Chapter 9
Several days passed in which Rey only saw Ren at the breakfast table, though their conversations were pleasant enough, often comprised of benign topics such as the weather.
Often Rey found herself thinking of ideas for her new charity, and she quickly realized how little understanding she had of the mechanics of starting one's own charity. During one lesson she voiced her questions to Mr. Nine Ee.
The man sighed, obviously irritated at having his lesson interrupted. However, when he saw Rey was earnest in her request for information, he placed his hands, folded, on the table.
"There are several things one would need to consider when starting a new venture of any kind. Startup money for the charity must be procured, though I'm sure that would be of little consequence to a woman of your means."
Rey frowned at first, unsure if Mr. Nine Ee was insulting her, but seeing no slight in his eyes or manner, she relaxed her face and nodded in understanding.
"Then of course," he continued, "you would need to procure people willing to donate materials or money. Have you decided what sort of business you intend to start?"
Rey smiled, pleased to share her ideas. "I wish to start a charity which sells used furniture at a discount, with a significant portion of the profits being used to help those in need. First I was thinking the furniture would be donated solely from the wealthy, but it occurred to me that there is no reason those of lower stations could not also donate their furniture. As well, I initially thought that I would ask for the furniture to be donated with no compensation to the donor, but then it occurred to me that more people might be willing to donate their furniture if they were assured of getting something in return. I thought perhaps of offering them half the price I would sell the item for in exchange for the item itself. That way those of lower station could afford to replace older furniture and would also be providing additional materials for the store. And if the item is in poor condition then it could be given for free to those in the most serious need."
Rey paused, realizing she had gotten carried away in her excitement, and ducked her head. "I beg your pardon. I'm afraid I got quite carried away with myself."
Mr. Nine Ee cleared his throat. "Indeed. However, your ideas do have merit. Have you given thought to who would manage the books in this venture?"
Rey chewed her lip. "Well, I was thinking I could do it." Seeing Mr. Nine Ee's eyebrows fly upward, she continued hastily, "At least at first. If the charity is successful then perhaps there would be opportunity for hiring employees to help run the day to day." She smiled hesitantly at Mr. Nine Ee. "Would you be able to teach me how to manage books? I know my basic numbers already."
Mr. Nine Ee cleared his throat. "Of course, if that is what you wish, I shall add it to your curriculum."
Rey smiled, relieved to have found an ally to help her. "Thank you very much, sir."
Mr. Nine Ee cleared his throat again. "Of course."
The next morning Rey was standing in front of the window, watching the sunrise now a favorite way to start her morning, when there was a knock at her door.
Assuming it was Beatrice, Rey called out, "You may come in."
As the door opened, Rey turned around, startled to find Rose standing somewhat awkwardly in the doorway, dressed in servant's attire.
"Rose!" Rey exclaimed, smiling and walking quickly over. "What a pleasant surprise! What on earth are you doing here?"
Rose returned her smile. "I'm to be your new companion."
Rey shook her head, confused. "My what?"
Rose stepped into the room fully and closed the door, grabbing Rey's hand. "Her Grace approached Finn and me a couple days ago about coming to work here. She knows of our friendship and mentioned you were in need of companionship. Since you already have a lady's maid, and as your lady's maid I would not have much time to be your companion with my other duties, she suggested I work as your paid companion."
A small frown marred Rey's otherwise happy expression. "But won't my being your employer muddle our friendship?"
Rose smiled. "Finn and I discussed that very topic." She lowered her voice, pulling Rey over towards their chairs. "He was very hesitant to come back to work in this house. As you know, he did not have a pleasant time here. However, I managed to convince him that life at the estate would be different with you as mistress." She squeezed Rey's hand as they both sat. "And I have no doubt that you will be just as fine a friend, regardless of my being paid or not."
Rey bit her lip, considering the situation. It would be rude to say no to the arrangement since it was the princess who had arranged it, but she did not want Rose to feel obligated towards her. Looking closely at her friend, Rey leaned forward. "You must promise me you will not change your manner around me. You need not ever fear the loss of your job and you may leave at any time if you feel the arrangement is not working for you. I do not wish for my only friend to feel obligated to return my friendship."
Rose nodded, smiling broadly. "Of course."
