Becoming His: The Teaching of Rebecca (6 page)

“Sir, Mrs. Williams wishes to say goodbye to Miss Matthews.  She refused to allow me to bring Rebecca’s things.” 

Danvers looked up to see the plump woman standing beside the door, a valise in her hands.  He really couldn’t say anything in front of McGavin but knew he’d be saying plenty after he departed.  His eyes told Mrs. Williams that she would soon paying a price for her impertinence and saw the acceptance in her eyes.  He smiled tightly and then said, “Very well, as I was going to send for her to attend me after we are done here.” 

He heard both Rebecca and Mrs. Williams gasp but neither said a word.  Not successful in concealing his cruel smile, he waved his hand.  “Go ahead but make it quick.”  Mrs. Williams was quickly by Rebecca’s side.  She set the valise down and leaned down to hug the young woman.  Rebecca felt her eyes fill with tears as she hugged the woman back.  This woman had been nothing but kind to her and she was afraid she had gotten her into a great deal of trouble.

“I’m going to miss you, Miss Matthews.” 

It felt funny to have the head housekeeper address her so formally.  “I’ll miss you too.  Please….will you please tell everyone good…goodbye for me?” 

Mrs. Williams heard the fear in the young woman’s voice.  She bent closer and whispered, “Be brave Rebecca.  Anything is better than living here.  You’ll be safer away from them.  You are a good girl, a strong girl.  Be brave and happy Miss.”  Rebecca hugged the woman hard before she was released.  “I’ll tell them, Miss Matthews.  You have a safe journey now.  Patsy and Millicent are so happy for you my dear.” 

At the mention of her friends, Rebecca looked to Mr. Danvers.  “Ex... excuse me sir?”  Both men looked over at her.  Rebecca blushed but continued.  “Mr. Danvers, you told Mr. McGavin that I was working for you but I have yet to receive any wages though I know I do owe you for one plate.” 

Patrick was amused and impressed at her bravery after watching her fear only moments before.  He watched as Conner squirmed a bit and simply arched his eyebrow.

“Well Danvers?  It seems you have been lacking in paying Miss Matthews her wages.” 

Danvers flushed but said, “Of course... of course.  Surely Miss Matthews understood I was just keeping her wages safe for her while she remained under my care.” 

Patrick chuckled, “Oh, I’m sure. However, there is no longer that need.  Please pay her immediately.” 

Rebecca was surprised to see Mr. Danvers get up and go to a corner safe.  She watched as he opened it and brought back a pouch.  He fumbled inside for several moments before pulling out some bills and adding a smaller stack of coins.  “Here you are, Miss Matthews.  Don’t you worry about the cost of a plate.  It is just silly crockery after all.  It is certainly nothing to be concerned about.” 

Rebecca felt her blood boil as she stood.  Mrs. Williams watched as she stepped to the desk.  “I don’t believe you Mr. Danvers.  If crockery doesn’t mean anything to you then I’m sure Millicent disagrees.  After all, you viciously caned her for breaking some of those silly plates.  Now, how much is a stroke of a cane worth?” 

Patrick heard everyone gasp but he chuckled again.  The look on Conner’s face was priceless and he would have willingly paid any price to see it again. The young woman might be tiny but her temper was obviously far larger. Connor finally mumbled an amount and Rebecca counted out the correct fee. 

“It seems hardly worth the pain you caused.” 

Patrick watched as she turned her face to his.  “Sir, is my existence dependent upon my wages?” 

He shook his head, “No, little one.  You will find you have no need of this money.” 

Rebecca nodded and gathering the pile into her hands, she turned and pressed the money into Mrs. Williams’ hands.  “Please divide this among the girls, Mrs. Williams.  Tell them I will never forget their friendship.  They treated me kinder than anyone here.” She bent forward and said so softly that only Mrs. Williams and Patrick could hear her.  “I’m so sorry but I…I think I got you in trouble.  I didn’t mean to, please forgive me.”

Mrs. Williams nodded and again hugged the young woman hard.  If only others had the grace to recognize the hard work of the many who kept the few fed, clothed and entertained.  “Don’t worry about it Rebecca, it wasn’t your fault and I’ve faced discipline before.  I will survive.  Just live a good life as you truly deserve it.  You have more strength inside than anyone I’ve ever known.  God bless you Miss.” 

