Ruining the Duke Read online

  Ruining the Duke

  ©2019 by Sophia Wilson

  All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior written permission.

  These stories are works of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to events, locales or actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

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  Chapter One

  March 1814

  Collier Manor

  Bathampton

  Kent, England

  The skies were blue in the Kent countryside, and the white clouds floated peacefully along the heavens. The sounds of spring were in the air as the birds sang their tunes from the branches of the trees. The green grass was lush, and the sound of the water from the stream against the pebbles was peaceful and languid.

  The manor house of Collier Manor towered through the dense hedges and trees which were in abundance on the estate.

  It was home to the Duke of Bathampton, and his younger sister, Lady Sarah, as inherited from their father, the late Duke of Bathampton. Their mother, the Dowager Duchess of Bathampton, resided at the estate as well, but spent most of her time traveling with her own sister, Lady Gordon. It was not uncommon for siblings to share the inheritance of an estate, and the duke didn’t mind it in the least. For the most part, he enjoyed his sister’s company, when she was not being irrational and overly dramatic, as she was being this sunny morning.

  The duke stood in the parlor and glanced wordlessly at Lady Sarah, whose dark brown eyes deepened as her annoyance grew. Her dark brown hair was pinned at the nape of her neck and the light blue day-dress she wore contrasted beautifully with her darker features. Her hands were placed on her hips, and her demeanor was rather malicious.

  “You are being ludicrous, sister,” the duke said.

  Lady Sarah stomped her foot on the floor, and pouted childishly. “I most certainly am not!”

  “Indeed you are,” the duke rebutted. “Furthermore, you are acting like a child.”

  “Perhaps if you give me what I wish for, I will not act this way,” Lady Sarah muttered.

  “And how would that make it any better?”

  “There are things you do not understand, my dear brother, especially what a woman’s life entails. I am the daughter of the Dowager Duchess of Bathampton. I must look my best and spend my time with the right people. I must be desirable to unmarried men to receive an offer of marriage from them. I cannot be kept busy with trivial matters such as chores and the upkeep of my bedchamber,” Lady Sarah explained.

  “You wish me to believe that you would entrust a maidservant to be in charge of the upkeep of your bedchamber. Your wardrobe, your jewels, your books, and your journal?” the duke inquired, a grin forming on his lips.

  The duke was well aware Lady Sarah kept a journal where she scribbled her thoughts on paper, as he had crept into her room many times to read it. Of course, that was long ago, but the duke still relished in the angered expression on her face when he had been found in her bedchamber. She had hidden her journal in many places, but somehow the duke had the ability to find it without even trying very hard.

  Lady Sarah’s face reddened from anger for a moment, but instead of lashing out at her brother as she usually would, she calmed herself, as speaking in a rational tone was the only language the duke seemed to understand.

  “Brother, I plead with you. Please allow me this one request,” Lady Sarah said calmly. “I have the perfect maidservant whom I trust to be in charge of the upkeep, as well as any other duties I may wish her to fulfill.”

  “Which would be?”

  “Assisting my dressing for a formal event, or any event for that matter. To accompany me whenever I see it fit. A travel companion to ensure my safety.”

  “And what would a maidservant be able to do if your life were in danger,” the duke asked curiously and crossed his arms across his broad chest, a hint of a condescending grin on his lips, accentuating the cleft in his chin. His brown eyes sparkled with amusement as he stared at his younger sister.

  It was not the first time the duke tormented his sister, and it would most certainly not be the last, but he relished in seeing his sister bend to his every whim when she wanted something.

  “Why do you insist on being such a patronizing and condescending person? It is not a wonder why you still remain unmarried. No self-respecting woman would put up with you,” Lady Sarah declared.

  “Or perhaps it is because of you, my dear sister,” the duke retorted.

  “I am a delight,” Lady Sarah protested.

  The duke laughed heartily, and the perplexed and taken-aback expression on Lady Sarah’s face seemed to add fuel to the fire. Lady Sarah tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for her brother to cease his amusement.

  “You may find this amusing, but I do not,” Lady Sarah muttered in disapproval.

  “Of course you do not, sister.” The duke chuckled. “You may appoint your personal maidservant.”

  Lady Sarah’s jaw dropped and she glared wordlessly at the duke for a moment. “You made a fool of me this entire time?”

  “Not the entire time, sister. You are right regarding one thing, I must admit,” the duke said.

  “And what is that?” Lady Sarah asked.

  “Your bedchamber’s upkeep is far too great a feat for you to handle.”

  “I am delighted you think that, brother,” Lady Sarah said and turned to the door. She glanced at the duke over her shoulder and added, “Thank you.”

  “You are most welcome, Sarah.”

  As Lady Sarah left the parlor, she walked with purpose towards the maidservant who stood in the hallway, dusting the couches.

  The maidservant noticed her immediately and bowed her head. “My lady.”

  “Could you summon Emma to the parlor, please? I wish to speak to her at once,” Lady Sarah said firmly, not giving the maidservant any indication why she wished to speak to Emma.

