A/N -Feeling a bit better now! Sorry for the wait! Please don't forget to comment! :)

“Pride and Poverty don’t get along, but often live together”-Proverb

She hated him. The man was impossible to work for, and that was proven by their constant arguments. After having her breakfast in silence and needless to say, boredom, she reported straight away to the study that Godfrey had led her to, and waited for the duke to acknowledge her presence. She sat across from him on a chair so large that her toes barely reached the floor, and was silently, patiently waiting. He went through his papers one by one, making notes on some of them and passing over others. Not once did he instruct her on any of her duties, or ask for assistance.

Alla was becoming irritated. She would much rather have gone for a walk, or to see Breanne, or William, for that matter. Anything would have sufficed other than watching and waiting for the duke to notice that she was alive, and breathing, before his very holy presence. She finally decided to try and make the most of it. She took in his features. His unshaven face brought a slight edge to his whole presence, not that he needed the edge, of course. She had to concede that the victory belonged to Breanne. He was the most beautiful person she had seen, though his personality left much to be desired. Maybe she wouldn’t have to concede much after all. It was as she said. He might be a beautiful piece of puzzle wood, but he was just a piece nonetheless. Alla began twiddling her thumbs, finally bored with inspecting the duke.

She cleared her throat, and was ready to ask if she could assist him in any way when he glanced up at her. “Kindly refrain from making that infernal racket. It’s distracting,” he censured before returning his attention back to his paperwork. “It’s also a bad habit of yours, one of many I assume.”

Alla looked at him in disbelief. Did he really just lecture her because she cleared her throat? “I assume that you need to acquire more friends than a butler,” she mumbled under her breath.

An instant slamming noise caused her head to jerk up and she saw that the duke was leveling her with a glare. The area near his jaw began to tic. “Pardon?”

“It is quite clear to me that you have been speaking with Godfrey,” she explained mildly. The man really needed to calm down. “I was only trying to explain to you that—“

“That is enough!”

Alla’s mouth snapped closed. Then she opened it once more. “You are not going to keep many people around you speaking in such a way!”

Brandon slowly came to his feet, and braced his large hands on either side of the desk. “You,” he growled, “are an impertinent bag of goods. Do not think that because I sent for you to come and work for me, I’ll not send you back. T’would be a mistake, that,” he sternly warned. When he saw her glance down at her hands, he nodded in satisfaction. The chit needed to be drained of her insolence, and he would either teach her how to behave, or send her back to where she came from.

Alla remained quiet as he slowly lowered himself into his chair, watching her. Her expression appeared peaceful, serene. Good, he thought, and turned his attention back to his work.

Alla’s blood was simmering, again. She thought that she was respectful, even though the duke made it difficult. Why am I even here?

“It’s a waste of time,” she mumbled.

Brandon set his pen down with a little more force than necessary, clearly agitated. “Do you have something to say to me?” The little baggage was becoming a nuisance.

Alla began twirling the hair next to her neck. “I only want to be of assistance to you,” she began, motioning towards his desk with her hand. “It really doesn’t make much sense to keep me in here only to stare and wait for you. If you find that you have no need for me at the moment I would be happy to search out William, or—“

Brandon instantly held a hand up, and she stopped her tirade. His head was bent, looking down at his papers. “I begin to wonder if your employment here is a mistake,” he began quietly. She had to lean forward a bit to hear him. It seemed as though the angrier he was, the softer his voice became. Alla didn’t like it. She was unused to his kind of anger. He remained focused on his paperwork, his hands rested, clenched on the desk. “From the very moment you arrived, you have been nothing but trouble. You cost me dearly in seeing to your welfare with your ridiculous antics aboard my ship; and you show a severe lack of respect towards my position to me, and to my son, in calling me ridiculous.” His voice raised high in anger at that last bit. “I have felled men for doing less!”

Glacial eyes met her own. He held up an index finger; “you have one time, one more time to show me that you can be slightly competent in your dealings before I send you off to whence you came. Henceforth, you will be on your best behavior. You’ll not question anything I do. It doesn’t belong to anyone to question me, least of all you. You shall only ask questions pertaining to your assignments and none that question my right as your superior and employer. If I decide to keep you in this very room, staring, waiting and doing naught for hours on end, then that is your duty for the moment. I haven’t any idea if your lack of competency stems from your sex in general, or if it’s a trait of all colonists, but change it will, or you will leave.” He brought his hand down to the desk and raised a superior eyebrow. “Is that understood?”

So many different responses were quick to settle on Alla’s tongue. Yet, she held all of them at bay. He said that he would send her back to the colonies, and she whole-heartedly believed him. Even if she were to run off to escape that fate, she felt as though he could and would find her, at least out of spite. He had shown her what type of man he was. She had assessed him accurately from the very beginning. He didn’t wish to be questioned. He didn’t wish for lively and lighthearted conversation, he wanted a mindless person to do his bidding and have done with it. Well, she wouldn’t risk her employment. She shouldn’t have tried to be his friend. She needed to view him as he was, as her opponent and employer. One thing was for sure, she severely disliked the man no matter how attractive he was; but would do as he wished, if only to save up enough funds to be self-sufficient.

A knock sounded at the door. “Yes?!” the duke barked, not taking his eyes from Alla. Brawna tentatively walked inside the room; her eyes darted to Alla and then quickly back to the duke. “Pardon, your grace, but you have a visitor.” The duke looked over his desk, frustrated. “Who is it, Brawna? I am quite preoccupied with business concerns as you can see.”

“Miss Taylor awaits your presence in the drawing room, your grace.”

The duke heaved a great sigh and then came to his feet. He looked to Alla as he came around to the front of the desk, and crossing his arms, leaned back against it, facing her. “I am still awaiting your answer, Miss Bates.”

Brawna looked back and forth between the two of them, her curiosity evident. Without flicking a glance in her direction, the duke dismissed her. “You may leave, Brawna.”

She bobbed and quickly left the room.

He waited, raising an eyebrow at Alla’s silence. It took all of her effort to answer him, and to do so in a way that would be respectful. Though, in truth she didn’t think he deserved a whit of respect. “Yes…your grace. I understand you completely.” He searched her face for a moment and then nodded in acceptance of her answer.

“You may go search out my son,” he waved her off with a flick of his wrist. “Be sure to teach him something worthwhile.”

