“Really?” Agnes glanced between her and the Dowager Duchess. “But I couldn’t possibly make you do that –”
“You would not be making us do anything. What use would our amassed life experiences be if we could not guide or assist you? We would be delighted to help you. Whatever you might need, just say the word, and we will be there,” Alexandra promised.
Agnes felt overwhelmed with emotions at that declaration. She was used to doing things herself, sorting through her problems on her own, ever desperate to be a solid rock her sisters could go to and rely on. Asking for help was not something that came easily to her, but to have it offered as carefreely as this gave her so much hope for the future.
“Thank you… thank you so much. I look forward to spending even more time with you… Alexandra.”
The Dowager Duchess’ smile told her that at the end of the day, she would be just fine.
“You’re welcome, love.”
Chapter Five
Waking up at the Forestwood mansion the next morning had taken quite a toll on Agnes.
The Duke had not joined them for dinner, and his blatant desire to disregard not just her but her godmother and his grandmother as well had left her with a bitter taste in her mouth that had kept her from sleeping well. By the time morning arrived, all she felt was unwillingness to face the day.
Still, she knew she had to, not just for the sake of her sisters but also on behalf of the Dowager Duchess, who had asked for her patience and to maintain an open mind. And so, she left her bed and set about preparing for her day as quickly as she could. Her godmother had said that she would be exploring the area with her friend, and they would be gone most of the day, which meant Agnes’ only other option for the company was her husband-to-be – something that filled her with a flash of irritation.
But even he, too, extracted himself from her list of potential company, as the lady’s maid had informed her that the Duke’s schedule had been occupied with several business meetings, and as such, he would be unable to grant her the grace of his presence.
“That’s a blessing if I’ve ever seen one,” Agnes mumbled, leaning back as her maid – Beatrice – gently brushed her hair and tied it up with a silk ribbon.
She somehow felt that being around him – despite their civil interaction last night – would only yield even more fights. It had not escaped her notice how standoffishly and rudely he regarded his staff, and it had grated on her nerves that she had stayed quiet about it for the sake of their union.
Agnes’ father had taught her to respect every single individual who worked for her family and had raised her to see them as extensions of her family, stating that it was her job to protect them and ensure that they were happy whilst tending to their duties. And Silas found nothing wrong with snapping at them as though they were enslaved.
“I do not like his attitude,” she confided to Beatrice, relieved to be able to finally complain about him to someone. “He’s rather disrespectful to his staff members, and it is unpleasant to witness. If I am to become his Duchess, I will not stand for such blatant disregard to the people who have given themselves into servitude.”
Beatrice had been around Agnes long enough to recognize the fire in her eyes, biting the insides of her cheek to keep herself from sighing worriedly. Agnes had the biggest heart she had ever encountered, a quality that was beautiful and saddening all at once because the young lady was always putting herself between others and their problems. She was always eager to help, assist, and save, never really considering herself or the consequences that could come around to affect her later.
The lady’s maid had watched Agnes live the last few years, focusing all her energy on returning her sisters to her side, and now, she had arrived at the mansion and was taking on another mission without stopping to ponder on her well-being or feelings over her looming marriage.
“What do you plan to do about it, my lady? Surely, you must have some sort of idea in mind, seeing how much it upsets you.” Beatrice questioned because, at the end of the day, Agnes was her responsibility, and she would always care for her, especially in times when Agnes failed to do so for herself.
Wordlessly, Agnes rose out of the chair and rushed to the door, stopping by a mirror to take a look at herself for a moment, nodding at her hair and clothes in satisfaction before continuing to leave the room. With her hand around the doorknob, she said over her shoulder,
“I plan to teach that haughty Duke the right way to treat people.”
Outside the room, she expressed the desire to visit the kitchen, and Beatrice guided her there, as she had been given a short,quick tour of the house when she arrived, showing the important places around the mansion so she could easily cater to her mistress’ needs. Most of the household was off tending to other duties, and there were only three people in the kitchen when they arrived.
Agnes recognized the old housekeeper from the brief introduction she had gotten yesterday, along with the cook, but the third was a young girl who reminded Agnes, with a painful pang in her heart, of Imogen.
“My lady! Good morning,” Marion greeted, curtseying quickly in a panicked manner. “To what do we owe this pleasure? Was there perhaps something you needed? You could have rung –”
“Oh, no,” Agnes shook her head. “I’m not in need of anything in particular. I’m sorry I startled you – I merely wished to properly get to know the members of the staff a bit better. Perhaps even offer my assistance with any matters or problems you might be facing or handle any changes you might wish to make around the mansion. I do not intend to boast, but I do have some experience in caring for a household, and I even helped my father run his business for some time. I did both of those things simultaneously, so whatever it is you might need, I assure you, it would be no trouble.”
The housekeeper smiled sadly at her, walking forward a bit as she said,
“I am very sorry about your loss, my lady. Even more so that your father’s death had saddled you with numerous responsibilities, all by yourself.”
There was a flash of hurt in Agnes’ heart, an ache she was familiar enough with and knew how to hide well enough, and she smiled, shaking her head quickly.
“Thank you, but you do not have to worry about me. I knew what it meant to be the eldest daughter, and I expected as much as I grew, so it was easy to accept every duty that came my way. As a matter of fact, nothing gives me joy quite like taking care of my sisters.”
Marion beamed at her kindly and replied, “That is very nice. I’m glad to hear that, my lady.” She paused a bit in thought and then said, “Nothing is pressing that requires your assistance or attention as of now, so would you like to have a tour of the mansion instead?”
That sounded like a pleasant idea. Agnes had been in awe of the house since she arrived and was eager to explore the grounds, so the proposal was definitely appealing.