Chapter Text
“Whoa there!”
With an unsettled feeling nestling deep into her core, Gladys perked up and reached hastily for the carriage curtains for the hundredth time along their journey. Yet, just like all the other times, she saw nothing. The carriage came to a rocky stop along the tricky cobblestone, jarring Gladys more than she ever thought she could at this point. Supposedly, the worse was over, yet the new bride couldn’t help but feel that perhaps the worst was yet to come.
Across from her, Adelheid was stirring, slowly waking up from her nap; Gladys envied her peacefulness. The two young women met eyes, and for a split second, Gladys spotted a brief glimmer of shame and awareness that emerged within the young maid at her appearance.
“Oh! Miss—your Grace, I’m sorry. I must’ve dozed off!” Adelheid discreetly wiped a bit of dried drool from the corners of her mouth. Gladys pretended not to notice. Instead, she shot the girl a soft, forgiving smile.
“It’s quite alright,” Gladys reassured, though she wished it were enough to calm her own nerves, too. “It’s been a long journey.”
“It has! Have we arrived yet,” Adelheid nodded in agreement. She reached for the curtains on her side, snatched them open, but flinched upon seeing the sun shining upon them. “Oh!”
“No, I don’t think we have,” Gladys shook her head. “It appears we’ve come to a stop. I wonder what the commotion is.”
Part of her wished that they could be there already. Ten days of travel, and with the day wearing on, she feared that it would stagger along eleven. Truthfully, Gladys was silently keeping score. With each day that passed by, the more far away she felt. Home was not just down the street, or across town. Home was, so far, ten days at sea, and an unbearably long carriage ride. And yet, Gladys couldn’t have felt more like she sealed her own fate.
I want to be away from mother, she remembered herself wishing. Now, she was away, yet still tethered by an invisible string connecting her to Hector and thus to her mama, all the way in New York. So far, and yet still entirely too close.
Gladys craned her neck to peer out of the window, curious of the muffled voices from the footmen outside. Though, as she continued her search for answers, she found herself face-to-face with another traveler. Gladys jumped, causing Adelheidto gasp theatrically at the visitor.
Hector stood there with tired eyes, his face pulling into a soft smile as his eyes followed suit. Gladys raised a hand to the brass wedding ring on her finger, twirling subconsciously as she stared back at the man. How strange it was to see him as both a husband and a stranger all at once.
The duke raised a hand to the carriage, knocking gently, as though asking for permission. How ironic, but nevertheless welcomed. A quick scoff of air escaped Gladys as she peered at him, before granting him access with a nod. Within seconds, Hector opened the carriage and nodded to both ladies before settling upon Gladys.
“Good evening,” His voice was calm and level. “I wanted to inform you that we’re taking a quick respite. It appears my carriage has hit a small divot. My men are working to release the carriage wheel as we speak.”
“Thank you…for letting us know.” Gladys nodded. Hector’s eyes landed on her hands, watching nervous fidgeting with her ring. Gladys’ heart leapt a beat. She forced her hands to stop, though her spirit remained unsettled. She watched as the duke stifled a chuckle before meeting her eyes once more.
“Is there anything I can do to make your journey more…comfortable?” He asked. The question, so innocent and careful, felt loaded.
Gladys barely spoke to Hector since their wedding night. She could remember how peculiar it was to share a bed with a man she barely knew. In the night, as the pressure in her pelvis subsided, she found that just before she were about to drift off, the man snored and often shifted in his sleep. And yet, Gladys still found that she awoke alone that next morning. From that moment on, she took lunch and dinner in her cabin alone, while he sent his footmen to ask if she were alright, thrice a day. Each time, she gave him the same report: Fine.
Seeing him now, after such a voyage both geographical and relational, Gladys couldn’t help the blush that tinged her cheeks as she stared upon him.
“Uhm,” Gladys quickly turned to Adelheid who shook her head bashfully. Gladys turned to the duke, his eyes glimmering and cautious. “No, we’re quite alright. Thank you.”
“Of course,” He nodded. “It shouldn’t be much longer, now. We’re just minutes away from Sidmouth Castle.”
And with that, the duke bowed and took his leave, walking back towards his carriage with purposeful footsteps. Gladys watched him all the while, unknown to the thumping of the carriage just above.
“Your Grace,” Adelheid spoke softly, capturing the girl’s attention.
“Yes?” Gladys called, still eyeing the man as he was then led inside his carriage.
“It appears we’ll be moving again. I suggest you sit back.”
Adelheid’s voice was caring and comforting, and drew the young lady back towards her own reality. Gladys sat back in the carriage, her hand moving to twirl her wedding band, yet she stopped herself. Instead, Gladys drew in a deep breath, met eyes with her maid, and flashed a grateful look to her for simply being there.