Cane in hand, Alla came to her feet and immediately walked as fast as she could out of the room, wincing at the pain that radiated through her legs at the hasty retreat. She hated the man, to be sure, but at least he hadn’t claimed his cane back. Alla noticed Edith rushing past her as she closed the study door.

“Edith,” she called. “Do you know where William might be?”

Edith motioned with her head in front of her. “In the drawing room, miss.” Her tone was laced with dread. Alla didn’t ask why the dread was in her voice. She knew that there was another visitor in the manor…and now she had begun to dread going into the drawing room herself.

“Could you point me in the direction of the drawing room?” Alla questioned. “I haven’t a clue as to where it is.”

Edith smiled warmly at her. “Of course miss, right this way.” She slowed her pace so that Alla could keep up, and led her through the hallway and around a corner. Wide double doors were on the right of the two women and Edith stopped before them. She held her hand out in an introduction.

“The drawing room, miss,” she stated. It was apparent that she wasn’t going to step foot inside the room.

She nodded her head to Edith in thanks and walked inside, wondering if there were any rooms throughout the house that were not grand. Beautiful white couches were set in various places, and were accompanied by large plants and alabaster tables. Alla looked up as she walked inside and noticed how high the ceilings were. It must take a ridiculous amount of time to heat up the place. It seemed as if the room continued on forever. There were many entryways without doors, and white columns in the shape of women holding up the ceiling. When Alla heard voices, she headed in that direction, hoping to find William, but halted behind a plant at the conversation that was taking place.

“So what is your governess like, William?”

“Mmm…I dunno. She’s nice,” he responded.

“Hmm. Is she an older woman?”

“Yes, she’s old.”

“How old?”

“I dunno.”

“Hmm,” the feminine voice reflected again. “Do you want to hear a secret, William?”Alla guessed that he shrugged at that because the woman continued on. “We may someday become related, would you like that?” The boy shrugged again, this time Alla saw the action from behind the tall palm tree.

“I imagine it’s time for you to have a new m—“

“There you are William,” Alla interrupted, as she emerged from her hiding place. “I have been looking all over for you.” She turned to the woman who was seated on one of the couches next to William. The young blonde slightly tilted her head to the right. Alla didn’t like her. She holds her tea in such a way that….Alla discarded the thought. For heaven’s sake, it was only tea. She really shouldn’t judge the woman so. Alla didn’t know the etiquette involved in talking with the woman, but guessed that she shouldn’t introduce herself since she was of a different status. Instead, she gave the woman a closed-mouth smile and took William’s hand, turning her back on the lady.

“Excuse me,” the woman stopped her.

Alla paused. She sighed while briefly closing her eyes before slowly turning to face the woman. She was definitely a beauty, Alla admitted. Everything about her seemed perfect. Her honey blonde hair was slicked back and pinned up into a loose bun. Small ringlets graced her long neck. Her lips were stained pink and even now were creased in a faint smile, though Alla wouldn’t describe the smile as friendly. She would describe it as…aware; aware that she held a higher status, and aware that she was looking upon nothing but a tiny insect in her large world.

“I imagine you will be seeing much of me,” she crooned, standing up from the couch and sauntering towards her. “We might as well meet as I am acquainted with all of the servants here,” she continued. “I am Miss Taylor.” Her white-laced gloved hands picked up her gown ever so slightly and gave the barest of curtsies.

Alla curtsied in return with much less patience, eager to make her escape. “Pleasure to meet you,” she responded.

The woman’s eyes widened a bit, and her hand graced her bosom as she chuckled lightly. “Heavens, you are not a colonist?”

“I am.” She wished Miss Taylor would just give up the conversation and let her alone. It was apparent that the woman didn’t like her. She smiled into her face, but it was not the smile of a friend.

“How utterly odd that Brandon would have you come all the way from the colonies for employment,” she stated with a shake of her head. “Whatever are you doing here?”

Alla sighed impatiently. “I am charge to young William here,” she replied, looking down at William who in turn, bounced his eyes between the two women.

“I told Brandon he should consult me on decisions such as these,” Miss Taylor said, lightly tapping her fan against her hand. “I shall have a word or two with him about this particular decision,” she finished, lifting her brows.

Have at it. If she talked the duke into terminating her employment, then at least she would be able to stay in England and search out employment elsewhere.

“Where is he? Does he not know that I am here?”

“His grace knows that you are here, m’lady. Where he is or what he is doing is of no concern or interest to me.”

Miss Taylor inhaled sharply at her response.

Alla quickly curtsied and turned to leave, but ran right into the duke’s chest. She supposed it served her right for looking down at William instead of in front of her. She stumbled back slightly from the altercation, and he reached out, steadying her arm. When she quickly snatched it out of his grasp, he raised a brow. His nostrils flared slightly in warning.

“Whatever is she doing with your cane, Brandon?”

Brandon tore his eyes from the hellion in front of him and looked over her head. “She injured herself. I loaned it to her.”

Alla scooted away from the duke; and Miss Taylor was quick to take her place at his side. She slid a dainty hand onto his arm. “I have come to remind you about our invitation tonight,” she told him with a smile. Then, she slowly looked to Alla, her smile wavered for a fraction of a second, and then came back in full force.

“Didn’t you have somewhere to be, my dear?”

Alla didn’t bother curtsying again. She left as quickly as her legs could carry her.

“You really should have asked my advice before you brought the girl from the colonies, Brandon,” she chided. “T’was wrong of you to not include me in the matter. She seems so insolent, probably a flaw of all colonists. You would have saved yourself a great deal of trouble if only you had consulted me.”

Alla slammed the door to the drawing room, closing off any response she might have heard from the duke. “What shall we do today, William?”

“Can we go outside?”

Alla thought for a moment. “I suppose we can. I could do with a bit of sunshine. How about we fetch a book from the library,” she asked him while walking down the hallway.

“I dunno…daddy says—“

“Oh, don’t worry William. Your father will not know. Just wait right here,” she told him when they made it to the library door. “I shall be back out in two rabbit hops.”

William giggled and began hopping down the hallway. Alla grinned at him before pushing the library door open and quickly searching for a book. She grabbed the first children’s book she saw, tucked it under her arm and hurried out of the forbidden room. The two took their time walking out to the large tree that William had been climbing. He climbed the tree as Alla seated herself on the ground and scanned the title, Sleeping Beauty, by Charles Perrault. “Sleeping Beauty is the title of this book, William. Have you read it yet?” She looked up and spotted him sitting on a branch. He shook his head ‘no’ and plucked a large leaf from the branch. “Very well, Sleeping Beauty it is,” Alla sighed.

