Page 13

“Mrs. Morbate lost her ability to speak some years ago,” Ada explained, “But I assure you, Your Grace, she is vastly capable of her duties. I simply am able to translate to the others on her behalf when needed.”

“How fascinating,” Amelia breathed, “Is there a language you learned to help her- you-” she paused, casting a kind glance to Mrs. Morbate to let her know she was speaking to both of them, “how to go on with your duties?”

Mrs. Morbate smiled beautifully and nodded as Ada replied, “Yes, Your Grace. It took time to accomplish, but now I understand her perfectly.”

“Well, I would greatly appreciate to be taught this mysterious language,” Amelia said to them.

Mrs. Morbate bowed her head as Ada replied, “As you wish, Your Grace, we would be delighted.”

Dominic could have simply let Mrs. Morbate go when she lost her ability to speak, yet he chose to keep her on and hire Ada to help her. Most interesting,she mused silently.

“A pleasure to meet you both,” Amelia replied, “Might I introduce you to my dear friends, Lady Theodosia, Lady Rosamund, and Lady Ophelia. They will be my frequent guests. I would prefer it if rooms be ready for them at any given time. My friend, the Duchess of Vanderbilt may be visiting occasionally as well.”

“Of course, Your Grace,” Ada replied as Mrs. Morbate nodded. “His Grace has already informed us of this news and their rooms are already prepared. They are positioned in the Duchess wing, with rooms adjoining yours.”

Amelia blinked in surprise.

“He did?” She asked.

“A wing?” Theo asked, turning her head quickly to Amelia. “You get an entirewing?”

“If I may continue with the rest of the introductions, Your Grace,” Ada urged respectfully as Mrs. Morbate beckoned toward a man to her left. Like Mrs. Morbate, he was older, probably in his late fifties or early sixties, and had a kind face above his slightly rotund belly.

“This is Mr. Morbate,” Ada continued, “The head butler and Mrs. Morbate’s husband. He also at times, acts as somewhat of an overseer of the estate when His Grace is away.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Morbate,” Amelia said.

Immediately she wanted to corral the man into a room and ask the many questions she had about her husband- though something told her the kind-face butler would not speak much on his master. Like Mrs. Morbate, there was a look of deep devotion in his eyes.

“Lastly I would like you to meet Eve, your personal maid. His Grace informed us you would not be bringing one from your home. She is widely knowledgeable in her craft, but if she is not a good fit, do let us know so that we may find a more suitable arrangement.”

“I am sure that will not be necessary,” Amelia stated, looking around the circle for the maid in question.

Another thin, pale, pretty young woman stepped forward, a lock of stark black hair falling from her cap and nearly covering her left eye. She had large dark brown, almost black eyes that were hauntingly captivating. Her dark pink lips spread into a smile as she curtseyed toward Amelia.

“It would be a pleasure to serve you, Your Grace. I am eager to attend to whatever needs you request.”

Though she couldn’t quite pinpoint why, Amelia liked her immediately.

“I am sure you will learn them swiftly,” she replied.

“We have also acquired handmaids for your friends, Your Grace,” Ada continued, and four more women, all pretty, all with unique features, stepped forward.

“This is Bessie, Nell, Hattie, and Nora. They have many other duties they are able to perform when your guests are not here, so please do not fret over their practicality. All of us are skilled in being multifaceted.”

A curious way to put it,Amelia noted.

“Ooooh, how exciting!” Ophelia squealed.

“Thank you for considering my friends, it is greatly appreciated!” Amelia replied, ending with a laugh of surprise.

“Of course, Your Grace,” Ada said as she and Mrs. Morbate curtseyed once more.

“Now if you would like, Mrs. Morbate and I would like to help you settle in. The others are secondary staff, and you may meet them individually at your leisure if you wish.”

“Yes,” Amelia agreed, thankful she didn’t have to memorize so many names at once. There were at the very least fifty other people in uniform.

“I think that would be best. If you would allow me to rest this evening, my friends and I would be happy to start a tour and hold our first meetings tomorrow.”