And soon, they were off and down the road once again.
The carriage rumbled to a stop, the wheels grinding against the cobblestones as they neared the grand yet weathered Sidmouth Castle. As the doors opened, a rush of cool English air swept in, bringing with it the scent of damp stone and moss that clung to the ancient walls of the estate. Gladys stepped down first, her legs shaky from the long journey and the awkward encounter with her new husband. She didn’t look back at Hector, whose presence loomed just behind her. Instead, she focused on the imposing structure before her, trying to steady her breath and regain some composure.
Adelheid was quick to follow, offering a reassuring hand to Gladys as they walked toward the entrance. The butler, a thin, bespectacled man opened the heavy oak door with a quiet creak, his face expressionless but professional. Hector rounded his new bride and motioned towards the middle-aged gent before them.
“This, dear Gladys, is Mr. Dunworthy, our butler. He’s served our family for three decades, now.”
“Welcome to Sidmouth Castle, your Grace,” he intoned, bowing slightly before motioning for them to step inside.
“Thank you, Mr. Dunworthy,” Gladys nodded with a polite smile. With the introductions out of the way, the rigid butler stepped aside, allowing them to enter. It was then that, upon first entry, Gladys was able to see the structure that had prompted their arrangement in the first place. The stone floors were dark and worn, and the air had a musty quality to it, as though the house had been trapped in time. The walls were lined with faded tapestries, their colors long-since muted by age and neglect. There were candles everywhere, burning weakly. Evidently, the castle had seen better days.
For the sake of not wanting to appear too stricken with bias, Gladys turned her attention to the staff, all standing in a straight line in the foyer. There were maids, about six of them, a few valet off to the end and, standing there, was the most familiar scowl rupturing the once peaceful mood.
Lady Sarah Vere stepped forward, stepped forward with slow, careful steps. Her eyes scanned Gladys, the faintest beginnings of a smirk etching across her plain face. Coming to the forefront, Hector smiled and motioned towards the tall blonde.
“Gladys, surely you remember my sister, Lady Sarah.”
Gladys met the woman’s smile with a cautious one. She hadn’t been entirely fond of Lady Sarah. There was something about her that felt entirely too…protective over Hector. In fact, at their wedding reception, she hardly spoke with Hector due to Lady Sarah holding much of his attention. And when it was time for their first dance, Lady Sarah watched them, her face twisted into a crooked, forceful smile. The woman had barely uttered a ‘congratulations’ to them on their union. And for that reason alone, Gladys had deemed her unwelcoming.
Gladys opened her mouth to speak, trying desperately to find the right words to say. How would she greet someone who didn’t seem at all excited that she were here? Nevertheless, Gladys would try. Yet, before the words could even come out, Lady Sarah stepped forward first, peering down at her. Her eyes, focused and steady, were like that of a hawk eyeing its new prey. And, with her voice tight and haughty, she spoke.
“Your Grace,” Lady Sarah cooed. The words felt more sarcastic than anything else. “You’ve arrived, at last.”
Gladys offered a hesitant smile, her fingers once again playing with the ring on her finger.
“Yes, it was quite the journey,” Gladys smiled as she glanced up at Hector. “It’s nice to see you again.”
Lady Sarah lifted her chin, her eyes once again scanning her as she went. When she was done taking a mental note, Lady Sarah let out a soft sigh.
“I would say it’s nice to finally have our Duchess of Buckingham, but it appears she is still lost on us,” Lady Sarah spoke. “You still look rather…American.”
Gladys stiffened, yet said nothing. She wished she could say that the woman’s disposition was entirely a surprise. Lady Sarah was at times quite cold; Gladys should’ve suspected she had the capacity for brashness, too. It appeared Hector also was familiar with his sister’s sharp tongue, for the man quickly cleared his throat.
“Well, surely that can be forgiven. She’s not even a full day on English soil,” Hector chimed, his voice entirely too nonchalant despite the biting words. “I trust you’ll help Gladys settle in?”
Lady Sarah nodded curtly and then turned, beckoning Gladys to follow her. “Come along, then. I’ll show you your new home.” There was no warmth in her voice—only command.
As they moved through the grand hall with Lady Sarah introducing room after room, as though she’s given the tour hundred times over, Gladys couldn’t help but notice the peeling wallpaper and the creaking floorboards. The air grew thicker with age, and the smell of mildew seemed to cling to every corner. The staff moved quietly around them, their eyes downcast, as though the entire house was burdened by its age and history. And, whether it be the fustiness of the castle or her own nerves, Gladys found that her throat seemed to tighten with every other step. This was her new home. But why didn’t it feel like it?
