Page 15 of The Beast’s Duchess (Duchesses of Inconvenience #1)

Chapter Thirteen

V eronica was in her sitting room. She had been working on the same part of her dress for what felt hours. She just couldn’t seem to focus. Her family was due to visit any day now.

She jolted out of her thoughts with a small grunt as an inattentive stitch sent the needle straight into her finger. She brought the bloody finger to her lips.

“You seem distracted,” Daisy said with a frown from where she sat nearby.

Sometimes Veronica felt bad about pulling the girl away from her work, but it was nice to have companionship, even when they were just sitting in silence working on their own projects.

Besides, the last time she asked if she was keeping her from anything, Daisy insisted that working on her mending was part of her job anyways so it didn’t make a difference where she did it.

Veronica chuckled, bringing her focus back to the conversation at hand. “I suppose you could say that.”

“Why? Is something the matter?”

“No, of course not?”

She frowned.

Veronica sighed. “It's nothing like that. I just- my family is due in sometime today or tomorrow and I’m not sure if everything is as prepared as I would like.”

“You must be so excited to see them.”

“I am, for most of them,” she added the last part quietly, almost hoping Daisy wouldn’t hear.

Of course, she did. Veronica should have known better. “What do you mean?” she frowned. “Who aren’t you excited to see? And why not?” then she hesitated. “Should I not ask that?

“No one,” she shook her head. “It doesn’t matter.”

“It seems like it matters to you.”

“Forget it. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“But why? That doesn’t make any sense.”

Veronica sighed. “I’d say you’ll understand someday, but I sincerely hope you don’t.”

“Right,” her frown deepened. “Then I won’t push, but if you change your mind you know you can talk to me, right?”

“Of course,” Veronica smiled.

“I know we met because I was brought in to be your maid, but I like to think we have become friends.”

“I would agree with that.”

“And friends share their troubles, don’t they?”

She smiled. “Of course they do. What has brought this on?”

“You’ve just seemed so distracted and worried lately. I wanted to let you know whatever is going on you have someone in your corner.”

Veronica smiled, “I know you are.”

She was still wrapped up in her thoughts on the matter when there was a knock at the door. She almost jumped at the sound.

One of the other servants stepped in with a smile. “Good afternoon, you Grace. I wished you to know that your family’s carriage has just crossed the borders of the estate. They should be here shortly.”

“Already?” Veronica gasped. “I thought it would be later tonight or even tomorrow morning before they got here.”

“I guess they were able to get here early. That means you’ll get to spend more time with your sisters, right?” Daisy grinned.

“You’re right,” she smiled before turning back to the servant. “Thank you for telling me. Daisy, come to my room with me. I want to freshen up a bit before they arrive.”

“Of course, ma’am.

Veronica tried to shove down her nerves. It was only her family. There was no reason to be anything other than excited.

And in so many ways, she was. It had been far too long since she had seen Milly and Rose.

Once she was done changing, she said a quick thank you to Daisy and made her way downstairs. Just as she stepped outside, the carriage rolled up the road.

When it pulled to a stop nearby, her stomach dropped. Any second now, she would see them.

Veronica’s heart pounded in her throat.

The door opened and Rose stepped out, Milly following behind her. No sooner had they stepped out then they were pulling Veronica in for a hug. She tried to look over their shoulders to see when her parents made their way out of the carriage.

“We have missed you so much!”

“And I have missed the pair of you. Where are mother and father?”

Rose hesitated.

“They didn’t come,” Milly said, as blunt as ever.

Veronica frowned. “Why not?”

“Perhaps we should talk about that later, and behind closed doors,” Rose said, a tight smile on her face.

She frowned. “That doesn't sound good.”

“It sounds worse than it is. I just thought you might want to have some privacy for that conversation. And–” her eyes glanced at Milly, with a beseeching look.

“I see,” Veronica nodded. “Yes, I think that is more than understandable. We can talk later.”

“Thank you.”

“Where's your husband?” Milly asked.

Veronica had to suppress a wince. She wasn’t sure after their conversation the other night how much he was going to be around. She had tried to make clear that he was welcome, but that didn't mean he would want to be here. “I think he’s working right now.”

“Can we go see him?”

“Later, but we shouldn’t interrupt him.”

“But why?”

“Like I said he’s working.”

“Fine, but when do I get to meet him?”

“Soon, I’m sure.”

“But when?” she whined.

Rose chuckled. “There’s no need to be so impatient. Besides, I’m sure Veronica has plenty she wants to show us first.”