Rebecca’s eyes filled with tears and she simply nodded as the woman stepped over to stand beside Miss Lambert.  It was obvious she would not yet be excused.   Rebecca could feel the hatred of Miss Lambert boring into her back.  Gathering her courage one more time, she turned and forced herself to meet the woman’s eyes.  Rebecca could feel the hatred in the air. 

Edna stepped forward a step and hissed, “I wouldn’t act so high and mighty Missy.  You might regret your disrespect when you are labeled a harlot.  I’m telling you, his intentions are nothing but the same as every other male on this planet!  You might think your status was lowered by becoming a servant, just wait until you are spread beneath him and the town knows you left here to become nothing more than his whore!“ 

Mrs. Williams gasped and Rebecca was stunned at the vehemence in the woman’s voice.  She also understood what the woman was saying and her face flamed.  She hadn’t considered anything but getting away from this place.  She was an innocent but had seen the way people avoided women if even a hint of impropriety surrounded them.  Reputation was everything in this society and she wondered what would become of her own.  She was even more confused and her hands fisted in her dress again, worrying and twisting the fabric.  Her eyes found Mr. McGavin’s, her fear clearly written across her face. 

Patrick was beyond angry.  In his opinion, even whores deserved more respect than this shrew.   He turned away to Danvers.  “I suggest you teach your staff to hold their tongues.  If breaking a plate is cause for a caning, acting like a shrew surely deserves one as well.” 

They all heard Edna give a screech but he ignored her.  He turned to her.  “You ma’am, and believe me I used the word only because Miss Matthews is in the room, need to curb your tongue and keep silent.  Though it is certainly none of your business, I have decided to take Miss Matthews as my wife.  I had better hear nothing more of your vulgar accusations.”

Mrs. Williams smiled and was delighted even as Edna’s mouth dropped open.  Not only was this man treating her rudely, he had elevated this stupid servant girl’s status up to that of a wife! 

Patrick ignored Rebecca’s gasp and enjoyed Edna’s.  “Mr. Danvers has the proper documents and I will be filing them myself.   Rebecca will be able to hold her head up high and as far as I can tell, is a far more refined person at her young age than you will ever be.” 

Rebecca sank down onto the chair.  Wife?  She was going to be married? How could she marry? She didn’t even know this man. 

Edna was the first to turn away but only after casting another evil look at Rebecca. 

Rebecca didn’t flinch from the woman’s gaze though she looked as if she could faint at any moment. 

Patrick watched the exchange.  He was proud of the girl’s spirit but he also knew she would soon find it necessary to draw on her inner strength again.  She had no idea but the moment he had decided to take her as his wife, and that was a title she would have in name only, she was basically exchanging one servitude for another.  She would no longer be waiting hand and foot on people who didn’t care for her.  No, her life would be spent on serving and obeying and pleasing only one person—him.  He smiled as his cock twitched in his pants. 

Rebecca felt his stare and looked to him.  The look he gave her made her knees begin to shake again and her heart race.  The intensity of his gaze was such that she suddenly didn’t feel so brave.  His size alone made her feel inconsequential.  Her future was unknown and she wondered if she had the strength to begin again.  She hadn’t even been courted and never kissed.  It seemed she had no choice in her life.  She had gone from being a pampered child to an orphan, from a student to a servant and now, according to this stranger, from a servant to his wife.  The way he looked at her made her feel he wanted to eat her alive, and Rebecca found herself wondering if this man had truly rescued her or simply was leading her into an even greater hell. 

CHAPTER 5

Patrick signed the last paper and turned to Rebecca.  “There is no need for your signature as Mr. Danvers can act as your proxy, however, I would like you to sign our wedding document Rebecca and, please, Mrs. Williams, I’d asked you to witness her signature.  I don’t want there to ever be any cause to question my wife’s status.”

Mrs. Williams smiled and immediately stepped back to the desk.  She too could feel Edna’s hatred boring into her back but ignored it.  She turned to Rebecca and smiled.  “Congratulations Rebecca.” 

Rebecca continued to just stare at Patrick’s outstretched hand that was holding a pen.  Slowly, as if in a dream, she stood and took the pen.  “But…but why would you marry me?” she asked quietly. “You don’t even know me?” 

