AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The housekeeper shook her head. “I suppose you would.”
“Don’t you know?” Tia knew she was starting to sound frantic. “You were married at one time.”
“No, Miss Featherstone. Housekeepers just get to call themselves as if they are married as a sign of respect.”
“Oh.”
“Now come along, you have a caller.”
“Who is here?”
“Lady Eldridge. She returned the dresses you left at her house.” She helped Tia out of bed and removed her shift before placing a clean one over her head. “You gave us all a scare leaving like that. I thought for certain his lordship was going to sack me.”
“I’m dreadfully sorry about that, Mrs. Abbott. I never imagined how it might affect you.”
“No, you didn’t.”
Tia stared down at her hands. If Mrs. Abbott had l
ost her position because of Tia’s impetuousness, she never would have been able to forgive herself. “I am sorry, Mrs. Abbott.”
“Just see that it doesn’t happen again.” Mrs. Abbott draped the green muslin over Tia’s head. “I cannot afford to lose this position.”
“I understand.”
“How did he find you?”
“We were at the same party.”
Mrs. Abbott laughed. “How did you get in Lady Eldridge’s good graces?”
“I met her that day at the park. She wasn’t terribly feeling well, so I offered to assist her. Then she offered to let me stay with her. I think she wanted a friend.”
“And she let you attend a party? You?” The housekeeper put up Tia’s hair into a soft chignon.
“Yes.”
“Hmm.” She placed one more pin in Tia’s hair. “You are all set. I already ordered tea.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Abbott.”
Tia walked down the stair slowly so her stomach wouldn’t roil. Her head ached with every step. She walked into the salon and smiled at Emily. “Emily, I am surprised you are here.”
“Oh, Tia,” she said, then rushed to hug her. “Are you all right? You look dreadfully pale. Has he hurt you?”
“Shh, Emily.” She pulled away and sat down. “I am fine, but feeling the effect of too much brandy.”
“He got you foxed?”
“No, if my limited memory serves me, I did that all on my own.”
Thankfully, Emily reached for the tea and poured. “Here. This might help.”
The tea washed over her tongue and warmed her belly. “Thank you. And you should not have returned those gowns. They were yours and the few new ones your husband paid for.”
Emily waved a hand at her. “Nonsense. You need something to wear and my husband will never miss the money.”
“Thank you again.” Tia sipped her tea. “I suppose I am all anyone is talking about.”