  “Yes, my lady,” the maidservant said obediently and made her way towards the kitchen where most of the maidservants were this time of the morning.

  ***

  Emma stacked the delicate plates on top of one another on the tray as she and another maidservant prepared for breakfast. She ensured to do so carefully, as she did not wish for the fine edges of the porcelain to chip or tarnish.

  Emma Willis had been employed at Collier Manor for nearly a year, and she still remained wary of the dowager duchess and the duke, as well as Lady Sarah. Emma was well aware she did not belong in their company, and they did not wish to be associated with her in any way.

  She was the daughter of a baker who had a gambling addiction, and she had had no other choice but to remove herself from that situation. She had not informed her father of her whereabouts, as she did not wish for him to turn up at the estate unannounced and ask for money in a drunk and disoriented state. That would embarrass her immensely and would ensure she would be escorted from the estate, along with her drunkard father, never to return again.

  Emma did not speak of her father to anyone, not even the other maids, nor would she ever. In her mind, and as heartbreaking as it might sound, her father did not exist. Her mother had passed away during childbirth, and it had been only herself and her father her entire life. Many women had passed through their home, but not one stayed, and Emma did not blame them in the least.

  When they had been evicted due to lack of payme
nt to the landlord, Emma had left and never returned.

  She was thankful for the position as maidservant, and although she was very young, barely one and twenty years of age, she was a diligent worker, and did as she was told, quietly and efficiently.

  One of the older maidservants, Kate, had taught her everything she now knew, and she was the mother Emma had never known. Kate glanced at Emma now, nodding in approval at the plates, and placed three cups on the tray. The delicious aromas of plum cake, French bread, and brioche filled the kitchen, but Emma could only dream of taking a bite. The maids and servants were not allowed to eat the same food as the nobles, and they would simply enjoy simple breads, cheeses, and fruits for their morning meal.

  Quick and light footsteps could be heard from the hallway and as Emma placed the silverware on the tray, Anne, another maidservant, appeared in the doorway, clutching a feather duster in her hand.

  “Emma, Lady Sarah wishes to have a word with you in the parlor,” Anne informed her.

  Emma froze for a moment and stared at Anne with wide eyes. “Me?” she stuttered.

  Anne nodded and disappeared down the hallway without another word. Emma pursed her lips and glanced at Kate.

  “There is no need to look so bewildered, Emma. I am certain it is nothing terrible.”

  “I do hope not. It is never a good thing if Lady Sarah wishes to speak in private,” Emma sighed.

  “At least it was not Her Grace who wishes to speak with you, dear. Then there would surely be trouble,” Kate chuckled.

  Emma nodded, but did not feel reassured that she would not be in a certain amount of trouble. She quickly removed her apron, smoothed out her simple servant’s dress, and made her way to the parlor.

  As she stepped inside, she noticed the duke standing in the far corner of the parlor, staring absentmindedly out of the window, as if he had not even noticed her presence.

  Emma’s shoulders slumped for a moment, as Emma had been attracted to the duke for some time now. His broad shoulders and tall stance were only some of the things she adored about him. His dark brown hair, parted to the side; his dark brown eyes, which hinted at an underlying tone of warmth. His square jaw and the cleft in his chin were the things she dreamt of at night, but alas, her dreams were the only place she was able to run her fingers through his hair.

  In her dreams they spoke and fell in love. They strolled along the pathways of the estate’s gardens, and shared a kiss under the large oak tree by the stream. In her dreams, it did not for a single moment matter that she was a simple maid, the daughter of a baker. She loved him, and he loved her, and nothing would be able to change that.

  Reality was much crueler, however. The duke did not even know she existed. She was merely a maid, and he would not give her the time of day. He did not even bother to look upon her.

  Emma had been told by Kate, and numerous other maidservants, that she needed no elaborate trappings. Neither clothes nor jewels would ever add to what was already remarkably attractive. Emma was a beautiful young woman, undoubtedly. Her sea-foam-green eyes were deep enough for anyone to drown in, and Kate had mentioned more than once that no words were necessary for Emma to convey her feelings. A simple glance said all that was within her, and any intent gaze would certainly melt any man’s heart.

  It was a pity the duke did not take the time to glance at her. Or perhaps Kate had merely said those things to ease her troubled mind.

  Emma quietly stood in the parlor until Lady Sarah turned to her.

  “Emma, good morning,” Lady Sarah greeted her.

  “Good morning, my lady. I was told you wish to see me,” Emma said quietly.

  “Indeed.”

  A moment of silence made Emma believe she was indeed in trouble and she boldly asked, “Did I do something wrong, my lady?” Her gaze fell briefly on the duke, who still stared out the window.

  “No, not at all,” Lady Sarah answered. “There is something I require assistance with, and I would be delighted if you could give me that assistance.”

  “What does my lady wish me to do?” Emma asked.

  “My bedchamber requires upkeep, and with the new season approaching, I will not have the time to do those chores myself. I would have liked to, but …”

  The duke scoffed and Lady Sarah pursed her lips briefly.

  “I also require companionship if attend social gatherings, and as a companion while traveling,” Lady Sarah added.

