The Earl's Wildcat. Krystina DarylЧитать онлайн книгу.
to become!
Lydia followed the chirpy maid. After walking around the lower level pretending to pay attention, the maid, Hanna, began to show her the upper level starting with the guest bedrooms. When she moved to the occupied rooms, Lydia paid more attention.
Hanna stopped and greeted the maid, Annie, with a large smile when she emerged from one of the rooms. Annie returned the smile then placed a finger over her lips. She signalled them to back away from the door.
Once they were at a distance away Annie spoke, "Milady is finally asleep, I don't want her to be disturbed."
Lydia looked at the door she had emerged from. The Master's room is always on the right of the Mistress's. Her employer's voice echoed in her mind. She shivered, she despised his voice!
Hanna placed a hand on her arm. "Lydia, are you all right?"
She forced a smile. "I'm fine. It was just a little chilly outside."
"Oh, forgive me. Lydia, this is Annie, the Countess's maid."
"Nice to meet you, Lydia," Annie offered with a deep grin.
Lydia pulled her lips in the best fake smile she could master. "Likewise. I believe we'll be working together to tend to the Countess." Lydia saw Annie's face crease. She held back a groan. She couldn't afford any obstacles! "Is something the matter?"
"Annie, she'll be taking her instructions from you, that's all," Hanna added quickly.
Annie nodded. "Fine. Come back in a few hours and I'll introduce you."
Lydia froze. She wasn't sure she was ready for that. How could she stomach meeting the woman whose family she was about to destroy?
Annie patted her tightly clutched hands. "She is not a monster. She is extremely wonderful and caring, do not be frightened."
Lydia bit down a sob. How she wished that was the reason!
"I'll go show her where she'll lay her head at night. See you later, Annie," Hanna spoke, dragging Lydia away behind her.
Her quarters were small but warm unlike her home.
Home? She sighed.
How she wished she had not volunteered for this task. But if she did not, who would? Her step-sister had passed a year as a slave some place in England. If she had known what had happened, if she were capable of saving all three of them from this nightmare, she would. Lydia knew she would because it was in Lanie's nature to care and protect.
But Lydia's nature was to watch out for number one, herself. She had no reason to care for anyone else until now.
She collapsed onto her small bed and did one thing she hadn't for years—she cried hard. She thought she would never be able to stop until the moment sleep carried her, still sobbing. When she woke hours later, her head felt as heavy as her heart. She washed and changed into her maid's uniform determined to get the task ahead over and done with as soon as possible.
When she stepped out of the servant's house, it was almost dark. She woke up just in time for dinner.
Blend in, do not stand out! She heard the repulsive voice in her head again and it made her shiver. She would find Annie and see what she needed.
"If it isn't sleeping beauty!"
The bellowing voice made her jump back. Lincoln! Could he not announce himself like every other normal human being!
"Mr. Lincoln, good evening."
He stepped towards her and she fought not to react defensively—as was her nature. "You mean good morning!"
"What?" she asked confused looking around the kitchen. The cooks weren't preparing dinner but breakfast!
"You are here to work, Miss Parker, not sleep the day away. I should fire you for your insolence!"
"I... am... I..." Lydia stammered at the threat. She couldn't lose her job if she was to succeed in saving her siblings. "I apologise. I was extremely tired from the long journey. The mistake will not repeat itself."
Before Lincoln could berate her again Annie rushed in. "Forgive me, Mr. Lincoln, but I need her." Without waiting for a response, Annie dragged Lydia away. She looked back and saw his face crease and redden with rage.
"Pussy cat, do not look behind and taunt him into following us!" Annie whispered pulling Lydia in front of her.
Lydia snorted. From Wildcat she was now referred to as pussy cat? How the mighty had fallen!
Lydia turned and picked up the pace. Once they got upstairs, Annie laughed and broke into a run, Lydia chased after her infected by the laugh. She opened the Mistress' door and closed it behind Lydia and leaned against it still laughing.
"Annie, what's so funny!" A gentle voice filled the room. Lydia turned to watch the woman heavy with child stand from her dresser. Lydia froze, expecting to be scolded for the intrusion but the lady just beamed a smile at her. "Tell me!" She insisted with a chuckle.
"I saved the little pussy cat here from the fire breathing dragon!" Annie answered. She moved around the room and began cleaning up.
She snorted, "Mr. Lincoln? That man is annoying and he hates me."
"Miss Melanie, don't say that!"
Lydia watched the exchange. It was like friends talking and not Mistress and maid. She expected the atmosphere to be stiff but it was so warm and easy, or was she wrong?
"That man only speaks to me because he fears Christopher. If he had his way, he would put me on the next ship back home!"
Annie rolled her eyes. "Everyone is afraid of Lord Ashworth, except you and Lord Townson."
His name is Christopher or Ashworth and his wife is Melanie. Do not forget!
Lydia cursed under her breath. How she wished she could mute that man's voice from her head!
Miss Melanie laughed catching every word of the string of oaths. But Annie was not as amused. "Lydia!" she exclaimed, horrified.
Lydia rolled her eyes and turned to Melanie. "I beg your pardon. I did not mean—"
Melanie waved the apology off. "Finally an American I recognise! Do not fret, I swear as much as you if not worse." She held Lydia's hands in hers. "My husband does not mind it, but I have to be at my best behaviour in public." She rolled her eyes. "Behave like a Countess!"
Lydia smiled at the contact then she felt like she would weep. This woman was extremely nice, how would she stomach betraying her?
"Call me Melanie," she added.
"Milady in public and Miss Melanie in private," Annie corrected sternly and Melanie responded with another roll of her eyes.
Lydia smiled. "Yes, Miss Melanie. I'm Lydia." Then she turned to Annie, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
*****
The day was spent laughing, joking and entertainment telling stories with Miss Melanie and Annie. Never had Lydia once felt included in a friendship until now. Miss Melanie did not look frail and fragile, very close to breaking as she had been led to believe. She seemed strong and very sure of herself with a tight grip on her sanity. It seemed like nothing could shake the woman, not even her husband's infidelity. She would take it in stride and deal with it accordingly.
Maybe I should confide in her, sort her help. But why would she help the woman attempting to seduce her husband? If I told her my brother and sister were being held captive until the deed is done, surely she would understand? Or have her thrown out.
Not a word or I will sell them to the highest bidder! The voice echoed in her mind.
Lydia wanted to curl up on her bedroom floor and cry again. But she couldn't! The longer her siblings were being held captive, the closer they were to have irreparable damage inflicted on them.
As encouragement