Maye was waiting for her in her chambers, with a bath drawn. Samantha thanked the maid for her kindness, but her reply was that Mrs. Keyes had ordered it as soon as dinner was finished.
Mrs. Keyes: Samantha would have to thank her. Not only had she thought of this kindness, but she’d wisely taken Iris to have a private supper earlier. That way, if there needed to be further discussion on any sensitive topics, they could speak freely at dinner. The woman thought of every detail, and Samantha was intensely grateful.
Soon she was slipping out of her day dress and stepping into the warm, lavish water of the bath. Lavender floated in it, scenting the air. The water was just cooler than hot, and her body seemed to melt into it as she immersed herself in the luxurious warmth. Maye proceeded to unpin her hair, and the mass came down, dipping into the water. Samantha adjusted her position in the bath and leaned forward, allowing Maye to pour a pitcher of water over her head. The warmth seeped into her bones, and she began to feel the weariness of too short a sleep the night before. In short work, her hair was scrubbed with lavender soap and then rinsed. It was peacefully quiet in her room, and she rested in the bath for a few moments. The sound of boots striding down the hall had her opening her eyes and instinctively glancing to the door, but nothing came of the noise, even though she swore she could hear the footsteps pause just outside her door. She shifted in the water, splashing a small amount onto the wood floor.
Maye quickly cleaned up the wayward water, and when Samantha glanced back toward the door, the sound was no longer near.
About a quarter hour later, she was ready for bed, sinking into the lavish comfort of the feather bed. Her eyelids were heavy and her heartbeat had slowed, but the last thought that entered her mind was the memory of her sister’s words.
And she was quite certain she was correct in her assessment.
Tonight, she’d find her rest. For tomorrow, she was absolutely certain, there would be little sleep. And with that delightfully wicked thought, she smiled and drifted to sleep.
