Thank you guys for all the reviews. I read them all, and I love them all. Your honesty and enthusiasm has me going! I happy for all of you that are following.
keljvt: I saw your question about an EPV! Honestly, I have thought about it. I know we all want to know what is gong on through this man's head. lol. Not sure about it yet though, to answer your question. It's still a thought in process for me. I think it would be fun to do, but I would have to really think about where I would put it. Thanks for reading and reviewing
Scattycow : I saw your question on chapter 2. It made me laugh when you asked if I really expected you to believe these two would end up together. But I hope you stick with the story and see for yourself how it all plays out. Thanks for your reviews.
As the master had said, Lisa was in to give me his measurements and preferences for his new suit. It was complicated, but since I was to put all other work aside it was easy for me to focus my complete attention on the task.
While I worked tirelessly Lisa would occasionally come in to give me words of encouragement. Which I appreciated. She also continued to bring me banquets of dishes to be eaten every day. Upon master's orders she would say. It irritated me that even though he was away, I still felt like he was controlling me in some way.
It was actually very calm and quiet with the master gone. In fact, over the next week doctor Hale had made the decision it was time to perform surgery on my father's leg. Sad to say it was not a happy occasion to see my father lose his leg, but after the surgery his leg seemed to be healing up well. He was angry of course when he finally came to grip with life again and realized what had happened. The doctor made it clear to him that there was no other choice.
So he settled to stat adapting to not working and spending time with his daughters during the day. I continued to pay the rent and make small payments to doctor Hale for his visits, and the surgery. It took an extra amount of strength for my father to officially accept my working and providing for the family, but he did express appreciation in small ways. Sometimes just a tight-lipped smile.
With doctor Hale making less and less visits for my father's leg, I could begin to make a dent in the amount I owed him. He was kind enough for me to set the times I could pay him, if it was within reason. Some weeks he would let me spend my money on market trips instead of paying him. This allowed me to provide food and pay the rent. It simply was not possible to pay rent, food, and the medical tab every week. So, when I went market, I made sure we had enough to last without going to town every week.
As the week neared its end, so did my work on the master's suit. It was fabulous and well-made if I said so myself. I held it up against the light and looked it over. I measured the shoulders and the length, making sure it fit the instructions. It looked well. But the real test would be when he put it on. Then I could make any needed adjustments. Only then would it be perfect.
My heart jumped a little.
He would need to try it on, I repeated to myself. Would I get to truly meet the master? I mean, I made the suit, only I would know what needed fixing when he tried it on.
Lisa entered my room. She looked at the hanging suit. "Wow. That looks great. The master will be pleased I'm sure. You are very talented. I could never do such work."
"Thank you," I said shyly. "Your instructions were easy to follow."
She laughed. "I wish it was all my instructions. Take your credit Miss Swan. You deserve it. The master gets in this afternoon. He will be wanting to do a fitting."
"Uh, yeah. About that. Will I be doing the fitting? I mean, I didn't know if he would need me there personally?"
"Should not take too long if that's what you are worried about. He is usually very tired from his travels and won't be too apt to put off his rest." Ah. So, he will be more of a grump than normal. How exciting. He was already a brut on a normal day.
"Oh ok. I guess, I'll see him, when he comes in." I said awkwardly.
"I wouldn't worry Miss Swan. I'm sure he will be pleased with your work. I can't see how he wouldn't." She smiled.
As the day went on, I enjoyed my refreshments and the view from the large windows that overlooked the gardens. It was nice to just take some time for myself knowing I had successfully completed my task. But I had a ball of nervousness building up in my stomach at the thought of finally meeting the master.
What if he was a hunched-back? What if he had a long beard and hated the light. A troll no doubt who couldn't wait to slump back into his dark office hole. Maybe he was a dirty old man that lurked in the corners. Or what if he wasn't pleased with my work at all? What if he took one look at my work and dismissed me. He seemed so picky in his tastes. How old was the master anyway?
A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I uncurled my legs from my sitting position and rushed to stand presentably straight. I held my breath. The door opened and in walked Jacob. I let out my breath in relief. It was only Jacob.
He smiled at me. "Hello Miss Swan."
"Hi," I sighed out. He walked over to the suit and looked it over.
