Sorry for all the confusion with the names last chapter. I'm having all sorts of problems with my Word program, which I've discovered hasn't been saving properly...a terrifying prospect for a writer! I'll make sure to check more carefully when I upload the chapters to FFn in future.
We're getting to the part where some of you are going to want to throttle our not-so-gentlemanly Viscountward. All I can say is he is a product of his times and station and utterly oblivious to his ingrained sexism, classism, innate entitlement, and general boorishness. He does have a good heart, and he is 'teachable,' which in my opinion, is one of the most important characteristics for a hero-in-training.
xx Elise
~I~
Chapter 11 - Reputation
Bella ducked her head as Edward led her into the inn. A single young lady dining alone with an unrelated gentleman was unacceptable by society's standards. A servant dining with her master was so far beyond the pale as to be virtually incomprehensible, or so she had always believed.
Edward didn't seem to think so.
"My companion has been the victim of an assault." He informed the innkeeper who was eyeing her curiously. "Send for Dr Gerandy and then show us to your best sitting room. We would like a meal, but we shan't be staying the night."
"Certainly, my lord. Would ye like me to send my boy to collect yer steed? We've stables behind the inn, and I can call the farrier to look 'im over."
"Yes, do. He was ridden hard over rough ground today and could do with some attention."
"I'll get me boy right on it." The innkeeper bobbed his head and showed them to a modest but well-appointed sitting room, a small dining table in one corner.
"How lovely," Bella said, struggling to hide her chagrin at the odd looks the innkeeper kept sending her way.
"What is it?" Edward drew her down to sit beside him on the settee once they were alone. "Is your arm causing you pain, or are you still upset over the attack?"
"It is neither," she said. "I am worried about my reputation."
"Your reputation?" He laughed, though not unkindly. "That, my darling girl, is one of the few benefits of being a member of the working class. Your reputation is of little consequence."
Bella wasn't so sure about that, though it wasn't Bella Brown's reputation she was worried about but her own. Masquerading as a servant would dent it considerably, but in light of Lord Hunter's perfidy, and with the benefit of the Duke of Worthington's patronage, she hoped not beyond repair. Spending time alone with a gentleman in a public inn was another matter entirely.
"You have nothing to fear, I promise." Edward gently stroked her shoulder.
"But what will people think?"
"What does it matter?"
Unsure how to explain her concerns, Bella decided upon a partial truth. "My father warned me I should protect my reputation at all costs."
"That is understandable. With your beauty, charm, and education, he probably had hopes of seeing you marry higher than your station, a barrister, doctor, or retired officer, I imagine. Maybe even a country squire."
"Something like that," she murmured, Edward's assumption fitting with the story she had devised.
"But surely you must see that's no longer possible?" He ran his fingers softly down her cheek. "You have travelled halfway across the country unchaperoned and are working as a maid. Your reputation, such as it was, is damaged beyond repair."
"It is?" Bella whimpered, her distress at his revelation tempered by the feel of his caress.
"I am afraid so. You've spent considerable time alone in my company. After my actions today, everyone will assume we have already been intimate . . . in my office." He kissed her cheek, and Bella held her breath. "And in the library." He kissed her other cheek, and she released it on a sigh.
Intimate? She should ask Edward to explain what he meant, since he had just informed her that her life was effectively ruined, but all she could focus on was the feel of his lips brushing against her skin.
A knock sounded at the door, and she startled.
"Don't worry. It's probably the doctor. There is no need to be afraid." He bid their visitor enter, introducing him as Dr Gerandy.
"I hear you have had a distressing afternoon, young lady." The middle-aged gentleman noted.
"A man tried to steal my bag," Bella said, while attempting to smooth her tousled hair. "He tore my bonnet from my head then grabbed my arm and gave me quite a shake, but I don't believe it's too badly hurt."
"How about you let me be the judge of that."
The doctor reached for the buttons on the front of her gown, and Bella's hands rose in protest.
"I need only raise my sleeve for you to see the bruise," she said, her gaze flitting to Edward's.
"Her dress and stockings must be removed, so I can make a proper examination." The doctor directed his words to Edward, who gave his permission with a nod.
"Is that strictly necessary?" Bella asked, piqued to be left out of the conversation.
The doctor looked to Edward, further raising her ire.
"Humour me?" Repeating his earlier request, Edward knelt beside her. When he lifted her hand and brushed the back of her fingers with his lips, her resistance melted away.
"Very well. But could you both step outside, please?"
"There is no need to put on an act on my behalf," the doctor said. "You have nothing I haven't seen before, and I'm sure the view's not new to his lordship."
"I beg your pardon?" Bella gaped at the man before looking to Edward.
"I have only just taken Miss Brown under my protection," he said, rubbing the back of his neck with his hand.
"Oh, I see." The doctor scowled. "I shall return in a moment."
"Are you sure you don't want me to stay and assist you?" Edward asked once the man had departed.
