Heart of the Beholder

21

brIDGETTE TIED A NOTE TO the pigeon’s leg for the third morning in a row, but this time she was the one to send it off. Instead of apologies, she had written that Lord Thornwood could expect her at the manor and to get the chessboard ready. After she watched the bird take off toward its destination, she went back into the little cottage and gathered the dirty clothes that needed washing. Lord Thornwood had requested she send word each morning so he would know if she would be resting another day or well enough to make the trip to the manor. The day before, she had been so fatigued, she knew it would be better to stay at the cottage. Edgar had stopped by with more of his soup, which Bridgette had graciously accepted. Now she felt almost like herself again and was anxious to get back to the manor.

The porridge was steaming in bowls on the table before Birdie walked in with sleepy eyes. Bridgette kissed her mother and Birdie before she went to the community well and washed the clothes. On her way back to the cottage, her mind wandered through her memories of the past few days like a mountaineer exploring new terrain. She was hesitant and scared she might realize it wasn’t all as special as she thought. But as she walked in the fresh morning air, she couldn’t help but remember how he had held a bowl and spoon and tried to get her to eat something, or the way he’d darted into her mother’s room so she could continue to rest, or the fluttery feeling in her stomach when he’d given her the cloak that now hung around her shoulders as she couldn’t resist wearing it, despite the warm air. There was something there, something between them that neither of them had dared to name. But at the same time, didn’t do anything to diminish it. It was like a game of chess that was both exhilarating and exhausting.

Bridgette hung the wet clothes to dry and left the bucket of freshwater on the back step, then went inside. She gasped in surprised delight when she saw a visitor on her sofa. “Ava! What a wonderful surprise,” Bridgette said as she leaned down to hug Doc’s wife. “I am shocked to see you still pregnant. I can’t imagine how frustrating that is.”

Ava grinned and rubbed her very swollen belly. “I can’t explain how tiresome it is. But if this little one isn’t ready, then I guess I will suffer a little while longer,” she said with a shrug. “I had to beg Nathan to let me come on his visits today.”

“I am glad you convinced him,” Bridgette said with a smile. “Can I get you anything?”

“No, I am just fine, thank you,” she said.

Bridgette took the cloak off and put it over the back of one of the chairs. “I guess I will see what Doc has to say.”

Bridgette entered the bedroom and found Doc sitting on the stool next to her mother’s bed, listening to her lungs. When he saw her, he smiled and took his listening instrument out of his ears. “Good news.”

Bridgette’s heart fluttered. “Good news?” she asked, petrified.

Doc nodded. “When I came for you the other day, I listened to her lungs. They had sounded more clear, but I wasn’t sure if that was just my mind or if it was actually happening. But just now, there is hardly any rasping or wheezing. I think she might actually be getting better on her own.”

Bridgette covered her mouth with her hands. “Really?” she whispered.

“Yes. I still recommend a specialist, but she is getting better,” he said as he stood.

She rushed forward and sobbed into his chest. He wrapped her in a hug and hushed her. “Everything is going to be okay.” He pulled back and smiled at her.

“Thank you, Doc,” she said, then wiped away her tears. “Thank you for everything.”

“My pleasure, Bridgette. I am glad I get to give you good news,” he said and wiped his own eyes.

“Bridgeet! Horses coming!” Birdie’s voice came through the window.

Bridgette exchanged a curious look with Doc and went to look out the window. Birdie was standing in the middle of the road, flapping her arms like she was about to take flight. “Birdie! If a horse is coming, you need to get out of the road, or you will get hurt.” Bridgette then heard what sounded like more than one horse coming at a very fast pace. “Birdie, come inside.” The silly woman kept flapping her arms. Bridgette hurried outside, grabbed her by the arm, and led her off the road just in time for a large carriage pulled by two beautiful white horses to slow to a stop right where Birdie would have been standing.

“Very good timing, Miss Bridgette. I was getting nervous when the horses were refusing to slow down. It has been a while since I have driven a carriage.”

Bridgette looked up to the man on the driver's bench. “Edgar? What are you doing here? I sent a note that I would be coming today. And why are you driving a carriage?”

The butler hopped down and dusted off his tailored coat and pants, which looked suspiciously new. He bowed deeply before her. “The Master did receive your note and sent me to bring you to the manor.”

Bridgette tried to glimpse inside the carriage. “Is he in there?”