"Very nice work."
"Thank you."
"I just came in to make sure you are ready, and everything is in order for the master's fitting. He just arrived home. He insisted he have his fitting today before he retires for the evening."
"Yes, I understand. I mean of course it would work out best that way. To have his fitting before he retires. I mean that would be best right? It's best of course. So yes. A fitting." I stuttered out the words and then embarrassingly looked away.
Jacob chuckled. "Yes, it would be best. So, are you ready Miss Swan? I should like it to go smoothly. Without any complications."
I nodded with a small smile.
"Good, I will inform the master." Jacob turned and left. My heart was thrashing in my chest. In the next moment I would meet the master and I was beyond nervous. Why was I so nervous? My work was well done. I had nothing to hide. I had done my job well so far. But I could not shake my nerves.
Another knock on my door sent shooting waves of anxiety through my body. Jacob entered with a smile. "Master Cullen," he said motioning to the man behind him. Cullen. All blood drained from my face as my body stilled. Cullen? Master Cullen? Cullen, factory mills?
No, it couldn't-
The man stepped from behind Jacob, with his hands behind his back, and his posture perfectly held upright. He exuded arrogance.
It was him. I lowered my eyes and a million thoughts poured through my mind. He was master of this house? Wait. He oversaw hiring me? Wait. Maybe he didn't. Maybe he was just as surprised to see me as I was him. No. He couldn't be! He had called me Miss Swan several times in our note passing. He had to know. Maybe he thought it was a different Swan? I shook my head. Don't be stupid Bella.
"That will be all for now Jacob. Leave us." Jacob nodded once and shut the door behind himself.
Silence. We stood in absolute silence for a great while, just looking at each other. One could hear the sound of a pen drop in the eerie silence that filled the room.
Was he waiting for me to say something to him, as he stood there in his glory and aloofness? He cleared his throat. "Miss Swan?"
"Master Cullen." I said all too quickly dropping my eyes low to the ground.
He chuckled. "That's right, Miss Swan. Master Cullen. You don't look at all pleased to see me." This forced me to lift my head up to look at him.
"I suppose you think this is amusing. But I don't see anything humorous about this. Perhaps you can enlighten me as to why you have the gall to laugh."
"I do as I please in my home. But if you must know, it's your surprised expression mixed with fear. Clearly you expected someone different and are disappointed to see me instead."
I shook my head in anger at the game he was playing. "What is this? Some game? You suddenly had a tug on your heart strings for behaving like a beast that last time we met? You decided to engage in some sort of charity to ease your guilt?"
His eyes slightly darkened. "I have no guilt for the way I treated you. I would do it again. And you are not my charity case. I needed a new seamstress, and you were advertising the skills I needed in the streets of town. Shall we say, almost desperately?" My heart dropped. He was watching? I hated he saw me that way. "Beast or not, I gave you what most refused. Work. To most you were not fit to even take in their dirty undergarments. So, I believe a bit of gratitude is in order for you. Or is it your pride?"
"Pride? Excuse me? If I was a prideful person, I would not have begged you for work. And I would not have been out on the streets begging for laundry."
"And yet you deem yourself above thanking the man who responded to your begging."
"Is that what you want from me? To bend over and thank you for being my savior? My knight in shining armor?"
He grinned. "Where would you be without me? Still begging on the streets no doubt." I bit my bottom lip. I hated to admit it, but he was right. It was stupid to imagine I could have gotten a better deal with anyone else. And even if someone did offer me a job, they would never have paid me what he had given me. Or had given me a workspace and all the materials needed.
"So, you felt sorry for me. Is that it then?"
He sighed. "You have a habit of always making me repeat myself. I do tire of it. I did not feel sorry for you. I still don't. You have a particular set of skills that I need. Instead of wasting my time searching a seamstress down, you were there in town offering the services willingly. That is why I hired you. It's just business. Had you been advertising something different I would not have given you even a second glance."
Just business, he said. Everything was just business with him. "I'm not ungrateful Sir. I am thankful for the work. But I do not understand why you would chose me, given our last encounter. You spoke to me as if I were the dirt beneath your boots. Surely you must understand that you are the last person I would expect anything from." I bit my tongue at my last few words and looked cautiously at him.