  Emma noticed as the duke turned to face her, not glancing in her direction. He was elegantly dressed in his usual day attire, but in Emma’s eyes, he was the most handsome man in the entire world and would appear dashing in any clothing.

  Emma’s cheeks colored as her mind wandered to places which were certainly not appropriate, especially having him in the same room, and she focused her attention on Lady Sarah. “My lady, while I am appreciative of this offer, is my lady certain I am the right person? Kate has much more experience in—”

  “I do not wish to have Kate as my personal maid,” Lady Sarah interrupted her curtly. “I wish for you to assist me.”

  A small smile formed on Emma’s lips, but she did not wish to seem to eager. Being Lady Sara’s personal maid would certainly have its advantages. Perhaps she would even be allowed to interact more with the duke, though she doubted that.

  “My lady,” Emma said quietly, “I would be delighted to be your maid.”

  “Wonderful. You are relieved of your kitchen duties right now, as my bedchamber requires your attention,” Lady Sarah ordered.

  “Very well, my lady. Thank you.”

  Emma bowed her head in gratitude, although she was not certain if she had dug her own grave.

  Lady Sarah was not known for her friendly demeanor, and she could become very demanding, but Emma had agreed to be her maid and there was no turning back from it.

  Lady Sarah gave her a dismissive nod and Emma left the parlor quietly.

  ***

  Upon her return to the kitchen, Emma glanced at Kate, who was carrying the trays to the drawing room where breakfast would be served shortly.

  “Grab a tray, Emma,” Kate ordered.

  “I have been relieved of my kitchen duties.”

  Kate stopped in her tracks and turned to Emma. “No. Tell me she did not.”

  “Lady Sarah wishes me to be her personal maid,” Emma nodded. “Her bedchamber requires much upkeep.”

  “In my opinion, that is an even worse fate, my dear Emma,” Kate muttered. “But I am relieved that you will not be leaving us.”

  “Thank you, Kate. As am I.”

  “The polish and rags are on the tall shelf beside the fruit baskets. You are most certainly going to need them,” Kate advised.

  “Thank you, Kate.”

  After retrieving the rags and polish from the kitchen, Emma made her way up the main staircase and down the hallway of the West Wing. The door of Lady Sarah’s bedchamber was engraved with intricate details which resembled vines and leaves of ivy, polished to a smooth sheen.

  Emma opened the door and glanced in horror at the chaotic bedchamber before her. The bed was not neat, various items of clothing were strewn around the room, and the doors of the wardrobe stood open.

  Emma glanced at the large wooden clock standing in the corner of the chamber and inhaled deeply. It would be breakfast in a short while, and she had only an hour to ensure the inside of Lady Sarah’s bedchamber was perfect and tidy. Focusing on one thing at a time, she folded the sheets and the blankets across the bed, fluffed the pillows, and arranged them as she had been taught by Kate.

  She had not dreamed she would ever have the privilege of entering Lady Sarah’s chambers, but she was grateful her memory was on track, or Lady Sarah would quickly revoke her title as her maid.

  Next, she gathered all the clothing and sorted them into two piles. One pile would be washed, and the other would be folded and placed back inside the wardrobe. After placing the neatly folded items into the wardrobe, she placed items in their desi
gnated places, opened the drapes to allow the morning sun to bathe the beautiful bedchamber in warm light, and allowed a breath of fresh air to ease its way inside.

  Emma polished the posts of the bed, the dressing table, in fact everything which could be polished, she polished. After an hour of intense labor, she stepped back and admired her handiwork. The bedchamber was immaculate, perfect, and Emma was proud of what she had accomplished.

  She had also finished at the perfect time, as she heard Lady Sarah’s footsteps in the hallway. She quickly collected the rags she had used to polish and stood near the wall, awaiting Lady Sarah’s entrance.

  Emma held her breath as Lady Sarah entered the room, her hands clasped together. She surveyed the room and turned to Emma. The young maid felt as though she would faint, but as soon as a smile formed on Lady Sarah’s lips, and her brown eyes glistened in the sunlight, Emma exhaled slowly.

  “This is wonderful, Emma,” Lady Sarah said and turned to her. “You did splendidly.”

  “Thank you, my lady.”

  “Are you familiar with braiding hair?” Lady Sarah asked and walked towards her dressing table.

  “Indeed I am, my lady,” Emma answered and motioned to the dressing table stool. “Would my lady care to have a seat?”

  And so began a relationship which dared not be categorized or explicitly spoken about, which was perfectly fine by Emma.

  Chapter Two

  May 1814

  Collier Manor

  Bathampton

  Kent, England

  “In my entire life I had not seen a man be as terrible a dancer as he was,” Lady Sarah chuckled as she sat on the stool of her dressing table while Emma braided her long brown tresses into an intricate style.

  In the past few months since Emma had become Lady Sarah’s personal maid, the pair had grown fond of one another. They were about the same age, and despite their different classes, shared mutual interests, which surprised Emma. Emma had not considered Lady Sarah would enjoy dancing, or spending the day in the gardens.