Violet stopped after popping the next button and looked up at Isabella’s back. “I’m sorry, Miss York. I thought you were ready to begin. If it’s more comfortable, I can get undressed in the other room.”

“Yes, please!” Isabella pounced on the offer, nodding vigorously before turning her head slightly. Looking over her shoulder while still trying to hide the embarrassment on her face.

“Very well.” Violet’s hands dropped to scoop up a towel before the doll exited the bathroom to finish elsewhere. Once she was gone, Isabella breathed a small sigh of relief and shut her eyes. This was probably an overreaction and no doubt Violet would think it odd that she cared so much. After all, they were about to see each other in the bath. All of each other. So, why should it matter? However, considering how hot Isabella’s cheeks felt, it apparently mattered a great deal.

She wrestled with that thought the whole time she undressed. As she did so, Isabella neatly laid her clothing across the back of the closest chair. In contrast to haphazardly throwing them in the corner like she normally did. However, before a satisfactory answer could be found to her pondering, a knock at the doorframe indicated Violet had apparently finished and was waiting for the other woman. Damn, she was always so fast! 

“Just a minute!” Isabella sped through the rest of her outfit and then hastily got in the bath. She opted to move toward the front and bring her knees up to cover her chest. Leaving only her back on display above the water. One thing was for sure, Violet’s body was near perfection compared to hers. That was easy enough to tell from the few glimpses she’d caught during their time together. Or the feeling of it pressed to hers during their dancing. And now Violet would see her, see everything! Or nearly everything. That thought had Isabella drawing her legs in tighter before she finally answered. “Alright, you can come in now.”

She heard the subtle tap of feet on the tile as Violet came in and then a faint rustle of a towel dropping away. There was a disturbance in the water behind her and Isabella fought to keep her breath under control and her skin from flushing. As if a person could even do such a thing. Even though Violet had joined her, Isabella remained silent with eyes fixed forward. Doing her best to inspect the lip of the tub in front of her. Another few moments passed and she heard the gentle sound of metal on metal. Probably Violet resting her arms along the top of the tub if she had to guess. They appeared to be mostly waterproof but she guessed the doll still might not want to submerge them. Or maybe it didn’t matter? Was that rude to ask about? Probably…

“Miss York.” 

Her name caused her to jump where she sat but she hastily recovered and cleared her throat. “Y-yes?”

“Would you like me to wash your hair?” 

Violet probably should, right? That’s what she had wanted to do back during that first time and was in line with her duties as a handmaiden anyway. “Oh…yes. Please do.” 

She felt more movement behind her and then a hand came to rest on her shoulder. It was cold compared to the heat of the water but the simple touch caused her chest to warm and her heart to flutter. 

“Miss York, please tilt your head back,” Violet instructed.

Isabella closed her eyes before complying. A second later, she felt the hand move to her forehead and then Violet began to pour water over her hair. It took a few full cups before it was finally wet enough and, once it was, Violet reached for the soap, lathered her hands, and began to work it in.

“I’ve never actually done this before, for someone else. Is it to your liking, Miss York?”

“Yes. Thank you, Violet.” Isabella leaned back even further to let her handmaiden continue with ease. It was interesting that she said she hadn’t done this to anyone else considering how well she was doing. The pressure was delicate, but firm enough to work through the mass of wet tangles. Even if Violet rarely showed any kind of emotion, her touch was gentle and relayed a warmth all its own. “Come to think of it, this is the first time someone has done this for me. I’ve only ever washed someone else’s hair.”

“Is that so? Who was it?”

Violet’s question caused Isabella to open her eyes for a few moments while she considered her answer. If she would answer. Ultimately though…

“It was for my sister, Taylor.” The fact the words even slipped out surprised her. She hadn’t spoken about the young girl to anyone since their separation. Not that her adoptive father would permit such a discussion. That’s better left in the past, he would always say. Isabella felt the fingers in her hair pause for a moment before they resumed their work. 

“I wasn’t aware you had a sister. The letter I received discussing this assignment made no mention of her.” 

Isabella hugged her knees closer to her chest before letting out a sigh. Of course, it didn’t. Why mention the person used to bring me to heel? A small smile even kicked up onto her lips but it was one born of sarcasm and spite instead of happiness. “No, I suppose it wouldn’t. She is much younger than I am and our relationship is of no consequence to my father, or my purpose.” No real lies there, but the statement gave the truth of the situation a wide berth.

