CHAPTER TWO
Isabella was imagining the worse when Mr. Whitlock stopped to stand outside the closed door that was to be her quarters. The small tour of the estate thus far had depressed Isabella. Even the Adams Family's home had more warmth, she thought bitterly.
However, when Mr. Whitlock opened the room with a small key and held the door open for Isabella to enter, she was happily surprised to not find any of the items that her dark thoughts had entertained. No chains hanging from the ceiling. No bats in the corner. This room was rather majestic. The same dark walls that ran throughout the house were absent in Isabella's new sanctuary. Instead the walls were white and the fixtures were black. A gigantic king sized wooden canopy bed with plushy white satin fabric held the most attention in the room. A grand chandelier with crystals held overhead was accompanied with ornate black wooded furniture. Rich, fluffy white carpet ran throughout the room and Isabella anticipated pulling her shoes off and running her toes through its long shag.
"Wow…this is…not at all what I had expected." She said to Mr. Whitlock.
"Yes…well…" Mr. Whitlock didn't know how to respond to the new intruder.
"Is your room like this too?" She inquired dropping the file that Master Cullen had given her onto the settee near the window.
Mr. Whitlock did not care for the personal question.
"My room is…respectful. Now if you please, I shall take my leave so you may prepare for dinner."
With that he turned and closed the door behind him abruptly. Isabella cringed not knowing how her question could offend but that only lasted seconds before her attention was drawn back to her quarters. She walked toward her high windows and looked out onto the very same cobblestone walkway that she had just only moments before walked up. It seemed funny how nervous she was when she was down there and now her nerves took on a whole new task as she thought of the coming days.
Her eyes darted back toward the plush settee and the guidebook that she was to adhere to and once again her curiosity peaked. Isabella's heart quickened its pace as she slowly walked over toward the folder. She sat down beside the it and stared at it before gathering the courage to look at the contents inside.
"Guide to Conduct" was printed boldly on the first page and Isabella was surprised to find that there were maybe only five pages total in the packet. With the way this Master Cullen held himself, she believed that a document the size of A Tale of Two Cities would be awaiting her. Perhaps when she turned the title page she would be greeted with one sentence only; Servants should do whatever Master Cullen wishes or be punished. Isabella snorted loudly amused by her own thoughts but when she turned the page, it was clear that she was mistaken.
The font was tiny; hence the quantity of pages and as Isabella glanced over the introduction she already felt herself sigh in irritation.
Following in tradition; it is imperative that a servant of the Cullen estate be mindful of the following practices to properly represent their master at all times. With the acceptance of this contract, a servant is promising to adhere to the guidelines set forth and understands that any misconduct or disregard for stated guidelines may result in punishment and or expulsion.
Here as the following:
I. Attire.
Proper dress which will be provided is to be worn at all times while on estate grounds.
a. During free periods, servants are allowed to dress freely provided that their attire still upholds standards with respect.
b. Any attire deemed inappropriate will be surrendered and discarded.
II. Hygiene and health.
Servants will submit themselves for assessment and to the Master's discretion; servants will comply to seek the proper specialist or medical attention if deemed necessary.
c. All specialist and or doctors visits will be provided and funded.
d. Failure to complete any recommendation will result in dismissal.
III. Repast.
Three well balanced meals will be provided daily and in addition one tea break. Meals will be served in the dining room as food is not permitted in any other room. Servants are expected to be at all designated meal times.
a. Breakfast is served at seven a.m.
b. Lunch is served at twelve p.m.
c. Dinner is served at seven p.m.
d. Tea break is served at four p.m.
IV. Conduct.
Servants will respect their master in all aspects.
a. Tardiness is not permitted. One dollar for each minute a servant is tardy will be garnished from wages.
b. Servants will speak only when spoken to. If a servant should have a disparity or inquiry, they may submit a letter in writing.
c. Servants are expected to maintain proper morality and decency. Servants will be punished for any false testimony.
d. The master of the house will have final say in all affairs.
V. Break and Salary.
Break will be rewarded on Saturday's and Sunday's. Saturday's only if it is determined that the servant is not needed by her charges.
a. Servants may have the day to spend however they wish however they will remember to exercise proper decorum within the estate as well as off property.
b. Sunday's may be revoked if a servant has not been in accordance with guidelines.
c. Any extended period of absence must be submitted within writing one month prior to leave. Master will have final approval on all requests.
d. Servants will be paid on the first day of every month.
e. Salaries will have thirty percent deducted for tax purposes as well as any other garnishment as previously discussed.
