The Painter's Muse

rs of Clara's dreams, rudely jolting her awake. As she blinke

etching her limbs reluctantly. The prospect of the cleaning s

the door. Panic fluttered in her chest momentarily. The door was locked from t

there?" a voice calle

ered in response, her mind

that realization sparked a quest for the perfect covering. Clara's

or silk veils here?" she groaned. The oversight struck her as abs

ack later if you want," the vo

e in a minute, just wait," Clara replied,

, however, were impractically heavy, and using her garments would mean appearing unclad befo

herself, a grin forming on her lips. "Who kne

the workers deliberated

just be sitting or continuing he

we should

to a bewildering sight: Clara's nakedness. It was the mo

supposed to

my l

a male worker witho

m.

ave male colleagues as housekeep

y lady and they're aroun

exclaimed, compl

nk it'll be wise to lend

, staring in disgust a

only male among them whose gaze wou

M

oth I'm starin

Edward,

your ability to foolishly gaze at extremely beautiful maidens that are so incompatibl

y," Edward muttered. He continued to lustful

ne already," he sa

our master's wife." Martha scolde

l her fart," he mutt

t, "You di

a glimpse of her naked body. "Why are you wit

the cleaners came," she reto

employees because she was already furious, bu

le housekeepers," Nicholas informed

more strategic approach. "Oh, how progressive of you, my dear. I suppose we're in the

ituation to stay in control, her tone cutting right through the tension in the room. "I'm ge

but revel in the small victory. "I'll make sure to offer them my s

d only nod in response. Clara, satisfied with her strategic def

d at the forenoon and before you complain about distance, it's taking

cholas. I'm not going," Clar

't even try to act sick; it won't save you

aid waited to receive her, a sponge, and other bathing equipment placed i

ne was pleasant-her bath time. She always looked forward to it since she got to feel th

sband assign you t

dy, my sis

not know this?" Clara asked,

's junior si

o much it sent literal chills down

okay, m

s....

sy. She wanted more, but

t momentarily distracted her from the complexities of her world. The cool water, the gentle touch, and the

e attending the equestrian show, my lady," Aal

ara replied with a sigh. "But let's not dwe

sion, a connection forged in the simple act of conversation. The slave maid, usually invisible in

ed her a soft towel. "Thank you, A

"It's an hon

door behind her, there

ust be

er," Nichola

I'll leave you two to enjoy your brief roma

e, indeed," she muttered under her breath, unable to re

dy," Laura said, extendin

" Clara replied with a forced smile, her displea

discontent. "Trouble

, her frustration evident. "And now he insists on dragging m

d, "Men and their eccentric

ht as well. Let's

signed to me when I got married to Nicholas, and over the years, o

our household into a spectacle wi

araderie. "A spectacle, my lady? You alway

e. "It's the only way to survi

you believe it? As if my sanc

eftly working on the dress.

orced to endure. Nicholas seem

usual grace, my lady," Laura

ial one in this world," Clara said, re

touch a comforting presence. "You've face

my anchor through it all. I'

And I, for yours. Now, let's get thr

curiously at the painting veiled with Clara's garm

re you

pep talk I gave on the ve

ses carry?" He asked

pledged allegiance to Lady Clara nev

athered around, their eyes shifting between t

Lady Clara won't mind a little peek,"

to decide. Those paintings are Lady Clara's private creations, a

s eyes. "Well, it wouldn't hurt to have a

finding amusement in the ban

A little peek won't hurt anyone

Garden of Eve. "No peeking, and that's final. Lady Clara entr

atrically. "You'r

l do as you're tol

rriage driven by Billy, her childhood friend. Just as he p

looks good on you; I doubt Nicholas can handle all this goodness I see and th

ife in that manner and of all people, Don Nich

ow you my mercy one more time, but it'll be wise for you to mute your yapping lips before my husband help

ity. The audacious flirtation only added to the mounting frustrations of the day. I

learn boundaries

strian show and leave the likes of Billy to their fo

ll hate the idea of it." Clara said,

ne streets became a soothing bac

h his mischievous grin continued with hi

r change, do they?" She rema

a tough nut to crack, Clara.

attempts are getting m

ng, especially when faced w

e her, couldn't con

ven kiss Billy. You work for me now so act as an employee before

red to face the public display of equestrian prowess. Little did they know, beh