too. “Well, I’ve met someone,” I revealed.
Keira and Scott both looked at me. I read the surprise in their eyes. Was it really such shocking news?
“It’s the new groundskeeper.” A warm glow rushed to my cheeks.
“What’s he like?” Keira asked.
“Oh no, no distractions. Today we’re talking about you, not me.” Today our focus should be Keira. Besides, I wasn’t ready to share details just yet.
“I think you should see him,” Scott reiterated. He meant his friend, Rick. “At least one more time.” He paused to let her think it over. Then he shared something really important about an attack at the Ramsey estate.” He said it was in the news. Keira looked shocked. “You didn’t know?” he asked her.
“What are you implying, Scott? No, I didn’t know. I’m not the one keeping secrets.” She gave him such a cold look. I shivered.
What’s this? Keira accusing Scott? What secrets had she uncovered about him? I knew what she’d do if she ever learned my darkest secrets, and I didn’t want her to kill for me. That’s why she mustn’t ever find out.
A short while later, after a walk around the park together, I had to leave. When Keira gave me one last hug, she whispered in my ear, “I’m sorry. You don’t deserve my anger. You and I are going to have a talk one day very soon about this new groundskeeper.”
I smiled as I waved goodbye. Then I hurried back to the Beckett estate to resume my duties and to see Ashton again. Well, to watch him from a distance actually. Scott and Keira didn’t need to know that so far, this was only a crush. I was sure Ashton would notice me soon enough. Most of the male servants did because of the uniform Mr. Beckett required me to wear – a very short black skirt and a tight white blouse.
It was my understanding that a maid’s job was to keep people happy. We kept the mistress of the house happy by keeping the environment clean and organized and by running any errands she didn’t want to do herself. We kept the master of the house happy in other ways.
I was pretty sure that everyone involved was well aware of this arrangement. As long as we were discreet, everyone saved face and everyone, except me, remained happy. When I was hired, I knew what would be expected of me. I could see it in Lance Beckett’s expression, by the way his eyes roved over my body during the interview.
So why had I accepted the position? It was a job, and there weren’t many of those available in Tkaron. I couldn’t continue to rely on Keira forever. I needed a way to support myself. Anyway, people with no money were ruled by those who had money. It was that way throughout the entire realm, especially since the end of the last war. As for the rest of the world? I knew Terene fared better than most. According to the adspace and billboards, we were very lucky. As a whole, Terene continued to prosper.
Even so, I was always on the lookout for opportunities to improve my situation. And now, something wonderful had happened! Being in the right place at the right time had brought Ashton into my life. He wasn’t wealthy, but he was hard working and self-sufficient. It didn’t hurt that he was good looking too. I sensed a positive change in my future.
When I returned to the estate, I spotted Ashton alone in the garden. This was my chance!
“Hello and welcome!” I said as I ventured off the cobblestone path. I offered him my hand.
Ashton wiped some dirt on his slacks, took my right hand in his and covered it with his left in a warm handshake. He was not wearing a ring.
I smiled. “I’m April. It’s nice to finally meet you!”
“Are you one of the family?”
“No, the maid. Only I’m not in uniform because I was away on personal business during my lunch break.”
He looked at the level of the sun. “Lunch break? Do you normally take such a late lunch?”
“No, not usually, but like I said, I had some personal business, so Mrs. Beckett authorized a later lunch time for me today. I’ve been here long enough, to be granted such privileges. Mrs. Beckett is fair, you’ll see.”
“What about Mr. Beckett?”
I avoided the question. “Even with the later lunch time, I’m sure I’ll be missed in the house if I don’t return immediately. I hope we’ll have