Chapter 10: Jealousy (2)
Annalise knocked on Beatrice's door. She learned from Cara that this room was personally assigned to Beatrice whenever she came to visit and spend a few days there. "You called for me, Lady Beatrice."
"Lady Beatrice," Beatrice smiled, standing up from her seat now that Annalise had arrived. "I always tell Mavis the girls can just call me Beatrice. I ripped the Lady title from my name when I ran away and married Rafael's father. That's a depressing story I will bore you with another day. Come inside and close the door behind you. There are so many who wander the halls for news."
Annalise stepped inside the large room which was nothing compared to the small room given to her. It was spacious with furniture that matched the one in Rafael's room. Annalise had a feeling Beatrice decorated both to match.
"I'm going to stay here for a few days if my husband allows it. He thinks I bother Rafael too much and I do, but how can I not when my only child goes off to who knows where risking his life? Rafael has always been a quiet boy and never tells me what is on his mind. Be a dear, Annalise. Tell me if you have heard about any wounds on him," Beatrice requested.
Annalise thought back to when she got a good look at Rafael last night. There were a few scratches, but honestly, she was more focused on his sword than finding wounds on him. "The young master is fine. There is no need for you to worry," she replied,
"You would make for an excellent liar, Annalise. For now, I will pretend to believe your words because I like you. I like the way you speak and the fact you seem to get under Mavis's skin. You aren't one of those young ladies who run back to tell her everything. I hope I didn't create any trouble for you by personally picking you," Beatrice said, slowly walking toward the balcony in her room.
"There will be a few girls who are jealous, but that is nothing to worry about," Annalise answered.
Beatrice accidentally snorted and covered her mouth with her hand. "Excuse my reaction. Whenever you talk I am just so pleasantly surprised. You know, I wouldn't have minded if there was something between you and my son. I know the maids try their best efforts to capture his attention, but it is all in vain," Beatrice said.
"You have raised a wonderful son, but I have no interest in the young master. I am simply here to do my work," Annalise said, hoping this would be the last mention of her wanting to aim to be Rafael's woman.