"No, that won't be necessary," she said, clutching the front of her gown.
He smiled. "Oh, sweetheart, you really are an innocent, aren't you?"
"Well, yes, I suppose. Is there something wrong with that?"
"Not in the least." He kissed her forehead before leaving her to undress in private.
With her hair in disarray, and wearing nothing but her chemise, Bella felt decidedly vulnerable. The bruise on her arm stood out against her fair skin, and the doctor discovered another one on her thigh beneath the hem of her chemise. When he went to lift it higher, she stayed his hand.
"Are you certain that is absolutely necessary, sir?" she asked.
"You weren't molested?"
Bella frowned, unsure of his definition of the word. Being horribly manhandled didn't seem to qualify, though she felt it should.
"Were you violated? Interfered with in a sexual manner?" he continued, and she shook her head uncertainly.
"You do know what I'm talking about?"
"I have some idea," she said. "The man made threats, ones I have heard before, but I am not exactly sure what his carrying them out would have entailed."
"Good heavens!" The doctor sat back. "You are a virgin."
"Most definitely," she assured him. The good ladies of Forkton had made it very clear she was to remain a virgin until her wedding night. They had been less forthcoming about how one might lose one's virginal status, though Bella gathered sharing a bed with a man was the primary factor, something she had not done.
"I don't mean to pry, miss," the doctor said. "But what is a young lady of your obvious distinction doing in such a predicament? Have you fallen on hard times?"
"I have been orphaned, I'm afraid." She made the admission sadly. "Before my father died, he told me to come to Worthington Hall. He said I would be safe there, which has mostly been the case. Lord Masen has been very kind. He has taken it upon himself to keep watch over me, and after today, he says he shan't be letting me out of his sight."
The doctor snorted. "Yes, I received the same impression. I fear you have escaped the frying pan only to land in the fire. Far be it for me to question a marquis, but is he aware of your sheltered upbringing?"
Bella nodded, and the man sighed.
"Well, there's nothing for it then. At least he seems to have a care for your well-being. I doubt he'll be too rough with you."
Alarmed by his words, she wanted to ask their meaning, but they were interrupted by a knock at the door. She barely had time to reach for her dress and hold it in front of her before Edward walked into the room.
"What's the verdict?" he asked, his gaze roaming Bella's barely covered form.
"Just some minor grazes and a few contusions, my lord. I recommend the young miss apply a comfrey and witch-hazel unguent to reduce the swelling on her arm."
"Have the account sent up to the Hall, and I shall make sure you receive prompt payment."
The doctor bowed to Edward then collected his bag.
"Take care, Miss Brown." He nodded his head respectfully, improving her opinion of his manner.
Edward seemed amused by the man's actions and eyed her ruefully. "Your governess should be commended for doing an exemplary job. You could almost pass for a legitimate member of society if it wasn't for the fact you are here with me alone."
Bella laughed, the sound bordering on hysteria. "No, that wouldn't be at all acceptable, would it?"
"Not in the least." He leaned down to whisper close to her ear. "Which is why I am very grateful you are not a real lady."
Her gasp changed to a whimper when he nuzzled the side of her neck with his lips.
"You needn't worry. I promise to take good care of you, very good care." He stood and moved towards the door. "Starting with giving you a chance to refresh yourself while I let the staff know we are ready for our dinner."
Bella nodded dumbly as he departed, overwhelmed by the realisation of her dramatically changed circumstance. A maid arrived to assist her and show her to the ladies withdrawing room where she was able to use a washcloth and comb to repair the afternoon's damage. As she brushed and restyled her hair, grateful for Angela's lessons, she contemplated Edward's endearments and caresses. He had said such sweet things and kissed her cheeks and forehead several times now. At the memory, her lips tingled in anticipation of the same. There was no denying she wanted him to kiss her even knowing it would be the final nail in the coffin of her reputation.
A sound erupted from Bella's throat, half sob, half groan.
If Edward was correct, her reputation was long dead and already buried, and that was without taking Lord Hunter's scandalous lies into account. It appeared she had failed her father in spectacular fashion. Appealing to the Duke for help upon his return was no longer an option. The last thing she wanted was to have her shame publicly revealed, her father's name dragged even further through the mud. Neither did she want Edward's part in her downfall to become known. While she didn't think the consequences to him would be substantial—the standards gentlemen were held to seeming vastly different to those for young ladies—he did not deserve to be tarnished with the brush of her ruination. He believed her a commoner and did not know that, in keeping her safe, he had done her irreparable harm.
Bella's stomach lurched, as she considered another possible ramification of her identity becoming known. Edward might think she had tricked him into compromising her, hoping to force a marriage. A girl from her village had allowed a complacent suitor to kiss her at a garden party, making sure they were seen. The wedding had occurred forthwith, and the groom had not looked happy.