She was just about to read the first few words when he interrupted her.

“Is it a girl book?”

She heard the dismay in his voice and hid a smile. “It might be Will, but I can’t tell you for sure. I am not familiar with the book, myself. I promise to stop reading if it becomes even slightly girlish, does that appease you?”

William vigorously nodded in the affirmative. “Alright then, chapter one…” By the time Alla had gotten halfway through the book, William had jumped down from the branch and lay on his stomach in front of her, resting his face in his palms and listening to the story intently. A couple of times Alla teased him saying that this was indeed a girlish book. She feigned fatigue and urged him inside. When he insisted on her reading more she chuckled and continued on.

When Beth fetched William to go inside and eat, Alla closed the book and stood up following him, albeit slowly, to the manor. Once inside, she debated going up to her room for a spell but instantly decided against the idea. Walking up the stairs once a day was quite enough. She decided to sneak back into the library instead. She was turning the knob when a hand settled on her shoulder. Alla instantly jumped and turned around, her eyes wide at the prospect of being caught.

“Excuse me miss,” a young maid curtsied in front of her, “didn’t mean ta’ give ye a fright. There’s someone waitin’ for ye’ in the drawing room.”

“Thank you, I’ll be there shortly.” The maid bobbed once again and took herself off. Whoever could it be? She walked inside the drawing room tentatively, hoping it wasn’t the rock or his perfect unfriendly match.

“Katrina!”

“Breanne?” Alla’s countenance lit up when she heard her friend’s voice, and she hobbled a little quicker. She finally saw Breanne, coming towards her with outstretched hands eager to help her.

Alla smiled. “Really Breanne, I can make it to the couch on my own. I have been doing so for a while now.” Breanne ignored her comment and helped her to sit down.

“Oh, Breanne. I have missed you so,” Alla said on a big sigh once she was seated.

“And I you…” Breanne told her in an exaggerated way. Both ladies laughed.

“You must catch me up on what has been happening with you,” Breanne insisted.

“I almost do not know where to start. The duke and I are most definitely at odds with each other.”

“Oh no, what has happened, Katrina? Do tell me, and with haste!”

Alla grinned. “Very well, I suppose I should start with the duke arriving at the manor sooner than expected and catching me in the forbidden library.”

Breanne gasped and put her hands over her mouth. Alla skipped over the insignificant detail of the duke carrying her up to her room and went straight away to the heart of the matter.

“When I was sent away from the library, I almost had a mishap on the stairs, but the duke was able to assist me. Then, young William came out and told him that I met a pirate…and said some other things that I had mentioned about his father. It was not a good scene, Breanne.”

“You have already brought up many questions into my head, Katrina. First, what pirate did you meet? What in heaven are you talking about?”

Alla laughed, and waved her hand in dismissal. “Oh, it was a story I made up for William. He was so excited about the possibility of meeting pirates…I couldn’t disappoint him.”

Breanne’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion; “Why would the duke take exception to a story as harmless as that?”

“I think it was the name of the pirate that he took exception to.”

“Well, what did you name this pirate?”

“Branchester.”

“Branchester?” Breanne looked at her in confusion for a minute, and then her eyes widened as well. “Katrina, you didn’t!”

“I did,” she said slowly nodding and sporting a sheepish grin.

“How could you name the pirate after the duke?” She asked on a small laugh. Did he realize the play on his name right away?”

Alla slowly nodded. “It took him only a second to realize what I had done.”

“That is somewhat disrespectful, Katrina,” she chided with a lopsided grin.

“That is not all…”

“Good heaven’s there’s more? I am surprised you still have employment here. What else has happened?”

“He, William, went on to ask the duke why he didn’t make any sense. He repeated the very words I had said earlier…”

“Katrina!”

“I was speaking to myself! I was confused as to why he would keep the library to himself, Breanne. Honestly, I had no clue that William was listening so intently to my conversation-”

“-with yourself” Breanne finished flatly.

“Yes!” Alla insisted on a laugh, allowing her head to rest back on the couch. “Oh, Breanne, things have been horrible. Oh!” Alla quickly sat up. “I also met a dreadful lady. A Miss Taylor, I believe her name was.”

Breanne nodded. “Yes, I know who she is. She’s had her eye on the duke for a while now. She’s very rich, and her family is very well settled. I do not care for her much, myself. How did you meet her?”

“She was here visiting the duke. I had the great displeasure of meeting her in this very room.”

Breanne appeared thoughtful. “I do hope the duke doesn’t pursue her. I do not think they would match well.”

“I couldn’t care less. In fact, I hope that he does pursue her. Then, Miss Taylor could guide his very stiff neck to terminate my employment and I would be free to do as I wished without fear of being sent back to the colonies.”

“You would be penniless, Katrina.”

Alla sighed. “I don’t care. I intensely dislike the man, Breanne. He is horrid.”

Breanne suddenly smiled. “Well, I have some news that should brighten your day.”

Breanne’s smile was infectious and Alla became as excited as she was. “What news?”

“There is to be a party tonight, and I happened to hear that you are among those invited,” she said, happily. “Katrina, why are you frowning? You should be excited.”

“I don’t know how to dance, Breanne.”

“Posh! Everyone knows—“

“I don’t.”

Breanne looked at her curiously. “I thought you were able to attend parties back in the colonies…”

Alla looked to her lap. Continuing to lie to her friend was beginning to make her physically ill. She couldn’t help but wonder, though, if Breanne would remain a friend if she found out her true identity.

“No matter,” Breanne said breaking the silence. “You aren’t able to dance tonight anyhow; your legs aren’t ready for the activity.”

Alla smiled at that revelation. She didn’t know why she hadn’t thought of it herself. Her legs were gradually feeling better, but the excuse was still a valid one.

“In that case, I needn’t go at all, right Breanne?” she asked enthusiastically.

“Wrong! I need you there, Katrina. You had better not abandon me.”

“Of course I’ll not abandon you, but why do you need me?”

“The viscount asked me to save him a dance.”

“Say no more, I shall be there for you.” After making that statement, Alla groaned heavily.