“No, Lord Thornwood is waiting at the manor.”

Bridgette laughed out loud and looked down at her faded yellow dress. “I am not dressed. I will hurry—”

“Actually I have something else for you,” Edgar interrupted. He opened the door of the carriage and pulled out a wide, flat box tied with gold ribbon. Edgar brought the box to her, and she spotted an envelope on top, addressed with her name in elegant handwriting.

Bridgette looked up at Edgar and asked, “What is this?”

Edgar smiled mischievously. “I can’t say. But there is a note in the envelope. I suggest you start there.”

Bridgette raised her brows in question, but took the envelope and read the note.

My Dearest Bridgette,

You have so graciously helped me find my light.

I hope that you will allow me to return the favor and let me

treat you as the lady you were always destined to be.

Your friend, Lord Thornwood

Bridgette looked up at Edgar. “What is this?” she asked again, afraid to draw any conclusions that might be wrong.

“Did you not read the note?” he asked.

“I did,” she said. “But I am having a hard time comprehending what it means.”

“Everything alright out here?” Doc asked as he joined them. “Oh, good morning, Edgar.”

“Good morning to you, Doctor Thistle. Nice to see you again,” Edgar said, referring to their brief meeting when Bridgette was ill.

“What brings you here?” he asked. With no explanation, Bridgette handed him the note. He looked over it, then looked at Bridgette with his eyebrows nearly touching his hairline. “What’s in the box?”

Bridgette reached out and pulled one of the ends of the gold ribbon. Edgar held the box as the ribbon slipped off, and Bridgette lifted the lid. She moved the tissue paper aside and put a hand over her mouth.

Doc whistled in amazement.

“What am I missing out on?” Ava called from the doorway.

“Go sit back down, my dear,” Doc said

Ava glared at her husband as she walked toward them. She waddled a little, but it didn’t diminish her determination. Ava gasped as she spotted the dress in the box. Doc handed her the note. She quickly scanned it, and her face lit up. “You are going to put it on, right?”

“I, well, no. I have never worn anything remotely as fancy and expensive as that. What if I fall in the mud and ruin it?” Bridgette said, trying to come up with a good enough reason.

“Inside now,” Ava said, guiding Bridgette around by the shoulders. “It would be a disservice to Lord Thornwood if he went through all the trouble of getting this dress for you not to wear it.”

“Ava, I don’t think—” Doc started.

“Hush, my dear husband. Don’t worry, I know what needs to be done,” she said, smiling over her shoulder. “You can bring the dress inside for Bridgette.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” he jested.

Ava escorted Bridgette into the bedroom and closed the door after Doc left the box on the stool. While Bridgette’s mother slept soundly on her bed, she started to unbutton her dress. Ava came over to help her, and soon she stood in only her shift and bloomers. Bridgette had to put a hand to her stomach as Ava lifted the dress out of the box. If magic was real, then this dress was made of it. Ava did her best to help Bridgette step into the dress without it touching the dusty floor. Once she had her arms in the sleeves, Ava got started on tightening the corset back.

The bodice and skirt were lined with sage green satin that felt soft and cool against her skin. The rest of the dress was made out of a sheer material laid over the satin, which was also sage green with embroidered flowers of light yellow, pink, and blue, with vines of dark green. The sheer sleeves flowed down from the straps over her shoulders to the cuffs right above her elbows. Bridgette felt along the square neckline, feeling a little self conscious that her collarbone wasn’t completely covered.

“Can you breathe?” Ava asked as she tugged at the ties.

“I’m not sure,” Bridgette said in a daze.

Ava laughed to herself and said, “Is the dress making it hard to breathe?”

“Huh? Oh, um, no. It is fine, thank you.”

Ava tied off the corset. “Okay, now let’s see what to do with your hair. Do you have a brush? Pins?”

“There is a brush in a box under the bed and maybe a few pins, but not many,” Bridgette said embarrassed.

“I only need a few,” Ava said. “But I may need you to get them for me.”

“Oh my goodness! Yes, of course.” Bridgette moved to the bed and squatted to grab the box. The expensive dress swooshed around her as she moved. She stood back up with the brush and pins in hand. Ava instructed her to sit on the stool and took the brush from her.

Ava brushed Bridgette’s hair in silence for a few moments before she said, “You are pretty quiet. How are you feeling?”