Rey sighed, tension she had been unaware of leaving her body at Rose's answer. Now that she could be assured that her friend was not in an awkward situation, she was really quite thrilled to have a companion with her in this enormous house.
"What will you do while I am in my lessons?" Rey asked. "Or if I'm called away, visiting someone? Will you be forced to come with me everywhere I go?"
"His Grace suggested last night that I help your lady's maid with any work that she has to complete, and if not her, then the other maids of the house."
Rey's eyebrows shot upwards. "You've spoke with Ren?"
Rose nodded solemnly. "Yes. We arrived late last night. Her Grace had wished for my being here to be a surprise upon your waking, so we did not arrive until after you were here preparing for bed." Rose leaned forward, dropping her voice, though they were the only two in the room. "He is really quite severe, your husband. I can see why Finn had some trepidation at returning."
The corners of Rey's mouth turned up. "He's not as severe as his reputation would have him seem, though he can have quite the temper." At her friend's wide eyes Rey rushed on. "Not that I have ever been on the receiving end of a temper." Shaking her head, she laughed nervously. "He mostly approaches me with indifference."
Rey reached over to clasp her friend's hand and smiled widely.
"I'm so glad you're here."
Rose returned her smile. "Me too."
The following days were considerably brighter for Rey, having Rose as her companion. Rose had scolded both Rey and her sister when she learned they had kept Miss Tico's employment a secret from her, though she laughed good-naturedly in the end, joining Rey in her etiquette lessons.
Before Rey realized it, the day of Lady Holdo's ball had arrived. The day prior, Rey's seamstress arrived with a new dress, which Rey found rather silly considering she still had a closet full of as yet unworn dresses. The seamstress claimed she had been commissioned by the Duke, however, so Rey let did not make a fuss, though she felt she really should talk to him about more resourceful spending. Surely there was a dress in her closet already that was worth wearing to the ball.
Rey stood while pins were placed and seams ripped and sewn, head tilted as she admired the dress. It was rather pretty, pink silk with a sheer lace overlay. The sleeves were slightly puffed, short given the warm weather, and the scoop neck flattered her figure nicely.
"That color becomes you," Rose stated. "You shall have His Grace on the floor when he sees you."
Rey huffed a laugh. "While I do think the dress is very pretty, I don't think we should put on airs."
Rose walked over, carrying the matching pink sash which would fit at the waist of the dress and raised her eyebrows. "We shall see, but I think it entirely unlikely that the Duke will remain unaffected. Mark my words, you shall be the envy of every woman there."
Rey smiled, choosing to remain silent about her own doubts on that front. While the dress was indeed very pretty, Rey had no delusions of grandeur where the ladies of the peerage were concerned, and the closer the ball drew the more nerves Rey felt about attending with Ren as the only familiar, if not entirely friendly, face there.
The following evening, Rey stood in front of the mirror as Beatrice dressed her, pairing white silk slippers and white elbow length gloves with the dress. Rose did what she could to help as Beatrice styled Rey's hair, curling and pinning for what felt like hours. When at last Rey was bid to look at herself, her breath caught. She felt as if she was looking at stranger, so delicate and regal did she look. The dress had been tailored to fit perfectly, the gloves and shoes complimenting the dress nicely. As well, Beatrice's intricate style of curls piled atop Rey's head, with a few tendrils left to drift around her face, was quite possibly the prettiest Rey had seen herself.
Smiling through the mirror at Rose, Rey felt positively giddy. Rose bit her lip and then gave into a squeal of excitement.
Grabbing Rey's hands, she said, "I cannot wait to hear about the evening. You must promise to try to enjoy yourself."
Rey smiled back, though the nerves that had been temporarily cast aside returned. "I shall do my best, for your sake if not my own."
Taking one last look at herself in the mirror, Rey walked towards the door. Opening it, she again found Ren waiting for her. She started to bid him good evening but stopped when she saw his expression.
Rey watched him take a deep breath, his lips parted as his eyes traveled down and then up, finally alighting on her own eyes. She was reminded rather suddenly of their wedding day when his eyes had looked nearly black rather than their usual shade of brown.
"Good evening, Ren," she said quietly, feeling both pleased and uncomfortable at his intense gaze.
