by KT Grant
Miss Crane seized Mina by the hair and dragged her around the room, screaming insults and words no proper lady should say. Mina thrashed about. Soon they were surrounded, and Lord Simon looped his arms around Mina’s waist while Miss Crane’s father hauled his daughter away. The guests watched in horror, whispering to one another.
Ellie’s time here had come to an end. She checked the patio to see if it was deserted. Satisfied she was alone, she darted out from the foliage and, taking one last look over her shoulder, scurried across the lawn. A figure materialized in front of her. She cut off a scream and froze in her tracks, her heart pounding in her ears.
Standing before her was the woman Lord Robert had been trying to impress on the patio. The lady stared down at her as if she was some sort of novelty. She then blinked and her forehead knitted.
Terror-stricken, Ellie waited for the woman to accuse her of being a thief.
“It’s you.”
“Huh?” Fear stopped her from speaking correctly.
“I saw you early today. You were holding a basket with a cat covered with a red cloth of some sort.”
The woman gave her a tender smile and held out her hand. Ellie backed away, ready to flee.
“Don’t be afraid. I’m not going to rat you out. I understand how servants like to see how the upper crust lives. You are one, correct?” The woman dropped her hand and looked at her expectantly.
Ugh, what a snob. Ellie inhaled through her nose. What was the use in arguing with the lady’s opinion? She wouldn’t believe her if she told her otherwise.
“How do you know I’m the one you spotted on the street? You could be mistaken.” Ellie stuck out her chin in a form of defiance and met the woman’s stare instead of lowering her face in supplication.
The lady didn’t act insulted or give her a talking down. Instead she appeared entertained, from the twitching of her lips. “You were unforgettable. It’s not very often I see a woman dressed in black carrying a cat in a basket down a crowded walkway. You also have the most…unusual hairstyle and hair color.”
Color? What does she mean? Ellie fingered one of her curls and pushed it back behind her ear. The lady sounded sincere, but then again she never knew what to expect when it came to people of quality.
She tried a different tactic and curtsied. “Thank you, ma’am, but I must be going before I’m discovered.” She took a step forward. The lady’s arm shot out, blocking her flight.
“I’m not a ma’am. Don’t go yet. I enjoy talking to you,” the lady said, and when her hand landed on her arm, Ellie jerked away.
“Why are you doing this to me? Please, let me leave.” Her bottom lip trembled and she wrapped her arms around her waist. Now the beautiful lady was torturing her for her own amusement.
The lady’s mouth dropped to a straight line. “I’ll only take another minute of your time and then you can scurry back to your home. Would you be with the Cranes’ or at some other house nearby?”
Ellie gave her a half nod. “Thereabouts. I work for an older woman.”
“Does she treat you well?”
“As well as could be expected, I suppose,” she responded, glancing back at the house. The music had started up again. She needed to leave and fast. What if Geraldine and Mina left early and she wasn’t home to receive them?
“Tonight has been better than I had anticipated.” The lady looked entirely too pleased for Ellie’s taste.
“Who are you?” Ellie whispered softly.
Expecting to be chastised for her bad manners, she didn’t move away this time when the lady advanced. Their chests bumped and she swallowed. The scent of honeysuckle permeated from the woman. She stopped from taking a sniff.
“Miss?” she asked, clutching her hands together.
“I wanted to get a better look at you.” Inquiring eyes roamed over her face.
She allowed the examination and finally breathed a sigh of relief when the lady stepped back.
“From my presence here, you probably have concluded I’m a woman of means,” the lady announced, but in a way that was more fact than bravado. “I’m a guest of the Duke and Duchess of Perrault.”
“You’re a friend of Lady Kristina?” she asked, biting down on her bottom lip.
For some reason the lady’s shoulders sagged and she looked perplexed. When no answer was forthcoming, she took it as a yes.
“I’m told the duke and his family are kind,” Ellie said.
“Their two children are remarkable,” the lady said effortlessly with a wave of her hand.