“What is it?” Breanne asked.

“I’ll have to ride with the duke and his Miss Taylor, no doubt.”

Breanne laughed. “Just keep your conversation restricted to the weather and the roads, and they will think you dull enough to leave you alone.”

“On the contrary, that’s probably just the sort of thing that the rock would love to discuss.”

“The rock?”

“The duke,” Alla explained over Breanne’s laughter. “He has proved himself a rock with every passing moment. I shall keep my opinions and wit to myself, though. You needn’t worry. I had already promised myself that if the duke wanted a mindless person in his employ with no thought, feeling, or anything, then that is what I would be…towards him alone, of course.”

“I have a surprise for you, Katrina,” Breanne said changing the subject. “I bought you a gown.”

“A gown!” Alla exclaimed, smiling. “I cannot believe you bought something for me. You did not have to do that, Breanne. I do have gowns.”

“I know that, but I couldn’t pass it up. It will bring out the green in your eyes. Wait until you see it, Katrina. You shall love it. I took the liberty of having it delivered to your room.”

“No one has ever bought me anything before,” Alla confided. Her eyes misted over as she continued, “thank you for your kindness. I will never forget it.”

Breanne’s eyebrows crumpled in confusion over her statement and she slightly cocked her head. “Whatever do you mean by saying that no one has ever bought anything for you before? What of your parents, Katrina?”

Darn!

“Miss Crabtree?” A deep masculine voice echoed throughout the drawing room.

“Here,” Breanne called out; and then hastily stood up. “It’s Torrington,” she whispered. “I forgot to mention that he escorted me over here.” She walked away from the cover of the plants so that the viscount could see her.

“I had already assumed such,” Alla whispered back, smiling, as she walked over to stand near Breanne.

Breanne rolled her eyes at her and when Torrington came into view she smiled widely up at him, and he instantly returned the gesture. Alla suddenly felt as if she were intruding on a private moment.

“Miss Bates,” Torrington greeted her, bowing. “I expect we shall see you tonight?”

“Yes,” Alla answered. “I’ll be there.”

“Would you honor me with a dance?”

Alla quickly glanced at Breanne, who smiled encouragingly at her.

Bewilderment could clearly be heard in Alla’s tone. “I thank you for the request…but I do not mean to dance tonight.”

“Perhaps if Brandon asked you—“

“No!”

Torrington raised a brow and amusement lit up his features. “No?”

“That is to say, I am unable to dance sir,” Alla said, feigning disappointment as she shook her head sadly. “My leg will not allow me the privilege of dancing with the duke.”

“Pity,” the viscount replied, barely containing his laughter; then he looked over Alla’s head. “Isn’t it, Brandon?” Alla froze while Breanne gasped and turned to look at the duke.

“It is,” he agreed. Alla slowly turned around to look up at him. The man was constantly sneaking up on her.

Torrington turned his attention once more towards Alla. “Perhaps, when your wounds have healed completely—.”

“I’m sure that the duke will be otherwise occupied,”Alla interrupted.

Brandon fixed her with a fierce frown.

“-with Miss Taylor,” she finished.

Breanne lightly groaned and put her hand over her mouth, slightly shaking her head ‘no’ at Alla. Was she not to say such things? She only said what she had…blast. She said what had come into her head. She had forgotten that she wasn’t going to do that anymore.

Brandon stared at her. Hard. He had never been tested so much in such a short time and was already regretting his decision to send for her.

Torrington coughed, hiding a smirk. “I believe we should take ourselves off, Miss Crabtree.” He nodded farewell to the duke and Alla. “We shall see you tonight.”

Alla turned to Breanne, begging her not to leave with her eyes. Breanne gave her a helpless and sympathetic look in return as Torrington took her arm and led her out of the room.

Alla was staring at the marble floor when she decided to speak before the duke could lecture or threaten her. “I’m sorry. I spoke without thinking. I shouldn’t have mentioned your personal affairs in front of others. It won’t happen again.”

When the duke remained silent she looked up at him and found him in a relaxed pose, leaning his thick shoulder against one of the entryways. One leg was lazily crossed over the other and his arms crossed over his broad chest.

“Your apology is accepted.”

What? That was it? Alla let out a breath of relief and brightly smiled up at him. His eyes flickered with something she couldn’t quite describe and then quickly went flat again. She began to walk out of the room, but right when she was about to pass him, he quickly stood in front of her, blocking her way.

He was entirely too close to her. She wanted, no needed, to back away from him. She stared up at the giant, looking into his eyes. His mouth twitched once. It was a slight movement, but she caught it. He expected her to retreat, to back down. Well, she wouldn’t satisfy him. Alla stood right where she was and continued to staring at him. She could smell his cologne. Blast it all, he smelled nice.

She raised her eyebrows. “You said that you accepted my apology.”

He waited a moment before responding. “I did.”

She waited two beats, and when it was clear that he wasn’t going to continue, she spoke. “Is there something more you wanted to say?”

He half smiled at her, showing a dimple, and her heart raced a little faster. Then, he slowly leaned down to her height, close to her face. She could feel his breath on her as he whispered, “If I ask you, you’ll not say no.” With that, he turned on his heel and slowly strode out of the room.

Alla was left stupefied and breathless. She would never allow the man to get that close to her again. Surely, it was improper for him to be mere inches away from her face. What was he talking about anyhow? Embarrassingly enough, he made her forget everything they had discussed beforehand.

She waited a while, trying to understand what just happened; why she felt as if he had somehow gotten the upper hand on some unspoken disagreement. If only she knew what he was talking about! She finally walked out of the room; giving up trying to understand someone she disliked so intensely.

When Alla made it upstairs, she walked directly to her bed, and what she saw took her breath away. The light green gown Breanne had delivered was even more beautiful than Elizabeth’s. It had a little lace around the neckline, and cinched in towards the waist, before flaring out again at the hips. The bodice seemed to dip low, but she hoped that the dress would look different once it was on. Alla loved it. Even the buttons are fine, she thought as she let her fingers run over them.

A knock sounded at her door and she gave permission for entry. Brawna came into the room with her hands full of various items. She looked to her feet when she stood in front of Alla. “I’m here to assist you for tonight, miss,” she said on a curtsy. Her face gave away nothing. Among the items in her hand were some hair pins, needles, a brush, and hair accessories. Alla determined right away that the girl would not get near her with the needles. She would have to be a simpleton to allow that to happen.