The ladies strolled the long dim corridor with Lady Sarah leading, blabbering on tirelessly about the Renaissance and the art pieces that decked the halls. It was then that a peculiar contraption just off to the side captured Gladys’ attention; a small, oblong, cage-like thing. As Gladys neared it, she noticed a mouse caught inside, still and lifeless.
“Oh!” Gladys exclaimed, as she placed a delicate hand to her chest to steady her racing heart. Adelheid appeared quickly to her side, placing a comforting hand to Gladys’ shoulder. Lady Sarah paused, turning around quickly to peer at the perturbed young ladies.
“Heavens, what’s startled you so?” Lady Sarah asked, her lips pressed into a tight, bemused line.
“I…is that….” Gladys pointed a shaky finger to the caged creature, finding that the words suddenly escaped her.
Lady Sarah glanced at the trap, and barely even acknowledged it before returning to Gladys.
“What? Surely you’ve seen a mouse trap, before,” Lady Sarah pressed. Though, when Gladys simply shook her head, the older woman scoffed. “Perhaps your home in New York is too new. Sidmouth Castle has been around since the 1600s! That may be a tad bit earlier than your brownstone was structured, hmm?”
Gladys watched the woman give a sheepish smirk before turning around, resuming the tour. For the duration of their walkthrough, Gladys found that she were unintentionally counting the other mouse traps she did notice. A total of four so far. Gladys prayed silently that the number wouldn’t rise.
As the tour came to a close, Lady Sarah stopped in front of a large door, opening it with a flourish.
“Here is your room.”
The room was grand and impeccably furnished. Inside was an opulent bed with soft drapes, a beautiful vanity, and a fireplace; unlit but intricately detailed in its carvings. Although large, it was inviting, and a stark contrast to the rest of the castle. Gladys could only assume that the room had been kept pristine for the new duchess’ arrival. It took only a moment longer for Gladys to remember that she was the duchess in question.
Gladys stepped inside, her mouth agape as she examined the space. The setting sun beamed through the large windows, casting beautiful warm hues inside the room.
“It’s lovely,” she murmured, though she couldn’t help but feel out of place.
“Of course it is,” Sarah said “Hector saw to it that your room be kept up for your arrival. I didn’t quite understand the fuss he made.”
Gladys wanted to speak up, but she could feel the weight of Sarah’s gaze like a pressure in the room. Instead, she held her tongue. She was far too tired to challenge Lady Sarah, and entirely too tired to think of a deflection, too.
Just then, with Lady Sarah’s words staling the air, Gladys’ eyes caught to the bed. Her hands brushed the fresh linen, its cool softness returning its touch. For a moment, Gladys imagined the thrills of ridding herself from her corset. And, when the idea flirted with her just a little too closely, Gladys turned around to Lady Sarah and spoke.
“Is there anything else I should know?”
Sarah sighed, walking toward the door with an air of authority.
“Your schedule, your Grace,” she began briskly, “Will be quite full. There will be tea served by the staff in the mornings, starting at seven o’clock, followed by walking the grounds. In the afternoons, you’ll attend to the charitable events in Sidmouth, and in the evenings, you’ll entertain dinner with guests. I trust you can remember that, yes?”
Gladys nodded slowly, trying to absorb it all, though her head spun with the rapid-fire instructions.
“Good,” Lady Sarah said, tone sharp. “You’ll need to follow this strictly. There’s no room for error. A duchess’s life is full of duties. It’s not as simple as it may seem.”
Gladys felt her stomach twist. She thought of the role as anything but simple, actually.
“I… understand,” she replied softly, though she was certain she hadn’t absorbed even half of what had been said. Though, with the influx of information, Gladys pressed the back of her hand to her mouth, shamefully trying to conceal a yawn. “Forgive me.”
“I’ll try to,” Lady Sarah began. “There’s no time to rest. We have guests for dinner tonight, and I expect you to be ready.”
“Guests?” Gladys repeated, a slight tremor in her voice.
“Yes,” The woman blinked. “Does that surprise you?”
“Only that… well… I was hoping to rest. I’m rather tired from the journey,” Gladys hesitated.
“Oh, dear,” Lady Sarah said with a mockingly sympathetic tone. “You can’t afford to be tired. The duty of a duchess is a lot of work! Hasn’t your mama told you anything?”
Gladys remained silent, feeling her cheeks grow warm under the weight of her judgment. And, instead of allowing the young woman her rest, Lady Sarah reasserted herself.
“Be ready for dinner,” Sarah ordered, her voice cutting through the awkward tension. “Quickly.” With a final glance, she turned and swept out of the room, leaving Gladys alone with Adelheid.
Gladys stood there, her heart pounding as the reality of her situation settled heavily upon her. Her eyes met Adelheid’s, and for the first time since arriving, she allowed herself to exhale deeply, unsure of what lay ahead. Like the mouse in the cage, Gladys feared she, too, had been captured.