Warning: Mentions death.

****

A week passed before Helena Ashford finally made her return to Barrington Hall to meet Nova's new lady maid. She'd heard the news through her own ladies maid, and being the person she was, Helena knew she had to see this young lady for herself.

Although given her last encounter with Nova was somewhat strained, Helena debated rather she'd dare return. However being the assertive woman that she was, she decided to just go, regardless. Besides, Nova was far too polite to simply throw her out.

As Helena approached Barrington Hall, Talia was out on the second floor balcony, airing out some bedding from one of the unused rooms and saw the woman approaching, her mouth pinched into a sour pucker. Talia slowed her movements, studying this woman with a strange curiosity.

A moment later, when Helena was being ushered into the drawing room, where Nova was reclining by the fire and enjoying a cup of tea, Talia clamored down the servants staircase, hurrying into the hallway and standing just out of sight, curious about this visitor.

Talia heard Nova greet the woman, but didn't miss her cool, polite tone. Talia's curiosity was beginning to get the best of her. She thought perhaps she'd simply enter the room anyways and hope that Miss Barrington wouldn't be cross with her over it.

However, just as Talia was about to enter, she stopped cold, a shiver running down her spine, as this...intruder dared to breathe her name.

"Why, yes," Miss Barrington said. "I recently hired Miss Mason as my ladies maid."

The woman, whom apparently was called, Helena, huffed in disapproval as Miss Barrington politely sipped her tea, waiting for her friend's composure.

"Are you positive it's quite safe?" Helena asked.

"What precisely are you implying?" Nova asked.

"You know absolutely nothing about this young woman," Helena replied.

"That's completely false," Nova said. "I know that she's a dedicated worker and has a kind heart."

"She's been here, a week?" Helena questioned. Nova nodded. "That's hardly enough time for you to jump to that conclusion."

"Just because you're paranoid about your servants backgrounds, doesn't mean I share that sentiment," Nova calmly replied. "Oh, by the way, Lord Corbin stopped in last week. I suppose you'll be attending his party?"

"Indeed," Helena replied. She eyed her friend, a strange jealousy filling her belly. "He asked you to be his special guest."

Nova sighed. She was already dreading attending the party. Especially when she knew full well that everyone would be inquiring rather she intended to wed Lord Corbin.

"He has. I reluctantly agreed to."

"Why?" Helena's voice dropped. "I know you're not particularly interested in Milton Corbin, romantically."

"He's an old friend," Nova said quietly.

"Some friend," Helena spat out, disdain written all over her face. "He's using you and the worst part? You couldn't care less." Nova's features sharpened.

"Don't speak ill of Milton." Her tone crisp. "He's not what I desire in a partner, but he's not the terrible man you make him out to be, either."

Helena scoffed. "His parents made a pact with yours, to barter your life away, even before you were a year old. Not to mention, that ghastly business of them quietly disposing of his true love."

"Yes," Nova said coldly. "His parents. Not him. It's unfair to condemn a man for the sins of his family."

"Why ever not? People do it all the time," Helena argued. Nova opened her mouth to reply, but Talia chose that moment to enter the room, curtsying in front of her employer. Immediately Nova softened.

Helena looked Talia up and down, scrutinizing her appearance. She did not miss the plain affection on the young lady's face and Helena was instantly suspicious.

"Helena, allow me to introduce my ladies maid, Miss Talia Mason," Nova said brightly. Talia reluctantly turned, curtsying before Helena.

"It's a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma'am," Talia said softly. Helena's stoic gaze bored into Talia's and she fought the urge to slap the woman across her porcelain cheek.

"Miss Mason." Helena's tone was sharp as she addressed Talia. "Have you been trained as a proper ladies maid?" Talia's cheeks flushed scarlet as she shook her head.

"I see." Helena stared at her a few moments longer before shifting her gaze back to Nova. "I trust you properly interviewed her and learned of this?"

Nova nodded, unperturbed. She allowed her own gaze to rake over Talia's fine form and the earlier desire was stirring within her. She shifted restlessly.

"I did. However, I've found that Miss Mason is quite the quick study. She's been doing wonderfully. Almost better than some of those properly trained."