“If you’d like, take a seat miss, and I’ll start on yer hair.”

Alla cautiously walked over to the vanity and sat, facing the mirror. What was wrong with the girl? Was she pretending to be nice so that she could stab her later with the little pins on the tray? Alla didn’t believe for one moment that Brawna had suddenly experienced a change of heart. Though, she supposed it was possible that she could be embarrassed how she had behaved when they first met.

“How would ye’ like yer hair done, miss? Do ye’ want it up again, with curls at the bottom? ‘Tis very fashionable. All the ladies wear their hair this way,” Brawna stated matter-of-factly.

Alla looked at herself. If she was going to attend this function then she would do so comfortably. She would go as herself. “I would like to wear my unbound, please.”

Brawna’s hands froze above her head, and her eyes met Alla’s in the mirror. “Unbound, miss?”

“Yes,” Alla affirmed meeting her eyes, “unbound.” Brawna’s hands slowly began moving over her head once more, releasing her hair from the captivity it was in. Once she had gotten all of the pins out, Alla’s hair flowed in waves over her shoulders and down her back. Brawna then began brushing her hair.

“Don’t think I’ve felt anyone’s hair of this texture, miss,” she declared, looking at Alla’s reflection in the mirror.

“Many people in the colonies have hair similar to mine,” Alla deflected and then inwardly winced. All of her statements seemed to be riddled with double meanings.

“Mmm,”was the only reply that came from Brawna, making Alla wonder what she was thinking. After Brawna styled Alla’s hair, placing a diamond butterfly hairpiece on one side; she offered her assistance in getting dressed. Alla immediately declined, although she could have definitely used the help. There was really no way for her to acquire assistance from anyone though, given the condition of her back. Brawna silently collected everything that she brought into the room and then quietly left.

Once she was gone, Alla walked over to the bed, disrobed, and tried to put the gown on. She viewed it as a task, and a task it was. It took her at least half of an hour to get dressed. When she finished, she walked towards the mirror to make sure that everything was in place when a knock sounded at her door.

Alla changed direction, opened the door, and found herself face to face with Godfrey. He stiffened and spoke. “I am to escort you out to the carriage, miss. His grace awaits your presence inside of it.”

Alla grasped Godfrey’s arm with one hand and used the cane with her other as they headed down the stairs. Nervousness began to run through Alla’s body. When they reached the door, she gently tugged on his arm.

“Godfrey, please do not give me the cold shoulder any longer. I am very sorry for offending you. I was only teasing.” She then turned her attention to the main entrance door. “I would rather stay here in the manor, with all of you, than to walk into a room full of people that want to stare at me, and make note of my hailing from the colonies.” She sighed, “I feel very out of place here.”

Godfrey stared at her a moment and remained silent as he opened the door. As soon as he closed it behind them he spoke, “I forgive your jest, if indeed that is what it was. As for the other,” he paused before they made it to the carriage. “May I speak frankly, mum?”

Alla was shocked that he was being so agreeable and nodded quickly.

“You may feel out of place, but you do not look it.” Then he was silent. Alla realized that this was a compliment, or at least his way of complimenting her. She smiled at him and squeezed his arm, “Thank you Godfrey,” she whispered. Once she had been helped into the carriage it automatically jerked with the horse’s movement down the driveway.

It was dark inside the carriage. The duke sat across from her, silent. Well, this is going to be very comfortable, I see. His long legs took up all of the room in his grand carriage and she had to scrunch up a little bit so as not to let her leg brush up against his. After traveling for a bit in silence, she decided that she had enough. Darkness and silence were not her friends, and the duke behaving as if she wasn’t even there, not even bothering to greet her was most rude, to say the least.

“Where is Miss Taylor?” she blurted out, breaking the silence. She immediately wanted to kick herself. If her leg was fully up to the task of kicking, and the other to accepting, she thought she might have actually done it. She never thought about what she said beforehand. He had told her not to ask questions, yet here she went again—

“We are on our way to Miss Taylor’s estate as we speak,” his deep voice interrupted her thoughts from the darkness.

“Ah.” Her estate? Alla felt as if she were just the sort of insect that Miss Taylor, no doubt, imagined her to be. Alla cleared her throat and heard a small chuckle in response.

“What reason is there to be unsettled, Miss Bates?”

“What gives you the impression that I am unsettled? I am perfectly well, thank you,” she responded,smoothing out the non-existent wrinkles in her gown.

“As you say,” he returned, doubtfully.

I won’t say a thing in return. She would just ride the remainder of the journey in silence. Yes, that’s exactly what she would do. She tapped her foot impatiently.

“You do not know me well enough to make assumptions about how I am feeling,” she finally retorted.

“There is not much to know about you. I have spoken with your previous employers. I am aware of your likes, virtues, dislikes, and faults though truthfully I have seen more of the latter than the former.”

“May I speak freely?” she asked him, determined to say exactly what she thought of him in return.

“No, you may not,” he replied comfortably. He draped his arm over the back of the seat and another small chuckle came from his mouth.

Alla had never been prone to violence. She had seen too much of it already in her short life. She had been whipped, kicked, punched, spat upon, and had her hair, which she loved dearly, chopped several times. None of those things made her want to inflict violence. They only made her want to retaliate with her words. That is why she was surprised at herself. She felt the strongest urge to wallop the duke until he writhed on the ground in agony.

Alla decided to change the subject. “Are we getting close to Miss Taylor’s estate?” she innocently inquired. As if in response, the carriage jerked to a stop and the duke rudely stepped over her and hopped out of the carriage without saying a word in response to her question.

Attending the ball was already turning out to be one big mistake. Had Breanne not insisted that she needed her, she would have relaxed in her bed for the night. She imagined herself there, drinking a cup of hot tea and reading a novel. Instead, she was attending a party full of people that were sure to judge her. Breanne would be off dancing with Torrington and where would she be? She knew where she would not be, or better yet, who she would not be with. As if on cue, the duke appeared, assisting Miss Taylor into the carriage and then climbed inside to sit next to her.

The carriage began moving again. “My, it’s quite dark in here,” Miss Taylor noted. Alla remained quiet, as did the duke. “And...Miss Bates,” she began with surprise, “why ever did you venture away from your charge?”

