Thread: Beguiled Mercy (WIP)

Chapter 2 Windel's eyes opened as a streak of light slid over them. The morning sun was rising and he felt surprisingly rested and relaxed. He let himself stretch as he lay, extending his toes downward, raising his hands above him, and noticing that his muscles were sore all over. The stretch felt nice, but his bladder demanded him to get up. Pulling the covers away, he found he had slept naked. It was something he was not used to doing and as he brought his feet out from under the covers, he noticed the wrappings around them. At that moment, last night came rushing through his mind and he moved to rest his elbows on his legs, letting his head sag. There was a lot to be done today. In fact there was a lot to be done in the next few weeks at least. He took a quick glance over his shoulder to see if Alice was there still. Sure enough she was laying on her back, somewhat sprawled out. He smiled to himself as he noticed the sheet had come down and one of her breasts was completely exposed. The sight of her completely oblivious to her indecency in contrast to how formal she was taught to behave helped to brighten up his mood and a grin spread across his lips. He got up and walked back into the bathing room. He had the comfort of some basic plumbing installed here. A simple hole that could be used for relieving himself in. It drained into a pipe that led down to a tank under the house. It was designed to be easily emptied when it was full and carted off somewhere to be dumped off the property. Once he finished, he looked on the counter and found his shaving kit waiting for him. If there was anything he needed to do now, it was shave and he set to work getting himself set up. The girl was nice enough to leave a bucket of water ready for him and he lightly splashed some of the water to his face. It was cold and were it summer, it would have been refreshing. As it were, he wasn't so thrilled about it. Still, he moved to dip the small bowl in the bucket and came out with it less than half full. From there he took the soap bar and set to work creating a lather. A minute later he had a thick lather spread over his wild beard and his straight razor out. Unable to find his strop to sharpen the blade, he resigned himself to leaving it as it were. This proved a bad decision later as he nicked himself multiple times and small dots of blood rested across his jaw and chin. Still, as he held up the small mirror during the shave, he could see how dramatic the change was. He never liked to think about complimenting himself, but he had to admit that he did look sharp. His brown hair was long now, but he'd see a barber soon enough to have it cut. His dark blue eyes were quick to scan a room or horizon as the case may be, his strong brow giving him a piercing gaze. His jaw was not as firm or protruding as many men, but with his now thinner frame than before, it gave him a far more demanding and fierce look. Especially when he let his brow furrow. He gave himself another look as he rinsed off the remaining soap and wiped his face. A few specks of blood dotted his face where he nicked himself, but it wasn't anything to be concerned about. They usually weren't even visible after an hour or so. With himself now shaven and feeling better after doing so, he came back into his chambers and started to go through his clothes. Most of it was still here. In fact, he noticed that the clothes were a little odd. For having sat for years, they seemed much fresher, much cleaner than they should be. In fact, he noticed that with the sheets as well. It made him curious if Alice had done his laundry even while he was away, but he wasn't about to ask. The proof was right in front of him and he had no reason to hassle about it now. The work had been done and with him back, everything would be resumed properly. It wasn't long before he had himself dressed. A pair of black slacks and a black belt in the loops to hold it up, a light gray, long sleeve button up shirt tucked into the pants, a black vest with gray stripes, and finally a charcoal gray jacket over it all. He noticed that all of it was loose on him now. He wasn't as thin and malnourished as he could be, but he still felt the clothes slightly hanging from him instead of being actually worn. It would have to do, though. And he'd fill out again after he got into eating properly once more. He sat himself down on the edge of his bed before sliding his black socks on and black leather boots. As he worked on tying them, he smiled to himself. With all that had happened, there was a level of expectation coming on. Things would be different than before, he told himself. He had every bit of control of the estate and he was ready to change all the things his father had left him with. His mind moved toward thinking about the sight of Alice's uniform in his wardrobe and he instantly knew the first thing to change The uniforms. There was nothing flattering about them for the women at least. They were too square. Too stiff. Surely something could be designed that would look and fit better. He admitted to himself that it'd be nicer to pass by a servant and have them dressed in something attractive to catch his eye and any guests he might have, but at the same time he knew how women were. They would be just as thrilled about such a nice outfit to show off. He looked back at Alice, now rolled on her side and still asleep. Her loyalty seemed odd to him on many levels, but he wasn't in a position to question it. She had proved very useful already and beyond the trouble that her learning might cause, it could be useful as well. He decided to make her a personal assistant today. Given how well she responded to taking care of his personal needs, it only made sense to keep her at his side closely. Her ability with math and writing would be needed and if worse came to worse, he'd replace her with someone more capable. Either that or delegate tasks from her to others. He told himself that he'd give her the news when she woke up, however as he noticed her still sleeping, he reminded himself that time was a major factor right now. There was a lot of business to be settled and he needed to do as much of it today. To start with, he needed to find out if there were any horses still in the stalls and failing that they would