The morning sun shone brightly through the windows of St. Clair Manor, casting a soft glow on the grand hallways. Seraphina sat at her desk, staring out the window, her fingers drumming idly on the polished wood. She had spent the past week immersed in meetings, estate affairs, and her charity work, but today felt different. She felt restless.
The quiet hum of life at St. Clair Manor was beginning to suffocate her, and she needed a break. As she mulled over her thoughts, her gaze wandered to the clock on the wall. It was almost noon.
With a small sigh, she stood up abruptly, making her way to the door. She wasn't in the mood for more work today. Her eyes flicked toward Benedict, who was near the servant's quarters, just outside the door. She had a sudden idea-one that might relieve her boredom.
As she stepped into the hall, she spotted him by the stairs. Benedict looked up, his calm demeanor unwavering as always.
"Ben," she said, catching his attention. He raised his brow at her, silently waiting for her to speak.
"I shall be visiting the tea room this afternoon," Seraphina continued. "Please ensure the carriage is ready and accompany me there promptly. Be sure to attend to my needs while we are there."
Benedict nodded in acknowledgment, but she couldn't help but feel a slight hesitation in his movement. He signed with a curious expression. Of course, Duchess. Will there be anyone else accompanying us?
Seraphina shook her head. "No, just you and I. I simply wish to get out of the house for a bit. It's been too quiet here lately, and I could use some company." She tried to keep her voice light, though she couldn't quite hide the underlying sense of restlessness in her tone.
Very well, Duchess, he signed with a subtle smile. I'll prepare the carriage.
Seraphina watched him disappear into the hallway, and she let out a quiet breath. She couldn't quite explain why she had asked him to accompany her today, or why she had made it sound like a more formal task than it truly was. Truth be told, she simply wanted to spend time with him-away from the usual responsibilities, away from the duties that consumed her every day.
An hour later, the carriage pulled up to the small tea room nestled on the edge of the village. It was quiet and quaint, the soft chatter of a few patrons the only sound that filled the air. Seraphina stepped out of the carriage, looking around at the familiar surroundings with a sigh of relief.
Benedict followed, always a step behind, and once they entered the tea room, Seraphina made her way to their usual corner by the window. The soft light filtering through the lace curtains gave the space a warm, comforting feel.
"I'll have my usual," Seraphina said as she took a seat, the servant at the counter already moving to prepare her order. Benedict, standing by her side, remained quiet, his gaze lingering on her.
She caught his eye and smiled. "You should sit down, Ben. You're not my footman today. Let's just enjoy the afternoon."
He nodded, though there was a subtle wariness in his posture. I will, Duchess. I'll make sure you have everything you need.
"Everything I need..." she murmured, a small laugh escaping her lips. "Is it truly so difficult for you to relax around me?"
Benedict looked at her, signing slowly, I am used to being in service. It's a difficult habit to break.
Seraphina studied him for a moment, her lips quirking into a smile. "I understand. But today, you don't need to be in service. Today, you're simply accompanying me as a friend-if that's something you're willing to do."
His hands stilled for a moment, a brief flicker of surprise in his eyes. Then, slowly, he nodded.
The conversation flowed easily, despite the unspoken tension between them. Seraphina found herself laughing at the small jokes he made, and Benedict seemed to relax, his usual reserve softening with each passing moment. It was the most comfortable she'd felt in days, and she relished the simple pleasure of his company.
As they sipped their tea, the conversation turned to more personal matters. Seraphina had always been curious about his life before St. Clair Manor, though she had never asked. Today felt like the right time.
"Ben," she began, her voice gentle, "I've never asked you this before, but... what was it like before you came to work for me?"
His expression became distant for a moment, as if recalling memories long buried. He signed slowly, his hands moving with deliberate care. I was born to a family of tradespeople. My parents worked with textiles-nothing too glamorous, just a simple life. I moved to London when I was older, found work in the manor there, and eventually made my way to St. Clair.
Seraphina blinked, trying to keep up with his signs. The fluid movements of his hands were a language she had come to understand, but there were times when she struggled.
"Woah," she said, laughing softly, "I only understood half of that."
Benedict chuckled, his expression softening at her attempt to follow along.
Seraphina smiled, shaking her head. "No, I should really practice more."
She took a moment to gather her thoughts, processing what he had said. "So you grew up with a simple life, and then worked your way up? That sounds... difficult, but impressive."
He gave a small, self-effacing shrug. It wasn't about success. It was about survival.
The words struck her harder than she expected, and for a moment, Seraphina found herself studying him with newfound respect. She realized how little she truly knew about him, about the life he had lived before their worlds had collided.
Benedict caught her gaze and, perhaps sensing her curiosity, signed with a touch of humor. And now, I'm simply a footman in your service. Quite a change, wouldn't you say?
Seraphina smiled, shaking her head. "A footman, yes. But I don't think of you just as that. You're more than your position, Ben."
His eyes softened, the weight of her words settling in. Thank you, Duchess.
Seraphina leaned back in her chair, her eyes distant as she took another sip of tea. She hadn't expected to have such a profound conversation today, but in a way, it was exactly what she needed. The quiet presence of Benedict, his honesty, his willingness to open up-it made the afternoon feel meaningful, more so than any royal ball or estate meeting ever could.