Not His Taste

The maid climbed up the staircase while Rebecca followed her. She had her hand on the handrail as she climbed up. She heaved as she got to the landing.

The corridor was wide, enough to be a venue for a small event. There were about six rooms upstairs, including the master’s which belonged to Williams. The maid walked to a room and turned the handle. She held the open for Rebecca and waited for her enter first.

Rebecca surveyed the room as she walked in. She was amazed by what she saw. There was a queen-sized bed, which had lemon patterned bedsheet on it; the duvet had the same pattern; the dressing table was close to the windows; there was a baby cot beside the bed; there were paintings hung on the wall—of birds in the air, the forest, a sailboat in the sea and lastly, of an old lady who wore a stiff smile—there was a chest of drawers and a wardrobe at the end of the room, directly opposite the bed.

As curious as she was, Rebecca walked towards the cot. Inside the cot, there were baby clothes as well items the baby would be fond of when it will born. She turned her head round and looked at the maid.

“Was it the Duke who got all these?” Rebecca asked eagerly.

The maid replied a nod. She observed that the Duchess was stunned by the gifts.

“Is this room mine or it belongs to the Duke?” Rebecca asked curiously, with her brow slightly furrowed.

“No, Your grace! The Duke likes to be alone and doesn’t like to be disturbed. That’s why he strictly ordered that a room should be arranged specially for you.” The main said candidly, with her hands behind her.

“Oh!” Rebecca said, a little disappointed,

“Um, what’s your name?”

The maid was stunned at the question. She looked both ways to confirm if she was the one that she was referring to you.

“Me?” The maid replied doubtfully, pointing at herself.

“Yes. There isn’t anyone in the room asides us.” Rebecca said, being friendly. She had a warm smile.

“I am Zita, Your grace!” The maid replied, feeling edgy. It was evident in her speech.

“It’s nice to meet you, Zita. I’m Rebecca but you can call me Becky.”

“I certainly can’t, Duchess. The Duke will be furious with me if I address Her grace by her nickname.” Zita said plainly, giving her reasons.

Rebecca was about to speak with the door creaked open. The Duke stood there and looked at the two. Zita frighteningly had her eyes on the floor and avoided eye contact. Rebecca saw the look he wore—certainly a sign for her to avoid him—and she swallowed nervously.

“I-I will go and set the table for Her grace.” Zita stuttered cowardly and quickly left the two.

The bang of the door made Rebecca’s heart beat to increase. Being left alone with the Duke made her nervous as she already was. The Duke stood a step forward, standing slightly opposite her.

“I hope you like the room?” He asked her plainly.

Rebecca nervously nodded and avoided eye contact. The Duke looked at her, and then her belly. He seethed at the sight of her pregnancy and heaved. He had his fist clenched behind him.

“Th-thank you for the gifts. I’m-I’m sure the baby will like it.” She said awkwardly.

Williams diverted his eyes to the baby cot beside the bed. He hummed and had his gaze on her. His smile was stiff. His expression sent chills down her spine. The room was filled with silence; Rebecca found the room uncomfortable.

“I’m sorry that my condition won’t let me perform my nuptial duties this night.” She said, looking at him.

“I’m not bothered. You’re certainly not my taste; even without your pregnancy, I wouldn’t touch you. Your presence irritates me.” He answered bluntly, not concerned about her feelings.

Rebecca felt insulted and her eyes became teary.

“If you hate me, why did you marry me?” She asked keenly, in a feeble voice.

Williams still felt unaffected by her emotions and wore a cold look.

“I did that to save your poor parents from the shame and disgrace you’ve caused them. It was easy for you to mess round and behave like a slut that you didn’t think about their reputation. But I guess when the result displayed itself, you petty boyfriends were quick to quit you.” He replied sternly.

Rebecca couldn’t help but let the tears ran down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them off and sniffed without looking at him.

“I want to be left alone.” She muttered, a bit loud that she could be heard.

Williams looked her blankly, showing no remorse for his actions. He wasted no time and left the room. Rebecca sat down on the bed and cried quietly.