Beauty and the Brit -Chapter 17: Day One (Patreon)

HEY RA, ALIA, COURTNEY, ROBYN, CARFLY AND STACI THANK YOU SO SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! SO GLAD TO GIVE YOU EARLY ACCESS TO THE NEWEST CHAPTER!

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: DAY ONE

When Paige awoke in the large, comfortable bed, she felt as though she were still dreaming. It was slightly disorienting and took her a second as she stared upward from the four-poster bed to recall reality. She grinned and squealed as she stretched out in the bed, feeling like a princess in a castle. This might as well be a castle gosh! she thought silently as she recalled the square footage of this house and all its huge, elegant rooms and decor.

After a few more moments of reflection, she began to feel reality hitting her harder than before. She was in England. She had followed Derick DeBurgh to his home overseas! She was staying in his manor house. She had left her life behind for an all-expenses paid holiday in a gorgeous foreign country full of history and excitement! This was real!

With a shaking hand, she found her phone (which had been plugged in using a special wall adapter) and checked for messages from Rae. Her friend was freaking out, in a good way, for Paige. She of course wanted to know every single second of Paige’s trip and laughing Paige decided to film a short video to tour the room right from her bed.

“So as you can see it’s like a freaking fairytale right now; I still can’t believe I’m… I cannot believe this is the room I get to stay in!” she stressed, “Rae I wish I could just fly you over for the night just to like freak out here with me! Guess we’ll just have to do it over Skype or something later. I’ll email throughout the day on Skype and stuff letting you know what I get up to. And please give me a four hour window to reply to you before you panic!” she laughed, “I mean there’s at least a six hour time difference between us right now so yeah. Love you and just want to let you know that it’s been like a dream so far; I’ll let you know when I am either kicked out of this house because it was all an elaborate prank for a TV show or when I wake up from this dream or outta this coma or whatever is going on here! Bye! Snickerdoodles!” Paige concluded, using the code word the two had decided on that Paige should say at the end of her emails and videos to let Rae know she was doing good. If the code word wasn’t used, Paige was perhaps distressed and/or in trouble. Silly and paranoid perhaps but also not an entirely bonkers idea…

Looking at the time Paige realized she had a little bit before Derick was expecting her downstairs for their agreed breakfast together. So she crawled out of bed and used the toilet then sat in her PJs on one of the comfortable chairs by the fireplace to write a journal entry about her experience. She’d been given one special from Cornelia who had found a lovely medieval inspired one in stock at the store that would work well to document Paige’s travels. It was hardcover with a quilted faux leather front and a kind inscription from her boss and business partner telling her to always enjoy the small things and to celebrate the magnificent things with equal glory. Paige loved it and was very pleased to use it. She knew she’d look back on all she wrote in it with fondness.

Satisfied with what she had put down (she’d already written some on the plane so she didn’t have as much to catch up on), Paige went to get dressed. She had a hard time choosing an outfit —especially not knowing what she’d be doing with her day— but eventually she settled on a simple grey t-shirt and dark navy jeans. She could always dress it up with a coat or jewelery later and this way she felt simple and comfortable and didn’t look too expectant of extravagant plans for the day.

“Good morning Paige; you alright?” Derick greeted warmly as she entered the dining room a couple minutes before nine. Today he was dressed in a polo shirt of light blue, pressed khaki shorts and ankle socks. His hair was combed, but not styled and Paige blushed as she found him incredibly handsome. “Glad you found your way here! Any troubles?”

“N-no,” she admitted, “I actually surprised myself!”

He chuckled with her and pulled out a chair for her to sit down. She blushed softly.

Once he was seated, and she was offered some water or tea that was already upon the table, he spoke again, “How was your sleep?”

“Oh my gosh the most comfortable!” she gushed, “Thank you so much Derick everything was absolutely perfect! Let your staff know too, please. It was the perfect end to the day and I didn’t wake up once during the night, which I anticipated I might.”

“Brilliant! I’m quite glad to hear that because I know jet-lag can be a– well, right rotten,” he concluded.

She nodded and sipped her water thoughtfully.

“Well are you ready to start eating?” he inquired after a second.

“Sure.”

“Great. I’ll let them know we’re ready. Sounds like we’re getting a mixture of things this morning. Would you like someone to join us?” he went on, almost as a sudden after thought.

“Oh uh not unless you want to or you think it’s better or uh if everyone normally eats in here like we did for dinner. I don’t want to break up the normal flow of things around here,” she admitted bashfully.

“Everyone generally eats at different times most days. And most of the staff eat in their own flats in the staff housing anyway,” he pointed out, “but a couple of them sometimes take tea or a mid-morning meal. If you want more company someone will definitely be happy to join us.”

“Oh… Oh it’s not necessary,” she dismissed with a slight blush. He nodded and got up to let someone know he and Paige were ready to eat.

A man called Daniel –whom she’d met yesterday followed Derick back in shortly with a rolling cart that held the food which he distributed onto the table. There was toast, jams, butter, a small platter of scrambled eggs, a bowl of fruit cocktail, milk, orange and apple juice and a couple of strudels as well as a pot of hot water, box of teas and a small pot of coffee.

