They entered the grand manor and the servants returned to their stations, leaving the two families alone.
For a moment, Ruth’s mood brightened as she found herself mesmerized by the breathtaking house. The outside impressed on its own, but the interior was even more spectacular.
They found themselves in the entry hall. The marbled black and white floor led to a grand staircase; the railings from the distance shimmered as if it were made of gold. A rich carpet led up the stairs to the landing. When she glanced up, she almost gasped. The hall had a painted ceiling of angels against a heavenly background. From the corner of her eye, she saw her sister look at it in awe. Sophia was an eager and talented painter and always reveled in beautiful artwork such as this.
A couple of marble statues stood on either side of the staircase as if standing guard. The grandeur of the home could not be denied and whoever was responsible for it certainly had an eye for beauty.
She was so taken in by the space she forgot for a moment that the Marquess was still hovering nearby. While his parents conversed with her father, the young man stood back, evidentially unable to look her in the eyes.
She turned her face to him, making sure to give her flawless right-side preference. He blinked at her and stepped a little closer.
“Does our home please you?” He asked, his voice full of uncertainty and hesitation.
“It is beautiful,” she replied.
“It is breathtaking!” Sophia chimed in. “The artwork is finer than any I’ve seen thus far.”
“You have a keen eye for the arts, I see,” the Duchess suddenly said with approval.
“That she does, Your Grace,” their father answered.
“Well, you will love the sculpture garden we have here. I have collected most of the sculptures myself, but some are from the previous Dukes. Goldclaw Manor has been the home of the family for generations and you will see many different styles of the arts throughout.”
The Marquess appeared uncomfortable at the idea but said nothing. Instead, he cast his eyes on Ruth and stepped forward.
“I apologize,” he said in a quiet voice, only loud enough for her to hear.
She looked at him and saw in his eyes a genuine regret. However, when she faced him in such a way that her scar was once again visible, it changed. The regret was replaced by pity. She shuddered, for pity was among the things she despised the most. She did not need nor want it.
“I accept your apology,” she replied. She knew what he was referring to and it did not need further comment or explanation. A strong desire to be out of his company overcame her and she turned to the Duke.
“Your Grace, your home is lovely indeed, but I am afraid I am quite tired. Would you mind terribly if I requested to be shown to my chamber?”
The Duchess’ nostrils flared so slightly that nobody but Ruth appeared to notice.
She disapproves of me already, even though I’ve been here for all of a few minutes. No matter. It is not as though I am a true contender for her son’s affections. It is clear to all that is it Sophia who is in line to be Marchioness if either of us is.
Fortunately, it was her husband who spoke up. “But of course, how inconsiderate of us to keep you so long, when I was the one who ventured the guess you were tired to begin with.” He chuckled and when he did, dimples appeared on his wrinkled face. At once, Ruth found herself taking to the man. He had a kindness about him, an unaffected manner as though he did not even see her scar or if he did, didn’t consider it in any way off-putting. She could see why he and her father were fond of one another.
The Duke turned and waved two women over. She’d not even noticed them standing in the shadows of the grand staircase.
“I understand you did not bring your own Lady’s in waiting, thus please allow me to introduce Charlotte and Molly. They will attend to your needs during your stay. They will show you to your chambers.”
The two maids, dressed in dark blue cotton gowns with white aprons pinned to the bodice and crouched caps on their heads, curtsied before them. Ruth did her best to smile at them, with mixed results. The older woman, named Molly, swallowed, and stared at Ruth’s face, evidentially not aware how rude this was. On the other hand, the younger woman, Charlotte, returned her smile. Ruth noted at once the sparkle in her eyes. She glanced at her sister, hoping they would get to choose their own Lady’s maid, as she did not want to be saddled with Molly. An aura emitted from her that was both unsettling and unpleasant.
Before she had to say anything, Sophia stepped forward and looked at Molly.
“It is a pleasure, Molly.” Thus, she claimed the older maid for her service. She smiled at Ruth. Sophia always knew which servants might make Ruth’s life easier.
“Please show the two young women to their chamber.” The Duchess ordered. The maids curtsied and turned toward the grand staircase.
“We will see you both at dinner,” the Duke said as he bade them farewell. He turned away from them and looked directly at his son who stood with a pale face. Ruth was unsure if he was about to be sick or if another ailment might have struck him when it came to her. He felt sick at the idea of sitting across from her at dinner. It was obvious. Her mouth twitched as if she was about to cry.
“I cannot wait to see our chambers,” Sophia’s voice sounded out and she took Ruth by the arm. “Come, let us explore. It will be such a pleasure.”
Her voice sounded cheerful, but Ruth knew her sister well enough to sense the undertone of worry in it. For Ruth.
She forced a smile on her face. “Let us explore.”
