Love For A Reluctant Highland Lass by Emilia Ferguson

Author:Emilia Ferguson
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Highland
Publisher: 0
Published: 2018-10-30T18:00:00+00:00

CARE REVEALED

Ettie went up to check the fire in Lady Marguerite's room, walking hastily along the hallway in the cold air. It was icy up in the gallery, and she shivered in her plain linen gown. It really was getting on for winter, and she settled down gratefully by the fireplace to check the grate.

“Just a few more coals are what it needs.” Her hands worked automatically as she fed the flames, tipping coals from the scuttle that sat by the mantelpiece.

The fire was soon burning merrily again and she sighed, closing her eyes and leaning against the lintel for a moment.

What am I going to do?

The situation with Garrick was untenable. Keeping busy might momentarily make her forget, but in truth Garrick was always on her mind. His face floated before her, all handsome and lit with hope as it had been in the kitchen all those hours before. What was she supposed to do about the news? He had so obviously brought it because he cared. She squeezed her eyes shut, wanting to banish it from her thoughts. Just the thought of it made her heart ache, and that tortured her.

I cannot afford to feel this way. He doesn't know who I am!

Lady Marguerite's deception had taken wing in a direction the woman would never have imagined.

“Ettie?”

Ettie shot upright, aware suddenly that she'd been leaning against the mantel, eyes shut, and arms tight around her chest. She found herself looking into the gentle face of her employer. “Milady!” she stammered. “Sorry. I was cold. You are in need of something?”

Marguerite smiled, the firelight softening her red hair, making her delicate skin glow lightly. “Don't fret yourself so. I'm sorry you were cold. Need you an extra petticoat, or aught?”

Ettie shook her head quickly. “No, milady. I've got one. I just had to mend a tear in it.”

Marguerite smiled again, more gently this time. “Don't fret so! My dear Ettie. Whatever happened?”

“N...nothing,” Ettie stammered, feeling frustrated. Why was she being so odd? Lady Marguerite would think she'd gone daft.

“Well, I'm glad I found you,” Marguerite said warmly. “I wanted to ask you to keep me company as I sew awhile in the drawing room. You can be such a help, keeping an eye on Alexandra for me.”

“Yes, milady,” Ettie mumbled. “I'd be glad to.” At least, she realized quickly, she could try to pass the message on that Garrick had left. Getting hastily to her feet, wiping her coal-dark hands on her apron furtively, Ettie headed from the room.

Up in the drawing room it was blazingly warm with the fire roaring in the grate. Ettie sat down gratefully on the chair she always used, from where she could keep a close eye on the small form of Alexandra, tucked into her basket and slumbering peaceably.

“So,” Marguerite smiled, looking up at her across the hoop of embroidery she was sewing. “Isn't this nice? A peaceful afternoon, just like we always had.”

“Yes, milady,” Ettie mumbled. She looked down, intent at her sewing – she was mending one of the baby's garments – and tried not to show how sad she was.

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