Scoundrel With A Noble Heart (sequel of Disgraceful)

Chapter 16

Dear readers, I've been a bit distracted recently, sorry for the late update. Hopefully I can make it better next time.

Matthew was still amazed with the favorable outcome when he retired to his chamber shortly after dinner. An hour ago, he wouldn't have expected that his luck would change over the course of one night. Suddenly he had somewhere to settle down, and a chance to turn over a new leaf. But the best part of it was not having to separate with Arabella. The prospect of seeing her everyday, staying close to her, filled him with utter delight.

After putting his new shoes neatly in the corner near the door, he blew out the candle in the nightstand and threw his weary limbs upon the bed. He flipped over and buried his face in the pillows, breathing deeply in the fresh scent of soap. For someone who used to sleep on the hard, sometimes wet concrete in a shady nook, such simple joys like being able to sleep on a mattress and rest his head on a pillow felt heavenly. Lying on his stomach, he ran his hand across the smooth surface of the cool worn sheets, and soon drifted off to the land of dreams. He was starting to snore gently when a sudden noise from the window startled him.

He jerked awake and opened his eyes to see the windowpane being pushed inward. Before he could think or move, he saw a slender feminine leg slipping through the small gap, scrabbling for the floor, then a head came peeking into the room, and he immediately recognized the intruder. He watched slackjawed as Arabella made her undignified entrance. She pushed the window further inside and lifted the other leg over the windowsill, giving him a fleeting glimpse of her flawless thigh in the process, before she managed to get both feet inside and her long skirt fell back into place.

He sat up abruptly, blinking away his drowsiness.

"Bella! What are you doing here?!"
His eyes swept over the white, long garment falling loose on her body. Leaving very little skin revealed, it was really very modest clothing. Still, it wouldn't do if somebody found her in his room only in her nightgown.

"I just want to know if you're alright."
She looked around the room and gasped,
"Goodness! How come they let you stay in this dungeon?! I'll see Aunt Ginny. I must ask her to get you another chamber."
She marched back to the window like a determined soldier. Matthew jumped out of the bed and stepped in her way.
"No, no, no! I'm perfectly fine!"

She stopped and exclaimed,
"Matthew, you deserve at least a shade more comfort than this, you're my guest!"

"Not anymore. Do you forget that now I'm a worker here?"

"Yes, but, they can at least give you a decent room."

"There's no reason to treat me differently from the other servants. It will only stir up jealousy, and the last thing I want is not being able to fit in with my workmates."

She failed to form a prompt reply, and he continued,
"Bella, your aunt has been most generous to me. She has already had a legion of servants, she didn't need me to do anything. She has done me a big favor by giving me a job, I don't think I can impose anymore."

She seemed reluctant to agree, but finally she said,
"Alright, if you say so."
Then she flumped onto the bed, and started. Instantly she pushed herself up and rubbed her aching back.
"How's anyone supposed to sleep on this thing? It's as hard as the floor!"

Matthew grinned as he came to sit beside her.
"Trust me it's a darn sight better than the wet, dirty ground in a blind alley."

He turned toward her and found her gaze dwelling on him. She seemed hesitant, but then asked,
"Well, the job, are you cool with that?"

"What do you mean?"

"Matthew, I know it's not the best job, but I'm sure you will work your way up to the top from here."