Ren blinked rapidly a moment before nodding towards her. "Good evening." Holding out his arm, Rey placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, feeling a sudden, and unexpected, lightheadedness at the contact.
Shaking her head to try and dissipate the sudden rush of nerves, she smiled shyly at Ren who was looking down at her with an indecipherable emotion behind his eyes. The smile dropped from her mouth as Ren's stare became prolonged.
"Shall we, then?" she asked.
A small frown marred Ren's expressed before he nodded his head and they started down the hallway towards the stairs.
They remained silent the rest of the walk to the carriage, Ren silently taking the place of the footman in helping her up into the carriage. He climbed into the carriage after her and, though it was dark, Rey could sense his stare in her direction. As she sat, looking out the window, Rey mulled over the sudden and confusing tension between them, different from the tension which usually found its way into their conversations.
After several minutes of silence, as the carriage traveled towards the estate of Lady Holdo, Ren spoke suddenly.
"That dress becomes you."
Rey, startled out of the contemplation of her swirling emotions, struggled to respond, her stomach flipping at Ren's flattering remark. "I…thank you. The seamstress you hired is very good."
Ren did not respond and they lapsed into silence once more, Rey chewing her lip as she returned again contemplated the confusing rush of emotions.
When the carriage came to a stop, nerves of a different sort came back to reside in Rey's stomach, reminding her of the uncertainty of the night ahead of her. Ren exited the carriage ahead of her and held out his hand, once again displacing the footman. Rey's hand trembled slightly as she held it out for Ren to clasp, her footing unsteady as she descended the carriage and gazed around her.
The home of Lady Holdo was considerably smaller than Rey's new residence, though it was still substantial in size, and there was a queue of people waiting to greet the Lady. As they walked towards the door Ren again placed Rey's hand in the crook of his arm, placing his hand on top of hers. Rey swallowed at the small gesture, which felt strangely intimate.
Out of the corner of her eye, Rey saw Ren glance down at her several times, though neither of them spoke, Rey for her part feeling too confused to hold a conversation with the man beside her.
As they neared the Lady in question, Rey admired her dress, a lovely lavender shade which suited her complexion nicely.
Lady Holdo's smile grew into a wide grin when she saw them.
"Ben, my dear boy, it has been an age since I last saw you!" she exclaimed.
As Ren nodded, Rey's eyebrows went up at the Lady's use of his Christian name. Turning to Rey, Lady Holdo smiled.
"And this must be the lovely Duchess of Ren." Lady Holdo gave a quick curtsy, which, though proper protocol, felt rather odd, as the woman was almost surely thirty years her senior. "Aren't you a vision, my dear. Thank you so much for attending."
Rey smiled back, feigning a confidence she did not feel. "It is a pleasure. Thank you for the invitation."
Not wishing to hold up the line, she and Ren walked into the manor, following the trail of people into the ballroom. Despite her nerves, Rey smiled as she beheld the revelry in front of her. The center of the room was taken by a long line of dancers, with other attendees sitting or standing along the edges of the room, talking in groups of two or three. Rey allowed Ren to guide her to one side of the room. Finding an empty spot along a wall, they stopped and turned to watch the room. To her surprise and confusion, Ren continued to hold her hand in his elbow.
To distract herself from the confusing feelings triggered by such close quarters with her husband, Rey watched the dancers in front of her. She saw several people glancing at them and whispering, though none came to speak.
Rey jumped when Ren leaned his head towards her ear and spoke softly, "As a duchess it will be up to you to introduce yourself to those here."
Rey turned her head, breath hitching as she realized there were mere inches separating her and Ren.
"I don't know who any of these people are," she said quietly, heart beating quickly as Ren drew back slightly, watching her closely. "How can I be expected to introduce myself to everyone present when it is I who am the stranger?"
Ren regarded her a moment before straightening. "Come."
Pulling her along with him, Ren walked around the edge of the room, introducing Rey to those present. She struggled to remember the names of those she met, for there were so many, hoping she would not make a fool of herself in the future should she find herself in a conversation with them. As well, Rey had never seen Ren so gregarious. Though his manner was not exactly open, he did not shy away from conversation as he was usually want to do.