Isabella felt her stomach turn as she read and she hadn't even made it past the page. What she needed at that moment was a word of advice and encouragement from the only person she could turn to; her best friend from college, Angela. She turned to search out a phone in her quarters but did not find one.
Nervous of her suspicions she stood up and began to walk around the room to locate one. Surely a home like this would have a phone within the servant's quarters. Just the word servant made her blood run cold after reading what she had just read.
Isabella searched every corner of that room and the bathroom which she found to be surprising nice but there was no phone. Why did she cancel her mobile contract before leaving Seattle? She shook her head in disapproval of her actions. Originally, she knew that having a cell phone was an expense she couldn't afford and hoped that if she were to obtain the position, there would be a land line she could use. She wasn't one for talking or texting for hours so it seemed like an unnecessary expense.
Miles from the nearest town and nearly a hundred miles from the nearest city, Isabella began to feel trapped. Trapped in a house with some psychotic "master of the house." Trapped in a house with a valet who obviously detested her. She had only been there for just over an hour and already felt like a hostage. How in the world had those two children lasted this long in a suppressive environment?
A knock on the door nearly caused her to shriek as her mind was still deep in ideas of imprisonment. She glanced over at the clock on the bedside table and it told her that dinner was already fifteen minutes passed. With trepidation she walked over to the door believing that a very crossed Master Cullen was just on the other side, probably here to inform her that she had just been garnished fifteen dollars for her tardiness. A dollar for every minute the guidelines reminded her.
She opened the door and instead found a very crossed Mr. Whitlock.
"Master Cullen asked me to inform you that you are in violation of the guidelines section four…"
"Yes. Yes. Yes. I know all about his hideous guideline." Isabella huffed.
It wasn't like her to be rude but feeling like a caged animal did certainly mess with her mind.
"Look…would you please inform your master that I will not be attending dinner tonight but I appreciate the offer."
Mr. Whitlock looked her over curiously. He had never heard of a servant speak to him in such a manner.
"I strongly suggest that you comply with Master Cullen's dinner guideline." Mr. Whitlock stated strongly.
"Thank you for your suggestion, Mr. Whitlock but I decline and bid you good night." She pushed the door closed on Mr. Whitlock and without thought placed her hand over her heart shocked at her own strength. Even though Mr. Whitlock could be intimidating he certainly was no Master Cullen.
Mr. Whitlock couldn't begin to comprehend the many shades his master's face would turn when he delivered the message. He had already been in a cross mood since the girl arrived. Mr. Whitlock knew the moment he laid eyes on her that she would be nothing but trouble. After all, the whole lot of Swans were nothing but trouble and he could not understand what his master was hoping to gain by bringing this girl here. Isabella Swan, who arrived twenty minutes late and dressed in slacks and a sweater. Mr. Whitlock, like his master, believed that any presentable woman should be in dresses not slacks.
Through the maze of the house, Mr. Whitlock found himself at the dining room in breaking record. The two daughters of Cullen stared down at their plates while their stomachs began to grumble as they waited.
Alice held back a grimace as her punished bottom pushed down upon the hard wooden chair. She tried to focus on the absence of their new governess, as a late governess was something that hadn't ever occurred before. She could tell her father was fatally upset at the tardiness and couldn't begin to imagine what sort of punishment she would have received if it had been her.
The shuffling of footsteps alerted the party that someone was coming. When the door opened, everyone at the table was surprised that Mr. Whitlock was alone. Mr. Whitlock walked rigid with purpose toward Master Cullen's end of the table and slightly bent toward his ear.
Both Alice and Rosalie strained to hear what he said.
"Miss Swan wished me to inform you that she will not be attending dinner this evening. I notified her that her absence would be in violation of the guidelines and she stated that she understood and then proceeded to…shut the door in my face."
Rosalie's eyes practically bugged out of her head and Alice's jaw dropped. Thankfully Master Cullen was so upset that he hadn't noticed his daughter's reactions before they could fix themselves back properly.
Master Cullen had already been incensed by the new servant's questionable attitude earlier but now this was completely unacceptable and he wasn't about put up with her impudent behavior any longer. He stood up from the table and threw his napkin down upon his plate before exiting the dining room.
Once he and Mr. Whitlock were sure to be gone, the girls looked up at one another and to their own surprise actually laughed out loud.
