One crazy duchess.

Chapter Two.

"Oh really?" she hums looking around.

"You wanted to see me?" I nod trying to focus but the sweet aroma of the food is hitting me and I cannot ignore it.

"Uh...yes. I do not think my first impression was impressive so I wanted to discuss some things with you." she gets up looking around the shelves.

"I hear you but I don't mind your silent and calm whatever it is. I know how it feels to just be thrown into a marriage without expecting it." she pauses picking a book from the dusty shelf.

"But still, my apologies for my my behavior princess." she turns smiling at me as I stand and slightly bow.

"You are forgiven. Though I might say, this whole place looks rather deserted to a home."

"I do not understand." I say thinking she's referring to the office and the dusty shelves.

"The whole estate. On my tour around the place, I noticed that most of the land has been left bare to wild bushes and there are only three horses in the stables. I also noticed that the place looks like it has not been used for long." she flips through the book and dust spews out making her sneeze. "See what I mean?" I clear my throat moving towards her.

"You are very observant I'll give you that. But I must be honest with you," she raises her brows placing the book back.
"I only moved here a few months ago and I haven't settled in perfectly yet. My brother, the former duke was the one who took care of the estate and when he passed I was bombarded with a lot of paperwork that I have not been able to assign anyone to... everything." she nods in understanding.

"My apologies about your brother but if you'd allow me, I'd like to take the burden off of your shoulders." she looks at me with a pleading look and I must say, this woman is strange. I thought she'd be a spoiled princess who would want everything done for her because of her status but I guess I judged too soon.

"Please go ahead princess if it is what you wish." she all but screeches excitedly. I don't think any noble woman would be that excited to do as much as wash her own body.

"Oh, forgive my manners your excellency I promise to make this estate, remarkable. Just leave it to me. Oh and by the way, I made you some food. I do not know what you like or don't like and neither do the maids but I made sure to put an effort. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some work to get to." before I can utter a word she sprints out holding her dress up not to trip and I am left staring at the door behind her before my eyes move to my desk.

"Oh, right. The food." a smile comes onto my face as I dive in.

• • •

Rose.

"Ana, right?" I ask coming into the kitchen. The two women turn to look at me and the red haired one nods. I remember she introduced herself in the morning as I was making breakfast. They both curtsy and I wave them off.
"Please, I just told you not to do that. Anyway, I need some cleaning equipment."

"My lady?" they both stare at me wide eyed.

"What? Did I say something I was not supposed to?" they stare at each other and shake their heads.

"No, but if anything needs cleaning allow us to do it."I nod when the other maid speaks.  I think her name is Mary.
I chuckle.

"Nonsense. You are already busy with everything else. Let me handle cleaning and tidying up the place." the look at each other nervously." Besides, my husband just told me I can do what I wish." they still don't agree with me.

"My lady, if there is anything wr-"

"No, no. You've done nothing wrong." I sigh seeing they are still cautious.
"Ok, fine. How about this, when you're done done here, you can help me with the cleaning. Hmmm? Is that ok with you?" they both nod hesitantly and I grin.
"Ok, I will start from the top then. The attic!" I say and they both point to a door. Am guessing that's where the equipment is and I get on with it.

***

"Your excellency, might I borrow some of your slacks?" I ask when he comes into our room and he pauses. Probably thinking how crazy I sound right now.

"What for?" he asks staring at me through the mirror. I get up, my hair braided and I move towards the bed.

"Well, it gets hard to clean in dresses and it's also really stressful. Don't worry I promise to return them once the estate is clean." he moves to his clothes storage chest and pulls out some clothes.

"Am not sure how this will help since our sizes vary but," I eye his large frame for a moment and he shifts on his leg and throws the pants next to me before clearing his throat and walking into the bathroom.
He is quite built and muscled. Like one of those soldiers that followed me around when I left the palace. I take the pants and stand trying to see how wide they are and burst out laughing.
Whatever made me think they would be any help? They look like a dress on me. There are three pairs and none of them come close to fit me.
I place them on my chest and decide to fix them the next day.

***

I watch from the attic as the beautiful lady from before walks out of the estate.

"Ana?" I call not tearing my eyes from the figure. She comes over and I point "who is she?"
I ask finally averting my gaze to the girl in front of me.

"Uh... her? She is..." she trails off swallowing hard and looking away.

"It is okay. I am just curious since she's been here four times now, since I arrived." she fiddles with her clothes and breathes in deeply.

"When the duke arrived here, he was with her and she used to stay here some days but went away two weeks before the wedding but now is back." she says it so fast I almost don't understand but after a second i nod, the information sinking.

"Oh, so she's my husband's lover?" I ask clicking my tongue when Ana nods." Huh, makes sense now." I go back to cleaning.

"My lady forgive me for asking this but aren't you mad or offended that she comes here?" Ana asks.

"There's no need to apologize. But to answer your question, no. I am not. If I knew and loved my husband, that would be a different case but in this case, I know not who the man is nor do I love him. And as much his relationships are concerned, I do not just expect him to cancel out everything just at once for my sake rather to take his time and if he does love the woman, all I can do is respect him." Ana looks at me wide eyed and I chuckle.

"You really are one of a kind my lady." she comments." Any other lady would be furious and pulling hair with her."

"Well am not any other lady am I?" I point to the pants I wear. I downsized his pants to fit me.

"No you're not my lady."

"Now, tell me about this..."

"Marion." I nod, proud of bringing out my maid's gossipy side. I have no friends here so having Ana give me the tea of the region, makes me teary eyed.
I smile as I get all the juice on this Marion girl...