She wished she could’ve given Taylor an experience like the one she was receiving, a proper bath in a big tub like this. Thankfully, the young girl never seemed to mind washing in a basin on the floor of their one-room apartment. Then again, if Isabella could provide something like this on her own, the young girl wouldn’t be in an orphanage. She continued to brood and reminisce through the remainder of the wash and rinse. It wasn’t until she heard Violet’s voice again that she stirred from her mind.

“Miss York, I’m done with your hair. Do you need help washing further?”

The thought of the handmaiden’s fingers venturing anywhere else on her person immediately flooded her mind with embarrassment and her cheeks with a blush. Even if she had invited the doll in here originally. It was a good thing she sat turned away from her at the moment. “No! Uh…no. It’s fine, I can do it myself.”

After a pause and a deep breath to steady her voice, she turned her head until she barely picked up the form of Violet in her peripheral vision. “Would you like me to do your hair next? It’s only fair.” Isabella turned her head back around then and waited for the reply in an attempt to avoid the temptation to let her eyes wander. Especially if Violet might observe her do so.

“Are you sure? You don’t have to. That’s expected of me and my role. Though, I admit I am curious.” Hearing that she had even minimal interest was good enough for Isabella. So, she turned in the tub, eyes immediately affixing to Violet’s.

“Yes, yes. I’m sure. Go on, turn around.” A single hand came up so her fingers could perform a little swirling motion, indicating the handmaiden should do the same with her body. Mercifully, Violet complied immediately and she was spared the awkwardness of continuing to face her. Once Isabella was graced with the sight of the pale, long back, she moved forward until she was nearly touching Violet. Up that close, something else caught her eye. Scars. There were ones near where her arm transitioned from skin to prosthetic, of course. But there were others seemingly at random. Were these…from fighting? Her curiosity almost overcame her budding manners but Isabella eventually managed to shove the questions to the back of her mind. Instead, she returned her attention to the blonde hair in front of her. 

First, the braids needed to be addressed. The student’s hands trembled slightly as they came up, before grasping the red ribbons that secured Violet’s hair in place. Another deep breath and Isabella tugged them free to let the braids fall. Whereupon she leaned over the side to place them atop the bath mat for safekeeping. Next, she worked each braid apart, careful to avoid causing her companion any discomfort with her pulling. Complete, the blonde hair lay across Violet’s back, wavy from where it had been bound and bent into shape.

Now that Violet’s hair was free and undone, Isabella reached over the edge and scooped up the same vessel the handmaiden used. One that came to a spout to make pouring water easier. After the water started to flow, Violet similarly let her head fall back. Her arms remained atop either side of the tub with her legs stretched out before her. Not in full, just as far as they would go before running out of space.

After thoroughly wetting the blonde tresses, Isabella lathered up her hands and then reached forward to work in the soap. As the minutes went by, the shakiness in her touch gradually became less prominent until it was like she was back with Taylor. “If you haven’t washed anyone’s hair before, I’m assuming you haven’t had yours washed either?” 

“I have. In the hospital that treated me.”

Of course! Violet had probably spent a lot of time in at least one medical facility considering how extensive her injuries were. No doubt a nurse or someone else would’ve helped clean her. That was to be expected. So, why was Isabella…disappointed? Jealous? What was this feeling?

“However, I can’t remember much. I spent a lot of time slipping in and out of consciousness during that time. I don’t believe I had the opportunity to sit in a bath like this.”

Hearing Violet’s further explanation put a little pep back into her step, so to speak. Evident by how her hands seemed to come back to life in the blonde hair. “I see, that makes sense. Well, I’m happy to be able to give a proper wash for the first time. How do you like it so far?” Isabella was pouring everything she had into the experience for Violet. Practically giving her a massage on top of a simple washing.

“It feels pleasant. I’m happy we could share this moment, Miss York.”

The words brought a smile to Isabella’s lips as she continued. Washing done, she then began to rinse the handmaiden’s hair until no soap remained. Whereupon Isabella sat back in the tub and admired her work. “All done. Now to finish up on our own and–” 

Hearing that Isabella was complete, Violet immediately turned. Which cut off the rest of the sentence Isabella had begun. Caught off guard, her eyes briefly (but thoroughly) scanned over the lithe figure across from her before hastily closing them shut. 

