With a grunt, Mabel bent down and extracted a set of mahogany steps that had been tucked beneath the bed the evening before. Tentatively, Arabella put her feet on it, and Mabel resolutely took her hand, assisting her down.
“I take it your bed at home was not so high?” Mabel asked with a chuckle.
“No, not at all. In fact, nothing here is as it was back home. This chamber… it is overwhelming.”
Arabella glanced around. The bed loomed enormously with its large four posters and the canopy that hung down, depicting strange hunting scenes. Two armoires stood at the end of the chamber, white and adorned with golden accents that matched the chinoiserie wallpaper. The floors were polished to a gleam, and the fireplace was made of white marble.
“It is too much. Is there not a simpler chamber?” she asked.
Mabel raised her eyebrows. “But these are Your Grace’s chambers—also the late Duchess’s. His Grace was very clear that you should have only the best.”
“Right, the best,” Arabella murmured, recalling what Harry had promised her. He would look after her, ensure she had everything she needed—everything but love.
“You will grow accustomed to it soon enough. Let me know if there is anything I can assist you with. We can change the decor if you like. The wallpaper, perhaps? What colors do you prefer? What design?”
Arabella blinked, her heart beating faster as the anxiety of decision-making washed over her. “I do not know… I… Pray, why was I unable to bring my own lady’s maid from Hayward Manor?” she asked, immediately realizing her tone was more resolute than she had intended.
“I do not know,” Mabel replied, looking away. “It was His Grace’s order. I believe he thought it easier for you to have someone already accustomed to the ways of this household. But if you are dissatisfied with my service?—”
“No, no, not at all. You have been wonderful. It is just that I thought it customary for a lady’s maid to accompany her mistress. I fear it may have hurt her feelings.”
Mabel’s smile returned. “I see. Well, we mustn’t worry too much. Such is the way of things. She will adjust. But if you wish, I can speak to Mrs. Blomquist about finding her a place here.”
Arabella shook her head. “No, I think Viola will, in time, become accustomed to being my sister Emma’s lady’s maid. Emma israther less… demanding than I am. I hope that does not alarm you.”
“Not in the least. I thrive on being needed,” Mabel assured her with a smile. “Now, shall we get you ready?” She walked over to the armoire on the right and opened it, revealing a wardrobe filled with gowns.
Arabella followed her, wrapping her arms around herself as she gazed at the row of dresses. She spotted at least three different redingotes for winter, a number of pelisses, dresses for promenading, dresses for lounging in the house, a riding habit, and a selection of other dresses. Bonnets lined the top shelf, along with boxes of ribbons and gemstones, and boxes of hair accessories lined the bottom.
“If it pleases you, we can look here,” Mabel suggested, opening the second armoire. “More dresses for formal occasions, but I had to place a few here, as they would not fit in the other one. Do not worry, your dressing room will be ready soon.”
“Dressing room?” Arabella asked.
She had a dressing room in Hayward Manor, but she had shared it with her sisters. They each had one wall for their gowns and accessories, and they had shared one looking glass.
“Yes, yes,” Mabel said, pulling open a door to the right.
Arabella peered inside and saw a large room with worn-down wallpaper. It was nearly as big as her bedroom at Hayward Manor.
“Once the renovations are finished, we will move the armoires in here, and we can hang the ballgowns over here. I think we should put all your bonnets and hats along this wall.” Mabel waved her arms, indicating where things should go.
“Indeed,” Arabella murmured. “But for now, perhaps we should…”
“You look rather pale,” Mabel noted. “Come, let us get you dressed. Pray, how often do you like to bathe? His Grace likes to bathe at least twice per week.”
“Twice per week?” Arabella repeated, finding this unusual.
She had always felt bad about asking the servants to prepare her bath, knowing they had to carry buckets of hot water from the servants’ quarters for her enjoyment.
“I do not know…”
“No matter. It will all come together in due time. Now, after breakfast, Mrs. Blomquist will wish to meet with you to go over the menu. She will want to know what you enjoy eating, and you will help her plan the week’s meals. His Grace usually dines around six in the evening.”
“Noted.”
“If you like, I can show you around the estate later. We could take one of the carriages, and I can?—”
Arabella raised her hand. “Oh, that will not be necessary. His Grace has promised to show me around the estate. I am sure we will make plans at breakfast.”