He grinned.  “I am your legal guardian, appointed by your father, Rebecca.  You were placed with your uncle only because I was unfortunately absent.  It was understood that if something should happen to your parents, I would take you into my home.  If I had known of your parents deaths, I would have hired a governess and you would never have stepped foot in this place.  For that, I apologize but am glad to see that you made the best of your situation.  That sort of bravery will suit you well in your new life.” 

His words caused her discomfort as well as reassured her that her parents had never wanted her to be under Uncle Albert’s care.  What did he mean by speaking of bravery?  Surely being a respected lawyer’s wife would not need courage?  Perhaps he meant to say that she was such an innocent never having been introduced to society as yet.  Part of her missed the thought of being gently led into society; yet, being as shy as she was, a larger part found that she was glad she was basically skipping over that chapter of a young woman’s life. 

Her attention was once more directed to him as he continued.  “Miss Lambert was correct in that statement at least.  It would have been unseemly to have you join my household without a governess or nanny.”

Nanny?  How old did he think she was?  Children needed nannies and even the need for a governess seemed a bit silly for a woman close to her majority.

Patrick saw the doubt and confusion dash across the young girl’s face and softened his voice a bit.  “Rebecca, you don’t seem to realize that you are now eighteen.  Your birthday is today.  You are of legal age to wed.  I find you acceptable so have decided to wed you.  Now, unless you wish to remain in Mr. Danvers’ employment, no more questions, sign here please.”  He tapped a spot at the bottom of the page. 

She couldn’t focus on the document.  Her eyes were filled with tears.  She had no idea that today was her birthday.  Mr. McGavin had spoken of her parents with respect.  Her father had obviously trusted this man.  How she wished her parents were still alive.  She wished she could speak to her mother just once more, and ask her father about this man.  “But…but I don’t know you and don’t know how to be a wife.” 

Patrick heard Miss Lambert snicker and shot her an angry look.  She had the good sense to flush and look away from him.  Patrick placed his hand over Rebecca’s trembling one.  “Little one, I’ll teach you all you need to know to be the wife I desire.  Stop dawdling Rebecca, and sign your name.”  His tone was firm but not unkind. 

She flushed and felt he was speaking to her as a disobedient child.  She had often been accused of dawdling and had gotten her hands smacked several times.  She didn’t believe he had any intention of doing the same but she found herself wanting to please him for some reason and there was no longer any question of her staying here. She could feel the hatred of Miss Lambert permeating the very air she was attempting to breathe.  Perhaps a future unknown was preferable to the horrid life she knew awaited her in this house.  Before she could change her mind, she bent forward and quickly scrawled her name where indicated. 

“That’s my good girl.”  She blushed at his words, feeling a ridiculous thrill of pleasure. 

Mrs. Williams witnessed the paper and it was soon blotted dry and sealed.  Patrick slipped it into his pocket. He held out his hand and shook Mrs. Williams’.  “Thank you, ma’am and thank you for the kindness to my wife.  I have a feeling it was the only kindness she has received under this roof.  Please feel free to call upon me if you ever find yourself in need.” 

Mrs. Williams nodded and thanked him, slipping the card he had handed her into her apron pocket.  She hugged Rebecca for a final time once again congratulating her on her marriage.  

Rebecca was extremely nervous but Patrick simply gathered her valise, took her hand and led her from the school without another word.  She found herself outside and down the walk, through the gate and being lifted into a waiting carriage all within moments.  She sat down and was soon joined by Patrick.  He leaned out the window and instructed the driver to an address. 

Rebecca glanced out the window, confusion and concern on her face.  Patrick glanced at it as well. “Are you truly sad to be leaving your home Rebecca?” 

She shook her head and whispered, “No…I…hated it here…it was never home.  I’m worried about what he is going to do to Mrs. Williams.”  She blushed as if unaccustomed to speaking her true feelings. 

Patrick had a pretty good idea of what Conner had in mind but he had no authority to do anything about it.  She was his employee and if she had broken rules of that employment, she would either pay the price Conner deemed appropriate or seek employment elsewhere.  “It is kind of you to worry Rebecca, but there is nothing you can do about it.  All you can do is to be brave as she wants you to be, to live your life.” 

He tapped the roof of the carriage.  Rebecca was sitting on the very edge of her seat and squealed when the carriage started, the motion throwing her forward.  He caught her and smiled as he sat her back onto the bench.  “Careful little one.”