“Miss York?”

Oh no, oh no, oh no. I looked so long and saw so much! The last image of Violet was seared into her mind, a fact that made her cheeks blush a deep red. And now she was trying to get her attention!

“Miss York, are you alright? You don’t look well.”

Not trusting her voice, Isabella nodded vigorously in an attempt to signal she was fine. However, having her eyes closed in such a state wasn’t doing much for that assertion.

“Are you sure? Your face seems very flush, did we stay in the hot water too long?”

This was getting worse by the moment, Violet’s voice now had a note of concern to it. Isabella had to calm down. Had to speak before Violet did something. “I-I’m fine, really!” Slowly she managed to open her eyes in an attempt to further alleviate any worry. However, she let her gaze drop to her own body, feigning inspection so she wasn’t looking across the tub. If they stayed in here though, it may only get more awkward. 

“On second thought, I am feeling a little warm. Can you get me a towel? Please.”

“Of course. Please wait here.” Isabella could hear the water sloshing around the tub as Violet stood to comply with the request. Her chin came up and her head turned to watch the handmaiden go, eyes continuing their exploration now that Violet’s back was to her. Which felt a little underhanded, but Isabella’s curiosity was getting the better of her judgment in this at least. Watching Violet move was practically mesmerizing. There was an overall air of power and elegance to the muscles that took her gracefully across the room.

Once Violet reached the pile of towels, she picked one up and then wrapped it around herself. Covering up the entirety of her chest and upper legs. With that in place, she reached for another and then walked back to the tub to find Isabella looking off in another direction. “Here you are.”

Violet let the towel fall open and stood with arms raised so that the whole thing sat ready to be wrapped around Isabella’s much more frail body. To avoid some embarrassment in that regard, she stood with her back towards her handmaiden. Who then wrapped it around her shoulders before stepping back so she could also exit the water as well. 

“Thank you.” After adjusting the towel so it also covered anything private, Isabella turned and stepped out of the bathtub onto the mat to dry her feet. Violet smiled and nodded then, before turning and making her way out of the bathroom. Mostly likely to give Isabella the same privacy she’d requested at the start. 

Once they were both dry and changed, the two women fell easily into the rest of their nightly routine. This was capped off with Isabella letting herself fall back into the waiting pillows, a “hmph!” and a sigh of relief once her body was enveloped by that softness. It had been a long day and she was happy that she could finally rest in the large, comfortable bed. Even if it meant sleep would soon bring the next day. Violet continued to blow out the candles in her usual fashion until she too climbed into her bed with a soft, “Good night, Miss York.” 

Tonight’s activities had left Isabella feeling nostalgic and, as the minutes passed, a creeping sense of loneliness began to fill her chest lying in the bed alone. Another moment and she turned to observe the still form of her friend. “Violet, are you awake?” After a moment of rustling, she too turned and then sat up, brushing a few errant strands of hair from her face before looking over at where Isabella lay.

“Yes. Did you need something, Miss York?”

Isabella shook her head while it was still pressed to the pillow, then sat up as well. “No, but… ” So far, Violet had done everything she asked. Why then, did she hesitate here? “Come share my bed. There is plenty of room for the both of us and it’s probably more comfortable than the one for servants.”

In the dim light, Isabella could see the handmaiden’s eyes drop to the large bed itself. “This bed is acceptable; however, I will join you if that’s what you want.” 

In response, Isabella nodded and then used one hand to throw the large blanket back to make room. As she did this, Violet stood and grabbed one of her pillows before crossing the short distance between their beds.

“Is this also what friends do?” The handmaiden asked, even as she lowered herself down into the waiting space made for her.

Isabella shrugged in response. “I’m not sure…Taylor and I used to sleep like this sometimes. I think it helped her sleep at night.” It was funny then, that she was the one who wanted to comfort of another person next to her. Not just any person, though. 

Once Violet was seated, she reached over and grabbed the edge of the blankets to bring them further up Isabella’s body, tucking the young woman in. Afterward, she lay back and rested her head on her pillow, opposite Isabella’s view. Even if they weren’t touching, it was still comforting to feel the weight from another person in the bed. The last thing the Isabella remembered seeing before nodding off to sleep were those clear, blue eyes staring back at her.