So she does know my name. “I wanted to see a friend. I am to meet her there, at the function we are attending,” she clarified.

“Ah,” she replied, dismissing her. “Brandon, what kind of cologne are you wearing? It smells positively delightful,” she rubbed her gloved hand on his thickly muscled arm. The moonlight apparently provided enough illumination for Alla to see that action, though she wished she hadn’t. She wanted out of the carriage, badly.

“Do not you think, Miss Bates?”

“Pardon?”

“Brandon’s cologne. It smells delightful, do not you agree?” The carriage finally halted to a stop, making Alla grateful that they had reached their destination.

Alla smiled at her sweetly, knowing the two could see her, for the moon shone right on her face at the moment. “At the moment, I only smell horse manure.”

The duke let out a bark of laughter at the same time that Miss Taylor gasped. “If you would excuse me,” Alla let herself out of the carriage.

“This is the kind of language you receive from someone living in the colonies, Brandon,” Alla heard her say as she desperately tried to make her escape from the pair.

Unfortunately she was drawing a few stares with her predicament. The duke’s cane kept sinking into the mud and it made an awful sucking sound with every step she took. Lifting up her hem, so as to keep it away from the mud, while walking with a cane that continued to sink in the ground would indeed draw attention, she reasoned.

“Miss Bates, you are to take the duke’s arm,” Miss Taylor loudly stated. A few guests turned to view the commotion.

Alla slowly turned and saw that quite a few men and women were looking at her curiously. Miss Taylor could have advised her a little more quietly. Of course, that would make her a decent person, and so obviously that was out of the question.

The duke and Miss Taylor made their way to her; and she avoided his gaze, accepting his proffered arm, before the three slowly proceeded to make their way inside of the huge mansion. Alla ignored the splendor of the place, and focused on finding Breanne. Presently, Miss Taylor was chatting into Brandon’s ear, and stroking his arm as the three continued their procession inside. The duke’s low timbered voice responded, but she hadn’t a clue as to what they were saying, since the incessant chatter of the crowd drowned their voices.

Alla felt as if everyone knew exactly who and what she was; they were staring so much. She winced as she stretched up on tip toe, looking for Breanne. It was impossible. There were so many blonde-haired people in the grand room that she couldn’t find her; or Torrington for that matter. Perfect. She supposed she would have to ask the duke for assistance since he just about towered over everyone in the room. When Miss Taylor was waylaid by her friends, all three of them were brought to a halt.

Alla gently squeezed the duke’s arm. He looked down at her. “Could you please tell me if you can see Miss Crabtree?”

“In a hurry to run off, are you?”

“I’m anxious to see my friend,” she responded.

He turned his attention towards the crowd, slowly scanning through the people. His head bent down towards her ear, as he looked in a particular direction. “She is located against the wall, near the punch bowl,” he informed her. Then he paused, lifted his head, and his eyes swept over her, lingering on her face. Alla turned away from him, suddenly wishing that she had the opportunity to fully inspect herself in the mirror. She only got a glimpse of the hairpiece that was placed in her hair. Attention had been upon her since she walked into the room, and she felt as if everyone knew that she did not belong. She blamed it on her coloring and the gown’s low neckline. Ever since she had gotten dressed, she’d been fighting the urge to jerk the fabric upwards.

Alla looked back up at the duke, ready to ask if she could walk over to Breanne on her own, and found that he was still staring at her.

“Is something wrong?” she asked him.

He continued to stare, not saying a word. The man was rude. She almost told him just that but Miss Taylor had finished talking to her friends and had drawn his attention to continuing forward. Alla was relieved when they walked further into the room, for Breanne caught sight of her, and was coming straight towards her. She quickly released the duke’s arm, and raced as quickly as she could with her cane towards Breanne.

The women met in the center of the room. “Katrina, you look breath taking!”

“I shall have to take your word for it. I didn’t get the opportunity to make sure everything was in place.”

Breanne looked her over. “You look beautiful,” she simply said. Alla leaned close to her ear, “I feel as if I’m going to spill out of this!”

Breanne laughed. “You’ll not spill out, silly. I was right; that gown is the perfect color for you.”

“Really, Breanne? It seems as if everyone is staring at me. It’s almost as if they know that I am from the colonies, they know that I am different.”

“First of all, everyone is not staring at you, only the men are; just as I predicted. You do stand out a bit with your black unbound hair against your light green dress, your olive complexion, and your…” she looked down a little, “attributes.”

“Breanne!”

She laughed. “I am jesting with you.” The music started and the two women cleared the floor as many others walked out upon it, eager to dance.

“Have you seen Torrington? Is he here?”

“No, I haven’t seen him yet. I must tell you, I am quite nervous, Katrina. This is the first function that we are going to be seen at together. I know the tongues will wag.”

“Don’t worry about what anyone says, Breanne. It’s not their affair; they should mind their own business.”

“It’s the ton. The whole point of them talking is because it’s not their business. I really wish that I had your company on the dance floor.”

“Do not worry. I will stand up for you if I hear gossip.” Alla sighed in defeat. “I have something I must tell you, Breanne.”

Breanne looked at her. “What is it?”

“My legs are better than they used to be.”

“Whatever do you mean? Are you saying that your legs have been in better shape this whole time?”

“Not necessarily the whole time.”

“How long?” Breanne demanded.

“It was still painful this afternoon, when I saw you, but as the evening progressed, they gradually started to feel better. The pain is not all the way gone, but I don’t think I need to use the cane any longer.”

“Then why did you carry the thing inside of this place?”

“I still do not wish to dance-”

“Katrina, I need you on the floor with me. I would feel so much more comfortable,” she pleaded.

Alla didn’t want to bring up her lack of dance skills again. With that reminder, more questions would probably come from Breanne; questions that she wasn’t quite ready to answer at the moment.

“I do not wish to dance with the duke, Breanne. Under no circumstances will I do that. My best option is to refrain from dancing completely, so as to avoid him.”

Breanne took note of her emphatic tone and was curious. “I am puzzled, Katrina. Besides the paltry reason of not liking him, I don’t understand why you feel so strongly about the issue. I have often been subjected to dancing with men I do not like. If he asks you, I do not know how you will get around dancing with him, without causing a spectacle and a lot of talk.”

Alla tapped her cane on the floor a couple of times. “This is how I shall avoid dancing with him if he were to ask. Though, I doubt that he will ask me anyhow since we are of different stations. I doubt any man would dance with their governess.”