"We differ in status if that's what you mean Miss Swan. That being the case you may think my words were cruel but in reality it is just what is done. Your words to me were very forward, therefore you can not be upset that mine to you were as well. I made it very clear what I would tolerate and what I would not."
"You still didn't have to treat me so. You could have been more agreeable."
"You tested my patience. And when they grew thin, I warned you. A warning you ignored."
"You certainly don't have much tolerance than do you?"
"No. I don't." A smiled tugged on the sides of his lips as he looked pointedly at me. I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but nothing came out as he stared at me with his stormy grey eyes.
"Well, then," I struggled for a moment looking awkwardly at my hands, "It might be overdue. But either way, I thank you. I do appreciate the work. You don't know what it's done for me. For my family."
"That wasn't so hard now was it?" He walked passed me and looked at the suit. He rubbed his hand across it, examining it carefully. He circled around the hanging garment inspecting it. I wanted to know his thoughts, but he gave no expression of being impressed or displeased. I bite my lip as I watched his every movement.
Without a word, he took the garment and went into the closet. When he appeared again he was dressed in the suit. And he looked handsome. Very handsome. I put my head down a little, feeling the heat in my cheeks. Why did he have to look so irresistible? The light silvery blue color of the garment matched his eyes and complimented his dark hair. He might be a brut, but he certainly was strikingly attractive in all the ways a man could be. I had never seen a man like him. His face was strong and defined. His brows were sloped downward as he looked at me with a serious face.
My thoughts angered me. Curse my thoughts! My female weaknesses! He would never be a man I would look on with anything but indifference. I saw a small playful smiled slowly grace his full lips. His eyes seemed to mock my obvious weakness. As if he knew my very thoughts. Immediately I lowered my eyes and cleared my throat. "What do you think? Does it fit?"
He moved around in it for a moment, stretching his arms this way and that. "It feels nice. It's well made. Impressive. I do like it, but it needs taking in a little around the shoulders."
I nodded as I grabbed my pins. The sooner the fitting was over, the sooner I could feel released from his spell. He watched me closely as I stood in front of him to fold the extra loose fabric that needed taking in. Every time I made the mistake of looking up at him, his eyes were there, glued to me, watching my every movement. I could feel the pink in my cheeks as I did my best to look away. Could he not look someplace else, I thought. My hands shook as I struggled to finish my work. It was unnerving being so close to him. So close I could feel his breath on my face and I could smell the scent of honey on him with a hint of pine. Did he always have to smell so lovely?
"Is that all then?" I asked keeping my eyes stationed on his boots, feeling very timid at our close proximity. He didn't seem to mind though. Or even be phased by it.
"You are the seamstress, are you not? I think you to be the best judge of that. But that would require you to actually look at me and not my boots."
I raised a brow at his bluntness. "I am not ashamed to look at you, Sir. I was merely giving you your privacy." It was the best I could think of, but even I didn't believe my words.
"How strange. I have never been fitted for a suit without the maker observing how it fits. And now I wonder how qualified you really are." I raised my eyes in pride, holding my head high. I would not let a man like him belittle me. When our eyes met, he held nothing but arrogance and power in his. I wondered what my eyes held. I tried to make my eyes show the same strength his did, but I felt I put on a pitiful show.
"Perhaps you are just too quick to judge and take a kindness for inadequacy." I bit my tongue.
"My judgment is typically very accurate Miss Swan. But if I have offended you, I encourage you to pay my words no mind." No apology. I half expected one.
"I intend to," I said without thinking. Cullen's amused eyes quickly took a run down my body, amazed by my response. I tried to ignore his gaze as I fixed the ruffled collar around his neck. He smiled slightly as he bent over for me to get a better grip. I felt so short compared to him.
I sucked in a stiff breath as his head leaned forward too close for comfort towards my chest. Noticing my discomfort, he turned his head to the side. "I think it fits quite well. As you mentioned, the shoulders need taking in. I'll tend to it." I backed away speedily averting my eyes to anywhere but his.
"I expect it to be finished by tomorrow. Stay late if you need to finish it tonight. Hang it in the garment room once you are done, and I'll get it tomorrow."
