Chapter 3

Lila stood several feet behind Mrs. Harrington’s chair, her hands folded in front of her as the dining room bustled with activity. The servants moved about efficiently, placing dishes of all sorts on the long, polished table. The aroma of roasted meats, fresh bread, and seasoned vegetables filled the air, causing Lila’s stomach to twist with hunger. She glanced at the spread, her mouth watering as she eyed the perfectly cooked lamb, the golden crust of the pie, and the creamy mashed potatoes. But she quickly looked away, focusing her gaze on a point on the wall across from her. This was no time to show weakness.

Victoria Harrington, seated at the head of the table, was in her element. With a satisfied smirk, she began describing each dish to her husband, Alexander, who listened with a polite smile. Lila couldn’t help but scowl as Victoria took credit for the meal, even though all she had done was yell at the cooks all day. She felt a spark of irritation as she watched Victoria speak, gesturing to the dishes as if she had prepared them herself.

Lila knew better than to voice her thoughts. She had learned in her short time here that speaking out of turn could have dire consequences. Yet, the unfairness of it all gnawed at her. She had seen firsthand how hard the kitchen staff had worked to create this meal, only for Victoria to claim all the glory. The resentment simmered within her, just beneath the surface.

As Victoria continued her elaborate descriptions, Alexander’s gaze suddenly drifted from his wife and settled on Lila. Her scowl vanished instantly, replaced by a neutral expression as she met his eyes. A slight smile played on his lips, and Lila’s heart skipped a beat. Was he amused by her expression earlier? Did he know she had been scowling at his wife? Or was it something else entirely?

There was a glint in Alexander’s eyes that both intrigued and confused her. She couldn’t quite decipher it, but it left her feeling unsettled. Victoria, oblivious to the silent exchange, sighed and leaned forward, reaching across the table to touch her husband’s hand.

“I’m so happy you’re home, Alexander. I’ve missed you dearly,” Victoria said, her voice soft and affectionate.

“As have I,” Alexander replied, his gaze briefly returning to his wife.

They shared a tender smile, and for a moment, Lila felt like an intruder, as if she were witnessing a private moment between the two. Victoria suggested they say grace, and as she closed her eyes and clasped her hands with Alexander’s, Lila noticed that Alexander’s eyes remained open. He looked at Lila as he began to speak the words of the prayer, his voice low and smooth.

Lila couldn’t help but let her gaze drop to his lips as he spoke. The way he said the prayer, slowly and deliberately, sent a shiver down her spine. She was caught in a strange trance, her eyes fixed on him as if she were being drawn in by some invisible force. She felt a strange, unfamiliar tension in the air, one that made her pulse quicken.

“Amen,” Alexander’s deep voice finally said, breaking the spell. His gaze moved away from Lila as Victoria began to dish his meal onto his plate.

The rest of the dinner proceeded much the same way. Alexander engaged in polite conversation with Victoria, discussing the business deal he had recently secured. Victoria, eager to please, hung on his every word, occasionally sneaking glances at him as if to gauge his approval. Lila, on the other hand, remained in the background, unnoticed, or so she thought. But each time Victoria was distracted, Alexander’s eyes would find her again. His sly, almost knowing glances made Lila’s heart race. There was something in the way he looked at her, something that made her feel both nervous and exhilarated.

When the dinner finally ended, Lila felt as though she could finally breathe. The intensity of Alexander’s gazes had left her feeling uneasy, as though she had been under scrutiny the entire time. She was more than ready to retire to her room, to escape whatever strange game was being played.

She helped Mrs. Harrington prepare for bed, brushing her hair and laying out her nightgown. Victoria sat at her vanity, carefully inspecting her reflection in the mirror. She tilted her head slightly, running her hands over the curves of her body as if ensuring that every inch of her appearance was perfect. Lila watched silently, her eyes taking in every detail. The way Victoria’s fingers lingered on the low neckline of her gown, adjusting it slightly to better expose her bosom, left no doubt in Lila’s mind that she was preparing for a night of passion with her husband.

Lila’s cheeks flushed at the thought, and she quickly scolded herself for entertaining such ideas. It was none of her business what transpired between Mr. And Mrs. Harrington behind closed doors. Yet, the thought lingered in her mind, refusing to be dismissed so easily.

Finally, Victoria dismissed her with a wave of her hand, and Lila bowed before leaving the room. She walked slowly down the hallway, the events of the day playing over and over in her mind. She had been embarrassed in front of the other servants, humiliated by Victoria’s harsh words. But she wouldn’t let it break her spirit. She was determined to prove herself, to show that she was more than just a servant. After all, she was the lady-in-waiting to the mistress of the house. That had to count for something.

As she entered her small, dimly lit room, Lila felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. It had been a long, nerve-wracking day, and all she wanted was to crawl into bed and forget everything. But as she prepared for bed, her thoughts continued to swirl. She couldn’t help but think about the way Victoria had admired herself in the mirror, how she had gazed at her own reflection with such confidence.

Lila stood before her own mirror, examining her reflection. She was dressed in nothing but her petticoat, her hair loose around her shoulders. She ran her hands over her figure, comparing herself to Victoria. Was she not beautiful enough to attract the attention of a wealthy man? Did she lack the curves and the poise that Victoria possessed? Lila’s heart sank slightly as she thought about it. She knew she could never be like Victoria, but that didn’t stop her from wishing for more.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft creak, and Lila’s heart leapt into her throat as her bedroom door quietly pushed open. She turned, her breath catching in her throat as she saw Alexander Harrington step into her room, his presence commanding and imposing.

Lila froze, her mind racing as she tried to comprehend what was happening. What was he doing here? In her room? Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched him close the door behind him, the dim light casting shadows across his handsome features.

“Mr. Harrington,” she whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and confusion. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but the sight of him in her room, so late at night, set her nerves on edge.

He had been watching her all through dinner. His eyes holding a what Lila could only assume a promise.

Perhaps he was here to fulfil that promise?