She smiled, shooting Rose a grateful look for the easy change of subject. “Of course I do. Did I tell you I have a pair of puppies?”

Milly lit up. “You do?”

“That’s right, follow me. I’ll show you to my sitting room.”

The trio made their way up the stairs, Veronica pointing to various things of note as they went.

Finally, they made it to her sitting room.

The second Milly saw Teddy and Shaggy, she raced over to them, a bright smile on her face.

“They are so cute!”

“Yes, I think so too.”

“What are their names?”

“The golden one is Teddy and the darker one is Shaggy.”

“They're both so sweet. Can I go play with them?”

“Of course. They have some toys over in the corner.”

She raced off to go play with them, leaving Veronica and Rose to talk as they sat on the sofa.

“I have missed you,” Rose said.

“I’ve missed you too. How have you been since I left?”

“I’ve been all right, but I’ve been wondering how you are.”

“There isn’t much to talk about,” Veronica shook her head. “Besides, there’s really nothing to talk about with me. I’d rather talk about you. I must have missed so much.”

Rose glanced back at Milly, “why don’t we hold off on some of that discussion for later.”

“Is it that serious?” she asked, keeping her voice low.

She shook her head. “It probably sounds worse than it is. I just don’t want to upset her.”

“I can understand that, but if you don’t want to talk about that, then you’ll just have to entertain me with other news from London.”

Rose shook her head. “You know what the balls are like. I doubt I have anything that interesting to tell you. I would much rather hear about your life here.”

“All I do is look after Ashton Castle. I doubt there’s much interest in you.”

“On its own, perhaps not, but we aren’t simply talking about an estate, but your home and your life here.”

Veronica huffed out a half laugh. “Well, if you’re sure, but I promise it isn’t that interesting.”

“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that?”

“Very well, but remember, you asked for it. Most of my time is spent on renovations.”

“What kind?”

“Some decorating, but also some structural repairs. Since it’s just His Grace and a small staff, some aspects of the manor are… well, in need of attention..”

“Wouldn't that usually be handled by the housekeeper?” Rose frowned. “The repairs, I mean. I can understand the decorating falling a bit behind, but there shouldn’t much for you to oversee as far as upkeep is concerned.”

“It would, but you can understand how even with a capable house keeper things can fall by the wayside. Besides, even if everything was perfect, I would still want to put my own spin on things, make it feel like my home.”

“I can understand that. Did you decorate this room yourself?”

“I did! It was actually the first room I did. I’m surprised you were able to tell.”

“Of course I can tell. I can see your touch almost everywhere here.”

She smiled. “That’s kind of you to say.”

“What else have you done other than this room?”

“Most of this side of the house. Which reminds me, do try to stay away from the west wing.”

“Why?” she frowned. “Is something wrong with it?”

“I haven’t gotten to work over there, so it is a bit run down. It’s also where Christopher’s office is, so I’d like to make sure we don’t interrupt him while he is working.”

“I can understand that, but,” she hesitated.

“What is it?”

She shook her head. “Nothing.”

“Are you sure?” Veronica frowned. “It seems like you’ve got something on your mind.”

She glanced back at Milly. “It’s nothing.”

“Is this something we need to talk about when we’re alone too?”

“I don’t want to worry her.”

“There’s nothing I could say about my life here that would cause her any need to worry. I can assure you, so whatever it is you can feel free to ask away.”

She smiled, relife showing on her face. “Well, I am glad to hear that, but I still need to ask, does he treat you well?”

She smiled. “Better than I expected.”

“Why does that sound like you are avoiding my question?”

Veronica laughed. “I’m not. It's the truth. I had rather low expectations when I first arrived, but things have gone surprisingly well. We even picked the dogs out together.”

“You did?”

“Yes, we did.” She nodded. “It was a lot of fun. Over all, things have been…well.”

Rose sighed. “Well? Honestly sister! You must think I hardly know you if you believe I will let you get away with just that.”

In truth, Veronica did not want to acknowledge what had been growing between them, it was still too fragile. Too uncertain.

“At least he seems to bring you more happiness than either of us expected you to have with Lord Gallmore.”

She huffed out a laugh. “Oh yes, I will forever be glad that I was able to avoid that fate. I-”

She was cut off by a loud yawn from the other side of the room. The pair let out a chuckle.

“I should probably take her to go take a nap before dinner,” Rose smiled.

“I don’t need a nap!” Milly crossed her arms.