"I understand." I stepped away allowing him space. He quickly passed me by and went to change out of the suit in the garment room. He didn't quite close the door all the way though, and in my embarrassingly curious nature, I found myself tipping my body slightly as he undressed. I wondered if he looked as good without clothes. My eyes widened as I saw the light reflecting off his muscular bare back.
Unexpectedly he turned around and caught my eyes for a moment. I quickly scooted back, tripping over my feet. Did he really see me?
I blushed. It was a vile thing for him to catch me. What would he think? I closed my eyes in embarrassment. He was a man out of my reach. And I would not settle for a man as arrogant and prideful as him. Not only did he deem me unworthy of him, but also I certainly found his demeanor foul and dreadful. Even if he looked sculpted by the gods.
When he opened the door, he was back in his travel clothes. It was awkward as we stood in silence.
"I-when you turned. I was just-I wasn't trying to look in on you."
"Of course not Miss Swan. That would be unbecoming of a lady. Even one as curious as yourself." He smirked.
"Yes. Um, well. I'm happy to make the adjustments to the suit. I will get started right away." I moved a few things around on a nearby table to make it look like I was starting my work, hoping he would take his leave. There was no reason for him to stay any longer. He could leave at any time. But he lingered. I didn't want to be rude and tell him to leave.
"How are you finding your workspace?" He suddenly asked.
"Very pleasing. I have no complaints."
"What a rare relief. And your family? I hope all is well." Was it really needed that we make small talk? I knew his opinion of my family. He wished my father dead the time we spoke in his office. I had not forgotten.
"Thanks to Doctor Hale, yes. Everything is well."
"Doctor Hale?" He asked, slightly surprised.
"Yes," I said in an obvious tone. "He has worked with my family to make sure everyone is healthy. I'm sorry, forgive me, but why the small talk? I know your interest in my father's well being is not real. You wished him dead. You said it would be better for him to die. So why all the questions?"
He sighed. "It's not small talk. I see you are very close to your family and I feel if they are well, you are well. It reflects in your work."
"Well, there are limits. You don't need to know what is happening with my family and I'm not inclined to inform you. It's none of your business really. I can do my work just fine regardless of what is going on in my personal life."
A smile threatened to spread across his lips, but it only became a soft smirk, "Indeed."
"What do you know about me being close to my family anyhow? You don't know me."
"I could see how protective you were of your little sister the day we met. You didn't even want me to look at her."
"You are not what I want my sister to be around. You were arrogant, self-assuming, pompous and-"
"And?" He said angrily. "You have quite a tongue don't you? But, remember who it is you speak to you Miss Swan. At any moment, I can revoke everything I have given you and return you to the streets. I don't respond too kindly to insults. Make no mistake," he approached me with a malicious glare, "I will take everything away. And I will make sure you never find work again. I will have all whom you love starve to death, while you remain destitute. Then you will know just what I am capable of and how beast like I can be." He cupped my chin roughly and tilted my head to look up into his silvery fire filled eyes. "I am master of this house and you will respect me as such while in my presence. Is that clear?"
"Let go of m-"
"Is that clear?" He growled while tightening his grip on my chin.
I clinched my jaw as I glared at him. "Yes," I nodded, angrily yanking my face from his grasp.
"Good. I will retire for the night." He strode and swayed elegantly to the door as if he just hadn't been a monstrous villain uttering the most heinous things. But he held my fate in the palm of his hand. And he knew it. Without him and the more than decent income, I could not survive. I would not be able to feed my family or pay the rent. And to add to it, I had no doubt he could poison my name so that no one would even think to give me work. And I certainly didn't doubt that he would rain down hell upon the person who did.
He was nothing more than a monster that lurked behind a smile and nice clothes.
I ending up staying late into the night to finish Cullen's garment. The work was much needed and appreciated after my encounter with Cullen. It took my mind off my anger, and my humiliation. However, the suit took more time than I expected, as I had to make sure each of the sleeves were the same length, and the stitching was just right. The last thing I wanted was for Cullen to find a mistake with my work and attribute it to some inner problems. I admit, I had my share of problems at home, but it was none of his concern. Being part of the underprivileged class in society, one should always expect hard times. My case was no different.