“Wow this is so great thank you!” Paige expressed to both men who smiled at the gratitude and compliment.

“Enjoy!” Daniel bade them before going back to the kitchen with the cart.

“Dig in, as they say,” Derick laughed gently as he gestured at everything inviting her to fill her plate first.

She did so, shyly, and after a few moments Derick did too which made her a bit less self-conscious.

The two began to eat happily, making chit-chat about the food, about her stay in the room and about Rae briefly too.

Once they were well tucked into the meal and things were at a more comfortable and casual pace, her companion spoke up about something with a little more weight, “So regarding the galas and dinners and so forth,” Derick began, “I want you to know that you’re in no way obligated to join me for any of them but if you’re interested to I’d be happy to take you along as a ‘plus one’. I always am given a ‘plus one’ but Martin only likes coming with me so much before he gets bored,” Derick teased and Paige laughed at his joke.

“Well actually I… I mean if you’re willing and I’m not...going to be awkwardly unaware of what’s going on and stuff I’d love to attend at least one with you,” she admitted somewhat shyly. She didn’t want to be too eager. After all, not all the dinners were likely to be as they were back at Brickbridge Hospital. Some were probably held in dining halls with tons of older people, wealthy people or any other sorts of people she might have no hope in knowing how to socialize with.

“I would always make sure you were comfortable,” he promised, “I swear I would never drag you along only to have you sit or stand while I chat incessantly with the other guests. Besides, it would be nice to have a lifeline of you to talk to or each other to lean on when things seem unbearable,” he mused. “W-what I mean by that is ehm you recall when I spoke about talking with people about things and you just feel like they’re making conversation to be polite? That sort of thing. If I had you along we’d probably engage less in such things since we’d have the excuse of either introducing you to someone new or just talk to one another in the first place. And if you were ever getting bored, I’d make sure we did something to alleviate that.

“Look I’m rubbish on trying to sell this idea to you but basically what I am offering is a chance to see these banquets from the other side, get to see some pretty lovely places that host these things, get to dress up and be wined and dined and...and I guess let you learn a bit more about what I do since I so admire what you do for a living.

“And if it’s too much or bores you or interferes with you having a perfect holiday here in England then you’re definitely allowed to say no or go home er I mean just depart the party early, if need be.”

She chuckled softly, slightly blushing. “Derick I would like to come,” she nodded, “At least to one.”

He smiled. “Brilliant. Well, there’s one tomorrow night in Chelsea if that’s not too soon for you.”

“No it’s not,” she returned with a smile, “What should I wear?”

“Ah. That. Well, most of these things are formal so a dress for you is quite expected.”

“I did bring a few,” she admitted, “But how formal are we talking?”

“Like… quite. It’s what would be called a ‘Black-Tie Event’,” Derick spoke and Paige nodded in understanding.

“I have at least one dress I brought that would work for that,” she replied confidently.

“Brilliant. Well…” He suddenly looked down and to the side, looking a bit contemplative and shy.

“Derick what is it?” Paige asked with amusement and a developing anxiousness.

“I don’t want you to shoot it down or hate me but...would you allow me to let you go shopping for a dress or two?”

She stared at him as he returned his blue eyes onto her, his cheeks a slightly darker colour than before.

“Well…”

“I-I know it sounds...very uh cliche and actually horrible now that I’ve voiced it. Your dresses are absolutely fine I’ve no doubt of it but I just… suddenly got the urge to uh offer you in case you’d… A-as I don’t know your tastes perhaps this is simply awful but I… If you’d like it you could go gown shopping and choose a piece or two to keep. Some women love the experience and I...I suddenly thought to offer that to you but now I’m regretting saying anything at all—”

“Actually uh,” Paige spoke up, blushing a bit at the thought that Derick wanted to give her a wonderful experience; one that was yes a stereotypical girl daydream come true but all the same a very sweet gesture, “I… I think that might be amazing but… I feel weird at the thought of having you get me something since it’s really unnecessary. I’d be happy to shop for myself and buy something if I like it enough.”

“Oh of course I… I didn’t mean to suggest— well, naturally if you wish to do so but some of the gowns I know run a bit pricey especially if it’s in the shops I’ve been to. I didn’t want...I do not want you to spend your money on something that’s… that’s my invitation to come to. If you want to join, it’s in my interest to pay for the outing; outfit and all. I-if you’ll allow me,” he blushed.

“Well yeah but I… I just don’t want to take advantage of you,” she blushed even darker than him.

“It’s not at all,” he promised, “I told you before you came over that I’d make your trip as all-inclusive as I could at my own cost. Something like this I am very happy to oblige to. But if you’d rather wear your own garments please don’t let me get in the way of that. I am not offering because I want you to wear something that I’ll approve of or something. It’s more that I had the idea you might like to choose something special to dress up in; have a shopping sort of...spree do we call this? Perhaps not spree as you’re not replacing your wardrobe,” he mused and she laughed and shook her head agreeing with his statement.

