Beauty and Her Beast

Looking about her, Anna saw a candle light itself on a dressing table, illuminating a lovely nightdress of soft linen and lace. As the warmth of the towel and bath were quickly ebbing away, Anna decided to put it on. It slipped over her body, leaving her shivering with sensation. She couldn’t remember wearing anything so soft and comfortable.

Anna sat down at the dressing table and began to brush her long auburn hair. Of all her features, it was her best. She knew her nose was too big for her face, her lips were thin, and her sisters had often teased her about the freckles that dominated her cheeks, but they had never found fault with her hair. It seemed to glow copper in the sunlight, and when left to its own devices it waved and curled itself.

After a good brushing, Anna braided her hair with nimble fingers and used a red ribbon she found in one of the drawers to tie it off. Just as she finished, she heard a key turning in the lock on her door. Slowly it opened and Mrs. Goodwife entered carrying a silver tray laden with covered dishes.

“So, I see you have done as you were told,” the lady said as she placed the tray on a small dining table in the corner.

“Yes ma’am,” Anna said, moving towards the table. “Can I help with anything Mrs. Goodwife?”

“Just call me Agnes,” she said centering the tray. “There is no need to call me ‘ma’am’ or ‘Mrs. Goodwife’. And no, there is no need for you to help. Just sit and eat, you look like you could use a good meal or two.”

“Thank you ma’… I mean, thank you Agnes,” Anna said as she seated herself. Agnes lifted the cover of the dish to reveal a bowl of creamy soup. Taking a small bit on her spoon, Anna slowly sampled it.

“Oh my,” she breathed, taking another, much fuller scoop.

“This is amazing,” she continued spooning more into her mouth. “I have never tasted anything like it.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Agnes said, moving around the table to stand opposite Anna. “There is bread here,” she said, lifting a smaller lid, releasing delicious smelling steam.

“Melissa will be along soon with some tea. After you eat and have your tea, you are to get into bed and rest. The master will want to see you in the morning and you should be well rested before you meet him.”

“Yes ma’… Agnes,” Anna said, swallowing a piece of bread. “What should I wear to meet him? The clothes I came in are almost rags, but I do not have any others.”

“You found the closet didn’t you,” Agnes asked motioning to the door.

“Yes, I did,” Anna said standing and opening the closet door, gently fingering a silk skirt. “But the clothes in here are for a lady, not a servant. I could not possibly wear them.”

“These are the clothes Lord Beauchamp has ordered put in your room. He thought you would appreciate them,” Agnes explained.

“Oh, ma’am,” Anna said quickly, fearing she’d spoken out of turn, “they are very lovely, and I would be honored to wear them, but they are far too fine for someone like me.”

“My child,” Agnes said, looking at her gently, “I understand. Lord Beauchamp can sometimes be over generous, and it can make someone so young uncomfortable, but they are what were ordered and you must wear them.”

“Yes ma’am,” Anna said, lowering her eyes. “Please believe I am very grateful, and I do love the gesture, but these clothes deserve to be worn by a lady at court, not a servant scrubbing floors.”

“Anna,” Agnes said gently, “I think you misunderstand your position here. You are not here to scrub floors. You are here to be a companion to Lord Beauchamp, and see to his needs.”

“Oh,” Anna said with mild surprise. “My father said only that I was to be a servant. I assumed that meant cooking and cleaning,” she finished with a soft laugh.

“I see. Well,” Agnes said walking towards the door, “finish your dinner and then after your tea go straight to bed. Good night Anna.”

When the door closed, Anna heard the key once more turning in the lock. Leaving her meal to grow cold, Anna went back to the closet and took a lovely green velvet dress with short sleeves that was slightly less elaborate than the rest. Going to her dressing table, she found a small pair of scissors and taking a deep breath, she set to work.