As Master Cullen climbed the stairs at a furious pace, he couldn't stop the little voice from the back of his mind questioning why he didn't just toss this girl out on her ear. Did he really believe that her presence back in Haven would be the cure to their anguish? Why couldn't he just let her go? She was nothing to him and if he chose it, not his responsibility and yet, he couldn't help but feel this pull that she was his responsibility. In fact, she was a Swan! If it had been a few decades prior, he would have hated her on sight. However, that feud was long buried and he should respect that. In addition, she had no family and therefore no one to look after and ensure a proper upbringing, something that he could help control. She was straight out of college with no work experience so she would be easily susceptible to accept a demeaning position out of desperation. She would be safe and well cared for at his estate but he needed to find a way to improve her behavior.
Still thinking over the visit from Mr. Whitlock, Isabella turned her thoughts to this Master Cullen.
Master Cullen.
Isabella rolled her eyes before walking over toward her great window and looking out at the view below.
"Master Cullen." She said in a nasally sarcastic voice.
The nerve of some people she thought.
She pretended to give a fake curtsy, "My dear Master Cullen…how may I lick your boots so that they shine properly."
But she wasn't done with her fun. She found that mocking her new employer helped her alleviate some of the stress she was feeling. For several minutes, Isabella found various ways to disparage Master Cullen.
"Master Cullen, may I help remove that gigantic stick up your ass with my teeth. Oh, my dear sir, it is not a stick but a ruler. For my insolence shall I bend over and allow you to beat my backside with it?"
"No, you may not." A voice startled Isabella and caused her head to whip around toward her door to find Master Cullen standing in its frame.
"If you had read the guidelines that I provided you, you would know that I don't corporally punish my servants. However if you wish me to amend that policy, you need only to request it in writing."
Isabella couldn't find her words as she believed she must have swallowed her tongue. However, Master Cullen didn't need to hear any silly apologies or explanations as he was not yet through reaming her for her ill-mannered actions.
"Never have I been disrespected so copiously in the course of one evening. Dinner is not an invitation; it is a requirement which I expect you to abide to." He spit. "Furthermore, your actions have already left me questioning my decision to hire one so obviously immature that I wonder if you will be able to handle the expectations of your position."
"Well if that is how you feel…" Isabella tried to say sensing the perfect moment to grasp her freedom.
"Silence. I am not finished!" Master Cullen barked. "If you plan…"
"What exactly has you so upset with me?" Isabella's voice raised to match his own.
"Would you stop interrupting me?" He demanded.
"I would if you would ever let me get a word in. For your information, sir, there is no such thing as a one person conversation. You may bark at me all you like and you may give me that horrid look in your steely eyes but I am not going to hold my tongue when I feel that you are in clear violation of my rights according to your guidelines."
"Violation. What violation?"
Isabella crossed back over to her settee and feverishly pulled out the page from her guidebook that would make her case.
"Section three, repast. Servants are expected to be at all designated meal times. Now if you don't mind, may I turn your attention to section five, break will be rewarded on Saturday's and Sunday's. Saturday's only if it is determined that the servant is not needed by her charges. Which I may remind you that you did not inform me that I was needed by my charges hence using my keen intellect I was able to reason and refer to line item a, which states: servants may have the day to spend however they wish however they will remember to exercise proper decorum within the estate as well as off property. So…how exactly am I upsetting you, sir?"
For the first time in nearly eleven years, Master Cullen found himself at a loss for words. He was taken aback so much that instead of countering Isabella's argument he found himself focusing on her lips which were turned up in an indignant purse. His eyes traveled down toward her neck and the graceful curve of it and further down toward her heaving chest. Just seeing the tops of her breasts woke him out of whatever trance she had placed him in.
He sighed irritably and regained his wits. "I…acquiesce that your assessment is valid."
Isabella felt herself well up with pride and she had a difficult time keeping herself from sticking her tongue out or taunting him that she was right and he was wrong.
"I am…impressed that you were able to thoroughly go through this so quickly." He added.
Isabella not wanting to dim her victory didn't inform him that she hadn't even reached past the first page.
"Well, it was a real page turner." She quipped.
"Well…I can't imagine that you have eaten much today and as you have read, breakfast won't be served until seven so I believe that it would be in your best interest to come and have dinner. You should be formally introduced to my children and as you know, if I feel that your health is in any form of decline I can mandate you see my physician."
Master Cullen had found a way to win even if he was not within his right to demand her presence in the dining room. It was important that he do so or else his children downstairs may think that this woman who was no more than a servant could defy him and he was not about to have his position compromised.
Feeling a high from winning the argument, Isabella weighed her battle and chose to accept his offer.
"All right, I will attend your dinner." She turned on her toe and began to walk over toward the door.
"Aren't you going to change first?" Master Cullen asked.
"I am wearing the equivalent of what you are wearing. I don't see why I should change."