need to get horses at the Patterson's, maybe even a carriage if he was lucky. From there, it would be a trip into town to collect a decent food supply and a few fresh hands to work on the estate. Standing up, he turned back to Alice. It's time to get up. The girl stirred, but largely stayed as she was. Come on, Alice. Get up. Get breakfast made. Don't make me say it again. The final sentence made her eyes open wide and she looked around startled. It took a second for her to recall sleeping in his bed. She would have been up earlier, but his bed was terribly comfortable. The sheets were of a much higher quality than her own and the bed was not as stiff to lay in. It actually gave a bit under her figure and she enjoyed the feeling. The fact that it had his scent in the sheets now only fed her desire to stay in bed, but she quickly got up. Within a moment she had her chemise on. Her mind raced to figure out what to do first. Her uniform was grabbed from the wardrobe and she heard Windel chime in. Wear something nicer today. We're going to town. Her heart skipped a beat. Did he just tell her to dress up? She felt a smile come to her lips and her face grew warm. Of course, master! she replied, a little too enthusiastically. At least in her mind it was too much. Her excitement simply got the better of her and now she was quickly moving to leave his room and do as he instructed. She found herself running down the hall, then rushing down the stairs, and then back down the lower hall to the servant's quarters. She had really only one dress that would fit for what he was asking for. She only wore it on Sundays for church, but it seemed to be exactly what he was expecting of her and she felt happy to wear it for him. Opening her wardrobe, she slid her hand down the dress she wanted to wear. A dark blue dress made of cotton. It was an expensive item One she had purchased with the small wages that each servant received during their time as a sort of allowance. She had saved up for almost a year to afford it and had bought it not long after Windel left, meaning he had surely never seen her in it. The dress itself was lined along the bottom hem and around the waist with a white strip of lace as well as the neck and sleeves. White buttons ran up the length of the front. She had purchased the petticoats needed to make it look proper and had always enjoyed going out in the dress. She felt very much like one of the many ladies who came to church was their husbands and clearly had wealth. She once had flirted with a gentleman a few months ago at church, but the idea of having the Lord smite her for her transgressions of committing such sins in His house made her squeamish. They had made eye contact a few times after that, but hadn't spoken since. Even still, the attention made her feel incredible. She quickly changed into the dress and hurried to the kitchen where she got the fire started. She already felt like she was in some amount of trouble this morning and certainly didn't want to face more by not getting breakfast ready as Windel had requested. She was careful to keep her dress clean, however. It was one thing to upset him by not doing as he told her. It was another to ruin the only nice dress she owned and disrupt his expectation of her dressing nice today. Windel found himself outside the house for most of the morning. Weathering had taken it's expected effect. While the house wasn't in disrepair, it was clear that some attention was needed to make it look proper. Weeds had overgrown some pockets of land and were peaking out between the paved walkways on either side of the house. Water had worn away some areas of paint, needing a fresh coat again. The stables were musty and smelled of hay and shit. It was clear that after he was gone, there was little care had here and the horses were all gone now, no clue left from where they went. Likely stolen by his own household, but bandits could have easily come at some point. The feeling in his feet had returned. A good sign, even though the feeling was largely a dull pain. He was happy that Alice had taken care of his feet last night and now that he was up and about, he was hoping that they would heal up quickly. While he was perfectly capable of walking, it would be nightmarish to imagine running or perhaps having to quickly switch direction of travel and have the skin tear further. The thought made him cringe slightly. A few minutes later he was inside again and exploring the interior now. The display cases were all empty save for a couple of broken dishes and a small display stand which used to house a decorative plate. He also found some of the furniture missing as well. He couldn't imagine how anyone could slip off with a chair or a end table so easily and unnoticed, but with them gone, there seemed to be small holes in the design of the house. At least he noticed the difference and it made him agitated. He finally made his way back upstairs to his study. He opened the bottom drawer and popped the panel out again, this time snatching up a sack of coins inside and closing the compartment once more. He then was back downstairs to check on Alice. The girl had finished cooking a few eggs and had cut up a couple of potatoes as well, placing a larger portion in one plate and taking it to the dining room, leaving the rest in another plate for herself. She decided to be a little bold in the matter, bringing her own plate to the dining room as well and had quietly sat down, careful to not catch the hoop on anything, and waited for Windel to return. Her wait for only a few minutes and both their plates had cooled. Windel noted Alice sitting in the main dining room, letting his eyes look over as much of her dress as was visible. You look nice, but that doesn't excuse you being allowed at this table. Alice's eyes shot wide open and she hopped up from her seat, clutching her plate and pulling it off the table. I'm so sorry, master! she exclaimed, giving a mild curtsy and rushing to retreat from the room, the hoop of her dress pushing the chair out of the way. Her heart was pounding in her chest and she was fiercely attacking her judgment on the idea of being here. It was stupid of me to eat here. I'm sorry. Please, excuse me! Wait! Windel called out, walking over to his own plate and motioning toward her. We