. I couldn't help but think about what Miranda had said only just earlier. Edward seemed different around me… she noticed it, and I had thought I noticed something in his manner.

Infatuation…

I wanted to scoff.

"Miss Swan?"

His velvety voice broke through my reverie. I shook my herd, "S-sorry?"

He merely smiled, "Do you take sugar?"

"Oh, yes. Two please."

He handed me my cup before filling his own. I sipped at the drink, allowing the warmth wash over me.

"Are you alright?"

I nodded, relaxing into my seat, "Yes, actually. I'm quite happy." I took another sip before looking over at Edward. He was watching me. When my eyes met his however, he looked away.

"How about you?" I quickly asked, not wanting the silence to get awkward, "Did you have a good night's sleep?"

Edward shook his head, "I rarely do. I often have trouble sleeping; my father was always the same."

I was surprised by the mention of his father; all I could reply with was 'Oh'. My thoughts questioned him, and I remembered with slight mortification the morning before…

"Miss Swan, may I ask; what are you thinking?"

I jumped at his question, "What?"

His smiled was melting, "I'm sorry… you just looked so content with your thoughts. I'm usually very good at reading people. But I've noticed over the last few days that I can't seem to read you very well."

I felt my face heat up. I didn't want to deny him an answer as simple as what I had been thinking about. It wasn't extremely personal…

"I was… just thinking; you seemed to be sleeping quite peacefully the other morning… in the library." I was surely scarlet now, and when I looked up at Edward I noticed he wasn't quite far behind me.

He cleared his throat, and my gaze fell back to my cup.

"Well…" his voice was steady, and I glanced back up at his now perfectly composed face. His eyes met mine before he drained the last of his tea. He placed the cup down and smiled, "I suppose you must have some way over me, Miss Swan. I have no other explanation for it. Though, thinking about it; I had a very peaceful sleep that night."

He stood up then, while I gazed in a stupor as he bowed and turned for the door. I swore I heard him chuckle under his breath.


A/N: Edward seemed sweeter yet again in this chapter. I wonder what Miranda was talking about... ;)
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