The woman’s easygoing smile put Ellie at ease. She wanted to continue talking but she couldn’t take the chance. She cleared her throat. “I really must go now. Will you let me pass?”
The woman stepped off to the side. “I’ve taken up enough of your time. We wouldn’t want you to get in trouble. But before you go, may I have your name?”
“My name? Why?” she asked in alarm. If she discovered her name, she could tattle on her to Geraldine.
“I’m curious. When you meet another person, you usually introduce yourself by giving your name,” the woman stated, although she didn’t volunteer her own.
She scratched her arm and dug the heel of her clog into the grass. “Sorry, miss, I can’t.”
“Whyever not? What are you hiding?” the woman asked in an irritated voice.
Some sort of creature screeched and her attention was soon diverted.
Ellie took the opportunity to flee and ran as fast as she could to safety.
A shout for her to halt motivated her to keep running. She welcomed the darkness that swallowed her up until she found the edge of the property and sprinted into the woods. Her breath echoed in her ears and her heart rattled against her chest, but she didn’t stop until she reached the back of her house and dropped down on the stoop behind the kitchen door.
She stared ahead, waiting for the woman to appear, but she never did. A gentlewoman would never run after me while wearing such delicate and fine slippers. Ellie snorted and reclined back on her elbow, staring up at the starry sky. Eventually her fast-beating heart slowed down. When she had calmed, she went inside and into her bedroom to lie on her bed with August and Jack. Peering up at the ceiling, she replayed in her mind the scene between the graceful yet nosy lady and herself. What were the odds of them meeting again? If they did, she would act as if they had never met and hope the lady did the same. Nothing good could come out of their acquaintance.
August purred against her chest and she hugged him close. Jack snuggled on her shoulder. For once Ellie felt safe and content. It had been nice to speak with another person who treated her with some courtesy, even if it had been a woman of substantial means who thought she was a lowly servant girl.
* * * *
After losing sight of her quarry, Kristina kicked at an indent in the grass in frustration and made her way back toward the house. That was the most fun she had the entire night, even with the excitement of the fight she had missed due to her spy in the bushes. She should have acted appalled and scandalized, but when she recognized who it was, she decided it wasn’t worth the hassle to embarrass the poor woman.
She should be slighted the woman hadn’t volunteer her name and was less than forthcoming about whom she worked for. But then again, Kristina had told a boldfaced lie. If she had announced she was her father’s daughter, the skittish woman might have fainted.
Next time she came in contact with the demure servant, she would demand her name and who she worked for. Aulnory was small enough to locate such a person, and perhaps after they talked again, she could see if there was a place for her in her father’s household.
I do need a personal maid to assist me with my hair and bath. If she refuses my offer, I can threaten to snitch on her for being a peeper. A spark shot up her spine. Her intended plan would definitely be a mutual benefit for both parties involved.
“There you are.” The duchess came out on the patio as Kristina moved up the steps. She joined her
mother, who looked flustered and upset.
“Mother, what’s wrong?” she asked in concern.
When the French doors opened and more guests walked out, the duchess tugged her off to the side. “Your father has called for the carriage. We’re leaving. I’m finished here. The way the Crane chit attacked a young lady was uncalled for. I pity the man she ends up marrying. But at least it won’t be Simon.”
“I missed it all. I went outside for some air,” she said and steered her mother back inside.
“And with Lord Robert as your escort. Alone.” The duchess pursed her lips. “I expected better of you not to go off with a gentleman you just met. Lord Robert may have an excellent reputation, but everyone is watching you in particular, waiting for you to misstep. I want nothing more for you to marry, but I hope it’s with a man you can care for and not be forced to wed because you were caught stealing a kiss or canoodling in the shrubbery.”
“I’m not some green girl just out of the nursery,” Kristina said. “I have enough experience with men to be careful. Grandmother made certain to teach me how to handle myself if I’m caught in a difficult situation with an amorous suitor.”
