Beatrice's POV
"Smack!"
That single slap was enough to drag me out of the bitter memories I wished were only a dream.
Looking up, I saw the head maid glaring at me, her eyes blazing with rage, her hand still suspended mid-air ready to deliver another.
There was no need to ask why. I already knew my fault.
"Lady Beatrice," she snapped,
"it seems that slap was enough to pull you out of your dreamland. Wash up quickly and head downstairs. My Lord and My Lady are almost done, you shouldn't keep them waiting."
Her face twisted with contempt, as if my very existence offended her. I gave a small nod and rose from my bed, smoothing the sheets before heading to the bathroom. When I returned, she was gone and so were the other maids.
I didn't make a fuss. I wasn't shocked either. Though I am the daughter of an earl, even in my father's mansion no one attends to me.
I've long stopped expecting care or kindness.
Pushing aside the useless thoughts, I rushed downstairs to join my parents and younger sister.
We were to inspect a few areas of the earldom today to "see matters firsthand," as Father put it. In truth, they would sit comfortably in the carriage discussing leisurely while I was sent out to handle any unpleasant sights or disturbances.
I waited at the foot of the grand staircase, heels aching as time dragged on. The head maid had lied again.
My parents were nowhere near ready. I should have known.
They always lie.
Still, I waited. Sitting down wasn't an option; if they came down and found me resting, punishment would follow.
After what felt like hours, my parents finally appeared, descending the stairs with my younger sister, Elena.
I bowed my head deeply, holding it there until they reached the bottom.
They didn't spare me a glance.
They never do.
I followed behind them, careful to keep five paces between us never four, never six. That was the unspoken rule.
The way I treated them, one would think I was a maid, not their daughter.
We began our journey soon after. I sat with them in the same carriage, though it felt as if I were invisible. My parents' attention was fixed entirely on Elena. She laughed, basking in their warmth. I sat quietly, wishing foolishly that things could stay calm like this.
But reality has a cruel way of reminding me of my place.
"Beatrice," Elena called softly.
I looked up to see my parents' eyes fixed on me. My heart tightened. I answered quickly.
"Yes, my lady."
Before Elena could respond, Mother's hand fan flew across the carriage and struck my shoulder.
"'My lady'?!" she snapped. "How many times have I told you to address her that way only when we're home? Do you want us to look like bad parents? Do you want people asking questions?"
Father reached out to calm her fury, though his glare found me.
"Ha! I should have known you'd be too dull to understand even the simplest instructions," Mother hissed.
I stayed silent. Not because I wanted to but because I had to. Speaking would only worsen things.
I couldn't remind her that her exact words were to call Elena "my lady" only when it's just us around, and the situation calls for it.
I kept my head bowed, letting the pain settle quietly in my chest.
The coachman's voice broke the thick tension.
"We've arrived at the first area, my lord."
I seized the chance to escape the carriage.
"I'll inspect the area," I said quickly, not waiting for permission.
Outside, the air was lighter, less suffocating. Whispers reached my ears as I moved through the crowd of whispers I'd long grown used to.
Some were surprised to see the earl's daughter.
Others praised my father's dedication to his people.
And some looked at me with envy, their eyes saying how lucky I must be to live such a noble life.
If only they knew.
I walked briskly through the area, inspecting the establishments, the hospitals, the stalls, the guards.
Everything seemed in order. Still, I took my time.
The world outside my family always felt less cruel.
But I couldn't linger. I had no choice but to return.
As I walked back, something caught my eye a carriage that hadn't been there before. It stood just ahead of ours, bearing an emblem I recognized too well.
The Fairmont family crest.
A chill ran through me. Whatever this meant, I knew it wouldn't be good.
Mother's voice confirmed my dread as I climbed back in.
"The Duke of Fairmont will be joining us," she said smoothly. "He's following us home, so I trust you'll behave properly. As for today's inspection" she smiled faintly, "that will happen another time."