Before she retired for the night, Lisa was kind enough to bring me some brewed beans in a cup to keep me alert and attentive to my work. I wanted to make sure my work was perfect. No mistakes. As the night went on, I found myself checking every tedious stich. Every thread. Until.
Swoosh
The sound of a small note slide under the door from the garment closet. I looked at it for a moment. I thought he said he was retiring for the night. I thought I wouldn't have to hear from him at least till tomorrow. I walked over to the folded note and flipped it up. It read:
"Still working Swan?"
Obviously. Wasn't it obvious I was still working? Why would he send a note under the door to a person he knew wasn't present? I sighed. As I flipped the paper to the back and wrote out:
"Yes. Almost done though. I just wanted to finish up. I thought you were to retire for the night, but I see you too are still up."
I slipped it under his door and went to finish measuring his garment. His reply came quick. This time on a new piece of paper. I sighed. I would never finish my work if he kept at it. I picked up the note and unfolded it:
"I did retire for a time. Are you almost finished with your work? It is late."
He was the one that told me to stay late if I needed to finish! Even if I was being overly careful with my work in making sure everything reached perfection. It was my choice to do so. Maybe this was some sick game he was still playing.
I wrote back:
"Mr. Cullen, as instructed I stayed to finish the suit so that it will be ready for tomorrow. I intend to leave soon."
He responded:
"It is dark outside. A lady should not travel alone in the dark."
And once again, he was trying to make it sound like he cared for my well-being. A lady should not travel alone! What business was it of his?
In anger I turned the paper over to answer:
"Mr. Cullen, I hope you won't forget that you told me to stay late to finish up if I needed to. Therefore I decided to do so. As for being a lady, you needn't worry. This lady can take care of herself. Thank you for your concern."
After slipping the note to him I tried to get back to work, but was eager still to see what he would say. I couldn't stop looking at the bottom of my door to see if a note would slip through. Without fail, one was slipped under the door.
I hurried quickly and opened it:
"Miss Swan, I did advise you to stay late. But not this late. I expected you to leave before the sun disappeared completely. Regardless of you being able to take care of yourself, a lady should still never travel alone in the dark. And it would be reckless of me to allow you to do so. Given that my staff have retired for the night, I will escort you home."
What? No. No way did I need him to do such a thing. I had traveled in the dark before. Granted I knew it was dangerous, but I could handle myself. I was always careful to choose the safest roads as well. Even if it did take me longer to get home. Besides, what would people think and say if they saw me and him, unmarried, sharing a carriage together? And this late at night!
Another slip of paper slid onto the floor. I picked it up:
"I can tell you do not approve. And you probably are thinking of some sort of protest against my wishes. Miss Swan, I am taking you home."
Who did he think he was? I could leave anytime I wanted to! And I did not need his permission to do so. And I did not need him to protect me! I scribbled my response:
"Mr. Cullen, I do not approve at all. I am a lady. Also, your personal wishes do not dictate how I live my life. I may work for you, but you do not own me. It is not proper for us to be seen together in such a way. Especially this late at night. You must know it just is not done."
Cullen and I were from different classes. As much as I hated to say it, he was above me in that regard. What would it look like for someone like him to be taking me home this late at night? His business could only be vulgar. Gossip would spread.
His response came quickly:
"I am well aware I do not own you Miss Swan. I appreciate your attempt to make a valid argument, but I doubt anyone will even see us. I will make sure we sit on opposite sides of the carriage. Despite what you may think, I am a gentleman. On a normal occasion, I would ask to escort you home, to which you could accept or decline, but given the circumstances, I am not asking. I simply will not allow you to travel alone."
I balled the note up and threw it across the room. Honestly. The nerve of him.
I sighed. It seemed there was no getting out of it. Sitting in a carriage with Mr. Cullen, I could only imagine. But it just wasn't done. We were not married. We were not even in the same class. I was dreading the idea of awkwardly sitting across from him. Perhaps the ride would be swift and over before I knew it. That would be for the best. I did not know how long I could sit across from Mr. Cullen in a carriage.
I stayed a little longer, putting the last finishing touches on the suit. Then I thought to myself, there was nothing forcing me to tell Cullen I was leaving. I could just simply walk out the door and say nothing to him. After all, I never consented to his wishes. I never even responded. He would be angry at my actions, but it certainly wasn't worth firing me over. After all, I still had control on how I chose to travel. It would be worth it to see his look of defeat, I smiled.
