Isabelle
Alfred looked up from a stack of papers on his desk. Isabelle’s face seemed slightly contorted with worry, Alfred felt annoyed at the sight of it. He glanced at the younger woman standing beside his Beloved and wondered if she was the cause of it.
“Miss Elsa Goodwin, requires compensation for the materials she brought for Agatha’s studies.”
Alfred snapped quickly, “Does she? Is Miss Goodwin planning to run off in the night unexpectedly?”
Miss Goodwin smiled and turned her head to the side.
“You find my concerns amusing?” Alfred chastised her. Alfred addressed Isabelle, “Miss Goodwin will receive her funds at the end of the month, like every other servant in this household.”
The amused look vanished from the young woman’s face, Alfred felt pleased at the sight. However he knew the young woman’s displeasure would not sit well with his wife if he were to continue.
“Is that all?” Alfred looked at a stunned Isabelle.
“Yes.” Isabelle turned and left the room. She felt relieved that her husband wasn’t interested in the beautiful tutor. She glanced over he shoulder at the stunning woman. She couldn’t help but think in the back of her mind, that the woman would come to charm Alfred and they would become embroiled in an unnatural affair.
Isabelle showed the girl to the nursery where Agatha was sleeping. Then she ushered Miss Goodwin around to the various places that would be necessary to know. She left the tutor in the kitchen with the off duty staff.
Alfred waited for Isabelle in the parlor. When she returned she was almost shocked to see him standing there.
“Does this tutor offend you in some manner?” Alfred questioned her. “You need not employ her on the insistence of your friend. When you entered my office, your face was adorned with discord. A place I long to see only peace and tranquility. She will not stay here longer than her hours to teach our daughter. She must perform her duties, leave, and lodge elsewhere. I can not have such a tempest within our midst, sowing seeds of discourse within my home.”
Isabelle felt her skin grow pale, “No. I have no concerns with Miss Goodwin.”
Alfred studied her face carefully. “To hide your thoughts from me, is as to lie My Dearest Isabelle. Do not betray my trust again, so soon. If there is a problem, it is your duty as my wife to tell me what you know.”
“There is no problem.” Isabelle said quickly. “I think she beautiful, and intelligent.”
“Far more so than you?” Alfred asked quickly.
Isabelle turned away quickly in shame.
“Dearest Isabelle, you hold my heart in your very hands. My life itself is what you wish of it. Without your presence, I am not the man I want to be. Only you hold that power. I have handed that power to you to wield.” Alfred walked to her and embraced her softly in his arms. “You control my heart, my love, and my very desires. I hunger and thirst only for you. No one can take your place.”