Bridgette consciously forced herself not to twist her fingers in the luxurious fabric. “I am not sure how I feel. I am not sure what to think. He should have not spent money on this dress for me.”

Ava took the pins and put them in Bridgette’s hair. “You are not used to being spoiled or waited upon, so it probably feels uncomfortable. But trust me when I say, you deserve it. If you don’t take time for yourself every now and then, you forget who you are.”

“Maybe I don’t know who I am in the first place,” Bridgette admitted.

Ava stepped around her so she could look Bridgette in the eyes. “Then take this chance to figure it out.”

“Oh, my dear, you look beautiful.”

Bridgette’s heart flipped at the sound of her mother’s voice. “Mama?” She turned to the bed and grasped her mother’s hands.

Clara reached up and touched Bridgette’s cheek. “You have always been so beautiful.” Bridgette blinked through her tears and kissed her mother’s hands. “I knew he had a good heart.”

“Who, Mama?”

“Lord Thornwood,” her mother said weakly.

“Yes, his heart is good,” Bridgette agreed.

“Let’s not make the good-hearted man wait anymore,” Ava said. “Are you ready?”

Bridgette looked at Ava then back at her mother. “I don’t want to leave you now that you are awake.”

“Go, my girl. Don’t let me hold you back.”

Bridgette kissed her mother on the forehead. Ava had a pleased smile as she opened the door and led her out to the kitchen. Doc and Edgar were standing together looking out the open door with their backs to her. Ava cleared her throat, and the men turned around. Edgar smiled proudly and bowed at the waist. Doc looked a little stunned. “How does she look, Nathan?” Ava coaxed.

“Like a goddess of the meadow,” he said, then bowed.

Ava smiled at Bridgette. “You can see why I agreed to marry him.”

“You are all very kind. I do worry, though, because my old boots will absolutely not go with this dress.”

Edgar stepped forward holding another box. “That is what these are for.”

Bridgette lifted the lid; a pair of light brown shoes with gold accents and small heels sat inside. Doc pulled out a chair for her to sit in while Edgar slipped the shoes onto her feet and fastened the buckles. Doc helped her to her feet. They all stood silently and looked at her expectantly.

“Well, what's next?” she asked, bashfully.

“If you are ready, my lady, I shall take you to the manor,” Edgar said politely.

Bridgette nodded. “Oh, wait, where is my cloak?” she asked, looking at the now-empty chair she had set it on. Doc chuckled and stepped to the side, revealing Birdie on the sofa, wrapped up in the burgundy cloak and snoozing soundly. Bridgette put a hand to her lips to suppress the giggle that came out. “I guess I will be okay without it on this fair-weather day.”

Bridgette turned toward the door, and Doc held out his arm for her. Bridgette thanked Ava then took Doc’s arm. He escorted her out to the carriage where Edgar was waiting with the door open. She moved to step up, but Doc held onto her hand. She looked at him with a question in her eyes. “If you don’t feel safe, just leave. You don’t have to be nice if he hasn’t earned it.”

“Lord Thornwood is a gentleman, but I understand what you mean,” she said.

“I will come visit tonight to make sure you got back safely,” he said, kissing her hand briefly. “I will make sure your mother is comfortable before I leave.”

“Thank you,” Bridgette said and took Edgar’s hand as he helped her up. Bridgette sat in the middle of the blue cushioned bench at the back of the carriage and held her hands in her lap as Edgar shut the door and hopped up onto the driver’s bench. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as the carriage started to roll forward. She looked around at the luxurious furnishing of the interior. A laugh bubbled up from her throat. “He bought a carriage and horses,” she said out loud to herself. Bridgette smoothed her skirts out and bit her bottom lip. She stuck her feet out and tapped her fancy shoes together. Her fingers examined the petite bun Ava had pinned at the crown of her head, with the rest of her hair falling in waves down her back. Bridgette couldn’t remember the last time she had worn her hair down.

She looked out the window and realized she would arrive at the manor in a matter of minutes. The butterflies in her stomach went wild. “What does this mean, Leander?”

They rode around the edge of the beautiful meadow and passed through the iron gates of the estate. Her nerves made her jump out of the carriage as soon as it stopped.

