Page 53 of From Unwanted to Duchess
“You imbecile! This vase costs more than you earn in a year. It is a piece from the Continent, irreplaceable! I should have your wages garnished.”
“I apologize,” the boy, who could not be more than fourteen, said. “I do apologize. I did not mean it. I will pay for it.”
“You surely will,” Franklin hissed. “And if I tell His Grace?—”
“This has gone far enough,” Frances cut in, walking toward them. “His Grace will understand that accidents happen.”
Both the man and the boy straightened to their full height and bowed.
“Your Grace,” Franklin said. “I was just chastising this clumsy fool?—”
“For having an accident, I heard.” Frances turned to the boy. “What is your name?”
“Benjamin,” he answered. “I do beg your pardon?—”
“Do not speak to Her Grace!” Franklin gritted out.
“Yes, Sir.”
“It is quite all right. You can speak to me if you wish. After all, I addressed you first. Now, I want you to go and fetch a broom and a dustpan and clean this up. After that, I want you to go and get yourself a cup of tea and a biscuit if there are any to be had, and sit for a few minutes. Then I want you to return to your duties. And while you are down there, you may let my lady’s maid know that I am ready for her to help me change. And a cup of tea and a biscuit for myself would be nice also. Can you do that?”
“Yes, Your Grace. Right away, Your Grace.” The boy bowed again and then rushed toward the servants’ staircase.
“Your Grace, I was only trying to teach him,” Franklin said.
“I understand. But we mustn’t forget that these lads come here at a very young age, and that they are away from their families and friends. They are still children, learning their way. They deserve some compassion. Pray, how old were you when you came into service?”
“Eleven,” Franklin replied, his voice now softer.
“And did you find it terrifying?”
“At times,” he admitted. “But I knew it was an opportunity to help my family, so I got over my fear.”
“That is good for you. And perhaps you should keep that in mind the next time one of the younger ones makes a mistake.”
“Yes, Your Grace.” He bowed. “Your Grace has given me much to think on.”
Frances turned and made her way back to the staircase, walking up to her floor. She was about to turn to the east wing when she heard someone clearing their throat.
“You are never shy, are you?” James said with a smirk.
“Oh, you heard?”
“Of course I did. I do not think Franklin has been given a proper talking-to in some time. He deserved it. He has been a little harsh with the other servants.”
“Then perhaps his employer should’ve had a word with him about it.”
He winked at her. “I think his employer just did. You do surprise me.”
“Meaning?” she asked.
But he did not reply. Instead, he made his way toward the west wing, leaving her to wonder what in the world he had meant.
