Kiss of the Devil

Chapter 5

Genevieve woke late the next morn. She couldn't remember the last time she slept so well. She stretched and sat up in time to hear a knock at her door.

"Come in," she called, hoping it wasn't Alaric as she was in her shift.

A maid walked in and curtsied. "I'm to help you dress for the day, ma'am," she said meekly.

"Oh," Genevieve said, surprised. The last time she had someone help her dress, she was seven with her mother. Genevieve choked back tears and nodded, getting out of the bed. She helped the maid make the bed back up, not comfortable with the poor woman doing everything herself.

"Please sit, ma'am," the maid said as she approached the desk with a mirror on it. Genevieve uncomfortably sat and waited on the maid.

"You have such beautiful curls, ma'am, if you don't mind me saying," the maid said.

Genevieve blushed and looked down as the maid began running a brush over her hair. "Thank you," she whispered. After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "What's your name?"

Now it was the maid's turn to hesitate. "Sarah," she finally said.

"Thank you for your help, Sarah," Genevieve said kindly. She watched the maid blush and grin. She obviously wasn't thanked often, if at all. Genevieve was happy to make her day.

"Of course, ma'am," Sarah said happily. "Would you like to wear your hair up or down?"

"Up, if you wouldn't mind," Genevieve answered.

"No problem," Sarah replied before tying up Genevieve's hair in a top knot. She left two thick strands of curls on each side to frame Genevieve's face. After careful teasing, Sarah stepped back and admired her work. She smiled and nodded before letting Genevieve see.

Genevieve took in her appearance in awe. She'd never seen such a perfect bun in her life. Without thinking, she stood and hugged the maid before gushing over how pretty she looked. Sarah looked ready to cry, and Genevieve began to think she'd done something wrong. She turned back to the young woman, concern etched in her face.

"What's wrong, Sarah," the young woman asked as she took the maid's hands.

"I think that's the first time I've been hugged in a hundred years, ma'am," Sarah said, her voice wavering.

Genevieve's heart broke at that. She enveloped the maid in her arms once more, this time nearly squeezing the life out of her. Sarah returned the hug this time, sniffling softly.

"Don't cry, Sarah. I know what it's like," Genevieve said comfortingly.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," gasped Sarah as she tried to hold back her tears.

"Please, it's Genevieve," the young woman said kindly.

"It's a pleasure to help you, Miss Genevieve," Sarah politely said as they parted. "Now for your corset."

"Corset?" Genevieve asked nervously. She'd never worn one before.

"Yes, ma'am," Sarah said before wincing. Old habits die hard.

Sarah reached into the wardrobe and pulled out a black corset. She helped Genevieve into it before lacing the strings through the holes. She pulled it tight, making sure Genevieve could still breathe comfortably before tying it. Next, the woman pulled a wool shift out of the closet and pulled it gently over Genevieve's slender form. Once that was on, she moved on to the main event. It was a gown made of black silk and lace on top and made of cotton underneath to keep her warm. It was a wonderful sight.

Genevieve carefully put it on before standing in front of the mirror. She was comfortably warm, especially with the fire blazing in the fireplace. As she was gazing at herself, she watched a small form toddle over tiredly. She scooped up young Archard and hugged him close.