Shaking her head, Bella acknowledged the absurdity of the notion. No lady in her right mind would go to the lengths she had been required to for the purpose of procuring a husband. Compromising oneself was a risky endeavour, the fate of another young lady from her district a tragic example. She had found herself in a right pickle when her beau had refused to do the honourable thing after taking liberties with her person—what, exactly, was never disclosed—and was rendered unmarriageable. She was forced to take a position as a governess to a family with seven children in a remote part of Wales. Two years later, her parents were yet to come out of hiding, and her younger sister's prospects had been severely diminished.
Bella put her discouraging thoughts aside when Edward returned, attempting a show of gratitude at his consideration.
"Plain food but generally well cooked, or so I have heard," he said after their dinner of roast lamb and spring vegetables was served. "I usually eat at the Hall where I know the cooks are exemplary." His smile was replaced by a sympathetic look when she did not respond to his jest. "You must be tired after your long day."
"A little." She smiled wanly.
"The carriage should be here shortly. You can sleep on the return journey." He reached across the table to wrap one of the curls she had left to fall on either side of her face around his finger. "You have beautiful hair, Bella. It is the most extraordinary colour."
"It is the bane of my life," she said then grimaced at the nonsensical statement. What had always seemed a terrible burden—her hair colour—was now a matter of so little consequence, she felt foolish for raising it.
"Another reason to be grateful you are no longer attempting to gain entry into society. All the ridiculous rules don't apply to you."
"There is that." Bella laughed, the sound feeble and verging on a sob. She considered herself an optimist, but counting her current blessings would make for a very short list. If it was not for the comfort she felt from Edward's presence—a counter-intuitive response indeed—she feared she would surrender to despair.
After they finished the main course, Edward insisted she remain seated and brought their dessert, apple tarts with clotted cream, to the table.
"My lord, would you mind if I asked you some questions?" she asked when she had marshalled her thoughts.
"Not at all. I would like to know what's occupying that agile mind of yours."
Uncertain how or where to begin, Bella hesitated.
"Don't be afraid," he said, reaching across the table to stroke her hand.
"I am curious as to your intentions. You have said you shan't be letting me out of your sight. Clearly, that's not a literal statement. I assume you mean you want to keep me close, but how will that work?"
"By making you my mistress." He cocked his head to the side, awaiting her response. This was the second time she had heard Edward use the phrase, and she was certain that neither time was he referring to a wife.
"What does becoming a mistress entail?"
"Other than the obvious?" He raised her hand to his lips, kissing the back of her fingers and then, shockingly, turning her hand over to place a kiss on her palm. When she didn't respond, distracted by his touch, he continued, "I want you with me as much as possible. I have tried to keep my distance, but it has proved unwise."
"But I'm a commoner." The realisation her masquerade would have to continue indefinitely caused Bella's stomach to tighten in revolt. "And you are a marquis," she added on a whisper.
"Which means I can choose whomever I please for my mistress, and I choose you."
"Will I still be a servant?"
"No, my darling girl. You will be under my protection."
Protection.
It was what he had told the doctor, what she had crossed the country in hopes of finding. But Bella had a feeling Edward's interpretation of the word and hers were not the same.
"We would spend time together?" She focused on the thing she wanted most even if it was mired in uncertainty.
"A great deal of time."
"I think I would like that," she whispered, licking her suddenly dry lips.
"I know you would." He brushed her damp lower lip with his thumb, and a shiver coursed through her.
Bella no longer feared infatuation, having long since passed that state, but after such a short acquaintance, she wasn't sure if her feelings for Edward could be described as a true and lasting love. All she knew was she desired his company more than she had any other's, and she was filled with a strange and growing hunger. Whatever her feelings indicated, they were so powerful, she couldn't imagine them ever fading. But she also couldn't, for the life of her, comprehend how they could have a relationship, an unwed couple from differing stations.
"You are so beautiful." He interrupted her musing with a caress of her cheek. "I can't wait to make you mine."
"You say the most outrageous things to me," Bella said, unable to stifle a smile.
"I plan on doing the most outrageous things to you," he answered, and she blinked. "Don't worry. I shall make sure you enjoy each and every one of them."
He kissed her cheek, her moue of disappointment not going unnoticed.
"You wanted a real kiss?"
Her cheeks flamed, but she nodded.
"So do I, but I fear if I start kissing you, I won't be able to stop."
"Heavens," she whispered, stunned by the thought of never ending kisses.
"Indeed, it shall be." Edward drew in a deep breath. "My carriage should be here by now. It is time I escorted you home."
He offered her his arm, and Bella's throat tightened at the courtly gesture. It felt like an aeon had passed since she had been treated with the respect she had been raised to expect as her due.
Walking through the inn on Edward's arm, she couldn't help noticing the speculative looks sent her way. With the horrid newspaper article at the forefront of her thoughts, and her red hair on prominent display, the questions she wanted answered about his proposed arrangement took on a desperate hue.
~I~
Until tomorrow,
xx Elise