She really wasn't if Master Cullen wanted to contend her statement. First of all, his slacks were high end and the tight sleek sweater he had on was worth more than her entire wardrobe but that wasn't what bothered him.
"Ladies should dress like ladies." He stated.
Isabella's mouth dropped slowly as her mind raced to find its first argument.
"My apologies, I had no idea that Haven New York was the only place in the world still stuck in the medieval period. I shall have my seamstress whip up a corset to match the dress order I so desperately need to place apparently."
"You just cannot refrain from being combative, can you?" Master Cullen huffed.
"I'm only combative when I am faced with ignorance." Isabella replied.
"Come to dinner this evening like that if you must but come tomorrow I expect you to be in uniform as so stated under section one if you recall." Master Cullen said.
Isabella rolled her eyes and sighed. "Of course I recall, it was the highlight of my packet, however, tomorrow is Sunday and do I need to remind you the portion where it states that I can dress as I like on my Saturday's and Sunday's?"
"Just remember that I may discard any clothing that I find unacceptable. Looking at you now, I have a feeling there will be many things offered to the town charities this month."
Never in a million years would she guess that her uniform be a dress. Isabella cringed at the idea and briefly wondered if it was worth the extra minutes to check her closet to find the ghastly item that Master Cullen provided.
"And here, I would have thought that you would have word about the last clause of the guidelines. That is usually where I meet resistance." Master Cullen replied pushing Isabella out of her quarters. Isabella's eyes widened as she wondered what the last clause was. She had told him that she read it cover to cover but that was a lie. Of course she wasn't about to tell him that.
"Oh…well…yes, it was disturbing but when in Rome, I figured." She cringed knowing he couldn't see her face as he walked behind her.
"Indeed. Excellent. When in Rome." Master Cullen concurred knowing for the first time the truth of Isabella's untruth. "I find that if you ever wonder what you should do or say, when in Rome is most appropriate for this household."
Isabella's palms perspired and she briefly wondered if she could fake a much needed bathroom break from dinner to run up and read about this last clause that she had failed to see. But Master Cullen was already in a state that told her to not push him any further than what she had already done.
The two arrived at the dining room table and the two girls hearing their approaching footsteps instantly stopped all further communication and fixed their stare back down to their plates. It was now a half hour past the time when they would usually eat and both of their stomachs were impatient.
Isabella instantly felt remorse for her behavior when she saw that they girls had waited for her arrival. It was never her intention to keep them from eating and she assumed that they would be given permission to begin without her but then again, this was just another example of the crazy logic of decorum in this house.
"Ladies, Miss Swan apologizes for her tardiness." Master Cullen announced upon entering and it took everything in Isabella to not correct him but she did feel sorry for holding them up so she held her tongue.
"Alice and Rosalie, I would like to introduce you to Miss Swan, your new governess. I trust that she is competent in monitoring and helping further your education as I am sure that you will do everything you can to help her settle in and be the model of perfect behavior that I have raised you to be."
"Miss Swan." The girls answered in unison never looking up.
Isabella took her seat and offered a small smile even though the girls never raised their eyes to her. A few seconds later an older woman appeared from the swinging kitchen door and picked up a pot from the table.
"Mrs. Cope, this is Isabella Swan our new governess. I would have introduced you earlier if Miss Swan hadn't arrived late from her travels."
Isabella couldn't refrain from sighing. It wasn't like she walked to the mansion. She had done everything in her efforts to arrive on time but her plane was delayed.
"Good evening Miss Swan." Mrs. Cope said.
"Good evening." Isabella replied.
Then Mrs. Cope proceeded to serve each individual. She didn't ask if you wanted whatever dish was in her hands, she would simply place a portion upon your plate and move on to the next person. So far she had a helping of broccoli, a steamed thigh of chicken and fist sized portion of wild rice. A glass of water was already at Isabella's place and she couldn't help but notice that it was silent as Mrs. Cope went about her way.
Master Cullen was somewhat impressed that Isabella had yet to say one word or pick up a utensil and dig in as he imagined she must have been raised in a barn noting her previous actions and behavior.
Mrs. Cope exited back through the kitchen with the unused portions in her arms and an epiphany struck Isabella's mind.
She let out an audible gasp and Master Cullen's eyes twitched to reprimand her.
"Miss Swan, is there an issue?"
"Uh…no but…I just realized a flaw in your guidelines."
She waited with a smug smile upon her face knowing that curiosity would get the better of Master Cullen.
"Would you prefer me to submit it in writing?" Isabella toyed.
"Be out with it and be done." Master Cullen barked.