After meeting at least half the attending, Ren excused them and walked back over to an open space along the wall.
"That was tedious," he said under his breath, sighing loudly.
Rey pressed her lips together at a sudden desire to smile. "Indeed. That was rather a lot of people to converse with in a single night."
Ren nodded, looking out at the crowd of dancers. The music was festive and Rey wondered, as she tapped her toes, if she would be able to entice her husband to dance. As she was now a married lady, Ren would be her only available dance partner, though the thought was not as depressing as she would have expected.
Just as she was turning to ask, a man in a red captain's suit walked up, smiling.
"Ben!" he exclaimed, surprising Rey as yet another person used Ren's Christian name.
Rey saw Ren draw a deep breath, his manner stiff.
"Captain Dameron," he returned flatly.
The captain smiled broadly, clapping a hand on Ren's shoulder.
"Come now, Benji, don't be so aloof," he said. "It has been years since last I saw you."
"Benji?" Rey asked, surprised.
"Don't call me that," Ren said to the captain, irritation coloring his voice.
Captain Dameron turned to Rey, a smile on his face. "This must be the lovely Duchess of Ren. I have heard so much about you, Your Grace." He bowed suddenly. "Captain Poe Dameron. A pleasure to make your acquaintance." Looking up at her, he winked conspiratorially, a smirk on his face.
Rey felt Ren stiffen beside her, as she struggled to make sense of the relationship between the pair. Captain Dameron seemed very sanguine, not fitting with a childhood friend she would expect Ren to have had. As well, Ren's irritation and the captain's dismissal of it were also curious.
"A pleasure to meet you, Captain," Rey finally remembered to speak. When he straightened, Rey decided to voice her curiosity.
"And how do you know my husband?" she asked.
Captain Dameron smiled broadly. "We knew each other as lads." The smile dimmed as he continued. "Princess Leia took it upon herself to see that I had the care of a mother after my own passed away as a boy."
"Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that," Rey said, "though it was good of her to see that you were cared for."
Poe nodded. "Yes, it was very kind of her to do so." Clearing his throat, he spoke again. "But let us not speak of such melancholy matters." Turning to Ren, whose face was hardened and body tensed, he said, "It was quite the happy surprise to hear that the notoriously surly Duke of Ren had entered into a nuptial state of bliss. You must regale me with the story of your whirlwind romance."
"I-" Rey started, unsure how she would respond, when Ren interrupted her.
"Of what consequence is it to you?" he asked.
Rey frowned at his rude response.
Captain Dameron raised his eyebrows. "Can a friend not inquire about such happy tidings?"
Ren pressed his lips together. "Were we friends, then indeed you could, but as we are not, I do not see the point in regaling you with the tale."
The Captain shook his head, a rueful smile on his face. "Come now. We have known one another since childhood. Surely that is worth something."
Ren took a deep breath but did not respond, instead turning away to face forward. Rey looked between them, at a loss of how to respond to such rude behavior by her husband.
Captain Dameron looked at Ren with a small frown on his features before looking back at Rey and smiling. "Perhaps the lady would allow me the pleasure of dancing?"
Before Rey could respond, Ren turned his head and gripped her hand tightly. "No." Without further response, Rey found herself being dragged to the dance floor, which was just lining up for the next dance.
"That was rather rude," Rey hissed at him as she saw several people looking towards them and whispering.
Ren gave no response as he left her go to stand on his side of the line.
It was all Rey could do to recall the steps as her mind whirled, wondering what had transpired in the past to cause Ren to react so coldly to a childhood companion. Ren seemed rather agitated as they danced, but said nothing to Rey. She watched him, trying to puzzle out why Ren was so opposed to the Captain, as Rey had found his demeanor rather amiable and engaging.
Amid all the confusing thoughts, Rey could not help a small smile of amusement as she recalled the captain referring to Ren as Benji.
Rey was so lost in her thoughts that the dance was over before she knew it. When she looked up at Ren, she found him gazing at her intensely. Swallowing, Rey turned suddenly and walked quickly to an open space along the wall, trying to keep her wits about her. When she turned to face the crowd, Ren stepped next to her.