Breanne’s blue eyes continued to plead with Alla. “I have never danced with anyone of Torrington’s status, Katrina. I feel as if I just might fall flat on my face in fear.”

Alla exhaled and looked at the cane; her means of salvation from the dance floor. She would make a fool out of herself simply walking out on the floor, because she couldn’t dance.

“If by some miracle someone asks me, and I can make it to the floor while avoiding the duke’s notice at the same time, I shall find a way to join you. But I really do not want to dance with him, Breanne,” she reiterated, as she leaned the cane up against the wall.

Breanne looked at her in contemplation. “Katrina, sometimes I wonder if you and the duke—“, she cut off her statement and looked behind Alla. Her face transformed into a beautiful smile, and Alla knew who the recipient was before she even opened her mouth.

“Lord Torrington,” Breanne greeted him with a curtsy. He bowed in return, looking at her with admiration. “You look beautiful Miss Crabtree,” he acknowledged with a wink. A fine blush covered Breanne’s cheeks in response. It was moments like this when Alla wished that she was elsewhere.

Torrington then looked at Alla. “You look lovely as well,” he stated. Alla smiled and thanked him.

“And how are you feeling, Miss Bates?” he asked, fully inspecting her.

“I am feeling as best as I can, Lord Torrington. I thank you for your inquiry.”

His mouth quirked into a small smile, “And do you plan on dancing this eve?”

For goodness sake’s, he knew that her leg…Oh no! She had left the cane against the wall. She turned to look at the cane and then back at Torrington. Her shocked eyes met his amused ones. Before she could come up with any sort of excuse or explanation, he guided a laughing Breanne out to the dance floor. Alla slowly backed up against the wall and watched the dancers. Breanne seemed comfortable enough. Even now, she was smiling up at the viscount, and making conversation. Someone slid past Alla, bumping into her, and causing the cane to clatter to the floor. She bent down to pick it up, but a masculine hand reached it before she could. She straightened and looked up.

A tall handsome man, seemingly in his thirties, with dark brown hair stood before her. “I should think you a little young for a cane,” he observed.

She smiled at him in return. His easy demeanor caused her guard to come down. “Sir, you’re not aware of my age. You could be mistaken in your guess.”

He looked to the ceiling and pretended to ponder that possibility. “Doubtful,” he said grinning down at her. “I am rarely wrong.”

“Ah, but there is a first time for everything,” she bantered.

“I imagine I shall be a ‘right virgin’ forever,” he replied back to her, laughing. “Forgive me. That was quite improper. My name is Addison, and you are from the colonies, are you not?”

“I am,” she said, smiling up at him. He had a friendly demeanor. Besides Breanne, he was one of the friendliest people that she had met since she arrived in the country. “I am called Miss Bates, but you may call me Katrina,” she replied, completely oblivious to the attention they were drawing.

He inclined his head in response. “Do you plan on dancing this evening?” he asked, as he slowly looked her over.

She looked at the cane. There was no excuse she could give now, since he already saw her without it. “I didn’t plan on it,” she replied honestly. “In truth, I am not very good on my feet. I intended on using the cane as my means of escape.”

“Tsk, Tsk.” He shook his head at her. “What a shame to go to such an extent as bringing a cane to a party for the sole purpose of avoiding a dance.”

Alla raised her eyebrows at him. “Better to be young and appear old with a cane, than to be young, flailing and stumbling about on the dance floor. I would no doubt inflict shame upon the host or hostess were I to indulge in the activity. I’m not a dancer,” she emphasized.

Addison bent low to her ear and gave her a conspirator’s smile. “Nor am I, perhaps we can stumble about together.”

Alla smiled at him.

“I doubt you would cause any shame to the host at all,” he predicted. A servant came over and whispered something into his ear, at which point he excused himself, promising to come back as soon as he could. He bent low, and kissed her hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Katrina.”

“And you as well,” she returned, inclining her head. He gave her another quick smile before he headed out of the room. When the music stopped, Breanne rushed towards her, her eyes widened with astonishment. Torrington left the two women alone when a friend called him over.

“Katrina!”

“You looked happy, Breanne, and no one asked me. Besides, the two of you were involved in your conversation so I thought that you wouldn’t mind if I—“

“Whatever are you talking about?”

“I thought you were upset because I did not dance. Am I mistaken?”

Breanne opened her mouth, closed it, and then opened it once more. “That’s right,” she began. “I am disappointed that you didn’t join me…but that is not what I was going to say.”

“Oh good,” Alla said dryly. “I just reminded you to be disappointed. Is that what you’re telling me?”

“Exactly,” Breanne confirmed, smiling. “What I was going to ask you was how in the world you wound up speaking to the Marquis of Kent!?”

“What are you talking about? I haven’t spoken to a marquis.”

“You have,” she insisted. “Everyone is talking about it even now. The duke was staring daggers at the two of you,” she nodded when Alla looked at her as if she were crazy. “The marquis is known as being a rake, though at the same time is very standoffish. Women clamor to attract his attention, just as they do with the duke. He behaves rudely but they still flock. It’s utterly ridiculous.”

“Now I know we are speaking of different people, Breanne,” Alla retorted, wondering what a rake was. “I only spoke with one person, and he was very agreeable, not at all like the person you describe.” She found herself nodding just as Breanne was, to confirm her statement, and then decided to prove her point. “The man I talked to was called Addison. He was very…why are you gasping?”

“He told you his given name?”

“Yes. I don’t understand the-”

“He lives here, Katrina. As I said before, he is a marquis. I’m very surprised that he introduced himself by his given name, and that he even spoke to you at all.”

“He’s the host,”Alla said to herself, smiling. “He was very nice,” she admitted, fully confused.

“It must be the gown,” Breanne observed with a grin. Alla smiled at her and then frowned. “Breanne, are you sure he’s the same person you think he is? Maybe you are confused—“

“No, I’m certain, and the duke does not look pleased one bit. Look straight ahead of you, Katrina.” Alla followed her eyes and looked in the same direction. She found him, but instantly wished that she hadn’t. Miss Taylor was still currently sidled up to him and he was, in fact, staring icily at her just as Breanne said.

“Breanne, did I do something improper? Why is he looking so mean?”

“I can’t tell you the answer to the last question, Katrina, but from what I saw you did nothing improper.”

