To Hate The Duke

Chapter Five - Mornings & Obsessions

This evening just could not get worse.  

"Mum!" I yell, running to their room. "I left my bag at the party!"

"Darling could you please not shout!" Shouts Mum.

"We're having a meeting on Sunday with the Williams, you can come get it then." Sighs dad, emerging from the toilet.

"But that's two days away!"

"You can last without it for one day and a half." Says mother, grabbing me by my shoulders. "Goodnight sweetie, I love you." And she closes the door. 

" I can't go on Sunday, it's my night-time shift!" I tell them. "Sally's dog is still recovering!"

But they ignore me. What on earth am I going to do? Breath in and breath out, Maddie you will be fine. Just borrow George's phone. 

I go down to his room, my 20 year old brother is one of the most annoying but also nicest people I've ever met. "George, can I borrow your phone?" I ask knocking on his door.

"Why?" He asks from inside his room.

"Because I lost mine and I need to call work."

He doesn't get up. "Just use the main phone."

He's right, then I remember I don't know Molly's phone off by heart, and feeling defeated I hop in the shower, get ready for bed and pray tomorrow will be a better day.

-

"Breakfast!" I hear Patricia call. "I made you poached eggs Maddie!" Ah. Our housemaid is the best.

"I'll be over in a sec Pat!" I reach for my phone, then remember I don't have it and then the memories of last night come flooding in my head. Oh God. I was way out of line, I didn't even drink. It must have been the adrenaline, or just me being the usual dim-wit. Though, I wasn't the only one out of line.

"Ah Pat, you truly are the best!" I say sitting next to George and Mum.

"So How was last night?" Asks George, stuffing a Mayca filled donut in his mouth.

"Well, I was almost arrested, had a few arguments with a Duke and I lost my bag." I say cheerily. "But apart from that, the best night of my life."

Mother looks at me with a troubled expression on her face. "Darling, what?" 

"Well, I did tell you I left my bag last-"

Mother interrupts. "No, not that."

"I was almost arrested?"

"No, what you said after that!"

I stare at her. "Oh you mean the arguments with the duke?" She freezes. "Oh yes, that truly was such a lovely experience."

"Wait you're serious?" Cautions George.

"Yes I am." I take my plate. "And I am not in the mood to relive it, so will you please let me have my breakfast in peace?"  And go outside with my father.

But mother soon follows. "Charles!" Shouts mother. "Charles!"

"What is it, Miranda?" Asks father in a quiet amazement.

"Tell him!" Insists mum.

"Mother seriously, it really isn't that big of a deal!" I cry, hugging my father. "Papa, tell her to let me have my breakfast in peace."

"Tell him Madeline!" Yells mother.

I'm defeated. "Yes I had many arguments with Daniel Williams and wish him nothing but the worst in the future."

"That's my girl!" Dad lifts his hand so I can high-five him.

Mother, as expected is far from fine. "Where are your manners?"

"You should ask him that." I propose. "I can confidently say I hate the man. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get ready for work."

I leave my father to calm my mum, and go back in the kitchen. George is still finishing off his donuts.

"Did you really argue with a Duke, Maddie?" Asks Patricia, handing me a cup of earl grey tea.

"If he didn't have that title, none of you would care that I fought with the man." 

"Yes, but how did you manage to fight at a party with the one hosting it." Chimes George.

Ugh. "He didn't host it, and besides he was the one who started it all." I stress. "Pat thank you for the breakfast, I'll see you after work."

"You are so crazy in love." Teases George. "Pat sing it with me. Maddie and Jack sitting on a tree K-

"Do shut up." I push him. "You're acting like an 8 year old."

"I'm not the one going to work just because of my boss."

I ignore him and leave to my room to get ready. 

I do hate men, but there's one in particular who I will never hold anything but love for. And yes, my brother may be right. Maybe I am obsessed with my boss, but he makes me want to do better, makes me smile, makes me cry, makes me want to work when I don't have to. I love him.

Oh Jack, if only I could be your Rose.                                       

                                 -------

ahhhhhhhh IM SO EXCITED FOR YOU GUYS TO MEET JACK BECAUSE GUESS WHAT? ITS A LOVE TRIANGLEEE, I KNOW THIS CHAPTER WAS SHORTER BUT GET READY FOR CHAPTER 6

AND OMG HOW IS MY BOOK RANKED AT 1 IN FEEL WHEN I HAVE SO LITTLE READS IM SO CONFUSED BUT SO GRATEFUL!!