novelraw Chapter 23: She Is Somewhere Around
Chapter 23: She Is Somewhere Around
"Splendid, splendid," Nicholas exclaimed, clearly relieved. "Come, come. I will have the servants prepare you a bath. Nothing soothes the nerves like warm water and a touch of lavender. And the room upstairs has been cleared for you."
Livia blinked in surprise as she allowed herself to be guided inside. "The room upstairs?" Livia repeated, her brows knitting in confusion. "Isn’t that where the other girls stay?"
"Nonsense. You have brought me in one day what they haven’t managed in years. Come! Come!" Nicholas Beaumont clasped Livia’s hand with theatrical enthusiasm and guided her up the narrow staircase. Livia allowed herself to be led, her mind struggling to keep pace with the sudden shift in her circumstances.
They passed the tavern area on the ground floor, where the other girls had begun their morning routines. Some lounged with cups of tea, while others prepared for the day ahead. Conversations faltered as Livia walked by. A few of the women regarded her with narrowed eyes. Whispers followed in her wake.
Nicholas seemed entirely oblivious to the tension.
"Jane? Where is Jane?"
"She is somewhere around," he answered with a dismissive wave. "Probably still abed with a guest."
They reached the upper floor, an area notably quieter and more refined than the bustling levels below. Nicholas opened the door with a flourish. "Here we are!"
The room was elegant: and instead of the six beds that were usually in there, they had been replaced with a comfortable four-poster bed draped with clean linens, a small writing desk by the window, a wardrobe, and a washstand.
"Really, Mr. Beaumont, I can share with the other girls. It’s no trouble at all," Livia said, her voice tinged with discomfort. The luxury felt undeserved, and she was acutely aware of the jealous stares she had just endured.
"No... no... no... you get only the best," Nicholas insisted, wagging a finger. "You are no longer a servant. You are an investment—my most promising one."
Livia lowered her gaze, unsure how to respond. "Can Jane at least stay with me?" she asked hesitantly. Jane had been her closest companion since arriving at the establishment, offering kindness and comfort in an otherwise harsh environment. The thought of facing this new attention alone was daunting.
"Sure. Anything you want," Nicholas replied readily, clearly eager to please. His accommodating tone, however, carried an unmistakable undercurrent of expectation. He clasped his hands together and leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Tell me," he said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "Did you impress him? Will he be paying for another month?"
"Uhm... I... I don’t know," Livia stammered, her fingers nervously twisting the edge of her sleeve.
Nicholas Beaumont waved away her uncertainty with buoyant confidence. "I’m sure you did well. You have always excelled at everything," he said, beaming. "I’ll get the maids to run your bath. Put your feet up. Your breakfast will be here soon."
With a final approving nod, he swept out of the room. Livia remained standing in the center of the chamber, absorbing the unfamiliar luxury around her. The room was far more elegant than anything she had known since her arrival in London.
How much exactly did Henry pay for me? The thought surfaced unbidden, bringing with it an unease. Nicholas’s enthusiasm suggested a sum far beyond the ordinary, and the realization made her feel like a prized possession. Yet, despite this unsettling notion, she could not deny the warmth that spread through her chest when she thought of Henry—his gentleness and the unexpected respect he had shown her.
A sudden burst of energy shattered her reverie as the door flew open.
"Livia! Are you okay?" Jane exclaimed, rushing into the room. Her cheeks were flushed from haste, and her eyes scanned Livia from head to toe, searching for signs of harm.
"I’m fine. I’m fine," Livia reassured her, offering a small, comforting smile.
Jane exhaled dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. "Thank God. I was so worried. So," Jane continued, her curiosity quickly overtaking her relief, "who has Nicholas so giddy? It must be someone important. He practically kissed the ground you walked on."
Livia hesitated, glancing toward the door to ensure they were alone. Lowering her voice, she stepped closer to Jane. "It’s Henry," she whispered.
Jane’s eyes widened to a comical degree. "What? How? Oh my God!" she gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in astonishment.
"I don’t know," Livia admitted, shaking her head. "I just found him waiting." She herself was still trying to make sense of the encounter. The memory of the night lingered vividly in her mind, filled with tenderness and mystery, leaving her with far more questions than answers.
"So did he? You know? Was he gentle?" Jane asked.
Livia hesitated, her fingers nervously smoothing the fabric of her dress. "I don’t know what he did, but it wasn’t what you girls normally do," she admitted softly.
Jane blinked, clearly taken aback. "He didn’t touch you?"
"Oh, he did," Livia replied quickly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks as memories of the night surfaced—his tender kisses, the warmth of his embrace, the way his fingers had led to her undoing. "But I don’t think he is impressed by me. And Nicholas is already asking if he will get paid for another month."
Jane’s brows knitted together in confusion. "He didn’t put his thing inside you at all?"
Livia shook her head, her embarrassment deepening. "He didn’t even take off his clothes. Jane, I’m screwed."
Jane let out a low whistle. "Well, that is certainly a new one," she said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Most men who come through these doors barely manage a greeting before attempting to tumble into bed. Well, what did you do?" she pressed.
"Honestly, nothing," Livia answered, her voice tinged with frustration. "Perhaps I’m not as alluring as Nicholas believes."
"Oh boy," she said gently. "Don’t worry. I have you covered. If there’s one thing I know, it’s how to navigate the whims of men. I’ll teach you what you need to know."