Beauty's Mirror- Paranormal Regency Beauty and the Beast

Chapter Three

"I hope you can tell me more about the child," Arabella said to the Duke's housekeeper as she was led to the nursery. She preferred conversation to pull her thoughts of the Duke. He had been massive and hulking. A large scar ran across his cheek. She wouldn't call him handsome, but neither would she describe him as a monster as her brother and father did.

"Lady Rosalyn is very loved by all the staff," the older lady said far too carefully in Bella's estimation.

"And by the master?" She had not seen much sign of affection from the gruff peer earlier.

"By all who know her, of course."

Bella nodded her head. The conversation grew more awkward the more Bella pressed and she chose to remain silent. To say Sundridge Castle was opulent would be like saying Michelangelo dabbled in art. In fact, even the housekeeper's gown seemed finer than what Bella ordinarily wore.

At the top of the stairs, Bella was directed down a long passage. "The nursery rooms are down here to enjoy the sun in the morning. State rooms face the West. The South end is unused and under repair."

Tamping down on the curiosity which longed to know how long it had been under repair and why, Bella again meekly nodded her head.

"The North gallery is the Master's. We'll let you meet Lady Rosie and after you're settled in come see me in my sitting room."

"Yes, ma'am." Bella was happy for the invitation. There was much about her employment she did not know or understand. She believed the housekeeper was both wise and sensible.

Just before entering the nursery, Mrs. Potter stayed Bella's arm. "Lady Rosalyn is a special child. She can be...eccentric. How experienced with children are you?"

"I have three younger siblings. I have seen my share of tantrums."

"No child is like Lady Rosalyn."

Bella nearly rolled her eyes. Well, daughter to a duke was entitled such privileges, she supposed. Upon entry, the housekeeper spoke to the two maids in the room for a moment before introducing her. One of them brought Lady Rosalyn to her.

"Lady Rosalyn, this is Miss Beauley. She will be your governess."

Bella bent down and greeted the child who stared vacantly at her in return. A tingle crept up her spine, and she felt as though she was being watched by something unseen besides the six pairs of anxious eyes trained on this all important interaction.

"She may stay," was all the child said. Then she turned around and went back to her game. The maids smiled nervously at Bella and hurried after their charge.

"Over here is the night nursery," Mrs. Potter said while walking toward a door. After being lead through the room, another door was pointed out. "That is your chamber. Bed, a sitting room and dressing room."

"Oh, that is unnecessary," Bella said.

"Will you spend all of your time with the child?"

Bella blinked. She had not considered it a possibility that she would not, unaccustomed as she was to leisure. She grew more uncomfortable when she learned the two nursery maids shared a much simpler room.

"Tomorrow we can go over the school room and upstairs library."

"Upstairs? There is more than one?"

"Oh, yes. One per each floor. Though the downstairs one is the largest and duplicate titles appear in each room. Now, your things should be put away, and water has been brought in. If you need assistance, Jenny may help you. Rest if you must, but do not forget to speak with me tonight."