need to talk anyway. Come. Sit. He moved his hand to the seat opposite of him. She hesitated a moment, then did as he instructed. Don't doubt that what you did was wrong, but it happens we have a lot to discuss. Windel sat down himself, watching Alice fidget with her fork. She had sat again nervously and looked down, afraid to meet his gaze. I'm sure I don't need to explain this, but I will anyway. The house is empty. The only worker here is you and I'm obviously not about to have you start tending the fields. She could feel herself smile beyond how much her mind screamed at her to not do so. I also don't need to tell you that you're the most senior worker. He sighed, letting her take that fact in. Anyway, we'll make this short. I'm making you my assistant. Alice looked up then, a smile clearly displayed on her lips. She felt incredibly happy at the statement. He was recognizing her hard work and dedication to him. She could feel the excitement of thinking about this new world. His assistant. After a moment, however, it occurred to her that she wasn't sure of the difference. Alice also noticed how different he looked now that he was shaved again. She liked how he looked years ago, but now his face looked more taunt and masculine. Even though he was thinner than he had been from what she remembered, he still had that charmingly handsome face. She found herself admitting that she didn't like his hair long, but she wasn't about to complain. Obviously it was not her place and even if she had any right to say so, she wouldn't dare confront the man she served. Windel had taken the time to start eating, glancing up at Alice after a few moments. Sir, I'm not sure exactly what that means. Her hesitant reply made him laugh. At his laughter, she felt her face flush and had to look away. She enjoyed making him laugh. He looked very handsome when he did so, but she wasn't as happy about it being at her expense. Starting today, you're not just a servant. He took another quick bite. She continued to sit intently, not having eaten anything yet. You will be with me most of the time. Taking notes. Reminding me of what needs to be done. Letting me know of any issues that you hear about. And after we get some new staff, you'll be free from your usual duties. He paused at that, deciding he should clarify before she misunderstood. Cooking. Cleaning. Laundry. Those will no longer be your duties, but we'll detail that later. She heard him clearly, but she was starting to feel a little bewildered. She had spent all of her life doing domestic chores and now she was going to be free of them? It was alien to her and she wasn't sure if she was up for the task. Still, it was thrilling to look forward to a change and there was no way she could possibly refuse the offer. Of course, master. As you please. She gave the formal response with a smile, then proceeded to eat. A few minutes later, Windel had left and come back into the dining room where Alice had cleared the plates and returned. In one hand was a notepad. In the other, a quill and ink. He set them down on the table and motioned for her to join him on that side. She eagerly did just that. He handed her the quill and she took it, continuing to smile. You said you can write? he asked, motioning to the notepad. He hesitated a moment and then reached for the ink, scooting it closer. Once in place, she dipped the quill into the ink and started to write out her name, just as she was taught. Alice Rinfelt. She smiled to herself and he gave an approving nod. Good. And math? You want me to write it, master? Just numbers and then we'll test your math ability. The quill dipped in the ink again and she penned each number. You know... he started, leaning back. I'll take your word for it on the math. You have no reason to lie about it and you've proven the rest of your words to be true. It was nicer than he felt he should be, but he said it anyway. Alice herself was taken with the compliment. She felt deeply accomplished and with his declining to test her math abilities, she felt a ping of sadness. It was a great chance to prove herself that was now missed. It's time we made a list of what's needed. Write these down in a list. He started to name off various food stuffs that he could recall in the household. Wheat, flour, salt, beef, potatoes, carrots. The list went on for a bit, sometimes he would take a moment to think. Alice wrote each word as fast as she could when he seemed to be moving through the list quickly. During his pauses, she'd carefully consider the last work, then look back and find spelling mistakes she had made. She knew how to spell, but found herself needing to take her time when she did write or she made small mistakes along the way. The process of correcting those mistakes was in a desperate measure to show him that she was useful and knew what she was doing. Windel caught sight of her writing after he was done with a word for a bit. Curious, he looked over. The act of her spending time to correct the spelling annoyed him. It wouldn't matter since it was pretty clear what each item was, even if it wasn't spelled correctly. He left her to it, however. There was no point in chastising her for trying to be careful and he wasn't interested in dealing with it anyway. A few minutes later they had multiple lists. One for foods, another for basic needs around the house, another for tools, and a couple more for other concerns. Windel motioned Alice to give him the notepad and she complied reluctantly, feeling she had left many mistakes and he'd be displeased by it. A quick glance at the list and he nodded. This will do. If we think of more later, we'll just have to keep it in mind. Let's get going. Leave the quill and ink. It'll just spill later. He handed the notepad back to her and got up. She did the same, carefully stepping away from the seat so the hoop of her skirt didn't push the chairs around or get caught. Looking up at him with a smile at her predicament, she was disappointed to find he was no longer watching her. Instead he had already turned and headed toward the front door. She walked quickly to catch up, feeling as if she needed to catch him unless he disappeared from her life again. With the both of them out the door, they started their walk to the Patterson's, Alice a few steps behind Windel.