{NOVEL PREVIOUSLY NAMED: "PALE EYES"}
𑁍Julius Cadwell is a pauper from an impoverished village, Porlock of Somerset in England. Julius journeys to Wellington to work as a footman for the Duke of Wellington, Somerset.
♕︎Reuben Griffith is the only s...
❝Pale boy's-love, sops-in-wine, and daffadillies all in bloom.❞
•Oscar Wilde.
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Le début de la fin...
Manor ꨄ︎
Julius was still undecided, his indecisiveness was something he ought to change. Had he agreed to stay too soon? And what was the Duchess to think of him if he walked in suddenly with a change of mind? She was going to deem him foolish, absolutely!
Julius pondered all these things with crimson fingertips as his hand gripped the grandeur handrail, descending the stairs. He convinced himself that what Reuben had said was sensible even if not utterly accurate. He came to Wellington for greener pastures, what good would it do to return so soon? He will plead for the Duchess to grant him some period to visit his family, even if it was once every one-fourth of a year. He must see his sister before her first birthday. He believed the Duchess would agree, she seemed a reasonable woman, kind-hearted for one with the wealth and status she wielded. He was already grateful.
Duchess Augusta was stepping foot out of the drawing-room when she descried Julius. He looked meek and his cheeks were flushed a deep shade of pink, he seemed ashamed of something.
"Is anything the matter, Mr Cadwell?"
Julius could not be brazen enough to look at the Duchess in the eye. He looked at the maid standing behind her instead. She looked simple and curiosity shone in her eyes.
"Is there anything you wish to inform me concerning your position?" added the Duchess with knitted brows.
"Your grace," Julius began, he felt as if he hadn't been showing adequate reverence. "I would be honoured to take the position," he bowed with heated cheeks. Curse Reuben for allowing him to face such humiliation!
The Duchess was briefly stunned, but she recovered quickly with a smile. "Did a week come by without my knowledge?"
Julius' blush deepened.
"Bertha, will you be as kind as to beckon Mr Berrycloth over?"
"As you wish, your grace," replied the stubby maid, hurrying on her way.
Duchess Augusta turned to the blonde lad. "I am thrilled you decided to take the position, I and the Duke had quite the squabble on your behalf."
His features grew wary. "Many apologies, your grace, I did not wish to make you wait when I requested some time to decide earlier. I was overwhelmed."
"I completely understand, you are admirable and I do not say so to my footmen quite often. Someone else offered this position would agree that same second not giving a second thought on anything else. I'm quite curious if my son influenced your sudden change of heart?" inquired the elder woman in suspicion. She knew her son well enough. "Do not fear any threats he made. If you need a week to decide then do. Do not be afraid of him, respect him as your master, but do not fear him."