I placed the finished suit in the closet quietly. Then I placed my bonnet on my head, and wrapped my shawl around my shoulders. Glancing at the garment closet I smirked as I walked out of the shop.
I opened the door and hit something. "Miss Swan." I gasped as I met with Jacob. My hand went to my heart as I looked at Jacob with an awkward smiled.
"Mr. Black. I'm sorry, you scared me was all."
"My apologies. I did not mean to."
"It's Ok. Um, I was just leaving. I finished my work for the day."
"I see, and understand Miss Swan."
"I-" I judged Jacob with a wary look, "I thought the staff was all retired for the night."
He smirked. "Yes that is true, they are. I, however, don't really retire until the master does. You said you are leaving? Will you be traveling alone Miss Swan? It is quite late."
I wanted to. "Well I-"
"Surly not. A young woman like you. I suppose you didn't want to disturb the master and therefore must be wondering if I can alert Mr. Cullen to escort you home. Right?" He watched me carefully as I pondered his direct comment. He must have been aware of Cullen's plan to take me home. His eyes showed that he knew and it was best for me to agree with him. Cullen must have ordered him to stand outside my door so I could not go against his wishes. I wasn't all too surprised.
I gave Jacob a tight lipped smile. He clearly saw through my plan. "Yes. That's exactly right."
Jacob nodded. "I will do so right away."
"No need." I heard Cullen's voice. "I can take it from here." I cringed at the sound of his haughty and egotistical tone. I slowly turned my gaze to see Cullen approaching us with a determined stride, his shoes clapping on the floor. He was dressed for travel in his top hat, and a long black coat which swayed behind him with each step. He came to a halt in front of me giving me a look of dismay. "Thank you Jacob that will be all. I will take Miss Swan home now. You are dismissed for the evening."
"Thank you Sir." Jacob nodded at me and took his leave.
I found it easier to fix my gaze on Jacob as he walked away rather than on Cullen who was clearly not in mood to hear anything I had to say. He cleared his throat, so I took it as my que to address him by turning my head to face him. There was silence between us as he stared at me with a chastising look.
"I-I just thought."
Cullen heaved a heavy sigh in the middle of my words, "We both know what you thought. You did not think I would honestly trust you to tell me when you were ready to leave, did you? Clearly you underestimate me and my ability to see through your immature ploys." I pushed a few strands of loose hair behind my ear as I shifted uncomfortably.
I was not immature. I was a woman just wanting to control and make my own decisions.
"I am taking you home Miss Swan. Stop these foolish games and realize that it is in your best interest to let me do so. How would your sisters feel if you never arrived home? If something were to happen to you? Have you given any thought to that, and how your actions will affect them?"
That struck a chord as my face turned to a look of shock. I wanted to argue with him as he held a smug look on his face while I weighed his words.
He knew my weakness. And in a way, he had a valid point. I would feel terrible if something happen to me and my sisters were worried sick. Mary surly would be frightened. I could see their little faces in my mind's eye.
"No. I would not want that," I said quietly.
"I gather not. I'm sure they are awaiting your arrival as we speak. So we should not keep them waiting."
"No," I said between gritted teeth.
"Shall we? Miss Swan?" He motioned with his hand for me to walk ahead.
I begrudgingly nodded. "Yes Mr. Cullen. On the condition you honor your word on not pulling any tricks or vulgar actions. I warn you. If this is some dirty trick."
He snorted in an amused fashion, tickled by my words. "Consider me warned. As gentleman, I wouldn't dream of it."
Those may have been true words, but Cullen was not what I would call a gentleman.
So Bella is having quite a tug of war with herself. On the one hand she wants so bad to hate Cullen, but on the other hand she is slightly intrigued by him. And we just don't know what could be going through Cullen's mind. He is a bit of a puzzle. Hot and cold. Overall the whole thing is a hot mess. Thanks for reading. Please feel free to leave feedback, comments short or long, and of course any questions you have I'll try to answer in the next chapter. Thanks guys for hanging in there on my first fanfic. Until next chapter.