Though the room was filled with the sounds of merriment and conversation, the silence between them felt tangible, filling the space between and around them. Rey wished to ask questions but was cognizant of the people around, eyeing them and likely waiting for a bit of gossip.
When she could stand the silence no further, Rey turned to Ren.
"I'm in need of refreshment."
She turned but before she could walk away Ren grabbed her hand, staying her. She turned in surprise, looking from their joined hands up to his face.
"Allow me," he said softly.
Rey's lips parted in surprise as Ren let go of her hand and walked towards the refreshments.
"The Duke and Duchess of Ren are certainly an interesting pair."
Rey stiffened as she picked up the conversation of two ladies a little ways away.
"She is certainly a beauty, I will give her that, but I heard she was nothing more than a servant before he married her."
"Oh indeed, I heard the same, though no one seems to know how they met or why they married."
"One could hazard a few guesses, I'm sure. I heard from Miss Meredith that His Majesty ordered the Duke to marry and produce an heir."
"Well, I'm certain his Majesty did not intend for Ren to pick a bride out of the riff raff of common servants."
The pair tittered as Rey closed her eyes, struggling to remain calm. Glancing to her right, she saw several people glancing at her, likely also hearing the pair of ladies gossiping about her. Needing to get away from the situation, Rey walked away quickly, hearing one lady hush the other as she walked by, heading towards a set of doors leading to a balcony.
Rey breathed deeply when the cool night air hit her face. She walked to the edge of the balcony, placing her hands on the stone railing and looking out at the dark grounds. She wished Rose were with her, that she might have a friend to laugh off the gossip with. She had known that people were talking, but that did not make the talk any easier to hear.
"There you are."
Rey jumped, whirling around with her hand over her heart to find Ren standing several feet away, cups in hand.
"You startled me," she said.
Ren handed her a cup, which she quickly took a large drink from.
"That was not my intent," he replied by way of apology. "What are you doing out here?"
Rey turned back to the railing. "I was in need of some fresh air."
There was silence behind her before Ren stepped next to her on the railing, putting a hand on her shoulder. She turned towards him, unable to clearly make out his expression.
"What happened?" His voice was soft, but held a note of ire.
Rey took a deep breath, shaking her head. "Nothing I didn't expect. I overheard some ladies telling tales about us."
Rey saw Ren stiffen and put a hand on his arm. "Please do nothing. It will only provide further gossip."
Ren did not move for several moments, his breath quickening as he seemed to struggle with his temper. The last thing Rey needed was for Ren to make a scene.
"Perhaps another dance?" she asked.
Rey watched as Ren's throat bobbed, his jaw ticking, before he finally nodded stiffly.
Setting her cup on the railing, Rey placed her hand on the arm of her husband and allowed him to steer them back inside.
Once they were again lined up to dance, Rey was startled to see the ire in Ren's expression. It was then that she noticed Captain Dameron standing next to Ren. His position was such that Rey would also share some steps with him. She couldn't help but wonder if that was the cause of Ren's obvious irritation.
The dance started and Rey tried to concentrate on her steps. This was a newer dance, though Miss Tico had helped her work on it prior to this evening.
When the steps brought her alongside Captain Dameron, he said in a low voice, "I don't believe your husband much enjoys sharing his dance partner."
They were separated before Rey could respond. When next she came alongside Ren, his manner was very stiff and his narrowed gaze was not on her.
"Do not give the gossips more fuel," she hissed as they parted. Little good it would do for them to dance in hopes of deterring the gossips if Ren insisted on making a scene.
Rey did not know what offense Captain Dameron had made, but Ren's behavior was very peculiar. She spent the remainder of the dance again trying to puzzle out what Captain Dameron could have done to cause Ren to become so agitated.
As the dance finished, Rey spotted Princess Leia and Mr. Solo in one corner and smiled. Ren glanced over his shoulder and stiffened when he saw them. Feeling bold, Rey hurried over to her in-laws, happy to find a friendly face among the crowd.
As she approached, Leia smiled broadly. Mr. Solo, for his part, though very dapper, looked as if he felt out of place, repeatedly tugging at the collar of his shirt.
"I'm so happy to see you here, dear," Leia said, grabbing Rey's hand and squeezing. Looking over Rey's shoulder, she added, "And you have enticed my son to dance, no less. What an unexpected surprise."