The duchess nodded at some guest as they made their way out into the front foyer. “And what advice did my mother give you?”
“If a gentleman gets fresh, use your knee in a way that will make that gentleman hunch over in pain and bawl like a baby.”
The duchess hugged Kristina. “You are a true delight. I am so happy you have returned home.”
“It’s nice to be back with you, Papa, and Simon,” she said, her thoughts returning once again to her interaction with the puzzling woman she was more than anxious to see again.
Chapter Five
Ellie had just poured Geraldine her coffee when Mina came into the dining room, yawning. She skipped over to her mother, gave her a kiss, and sat down. The dark bruise on her cheek and long red scratch on her throat didn’t take away from the glow permeating from her face.
“Does your face hurt?” Ellie asked in sympathy as she placed two pieces of toast on Mina’s plate.
“A little, but it was well worth it.” Mina lifted her hands to her chest and a wistful look crossed her face. “Simon acted like a knight who comes to the rescue of the heroine in one of those silly romances I used to love reading.”
Geraldine stirred her spoon in her coffee. “You did very well last night. Crane’s brat has no finesse and I expected her to react the way she did when you bumped into her a second time and spilled your drink on her gown. She made herself and her parents look like dolts.”
“Now with her out of the way, there’s nothing stopping me from claiming Simon.” Mina cradled her chin in her palm as she rested her elbow on the table. “Perhaps I can have a fall wedding. It would be nice with the changing of the leaves and the weather warm enough to have our ceremony outside on the estate’s ground.”
“I wish you all the best, Mina,” Ellie said with complete sincerity. She turned to walk out of the room when Geraldine latched onto her wrist. She paused and faced her stepmother with trepidation.
“Lord Simon and his mother will be visiting later in the afternoon. I want you to remain out of sight for the time they are here.” Geraldine removed her hand and grimaced, wiping her fingers with her napkin. “Better yet, you may have the rest of the afternoon off, but be back before sunset to serve us dinner.”
Ellie gave Geraldine a short curtsy, thrilled she would have the afternoon free. “Thank you, Ger—stepmother. I’ll tidy up the drawing room for your guests. I’ll even bake a batch of scones, if you like.”
Geraldine nodded in approval, and that butterfly feeling in Ellie’s stomach grew. She quickly left before Geraldine revoked her permission. She would do her best to impress the duchess and her son with her baking skills so Geraldine would continue to be in a generous mood.
An entire afternoon free to do whatever she liked! It was like Christmas and a birthday rolled into one!
* * * *
Kristina tapped her spoon against her plate and slumped in her chair. She was exhausted from tossing and turning for most of the night. The blame was due to provocative dreams of her making love to a woman with short black hair on silk sheets. She woke to a cold sweat and a fierce ache between her legs. The only way she could fall back to sleep was to manipulate her swollen cunny and pluck at her nipples. With aid of her wanton imagination, she brought forth a rush of warm discharge and a satisfactory release of tension in her womb. She ended up dozing for another hour, and when the sun rose in the sky, she got dressed. After breakfast, she would take a ride along the beach, then come back for a nap.
She had just finished eating her breakfast when Simon sat down across from her, looking immaculate with his hair combed back and his cravat tied perfectly and coat buttoned with no wrinkles in sight. She brooded while he waited for a servant to place a plate full of food down in front of him.
“It’s a spectacular morning.” Simon speared a sausage link with his fork and took a bite.
“You’re too cheerful. Is it because you played the hero last night with Miss de Saltin?” She took a sip of her juice.
“You could say that. I’m also picking up a new jacket from my tailor. He’s a talented fellow who’s going to make me the most fashionable man in all of Aulnory.”
She threw a napkin at him. “You’re already a fashion plate. You could wear a potato sack and men would then do the same.”
“I do set precedence for many things.” He gave her a wink.
The clock let off a dong to denote the top of the hour and Kristina motioned at the two empty chairs across from her. “I expected mother and father to join us. Do they usually sleep in?”