Alla sighed, as Torrington came back to stand at Breanne’s side. The three of them chatted during the party for quite some time. Finally, Torrington said something close to Breanne’s ear and she nodded her agreement, looking to Alla. “We are going to dance once more and then I have to go home,” she informed her. “I haven’t told you, my mother has recently taken ill. I didn’t wish to stay away from her side too long.”

Alla placed a hand on Breanne’s arm. “I hope she will get over her illness soon. If you ever have need of my assistance, let me know.”

“You know I will,” she replied, smiling softly at her. “Given this is our last dance, would you come out on the dance floor with us?”

“Breanne, I could hardly go out onto the dance floor by myself.”

“You wouldn’t have to,” a deep voice cut in. Alla turned to see Addison standing behind her, and timidly smiled at him. Torrington inclined his head to the marquis, who responded in kind, before the couples made their way to the dance floor. Alla watched the marquis as he led her out, noting how his demeanor had changed. He suddenly didn’t seem as approachable, but she knew different. She wondered why he gave that impression to others, and if he even realized he did so.

“You look very fierce.”

“I have to,” he muttered back. “People have to be afraid enough to refrain from laughing should we stumble about.”

Alla laughed heartily, drawing more stares their way. “Please, Addison,” she began when they reached the floor. “I was not being modest; I honestly do not know how to dance.”

“You do not scare me,” he declared. “If I can be amongst the ton, I can dance with a chit who knows not how to dance.”Alla laughed at him again. “Just follow my lead, and don’t fight it,” he whispered into her ear. Alla noted how some of the ton paused to watch them dance. Addison whirled her out onto the dance floor and she felt as if she were floating. She tried to push away the self-consciousness that she felt and give in to the dance. She closed her eyes for the barest of moments, enjoying the movements of the dance, the music, and the breeze lifting her hair. “Spectacular,” she heard it whispered. She opened her eyes at once and saw the marquis staring down at her with admiration.

Uncomfortable with the attention, she turned her face from his and at once wished that she had kept staring at the marquis. For, she had unfortunately caught eyes with the duke, and now she couldn’t stop looking at him. He was surrounded by a few men and many women, including Miss Taylor. The women were fluttering all about him, even the men tried to get his attention. He stared at her. Of course, he wasn’t staring at her as Addison was. He was staring at her as if he wanted to kill her. No sooner had she turned away from his menacing glare that the music stopped and Addison was leading her off of the dance floor. “That wasn’t too bad, was it?” Alla wasn’t surprised that he was quite adept at dancing.

“No, I enjoyed myself very much. I thank you for the dance.”

He grinned and bent over her hand, once more, kissing it. “The pleasure was mine. We shall have to stumble together another time.”Alla beamed up at him, inclining her head in agreement.

“If you’ll excuse me, I need to see to some things. I hope we meet again.” With that, he was off.

“Did you enjoy the dance, Katrina?” Breanne asked, making Alla jump. She turned around. There stood Torrington, Breanne, the dreadful Miss Taylor, and the duke, who still appeared none too pleased.

“I did,” she responded, ignoring the latter couple.

“I have to leave now,” Breanne told her. “I must check on my mother, but I do hope to see you within the next day or so.”

“I would love that,” Alla responded. When Breanne and Torrington turned to leave, Alla rushed forward, grabbing her arm. Breanne stopped walking and looked at Alla. “Can I ride home with you and the viscount, Breanne? I do not want to be alone with the duke and Miss Taylor.”

Breanne looked at her regretfully, and whispered back. “Torrington just informed me that we are to give a couple of the ladies here a ride home since their chaperones have gone. I am sorry, Katrina. Remember,” she said as she was finally led away again, “the roads and the weather.”

Alla’s mouth quirked in a slight smile, but went no further than that. She was absolutely dreading the ride home. Once they had gotten inside the carriage, Alla remained quiet. The tension could be cut with a knife, yet the only one who was oblivious to it was Miss Taylor. She chattered on incessantly about some of the styles of the gowns, and gossiped about many of the women in attendance. Alla managed to tune most of it out until she heard a reference to herself. “It seems that Miss Bates has acquired an admirer.”

Alla turned to Miss Taylor while the duke focused his attention on Alla.

“I think that saying such a thing is premature,” she told her. “It was only a dance.”

“It’s not the dance,” Miss Taylor informed her with a half-smile. “It was how the dance was conducted, the gazing and such. You have much to learn on the matter Miss Bates,” she said condescendingly.

Alla could feel her blood simmer. “I acquired a friend tonight, nothing more.”

“And nothing less?”

Alla wished that the woman would keep her mouth shut. Couldn’t she see that the duke was becoming angrier by the moment?

“The Marquis of Kent does not venture out of his way to speak to eager husband hunters, let alone governesses,” she continued, haughtily.

Alla gritted her teeth. “I am not an eager husband hunter.”

“Hmmm,” she responded.

“He approached me Miss Taylor, not the other way around. But you would know that had your attention been anywhere but on the duke.”

Miss Taylor tilted her head. “Why would my attention be anywhere else but on Brandon? I adore him,” she told her, scathingly.

“Then keep your attention to him, and stay out of my affairs,” Alla snapped.

Miss Taylor gasped just as the carriage came to a halt in front of her property. “Brandon, did you hear what the impertinent chit said to me? This is exactly why you should have consulted me on—“

“Miss Taylor,” Brandon thundered, causing Alla to flinch at the anger in his voice. “I do not wish, nor need to consult anyone on anything. Cease your mindless prattle.”

Miss Taylor gasped again. “I cannot believe you would put a servant before me, Brandon,” she cried. “You let her talk to me just as she wishes! I cannot understand why you do not put the girl in her place right now.”

“I shall deal with Miss Bates,” he bit out. “And I shall do so in my own way. Just so we are clear, I need not inform you as to how I do it, nor if I am to do it. We have arrived at your residence,” he rudely informed her, pushing the door open. Miss Taylor stepped out and turned to look at him. Immediately contrite, she bowed her head.

“Brandon,” she began, “I am sorry...”

“Drive on!” He yelled out, and the carriage rolled away from her residence, leaving her standing in the lane. Dread filled Alla as she realized that she was now alone with him. Could it be possible for them to continue the drive in peace? She hoped so, with all of her heart, she hoped so.