“My lady, let me help you,” Edgar said. “Lord Thornwood wanted to—”

A tingling feeling surged down Bridgette’s spine. She couldn’t explain why, but she bounded up the stairs and let herself in through the door. “My lady!” Edgar called. Bridgette stepped into the entrance hall and was breathless. All the curtains were opened wide. All the candles on the chandeliers were lit. The wood floor was polished. It was the same manor, but it was as if it had woken up from a long, cold sleep and was ready for warmth. The most peculiar difference, though, was the rows of servants standing on either side of the stairs.

“Edgar, who are these people?”

Footsteps sounded. Bridgette felt like she was going to be sick. “Edgar, is that you? You are back sooner than I expected,” a man said as he started down the stairs. He made it down to the landing when he said, “Is she—” then froze when he saw her. “Bridgette,” he whispered from lips that she could see, because the man looking at her was not wearing a hooded cloak. In its place was a black mask, similar to the ones Bridgette imagined seeing at masquerade balls. The mask covered the right side of his face completely, including his right eye, but only covered the upper half of the left side, with a hole for the left eye, leaving his left cheek and lips exposed. He had thick dark hair which was combed neatly back, but had a rebellious wave to it. She may have never seen his face before, but this man was no stranger.

“My lord, I tried to have her wait in the carriage or even just outside, but she is faster than I am,” Edgar said from his place by the servants.

The master of the house descended the remaining steps toward her. “That is quite alright, Edgar,” he said, keeping his gaze on her. She couldn’t look away from him. He wore dark tailored pants and a white, long-sleeve shirt with a high collar, under an elaborate forest green vest and tan cravat. As he got closer, she could make out the intricate design of his mask and brilliant green of his left eye. He bowed to her, and she quickly curtsied, almost losing her balance in the process, but his hands were on her arms in an instant to keep her from falling. He released one hand when she was stable, but slid the other hand down her arm to take her hand and kiss it gently.

Bridgette, if you faint, I will never forgive you, she warned herself in her head as she felt her skin tingling and the room spinning.

“Lady Meadowbrooke, I give you my sincere apology that I was not there to greet you on your arrival. But I am very grateful you accepted my invitation.” His warm breath tickled the back of the hand he still held close to his lips.

As Bridgette took in his smooth skin, lean build, and devastatingly handsome smirk, she knew she was in deep trouble. How dare someone let Lord Thornwood, her employer, be this attractive. She felt like a silly little girl with a school crush on the teacher. And yet, here she stood, dressed just as nicely as he was, with her hand in his as if she were his equal. She felt shy and cheeky at the same time. If she ran away from this, she knew she would regret it for the rest of her life. So, she mentally took all her insecurity and threw it out the window of her mind, and gave him a confident grin.

“You know, I almost didn’t come,” she said.

He tilted his head. “Is that so?”

“Yes. I was unsure of what to think when your butler showed up to my cottage with horses, a carriage, a dress, and shoes all worth more than I could ever comprehend,” she said with feigned concern.

“Well, you see,” he said, dropping his arm, but not letting go of her hand. “I had an opportunity to visit a friend, and I learned just how much she sacrifices for the people she loves. I realized that no one was caring for her, and I had to remedy that. There is no price too high for her happiness and comfort.”

Her cheeks warmed, and she had to look away from his face. She was going to need some air.

“I adore it when you blush,” he said in a whisper. Suddenly, Bridgette remembered there were many other people in the room with them. She looked around at the women and men who stood with perfect posture and smiles on their faces.

“I can’t believe how many people you have here,” she said quietly.

“It is a bit of a shock, isn’t it?” he chuckled. “I needed a lot of help for my plan, so Edgar pulled a few favors.”

“Your plan?” she asked, suspicious.

“Yes, my plan,” he said with a devilish smile that nearly knocked her to the floor.

“And what is your plan?” she asked playfully.

“Well, it starts out however you want, my lady,” he said. She gave a confused look. “Today, you are not a maid. Today, you are the lady of this house. And the lady of the house gets to choose what she spends her time doing. So, what will it be first?”

She tapped her chin as she thought. “I believe I owe you a game of chess,” she said.

He made a face of surprise and asked, “Are you sure? We do not have to do that. This day is for you, not me. You can do anything you want, within reason.”

She smiled and said, “I want to play chess with you.”

He smiled back at her and turned himself to face the stairs. He held out his arm and said, “Well then, my lady, allow me to escort you upstairs.”