Better with Benjamin: Rakes vs. Wallflowers by S. Cinders

Author:S. Cinders
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2017-03-02T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

Beatrice left Hazel to ring for a bath to be brought up and for an emergency meeting to be arranged. A kindly looking maid knocked shortly after Bea had left her and began putting the room to rights and started getting her bath ready.

Hazel was confused, "Who are you?"

The servant turned and smiled at her, "I am Annie, milady, I am your new maid."

Annie then went about her duties as if this were the most normal thing in the world.

Hazel clutched the bed sheet closer to herself on the bed, "I never hired new servants."

"I am a servant from the Shore household, Lord Shore brought us here days ago, milady." Annie then went to the wardrobe and pulled out fresh linens for the bed. "Do you prefer what you wear today, Lady Hazel?"

Hazel felt her eyes filling with tears, "I am sorry, but Lord Shore is not here any longer. You and whomever else that was brought over must return to his household."

Annie looked at her with compassion, "Lord Shore was quite clear that I am to remain here."

Hazel's eyes dried a bit, "Even though he has left? What if I was to fire you?"

Annie looked confused, "He said that you could not terminate my employment, but if I was asked to leave it would look badly on me. I have four brothers and sisters at home miss and parents that desperately need the help of my wages. Please do not get me in trouble with my employer."

Hazel's lips tightened with anger. That was blackmail. "How many other servants did Lord Shore leave behind?"

Annie hesitated for a moment, "I believe there are nine in all between cooks, scullery maids, extra footmen, chamber maids, his housekeeper..."

Hazel's eyes brightened with fury and for the first time all morning she looked like the virago she usually was. "So, this is to be round one of the war?"

"I beg pardon, milady?" Annie inquired warily.

"Never you mind," Hazel frowned, "I shall have to round up my troops. I haven't a clue how to do this."

"I am sorry, Lady Hazel, I am not following you." Annie was looking at Hazel in confusion.

But it was all for naught because Hazel felt like getting out of bed, and hopping into that hot bath. Benjamin had a lot of nerve insinuating himself into her household like that and she was going to give him a piece of her mind. A part of her warmed at the thought of seeing him again.

Hazel looked over at the kind young servant noting the large burden on her shoulders. She might as well put her at ease.

"Well, there is nothing to worry about Annie, I was thinking to myself. But, this I know. We will get along quite well. I have no intention of firing you. Please do not be concerned about your family. It is a noble thing you are doing to work so hard to help your family. To sacrifice yourself for something so great a cause, I can respect that.

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