Simon chewed off a piece of his toast. “Erm, after a party where they have both been drinking, they tend to sleep in the next day.” A blush flagged his cheeks. “Did you notice how they held hands in the carriage, and when father escorted mother into the house, he whispered something that made her blush and laugh like a schoolgirl?”
Kristina couldn’t remember, since she had been too busy thinking about her evasive party crasher. “I hadn’t noticed.”
Simon tugged on his cravat. “Mother and father don’t sleep in separate bedrooms…”
Her eyes widened. “Ah! I see what you mean. How about we talk about something else? I’m going for a nice, long ride on the beach. Interested in joining me?”
“How about tomorrow? It may take me a few hours to get fitted. Mother and I are also going to visit Mina—I mean, Miss de Saltin.”
She went over to her brother and enveloped him in a hug. He kissed the back of her hand and smiled up at her. His eyes sparkled in cheer.
“You’re too happy to be poked and prodded by another man just for the sake of a new pair of breeches or jacket,” she commented and gave the top of his head a pat. “Does this tailor of yours have an attractive female assistant, perhaps? Or maybe Miss Mina has you in high spirits?”
Simon chuckled and sat forward, moving out of her embrace. “Can’t I be excited about purchasing new clothes? Noah, my tailor, is a congenial sort and very skilled with his hands.” A reflective look crossed his face and then it was gone. He traced the rim of his coffee cup. “Miss de Saltin is a comely woman. I enjoy her company.”
“I’ll leave you to it, then. Have an enjoyable afternoon.” Instead of prodding Simon for more information, Kristina gave him a pat on the head and left the room, intent on a ride that would clear her ennui.
* * * *
Ellie petted August while concentrating on reading the words on the page. She chose a book in the tiny library Geraldine kept, and along with August and Jack in her basket and a bag, she walked the three miles to the beach. She found a nice spot near one of the sand dunes and laid out a blanket to sit on. Jack remained in the basket, nibbling on a small block of cheese, while August was content lazing in her lap.
The book of poetry she read taxed her brain. The words were ones she n
ever recognized before, and some had too many letters for her to understand. With a piece of chalk and an old learning slate, she carefully wrote out the long sentence from one of the lines of poetry.
When she finished, she groaned. Her letters looked more like squiggles and made absolutely no sense.
Throwing the slate off to the side, she shut the book and lounged back on her palms, lifting her face up to the sun. “Why do I even bother?”
August responded by licking her chin. She gave him a hug and brushed her nose against his.
The waves crashed loudly on the shore and boats floated on the horizon. Wind whipped through her hair, and she sighed. Soon she would have to return to the gloom waiting for her at home. But for now she was at peace.
A rider, a woman whose long blond hair flew free behind her, galloped at a swift speed along the water. She wasn’t sidesaddle, but dug her legs on either side of the horse. Ellie should have found that shocking, but the woman looked spectacular in the way she handled her horse.
As the horsewoman galloped past, Ellie wondered how long it took the woman to wash and dry her hair. Probably a good hour or more. Combing back her hair, she grimaced at the grit she found entangled there. I’ll have to make extra time to wash my hair now.
She snorted and searched for an apple in her bag. Taking a big bite of the fruit, she closed her eyes and eased back on her elbows. Suddenly the sun disappeared and a shadow materialized over head. She opened her eyes and stopped chewing.
Before her was the lady from the night before!
Ellie sat up straight, squeezing August to her chest. His claws dug into her skin and she loosened her grip.
“Fancy seeing you again,” the woman warmly greeted.
“Um, hello…miss.” She spoke around the apple pieces in her mouth, trying not to choke as she swallowed. To her astonishment, the lady knelt down on the blanket.
“No need to get up. If you don’t mind, I think I’ll sit a spell. I’m winded from my ride.” The lady fixed her skirt over her legs.
A million thoughts piled on top one another as Ellie searched for an excuse about her behavior last night. This time she couldn’t run off. She was stuck.