Talia's spirits soared at Nova's kind words, if only for a brief moment. She smiled at Nova, curtsying again, asking to be released. Nova immediately granted her her leave and Talia hurried from the room, eager to leave Miss Ashford and her judgements behind.

"She's too bold," Helena remarked.

"How so?" Nova frowned thoughtfully. "I thought she was perfectly mannerly."

"You'd think a chimney sweep had proper manners, if he tipped his hat to you," Helena said sharply. Nova stared at her friend.

"You know, Helena, I never understood why you're so....resistant towards anyone who ranks lower than you. It's quite...unbecoming. It's no shock you're still not married."

Helena hesitated, shame flooding her before she took offense. She knew she was often judgemental and her own dearly departed mother had often spoken of it. Helena often thought her mother too soft, too weak, too generous. Yet she was beloved by many. Including their servants.

"I..I beg your pardon," Helena mumbled. Nova reached out, placing a gentle hand on her friend's, offering a soft smile.

"There! No need to be shame faced, Helena. The offense is already forgiven."

"I..thank you, Nova. You're far too lenient towards my sharp tongue," Helena said rather stiffly. Nova patted Helena's hand and removed hers. Helena stood.

"I must be off. I have an appointment with my father's old solicitor this afternoon." Nova's brow creased.

"Nothing unseemly, I hope?"

"No. Just some unexpected funds that he apparently overlooked after father's burial," Helena assured her friend.

"Ah. Of course." Helena bid a hasty goodbye and quickly left. Nova, still feeling somewhat restless, immediately stood, ringing for Edie to come to remove her tea things. Nova hurried up the stairs, eager to find Miss Mason.

****

Talia was busy stripping Miss Barrington's bed when Miss Barrington herself hurtled herself through the doorway, looking somewhat breathless. Immediately, Talia properly acknowledged her employer.

"My lady."

"You're well, I hope?" Nova clasped her hands in front of her, regaining her regal stance as she stepped closer to Talia.

"Of course, my lady." Talia paused, wondering if perhaps she dared to speak her mind. "May I speak candidly?"

"Please," Nova encouraged.

"Your..your friend is rather..blunt, is she not?"

"She is," Nova agreed amicably. "It's..difficult to endure at times."

"She seems your opposite, my lady," Talia commented, setting aside the dirty bedding and began making it back up with fresh bedding.

"Miss Ashford's father was a rather difficult man," Nova explained. "He was extremely strict with her when she was growing up, and I'm afraid it made Miss Ashford rather unkind."

"What of Miss Ashford's mother?" Talia inquired.

"Her mother was a lovely soul. So kind and gentle, the opposite of her father. Sadly, she passed before Miss Ashford's twelfth birthday."

"How tragic," Talia agreed, finishing with the bed moving collect the soiled linens again.

"Yes. I don't believe Miss Ashford has ever recovered from her mother's death." Nova paused. "I just wanted you to understand why she's so..blunt. Not to make excuses for her, of course."

"Of course. Well, if you'll excuse me, my lady, I should get these linens to the wash," Talia said.

"And to make certain that you weren't terribly..upset," Nova blurted out. Talia froze, staring openly at Miss Barrington.

"You..you were concerned about my personal feelings?"

"Yes." Nova stepped closer, stretching out her hand, her fingers lightly grazing across Talia's. The two women were locked in a daydream, neither caring to break the spell of this unexpected and tender moment.

Talia's heart was thudding so roughly against her ribcage, she half expected it to burst out of her chest flop upon the floor. She couldn't seem to break the eye contact with Miss Barrington.

"Talia?" Nova's voice was barely above a whisper.

"I'm..I'm quite...well, my..lady," Talia murmured. Nova reluctantly dropped her hand, her own heart thudding rhythmically against her chest.

"I'm pleased. I'd feel horribly if I knew that Miss Ashford had morally wounded you."

"I've had harsher words spoken against me," Talia responded, although inwardly, she was pleased to hear Miss Barrington say those words to her. Nova smiled, a tender, genuine smile and Talia returned the gesture.

"I'll just see to these linens," Talia repeated and Nova nodded. As she turned away, her heart was singing.