Beautiful Torment *Book One of the Beautiful series*

9) Getting Ready

Lucy settled on the lavender rose, knowing its calming scent would be useful for more than its lovely scent alone. Uncorking it, she splashed a few generous drops into the bath water and used her finger to swirl it around. Then she grabbed a clean cloth and urged Victoria to sit up so she could wash her back.

"You do not need to do this, Luce. I know they said you are my maid, but to me you will always be a friend, there is no need to wait on me." Her voice shook and Lucy knew she was on the verge of tears.

"I know this," Lucy responded in a tone as light as feathers. "But I want to, this is what friends do. I will always look after you, Victoria Bailey. I promise I am not going to let that beast break you." She had wanted to say she would not let him hurt her instead of break, but she feared that was a promise she would not be able to keep. There was not enough time to spare the girl from all the pain this Duke had in mind, but with some plotting she hoped she could get them out before he caused permanent damage.

She continued rubbing circles along the girl's back with the cloth before moving to her hair, humming softly as she washed the flaming red ringlets. After Victoria was thoroughly clean, she helped her stand and wrapped her in a towel. Scanning the room, her eyes landed on a robe hanging off a hook near the door, fetching it.

Victoria was dry and wrapped snugly by the time dinner arrived. The same mousy serving boy carried in two trays, only he was not alone. He was followed by a girl with a stack of fabric in her hands, and two men baring their travel sacks.

All left quickly apart from the small boy, who replaced the nibbled fruit and cheese tray with two silver dome covered plates. Only to smooth what looked to be a dress out over the large bed. "Eat quickly and dress. I will return in twenty minutes to collect you for the master. He is..." Her smile faltered, "...eager to have you at his side." Again, he swept from the room before they could say a word, turning the lock behind him.

Lucy tried not to roll her eyes at the annoying servant and went to the plates of food, uncovering them. She was surprised to find that they held the same contents, one intended for Victoria and the other for her. Never in her life had she seen such a fine meal: roast duck on a bed of spiced wild grains with dried plums. A savory butter sauce had been poured over top and tiny golden, crisped potatoes lined the edge of the plate. Her stomach rumbled at the sight, but she swallowed her anticipation.

Before taking a single bite, she needed to at least set up and offer young Victoria her plate. The girl had taken up a spot on the bed near her pillow, arms crossed tightly. Lucy brought both plates to the table near the dresser. She arranged the silverware meticulously as Helena had taught her, and spotted two goblets with a pitcher of red wine on the nightstand.

Retrieving both to place on the table before going to her friend and offering a hand. "Let us eat and forget our worries, if only for a moment." Victoria stared at her for a heartbeat, but finally a small, grateful smile spread over her plump lips and she nodded, accepting her hand.

Together, they walked to the table and settled into the two chairs. It was placed below the window so that they could peer out over the vast forests and countryside, but in the dark everything was muted. A smear of ash spread beneath a starlit sky.

Lucy glanced back at her friend who was taking a small bite. She copied her, and had to keep from moaning out again. The tender duck meat melted in her mouth, mixing with the savory butter sauce and sweet dried plums. Every bite was like a symphony. The flavor was so rich and exquisite, she feared she might cry.

Victoria, it seemed, was having an opposite experience. After a few bites she pushed her plate away, "I could be eating sawdust for all it matters. My nerves will not rest."