AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Need outweighed her objections, so Samantha had given in.
Now, Bathsheba inspected the tea tray. “Donella is a wonder, but you’ve worked very hard as well, Samantha.”
Boland pointed at her mistress. “Not another one of them tarts, or you’ll be popping out of your new dress.”
Bathsheba winked as she selected a petit four. “I doubt most of the men at the party will mind.”
“Yes, but the wives will,” Donella said as she crossed off a line on the list. “Since they often control the charitable purse strings, we don’t want the husbands staring at your décolletage all night and then finding their wives lacking in that category.”
Samantha laughed, but Bathsheba simply popped the tiny cake into her mouth. “I’m quite shocked to hear a former nun make such a risqué comment.”
Donella snorted. “Only mildly risqué. Besides, living with a houseful of Kendrick men has forced me to adjust my standards.”
“You were a nun?” Samantha asked, surprised.
“Until Logan Kendrick got a good look at her,” Bathsheba said.
Donella flashed Samantha a wry smile. “It’s not quite as outrageous as it might sound. I never took my final vows, and I left the convent before I met Logan.”
Bathsheba snorted. “You met him the verydayyou were kicked out.”
“You were kicked out?” Samantha asked, trying not to laugh.
“I was dreadfully inept at being a nun. The sisters put up with me for much longer than they should have.”
“And then Logan came along, and the rest is history,” Bathsheba said.
“He didn’t give me much of a choice,” Donella confessed with a little grin.
“A trait afflicting other Kendrick men,” Samantha muttered to herself.
Bathsheba put a hand to her ear. “What was that, dear?”
“Nothing at all. Donella, is there anything I can do to help with that list?”
“No, I’ve got all the details regarding the staff thoroughly organized. It will be tight, given thateveryonehas accepted the invitation, but that will also make the party a success.”
“Let’s hope Lord Beath thinks the same,” Samantha replied.
“There, you’re done,” said Boland after making a final adjustment on the neckline.
Bathsheba got up to inspect the burgundy-colored silk dress with its extravagant lace trimming. “Oh, Braden is going to love you in this. You look absolutely scrumptious.”
“Lord Beath, however, will be appalled.” Samantha pointed to her bare shoulders. “I’m half-naked.”
Donella shook her head. “That gown is perfectly appropriate, and it isn’t nearly as revealing as what most of the other women will be wearing.”
“Do you really think so?”
The young woman pointed to herself. “Former nun, remember? I’ve got a nose for these sorts of things. And Bradenwilllove it. I cannot wait till he sees you.”
“Yes, well done, Boland,” Bathsheba said. “The poor lad will fall head over heels, if he hasn’t already done so.”
Samantha felt her cheeks flame with heat.
“This affair or the dress hasnothingto do with Dr. Kendrick,” she said as Boland swiftly undid the buttons on the back of the gown. “And I’m sure you’re both quite wrong about him, anyway.”
“Not true.” Donella handed Samantha her regular dress. “Braden has been an absolute bear these last few days. Logan says he’s grumpy because you’ve been too busy to see him.”