“I think shopping for dresses would be fun,” she agreed, “and if I don’t find anything I like or it’s like hundreds of doll— sorry pounds then I’ll just enjoy the experience for what it was and wear one of my own dresses to the dinner,” she declared.

Derick gave a nod of confirmation though in his head he worried that she’d never pick a gown unless she shopped at some of the typical everyday stores like Primark or H&M or Topshop (Not that there’s anything wrong with those shops Derick thought quickly to himself). He’d just had a couple of boutiques in mind.

“Eh may I make you a deal?” he asked slowly, “The shops I have in mind are a bit...more suited to these sorts of events which means the costs might possibly be over one hundred pounds. May we make a deal to...try one of those places out?”

Paige realized how nervous he sounded and she realized that he didn’t want to upset her. Perhaps he was so used to shopping upscale that now realizing she expected and wanted to do things on a lower budget scale he was having to reevaluate and compromise. She took a brief moment in her own head to acknowledge this and decided it was only fair to meet him halfway. “Yes Derick, I...I’m sorry that I probably blew your plans up when I spoke just now about keeping things under a certain amount. I’ll go to whatever place you think is best but I just don't want you spending a small fortune on me that’s all. Your charity could use the money instead of it being...well not wasted on me but instead of it being used towards me when I am sure I could find something suitable that won’t be a huge cost that’s all,” she tried to explain gently.

He smiled with some relief and nodded. “I believe we are both of the same mind on that,” he agreed, “I won’t spend a small fortune; we’ll spend no more than any young woman would on their...what do you call it ‘prom’ dress? Something like that. Just something simple and elegant and maybe a little more cost than you might choose for yourself but I promise it won’t be extravagant alright?”

Paige nodded.

“Actually come to think of it, I do have someone I know that was involved in our entrepreneurial grants a couple years ago to start up a fashion thing. I’ll see if she might have something. Then, we’re supporting someone’s independent business and also getting you something lovely,” Derick realized.

That put a smile to Paige’s face. “Sounds great.”

“I’ll give a call now and then you’ll have either today or tomorrow to shop. Ehm… are you wanting someone for hair and makeup also?” he inquired.

Paige was surprised and began to blush a little again. “Oh uh no I mean well… maybe? If it’s really fancy I don’t want to feel like I’m… Sure just the once,” she agreed.

“I should have prefaced it by saying that I have a woman on my staff who is lovely at it; does it on the side at weddings. Er, for weddings. I’ll ask for her help if that suits you alright. Then you don’t have to feel guilty about us finding someone and having to drive out to them or vice versa.”

Paige was pleased by that. “Great. That’s really great. Thank you.”

The subsequent shopping trip truly was like a dream. There were gowns of all shapes and sizes and styles and Paige almost spent an entire afternoon trying on and gushing over the contents of the store.

“I don’t know how I’m going to choose just one,” she admitted, “honestly.”

“Then don’t,” Natalie, the owner and part-time designer of the store declared, “Mr. DeBurgh has been so kind to me and to getting this business off the ground. I’d be pleased to have you wear some of my gowns on the house as a thank you. And if you don’t mind me saying so, a little bit of free advertising doesn’t hurt when it’s on a lovely woman such as yourself showing off the dress just by wearing it,” she gushed.

Paige’s cheeks burned. “But…”

“He’s already compensated me for more than the cost of one dress; don’t worry about taking a few out with you today.”

“I-I really couldn’t.”

“Then...how about on loan? Take all the ones you like that fit you and then if you attend more than one gala you’ll have a choice and after all’s said and done you can have them brought back here minus like two or three. You can keep two or three if you can’t pick just two,” she smiled knowingly.

“I… I don’t know what to say. Th-thank you this is… thank you.”

“It’s a win-win in my eyes. You’re welcome Paige. I can call you Paige, right?”

“Oh yeah absolutely! Of course!”

So, Paige left the store with the promise that five gowns would be delivered to DeBurgh Manor later that day, free of charge. Derick, of course, sent the driver with a large tip for making the journey out and a call personally thanking Natalie too.

“By the way I had the dresses sent up to your room immediately,” Derick told Paige at what would become their nightly habit of “tea-time” together, “I don’t want to know what you picked out unless you wear it for something,” he went on. “Perhaps it’s a bit silly of me but…”

“No, no not silly,” she dismissed from her position of watching him through the steam rising from her cuppa. She actually thought it was kind of sweet –and dare she say romantic.

He smiled with some relief and carried on, “Daisy can do your hair and makeup for tomorrow night. She says she wishes to get a start around three just to be certain of enough time.”

“Tell her thank you and I’ll be ready for whenever and wherever she wants me to be,” Paige assured. Derick gave a curt nod and the plans were set. Paige would be able to get ready in her own room and Derick’s willing staff member would help with everything she needed.

Now, if only the excitement and weird remnants of jet-lag would dissipate so that Paige could get some sleep!