Betsy's Story, 1934 by Adele Whitby

Author:Adele Whitby
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Simon Spotlight

A few days later, Madame Lorraine arrived after breakfast for an important fitting for Gabrielle’s gown. I breathed a sigh of relief as they disappeared into Gabrielle’s room, shutting the door behind them; it would be wonderful to spend the next several hours away from Gabrielle’s bossy orders.

Maybe Mum and I can finally take our walk through the garden, I thought on my way to the library to see if Mum was free. Or maybe we can even walk to town together! A morning spent in town, nibbling sticky buns from the bakery and trying on hats at the millinery shop, was one of our favorite pastimes. Maybe, if we had some time away from Gabrielle and the duties of Chatswood Manor, Mum could tell me her secret.

And maybe I could finally ask her to tell me the truth about Chatswood Manor’s finances.

But when I reached the library, Mum wasn’t alone. Maggie was standing beside her desk, wearing a somber expression; Mum’s back was turned to me, so I couldn’t see if she was upset, but her voice sounded very serious indeed. “Thank you for telling me, Maggie,” Mum was saying. “And if you should notice—”

It was rude to interrupt, but I didn’t want them to think I was eavesdropping again! So I knocked on the door with three quick raps.

“Betsy,” Mum said warmly as she turned in her chair. “If you wouldn’t mind waiting outside for just a moment while I finish speaking with Maggie—”

Outside? I thought in surprise. Are they talking about me? Have I done something wrong and Maggie’s telling Mum all about it?

Then I remembered how cross I’d been with Maggie when she interrupted my chat with Juliette. My cheeks started to burn.

“No, milady. I’m quite finished,” Maggie said. I noticed that she scarcely looked in my direction, which made me feel even worse. “Thank you for your time.”

As soon as we were alone, I braced myself for a lecture from Mum. Instead, though, she smiled at me and said, “How are you, Betsy?”

“I’m fine, Mum,” I replied. “What were you and Maggie discussing?”

Mum’s smile faded. “I’m afraid that’s got to stay between Maggie and me.”

“Another secret?” I cried. “One more thing that I’m not allowed to know?”

“Please calm yourself, Betsy,” Mum began.

“Ahem.” Mr. Embry cleared his throat discreetly as he stepped into the library. “Pardon the intrusion, Lady Beth, but a telegram from America has just arrived. Per your instructions, I have brought it directly to you.”

“At last!” Mum exclaimed as Mr. Embry gave her the telegram. She was beaming as she ripped open the envelope . . . but in a matter of moments, her face filled with despair.

“No!” Mum cried, crumpling the telegram into a ball. “How could this have happened?”

“What?” I asked. “What happened, Mum?”

“I am sorry, Betsy, but I cannot discuss this with you,” Mum said shortly. She turned to Mr. Embry. “Have there been other telegrams from America?” she demanded.

“Yes, milady, at least three,” Mr. Embry said, surprised. “I have personally delivered them to your desk.

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