章節 11: Jealousy (3)

Delilah bit her tongue and looked to Beatrice for help to get rid of the rude maid. Such a response to a guest deserved a smack to get the maid back in line.

"We can talk on the balcony while Annalise stays in here. I've brought her from her work so I would hate to send her back already. Besides, I am enjoying her company. It's a beautiful day, Delilah. We shouldn't stay inside," Beatrice said, going back onto the balcony.

If Rafael were to come outside to train, Beatrice would watch from the balcony to make sure he was not pushing himself too much.

Annalise was glad Beatrice had taken her side. It needed to be addressed right now that this guest did not have the authority to order her around. If Delilah wanted a maid who would listen to her every word, she should go to Mavis.

'That was not warranted,' Annalise thought when Delilah sent her a nasty look behind Beatrice's back.

Annalise sat back down in her chair, enjoying the moment to relax rather than thinking too much about Delilah's issues. She had long gotten used to the fact she would never easily get along with most women.

Delilah wanted the new maid gone. The young woman was rude and she did not like this interest Beatrice had in her. The one thing Delilah disliked about Beatrice was the fact she would welcome any young woman to court Rafael as long as her son got married in the end.

Delilah believed only a woman like herself with a good family background suited the infamous Rafael Callahan. She had not put so much effort into courting Rafael to let him be snatched up by someone else.

For now, Delilah was happy the maid would not be coming outside with Beatrice.

"Luckily there is some shade to block the sunlight. What did you want to speak about or did you only want Annalise gone?" Beatrice asked as she sat down. She knew Delilah preferred when she was the only one around her.

"The latter," Delilah gave an honest response. "I like when it is just the two of us. I can offer my help with the party you want to plan for Rafael. Will I be given an invitation?"

"Of course dear! Why was that even a question? You have known Rafael too long for me to exclude you. I don't want to block your efforts to get closer to my son. After a long time apart, I see that you still hold feelings for him," Beatrice said, enjoying the young woman's interest in her son. It was a shame she could not meddle or Rafael would get angry with her.

Delilah smiled, already having the perfect dress in mind to make all the attention go to her instead of other women eyeing the spot of Rafael's woman.

"Oh, to be young and love. I am only one of those things," Beatrice joked. After all these years of marriage, she was still happily in love with her husband River just as she had fallen in love with him many, many years ago. "I wish Rafael would experience what I did with his father."

"I hope he will too. Lady Beatrice," Delilah said then took a moment to gather her courage. "I would love to become your daughter-in-law. You might not have heard it yet, but quite a few young women intend on snatching up Rafael as their husband for the upcoming season. If you would only offer me your help."

"Oh dear," Beatrice sighed as Delilah was asking for too much. "I have not changed my stance dear. I cannot help you with what you desire. I will not force him into it. I've had a terrible experience with someone forcing me into a relationship," she said, for a moment thinking back to her youth. "I want Rafael to fall in love on his own. I am just impatient waiting for him to introduce me to a young lady."

Delilah's shoulders slumped as once again she was without Beatrice's help.

Beatrice's heart ached for the young woman. She reached out and took hold of Delilah's hand. "If it is meant to be, it will happen."

"Thank you," Delilah smiled despite her disappointment. Even without Beatrice's help, she was certain she would be the one to marry Rafael. They were close since the moment he settled down here with his family.

"Would you like a glass of water, Lady Beatrice?" Annalise asked, holding a jug of water. She thought the two women could use some to get rid of the heat. "The air out here is nice, but it is still quite hot."

"You read my mind. Would you like a glass of water Delilah?" Beatrice asked. It was the perfect save for her to get over the topic of setting Rafael up with someone.

"No, thank you," Delilah replied, watching Annalise pour water into a glass for Beatrice. "So, what is it about the maid that you like? Last we spoke, you were tired of the ones given to help you."

"Well, Annalise here intrigued me from the moment we met this morning. There's just something about her that I cannot help but love. And I heard a funny story about her and Rafael," Beatrice chuckled, lifting her glass of water to try and hide her smile.

Delilah's eyes widened for a split second before looking at Annalise. What funny story could a maid have with Rafael? 'I knew it. She is one of the maids trying to sleep with him,' she grabbed a handful of her dress under the table.

"What funny story is that?" Delilah asked, unable to help her curiosity.

"I would love to tell you, but I do not want to embarrass Annalise here. Oh, Rafael is coming out to train. That boy doesn't know when to rest. Rafael!" Beatrice screeched, causing Annalise to jump.

Annalise did not think Beatrice had it in her to release such a sound. She felt Beatrice getting ready to scold Rafael in the tone of her voice.

Delilah also stood from her seat to get a look at Rafael. This would be her first time seeing him since his return.

"Rafael! Let the men have a rest. You've just returned and there is already a sword in your hands. Do not ignore me, son! I will come there," Beatrice yelled, meaning every word as she was ready to leave and force him into a bed to rest. She was not going to let him get lost in protecting the people and not taking good care of himself.

'She's scarier than she looks,' Annalise watched Beatrice. She wouldn't put it past Beatrice to jump from the balcony to where Rafael stood and drag him by his ear to bed. 'I want to see it happen.'

Annalise looked over the edge to see how far down of a drop it would be. 'I could make that,' she was certain.

"Rafael!" Delilah called down to him when he finally looked up at where they all stood. "I'm happy to see you," her voice became softer as she followed his gaze. He was not watching his mother or her, unfortunately. Delilah looked to her left at Annalise who was not paying attention to notice Rafael had looked her way. 'Why?' She wondered.

'I can definitely jump down there and not be hurt,' Annalise concluded.