Rey turned to find that Ren just behind her, looking uncomfortable.
"Mother," he said, his words clipped. "Father."
Mr. Solo frowned as he nodded towards his son, and Rey wondered if he was unhappy with the cold manner of Ren's greeting.
"It is good to see you both," Rey said, smiling shyly at them both.
Mr. Solo turned towards her, his manner softening considerably as he nodded back at her.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Leia asked, still eying Ren.
Rey swallowed and forced a smile. "It's nice to see a friendly face."
"That bad, is it?" Mr. Solo said wryly.
Rey laughed in spite of herself. "It hasn't been all bad."
"Listen," Mr. Solo continued, raising his eyebrows. "Don't let the stuffy people here make you feel like you don't belong. I know how they can be, and it's best to just ignore them."
Rey pressed her lips together and nodded as a warm feeling swelled in her chest at Mr. Solo's kind words. It occurred to her that he likely knew exactly what she was going through.
She looked at Leia and found her watching Ren. As Rey turned to Ren, she saw he was watching his father with a mixture of thoughtfulness and confusion.
After several moments, Ren blinked and turned his gaze towards Rey. Frowning, he turned to his parents, nodding at them as he pulled Rey away, claiming they were in need of refreshments. Rey was so startled by the sudden exit that she allowed him to tug her along to the opposite side of the room.
Someday soon, she was going to demand an explanation for why he so studiously avoided the only family he had.
Though the ball was still in full swing when they left, Rey felt exhausted from a night of standing, dancing, and gossip, and was happy they left early. Lulled by the rocking of the carriage, Rey rested her head against the side wall and closed her eyes, falling quickly to sleep.
In what felt like the next moment, Rey awoke to a gentle shake on her shoulder.
Blinking in confusion, it took her a moment to realize where she was.
"We've arrived home," Ren said, his hand remaining on her shoulder.
Gathering her wits, Rey stifled a yawn. "I'm afraid the events of the evening have tired me considerably more than I realized."
Ren exited the carriage first and held out a hand to help her down. As they walked towards the home it took Rey a few moments to realize he had not let go of her hand. Supposing he realized her disorientation and decided to help guide her to her room, Rey made no mention of the fact.
As they headed towards the stairs, Rey glanced at the grandfather clock, surprised to see the hour was past midnight. As Rey climbed the stairs, hand on the banister, Ren let her hand go in favor of placing it on the small of her back, likely to hold her steady as she ascended the steps.
Once reaching her door, Rey turned to thank him for escorting her.
Before she could voice her thanks, however, Ren spoke first.
"I don't want you associating with Captain Dameron."
Her head still foggy with sleep, it took Rey a moment to understand the statement. When she did, she frowned in both irritation and confusion.
"Why ever not?" she asked. "He seems perfectly amiable and is familiar with the rest of your family. It makes sense that he would befriend me as well."
"I forbid it," Ren said, his voice raising in severity.
Rey's eyebrows flew upwards. "You forbid it?"
"Yes. Have no contact with the man."
Rey shook her head, her own irritation rising. "What has the captain done to you to deserve such censure?"
"It matters not," Ren said, looking away and avoiding her question. "I don't want you to befriend him. He is not fit company for you to keep."
"You're being ridiculous," Rey said. "I saw nothing about the man to warrant your disdain. He addressed you as a longtime friend and brother. It seems as though you were raised together-"
Rey's speech was interrupted when Ren abruptly grabbed either side of her face and pressed his lips to hers. She gasped in shock and froze, too surprised to react.
Before she could gather her wits enough to decide whether or not to return Ren's kiss, he ended it, abruptly stepping back.
He was breathing rapidly as Rey watched him with wide eyes.
"I – " He started to speak and then stopped to swallow. "Forgive me, I should not have done that."
Ren turned around quickly and walked away, leaving Rey rooted to the spot in shock.
A/N: As always, thanks so much for reading. This chapter ballooned on me, and I wrote it all while dealing with a sinus infection, but I was determined to get to this darn kiss. Haha! Please let me know if you enjoyed the chapter. Reviews are the currency of fanfic. :P Oh and in case anyone's wondering, no Poe is not a Mr. Wickham character. ;)