Yet another little error that proved she was not born to noble station. Mary would have blamed her servant for any discomfort caused by an ill-fitting corset. Such attitudes were the reason that the staff banded together. It took everyone to ensure that the nobles weren’t unhappy because if they were the staff would suffer for it. Every new piece of clothing that was delivered to Warwickshire was inspected by the housekeeper and measured to check for accuracy before it ever made it into the chamber of the mistress.
“Sit down, so I can get at yer boots.”
Anne made use of a stool. Her chemise billowed up as she sat down. A shiver shook her as the cool air rushed over her skin.
“Don’t ye worry, ye won’t be cold very long. The lord will tend to that.”
Her face burned as Helen pulled both boots off. The maid winked as only an experienced woman could, a saucy smile appearing on her lips.
“Well now, no need to be blushing. Ye’re a married woman now.”
“As everyone keeps telling me.” She leaned down to cover the disgruntled expression taking root on her face, reaching for one of the finely knit stockings and gently rolling it down her calf.
“Och now, you couldnae have been so surprised to hear of yer marriage. I wager yer governess has been telling ye to expect such news since ye grew enough to need a pair of stays to hold up those breasts.”
Anne crossed her hands over her chest. It was a fact that most women understood that they would marry and that they would not choose their groom. In that respect, she was the spoilt one. Lady Mary’s governess had often lectured her on the importance of being poised and ready to hear that her husband had been selected.
Helen propped both her hands on her hips. “Ye’re a bit of a shy one.” Her eyes studied the way Anne covered her nipples. “If I might be so bold as to instruct ye, that modesty will not please the lord.”
He’s got a mistress for sure.
Philipa’s words rose from her memory. “Does he bring many women to his bed?”
“Och well, there’s nothing for ye to worry about. What a man does afore he’s wed is only natural. Ye can’t be holding that against him.”
Helen’s tone turned guarded as she averted her eyes. She busied herself with placing the stockings carefully over pegs.
“No, ’tis only a woman who is expected to remain virgin.”
Helen’s posture stiffened. She turned, aiming a mature look at Anne.
“That’s only due to the fact that it’s important to be sure that children are born into the family that they were fathered from.”
She didn’t apologize for speaking so strongly, but Anne didn’t want her to.
“You enjoy serving in this house, don’t you, Helen?”
It wasn’t truly a question. Anne could see the loyalty, even hear it.
“Aye, that’s a fact. I suppose I’ve got a bit of passion in me due to knowing that I serve a good man.”
“Your lord is fortunate to have you among his staff.”
Helen glowed under the compliment. Clasping her hands together, she rubbed them, her eyes sparkling.
“Well now, listen to me chattering away when ye’ve got important things to be preparing for. Ye’ll be right as spring rain once the formalities are finished. Tomorrow morning ye’ll have forgotten all about being timid.”
Helen stopped and pulled the ring for water once again. This time steam rose from the water that spilt into the tub. Helen picked up a large wooden paddle and stirred the contents of the tub a few times. She stuck her hand in the water to test it.
“Ye’ll have to tell me how ye like your bath. For now, it’s warm enough to take the winter chill out of your toes.”
Anne forced her stiff fingers to release her chemise. Her hands had fisted in the fabric but Helen grasped the hem and lifted it away. Standing up, Anne tried to not dwell on the fact that she was bare. She really had no idea if she was built for bearing children or not. It was very possible that the midwife would find her lacking. Noble daughters were often inspected several times by their own family’s midwives before marriage negotiation progressed. It brought shame to great names when a bride was found by her husband to have deformities. Even Queen Elizabeth had been displayed to ambassadors when just a babe because it was rumored that she was misshapen. As the illegitimate child at Warwickshire Anne had never seen the midwife. It was quite possible that her body was not the same as other women. Anne snuck a peek at Helen, to see what the woman’s expression was. Helen was quietly studying her with a knowledgeable eye. The servant shook her head.
“Stop lingering and worrying. Ye’re well put together, nothing at all to fret over.” She motioned her forward.