Jewelry Box

Ch. 10 The New Duchess

Victoria

I stood like a rabbit surrounded by the tigers. Every person who worked on the Graham duchy was present, as Alexander introduced me as the new duchess.

I awkwardly smiled as everyone looked at me. I didn’t know what they were thinking, but it made me uncomfortable.

“I hope you all show respect to the new duchess,” Alexander thundered. I tried to keep my head high. “She would make changes, give orders here on the duchy. Anything my fiancé says is her will. Am I clear?” Alexander claimed as heads nodded in agreement.

Once he had finished, he dismissed everyone. I watched them disperse, while a few others that stayed behind looked my way.

“I hope you feel comfortable here,” Alexander said, pulling me away from my thoughts. “This will be your new home, Victoria.”

“Yes, thank you,” I smiled, still feeling a few eyes our way.

The number of people that worked here was fascinating. Not even my father’s duchy had this many people helping around. This would be a lot for me, but since I would help around, things might get better.

“Come, let me show you around,” Alexander said, offering his hand.

I took his warm hand as he beamed me a smile, making me flustered.

Alexander explained what they used each room in the mansion for. I listened intently to his voice, which relaxed me.

I moved my eyes around the extravagant place. The Graham Duchy stood to its name with all its grandness and beauty. Not even my place could be compared to this.

“You can do whatever you like,” Alexander added. “If you don’t like something, let us know.”

It shocked me he was giving me this much authority since all this was just a contract. It wasn’t like I was planning on staying for too long.

Clearing my throat, I said, “There won’t be a need for that.”

A frown formed on Alexander’s forehead. Then, halting his steps, he turned completely to face me.

“Why?” he asked, making me frown back. “You have all the rights as the duchess.”

“I know, but—” I cleared my throat, making sure no one was around. “Remember, we are under a contract. Something in Alexander turned bleak. Did I say something wrong?

Without another word, Alexander finished showing me around. Then he left me to rest in the bedroom he showed me last time.

I looked around the place. The enormous room still had some things Alexander chose me last time. The only slight difference now was that he managed the furniture to something more simple, minimalistic.

I was thankful; it felt a bit more like my room back at home. Not some random bedroom. With a sigh, I walked toward the window. I gasped as my eyes noticed the vast garden down below.

Intrigued, I pushed the window open and leaned out. The cool spring breeze ruffled my hair, turning it into a mess.

A knock from the door had me looking over my shoulder.

“Come in,” I replied, letting whoever it was in. An older woman peeked through the door as she beamed a smile my way.

She had this motherly warmth coming from her.

“Hi, my lady, I’m Bee the head maid,” she introduced herself.

Earlier, I had seen her studying me with a tender gaze when we were at the entrance of the duchy. I thought she was the cook, but to my surprise, she was the head maid here.

“Pleasure to meet you, Bee. I’m Victoria,” I smiled warmly. “Do you need something?”

Bee blinked before chuckling.

“No, I just came by to introduce myself and let you know your two personal maids will be here soon,” Bee explained. I thanked her, then closed the window.

“We are happy you’re finally here,” she suddenly muttered, making me tense. Slowly, I turned around.

“Why?” I questioned curiously.

“Oh, because we finally have someone else that isn’t the duke to serve. Since he has never been interested in a woman, this is something refreshing and thrilling for all of us.”

“He told us you were quite a beauty, and how right he was,” Bee chuckled. I blushed at her words. Did Alexander say that?

Curious to know more, I moved to ask her when another knock came from the door. Both Bee and I looked towards the door. She quickly excused herself as she moved to see who had interrupted us.

Opening the door wide, two girls around my age stepped in. Both with ginger hair and freckled faces.

“Duchess, this is Georgina and May,” Bee introduced. “They will be your maids.”

“Hi duchess, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” both bowed respectfully.

“Likewise, I will be in your care, girls,” I answered politely.

After introductions and a brief description of my schedule for today, the head maid and the girls left.

I was thankful I was finally all alone. I needed a breather. It was overwhelming enough with everything else going on.

Undressing, I moved to the enormous mirror, then glanced at my figure. My hand moved involuntarily to my neck. I gulped dryly as my eyes closed slowly.

I hated the images that replayed in my mind. They made me feel insecure. As I stood there, I opened my eyes and took a deep breath to calm my beating heart. Thinking I could have a break, a loud knock made me jump in surprise.

I turned to look for something to cover my body with when the bedroom door opened. I yelled, then crouched as Alexander turned around.

“Can’t you wait for someone to let you in?” I screeched, embarrassed by his rudeness.

“I’m sorry!” Alexander muttered. His hand was over his eyes as he stood hunched.

Groaning, I stood to grab the nearby discarded dress. Then I quickly dressed back to it.

Once I felt dressed up decently, I let Alexander know he could turn around. His ears and neck were flushed while his eyes roamed everywhere but me.

Feeling embarrassed as well, I cleared my throat.

“Do you need something?” I asked.

“Yes,” Alexander’s clipped voice answered. “I’m taking you to dinner tonight.

“Is there something going on?” It was ridiculous to ask, but I was curious to know why.

“No,” he responded, shaking his head, “just a welcome dinner, that’s all.”

I raised an eyebrow. This isn’t what it looks like. I can feel there’s more to it.

“Fine,” I agreed to let it be.

“I shall meet you down the grand stairs around seven,” Alexander mumbled and spun on his heels.

It confused me the reason he was giving me, since I struggled to believe this dinner would be simply a welcome to the duchy. If this man had something, it was that he could be cunning.

There was something else on his mind.

Deciding not to mind it that much, I rubbed my temple and let my body fall on the soft mattress. Taking a pillow, I hugged it, inhaling the delicious smell of cinnamon.