Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 137017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 685(@200wpm)___ 548(@250wpm)___ 457(@300wpm)
It was overwhelming.
“The Grand Duke was hopeful the space would be to your taste, my lady,” Ark said quietly. “Please let us know if that isn’t the case, and we’ll have it redecorated to your preference.”
“Oh, no, no.” I held up my hands. “It’s quite beautiful.”
And it was. The walls were just off-white enough that it wasn’t harsh, but still white enough that they weren’t the hideous magnolia I’d lived with in my past life. The light blue accents of the curtains and furniture brought it to life, and I could see how much care had been taken by the staff to prepare it for me thanks to the pretty fresh flowers that were dotted throughout the room.
Ark’s eyes shimmered. “I’m happy to hear that. I understand that you’re feeling tired, but please make yourself comfortable while we talk.” He motioned to the seating area in front of the fire. “Pippa, attend to Her Ladyship. Helen, bring some tea.”
I peered over at the blonde maid as Pippa helped me remove my winter cape. “Ooh! I’m not sure if it’s possible, but I visited the Alansia estate for a tea party and was served a rare tea from Stein that was brewed with roses from the mountains. It was given to Duke Alansia by the Grand Duke. I don’t suppose you have any, do you?”
Helen nodded. “We do, but I believe it’s all in His Highness’ private tea collection, my lady.”
“Oh, if it’s that rare, then—”
Ark raised his hand. “The Grand Duke’s private tea collection is your private tea collection, per his orders. Helen, bring a pot of Rostein tea.”
“Yes, sir.”
“A small pot is fine,” I added. “Thank you.”
She left the room with a click of the doors.
“Ark, Pippa, please sit.”
Ark sat down while Pippa continued to hover in the corner.
“Pippa, you’re making the place look untidy,” I said, smiling kindly. “Please take a seat.”
“Yes, my lady.” She perched somewhat uncomfortably on a chair in the corner.
I’d take it.
“Now, Ark.” I rested my hands in my lap. “Please give me as much information about the castle as quickly as possible.”
Chapter Fourteen
Settling In
“You said that you’ve been instructed to treat me as if I were the Grand Duchess already,” I continued. “I was informed before leaving Vermillion House that I would be allowed to choose more maids, but I wasn’t aware of the other positions you mentioned.”
He bobbed his head. “Yes, my lady. The Grand Duke made it clear to us all that your engagement is merely a formality, and you will be married as soon as possible.”
Yeah.
We’d see about that.
“I’d like to hear more about the staff.”
“Your Ladyship was correct regarding your attendants. You will be able to choose four further attendants from the staff here at the castle—two will be become your ladies-in-waiting under Bella, and a further two will be your personal maids alongside the young lady, Annie.”
Six people seemed excessive. What could I possibly need that many for? I’d survived this long with only Bella. Wouldn’t they all just end up tripping over each other?
“I hope there will be no offense if I take my time in choosing,” I replied as there was a knock at the door. “Come in.”
Helen pushed a tray into the room. “Your tea, my lady.”
“Thank you.” I turned back to Ark. “It was only recently that Annie became my personal maid, so having more attendants will take some adjusting to. I’m certain that Ingrid can choose maids who can be put on rotation until I’m able to select them.”
“Of course, my lady. I will pass the message on to the Head Maid that your maids should be switched out on a weekly basis unless you say otherwise. Would you be amenable to providing a weekly report to her during the selection process?”
I paused, picking up the teacup Helen had just poured for me. “Yes, that should be fine. Please have her only send maids willing to attend to me.”
It would be more than fine.
I wasn’t so trusting that I’d choose just anyone or allow my closest attendants to be chosen for me. I was in a foreign land with people who may not like me, so I had to weed out those who weren’t interested in serving me.
Not that any maid worth her salt would turn down the opportunity to personally attend to the future Grand Duchess, mind you.
“Please explain further about the other positions available to me.”
Ark cleared his throat. “You will be assigned a personal aide who will fulfil a similar role to you that Sir Hayes does to the Grand Duke. They will work personally with your attendants to coordinate your schedule and will assist you with your duties.”
So, a personal assistant. “Will that be my choice?”
“Yes, my lady. We will set up interviews for qualified persons when you’re ready.”
“What about a personal knight?”