Chapter Four

Later that evening.

Vivian entered the chamber of her cousin once all her "duties" were finished. She despised how her cousin was looking and she felt herself feel jealousy enter. How in the world was it possible her cousin was the fairest among the land and she received most of the remarks from the gentlemen?! She'd been present in the dining hall earlier that morning and all Lizzy been doing was help serve the travelers and Vivian watched as each of them followed her with their eyes. Her jealousy steamed and she kept her composure as she rattled on about what she'd been up in the city. Yet when she entered the room, she narrowed her eyes when sounds of hammering was heard.

"Samson Darcy?! Is that you?" She exclaimed as she shut the door roughly.

"Apparently." Samson Darcy answered as he looked at her. He was beside the mirror and this was beside the bed. Yet she watched as he stared at her before he raised a brow as he continued. "I'm still working on this ridiculous desk as you requested!"

"I would prefer you call me Miss Queen as I informed you about before we left." She replied in a harsh manner.

Samson Darcy, who was indeed muscular and six foot, shook his head as he rolled his eyes before he resumed work. He momentarily replied. "Yes, Miss Queen."

"That's better." She replied and she started to fan herself.

It was out of place for a lady as herself to fan herself but she knew it was appealing. She peered out the window and the snow was beginning to paint the earth. Making her way over to the side, she peered out as the hammering resumed. She knew Samson was working on the desk and from there she would put the last of her belongings there. She began to fan herself as she remarked. "Samson? Care to step away when you're finished? I know those travelers will be returning and I need a beauty's sleep."

"Yes, Miss Queen."

"Thank you."

Vivian continued to fan herself as Samson banged a little harder on the desk. He was merely assembling it so when he was finished, it would ready for her to use. The evening before Vivian had made herself presentable in Kansas City and disliked how she didn't have her vanity up for that morning. She saw as well her cousin didn't have her mother's desk up. Which to her was a pity because Lizzy and her mother shared their share of beauty. As she glanced to the area where the original Mrs. Bennet had her desk Vivian thought. "What a disgrace Lizzy is so beautiful! She would make a wonderful lady for the city! Mayhaps when I chance to talk with her next," which she despised, "I could persuade her to accompany me to the city. She would enjoy it for certain."

It didn't take long for the desk to be set up.

Once Vivian thanked Samson, she waited to make sure he was well out of earshot. Before he left, he asked if there was anything else she wished and she replied no. The young Darcy nodded and then he left. When she watched him leave, the hallway was brightened with candles. His figure didn't glance back as she watched. When he was well away she nodded before closing the door. When she looked back the room was how she wanted it: the mirror to the left, bed in the middle, and the windows to the right. Approaching the mirror, which was beside the wall, Vivian placed stood before it before she looked at herself. She nodded before reached out and then said. "Where you able to return without getting caught?"

A deep masculine voice replied. "Yes."

Vivian raised her brows as a smile appeared on her expression. She didn't bother to open the mirror as she answered. "Good. You will get paid well. How were you able to conceal yourself from the sheriff?"

"I was clever, Vivian. You know how I work."

Vivian took a step back as she looked at herself. She moved her eyes a bit as she answered. "And you used the gloves too. What a pleasant way to cover any proof. What else did you do?"

"You already know, Vivian Queen."

Vivian smiled wickedly as she nodded. She knew he was there and she was relieved she'd sent him there to the lodge after receiving Lizzy's letter. Yet she knew too he would risk being caught. When she glanced at the door it was closed and not a soul was in hearing. Returning, she leaned in as she inquired.

"Now who is the fairest among the land?"

"You, Miss Queen. It is you and no doubt it won't be long."

Vivian shared a laugh with her companion behind the mirror in response. Then she heard some sounds from out in the hallway when a voice called. "Miss Vivian Queen? You're needed for front desk! The evening shift will begin and you can't be tarty!"

"Oh the joyfulness of being center of attention again!" She exclaimed as she turned and brushed her hands on her dress. She barely had time to re do anything but Vivian knew she would be taking the evening shift. And as she glanced at the mirror, which seemed be the same as it always was, she added aloud. "And when Lizzy is relieved she won't have to bother with being up all night! I was informed she would be night shift but not this time."

"They need you fairest among the land."

Then Vivian made her exit and the mirror was left behind.