"Well…you state that food is not allowed in any other room but the dining room but as we just saw, Mrs. Cope left the dining room with food and entered the kitchen. I believe your guidelines need a revision to include this stipulation or someone like me, a lowly servant, could be confused."
Master Cullen's jaw stiffened and his began to think of how nothing would bring him greater pleasure then to see her bent over his desk as he whipped her backside with his ruler. She seemed to need discipline far more than that of his two young children.
"I will discuss this with you after dinner if you wish."
It took everything in him to reply so cordially but he knew that if he showed how much she affected him, it would be a weakness.
"Okay, I just thought you would…"
"Miss Swan." Master Cullen interrupted. "We are not accustomed to speaking at the dinner table. Please refrain."
Once again, Isabella sighed and stared down at her plate. She rolled her eyes and shook her head a little. How was she going to survive a place like this? Maybe if she worked until she received her first paycheck then she would have the funds to leave and find a new position.
Dinner was eaten in silence. Only the sounds of the silverware brushing against the china was heard. After the girls cleaned their plates fully, they were dismissed for bed. Not really feeling a taste for the broccoli, Isabella left that on her plate before pushing back from the table.
"I have not dismissed you." Master Cullen said.
"Oh my god." Isabella said to herself. "Are you kidding me?"
She had enough. There was only so much she could allow for and she was pretty sure that she exceeded any common person's patience.
"As I stated in the guidelines which you told me that you had read, section eight states that servants are to be dismissed from a room."
"You never dismissed Mrs. Cope. Not once have I heard you dismiss Mr. Whitlock. You are merely cherry picking which rules you wish them to enforce. I would love to know why I need to be dismissed from the table when I am clearly through eating."
"Clearly? And what about the vegetable portion you left upon your plate?"
"Last time I checked, I was an adult who didn't need to finish all my veggies to earn dessert or dismissal."
Master Cullen pushed up from his chair and walked over to where Isabella sat. He picked up her fork and speared a piece of broccoli and held it up to her mouth.
"Seeing how you have acted like a child since you arrived here, it seems that I have to feed you like a child."
Isabella was thoroughly offended and had quite enough. She swatted the fork out of his hand and food and fork went flying toward the rug.
"Pick it up!" Master Cullen ordered.
Isabella was about to leave but something in his eyes caused her to obey. She knew that in this instance, her behavior was unacceptable. But this is what Master Cullen was turning her into. Never before had she ever had issue with respect but this man caused her to lose all sense of right and wrong.
She walked over and picked the food and fork up off the rug and returned it to the table.
"Sit down." He commanded softly.
Trying to control her own rage, she sat back down on the hard chair. Once again Master Cullen picked up the fork and speared a new piece of vegetable and held it out to her mouth.
"Either you eat it willingly or I will force it down your throat." He threatened.
For the first time Isabella truly feared this man. Sure, before she had just been appalled at his behavior but never did she feel that he would hurt her. However, she was not about to give in.
"I will eat every single piece but after that I will leave this place and never return. Damn you and your guidelines."
She pulled the fork out of his hand and proceeded to eat the broccoli while he watched. Master Cullen was not deterred by her idle threats. He knew that even if she left, there was nowhere for her to go. She had no idea who she was dealing with. The nearest town was ten miles or so down the road and she couldn't begin to imagine what would await her when she arrived. She would be back here by morning whether she liked or not.
Isabella finished her last stalk including the one that landed on the floor. She pushed up from the chair and backed up a little before turning to leave.
"If you should have any troubles in town, be sure to let them know that you're a servant of mine and they will treat you fairly." Master Cullen said.
Isabella turned back to him and scoffed. "I am no longer your servant and you'll be lucky if I don't report you to the authorities."
"You may want to watch what you say. The people in town are not favorable to any person who speaks against me."
Isabella shook her head in disgust and continued her departure. After the dinner she had just experienced, she was almost certain that she would find the front door locked to keep her within but, she opened the door with ease and felt a great weight lift from her shoulders as she exited.
She left everything behind, even her purse with her wallet and identification but she had to get out of there. She feared that if she hadn't, she may be hurt or worse. She felt horrible for leaving the two children inside but she would make sure to alert the proper authorities.
Master Cullen watched from his window as Isabella's form became smaller and smaller. He would give her an adequate amount of time to cool down before he alerted the town's officer to pick her up, there was no way he was about to let her try and walk the ten miles to town. Maybe a night in the town jail was what she needed to break her into submission.
AN: Thank you for taking the time to read. Sorry, it took longer than I wanted to post. I've been feeling under the weather lately. Anyways, let me know what you think!