As Oliver’s assistant, Angela is familiar with every part of his household. Their household now. It’s no different from when she was his assistant, except the visitors calling.
“I’m not receiving visitors,” she tells Linzie.
Linzie delivers her message every time they come. It’s the only responsibility she’s given her lady’s maid so far. Angela hasn’t allowed her to enter her space.
The staff caters to her every need. She works alongside them, but the difference between them is obvious. They used to treat her like their friend. She was their supervisor, but she was also their friend.
Now, she’s their duchess. Their duchess who refuses to act like a lady. Oliver may not receive visitors, but he acts like a lord. He keeps himself at a distance while also taking time to listen to them.
She sighs, looking around her study. Her new study. She used to work in a smaller office or in Oliver’s study beside him. She has her own private study, but she can still access his. They’re right next to each other.
There’s a knock on her door.
“Come in,” she says.
The door opens and Linzie enters.
“My Lady,” she says, “I know you said you wish not to receive visitors, but the queen is calling.”
Angela nods.
“I’ll see her,” she says. “Show her to the drawing room, please.”
“Yes, My Lady,” Linzie says. “What refreshments would you like?”
Angela raises an eyebrow.
“Tea?” Linzie says. “Anything at all?”
“Ask her what she wants,” Angela says.
Linzie nods and exits her study. Angela stands and follows a second later. Barefoot, she walks silently toward the drawing room.
Angela smiles at Natalie. They hug.
“I should have waited before visiting,” Natalie says. “It’s your honeymoon.”
Angela smiles.
“It’s fine,” she says. “It’s not like others haven’t been calling for the last two days.”
“How disrespectful the nobles are,” Natalie says. “Only friends should visit during the honeymoon period. Don’t you think?”
“I do.”
“Not to mention you’re a new duchess. Yes, you have people to meet, but they can wait for a while.”
They sit by the window, a table in front of them. Linzie brings a tray with coffee and cookies.
“Thank you,” Angela says.
Linzie nods, retreating to a corner of the drawing room.
“Go,,” Angela says. “Do whatever you like. I’ll call for you if anything comes up.”
Linzie obeys with a raised eyebrow, closing the door behind her.
“What responsibilities have you given your lady’s maid?” Natalie asks.
“Keeping visitors away,” Angela says.
“I assume you’ll take no lady-in-waiting.”
“No. Not now, anyway.”
Natalie nods.
“It may not be worth it,” she says. “You have a very loyal staff, but most have been working here for years. New staff talks. Ladies talk.” She pauses. “So, how is it going?”
Angela tells her.
“You’re the duke’s wife,” Natalie says, “but you’re not a part of society. You’ll be respected, but you may not be accepted. High society is rarely accepting. You’re not the duke’s child, so it won’t be as easy.”
She quickly forms a plan.
“I know that face,” Natalie says. “What are you planning?”
“I might have something,” Angela says, “but I need to talk to Oliver first”–she sighs–“and start receiving visitors.”
“You can also call on people.”
“Eventually, but they’re calling on me.”
Natalie nods.
“Post a calling card,” she says.
“You’re right,” Angela says. “I forgot I can get one.”
Natalie smiles.
“So,” she says, “what else?”
“Oliver is leaving tomorrow,” Angela says.
“Yes. I know. I don’t think you have to worry. You should be able to keep in contact.”
Angela nods.
“By the way,” Natalie says, “don’t be surprised if you get members of court visiting. They’re curious about you, too.”
“I should attend court at some point, right?” Angela says.
“Yes, but get used to your new role first. I’ll invite you to my first ball next season.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
“Of course. I wanted to bring you before, but you declined. I’m hoping you won’t this time.”
Angela smiles.
“I won’t,” she says. “Can you tell me the dates in advanced?”
“Sure,” Natalie says. “You and I are friends and I know you have a plan. I don’t want to interfere with whatever you’re doing. It seems to be leading to a ball, so I’m excited.”
“It is. My debut as a duchess.”
“Interesting. You’ll make your mark. Next season?”
“Maybe.”
Natalie nods.
“Well,” Natalie says, “I already know them. Let’s talk about them.”
They spend the next hour planning for the next season. Angela shares possible dates. Natalie makes suggestions.
“There are some members of the court,” she says, “that are very predictable. They throw a ball every year on very specific dates.”
By the time Oliver arrives, they finish finalizing plans for the next season. Oliver enters the drawing room and kisses Angela.
“Good evening, Your Majesty,” he says.
“Good evening,” Natalie says. “How are you?”
“I’m doing well. You?”
“Very well. I wanted to see how my friend is doing.”
Oliver nods.
“Do you want to stay for dinner?” Angela asks.
“If you two don’t mind,” Natalie says.
“Of course not,” Oliver says.
Angela is sprawled across the king-size bed, her head on Oliver’s chest. He absentmindedly plays with her hair.
“Are you going to be okay on your own?” he says.
“I should be,” she says. “I know it’s different to being your assistant, but it’s not that different, right?”
He considers.
“It is,” he says. “You’re the duchess now. You’re not my employee.”
“I know,” she says with a sigh. “I’m still in denial.”
“I can see that. I know you’re trying to keep things the way they were, but things are not the same.”
Angela nods, shifting closer.
“I know,” she says, resigned. “I want to talk to you about something.”
“What is it?” he says.
“I want to throw a ball next season.”
He’s silent for a moment.
“It might be too soon,” Angela says, “but I’ll be receiving callers, so I might as well take the next step.”
“Are you sure?” he asks.
“Yeah, but I wanted to see if you were okay with it.”
He nods.
“It’ll be a surprise if you do,” he says. “I never host social events. My parents used to, but, when I took over, I only invited close friends.”
Oliver’s mother loved parties. She was always at court, but, when she was home, she hosted a ball at least once a month. Most days of the week, she had friends over for luncheons and other social events.
His father encouraged her. He was happy to see her happy. To a degree, it was at Oliver’s expense. He spent most of his time at boarding school. When he came back, his parents were happy to spend time with him, but, with his mother, time always felt limited.
They died a few months after he turned 18. He took over ruling Libsia, only to find chaos. The taxes were too high because his parents were in debt. His staff was paid low wages. Looking at the finances, he saw most of it was his mother’s lavish spending.
It wasn’t what led him to work with Gifted, but it was what paid his debts. What gave him enough money to pay his staff good wages. To lower taxes.
“We don’t have to host if you don’t want to,” she says.
“I don’t mind if you host,” he says, “but take precautions.”
“Of course. I’ll make sure everything stays in the house.”
He nods.
“Alright,” he says. “I don’t think I’ll be back by next social season. It’s rumored that the empresses take months to see visitors. Even if they have an audience.”
Angela nods.
“Okay,” she says. “I don’t plan to host many balls. Maybe once a year. It sounds like a lot of work.”
He laughs.
“I think my mother would disagree,” he says.
“I’m sure she would,” she says, “but I’m new to this.”
“You’ll do great.”
Angela and Oliver hug at the door.
“Let me know if you need anything,” he says.
“You do the same,” Angela says.
He smiles, pressing his lips to hers. She kisses him back. They hold each other, their kiss deepening. A moment later, they break the kiss.
“I’ll see you in a few months,” he says.
“See you soon,” she says.
He releases her and walks toward his runner. She stays by the door and watches him drive away. She stay there until she can no longer see the runner.
She enters the house, closing the door softly behind her. She turns to go to her study, but stops when she sees Linzie. She supposes it’s time.
“Linzie,” she says, “I’m going to start receiving callers.”
Anexis Matos 