Mary Jo Putney - Silk Trilogy 01 by Silk & Shadows

Author:Silk & Shadows
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, pdf
Published: 2011-11-25T23:53:38+00:00

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When Jenny Miller was ushered into the morning room of Haddonfield House, her expression was not precisely fearful, for the girl had an air of resilience that implied that she was not easily frightened. But her blue eyes did show anxiety as she curtsied in front of Sara.

Subconsciously Sara had expected that years in a brothel must leave some sort of mark, and Jenny's delicate loveliness was a distinct surprise. In her simple, high-necked navy gown, she looked like a schoolmaster's daughter, not a reformed prostitute.

"Have a seat," Sara said. "I don't bite."

Jenny obeyed with a quick smile. "Thank you, my lady."

"I understand that you have not worked as a lady's maid before," Sara said. "Are you sure that you will like the work?"

"Oh, yes, my lady. I'm ever so good with hair, and 1 love fine clothing. I know what is quality, you see, and what is flattering." Then she colored and ducked her head shyly. "I'm sorry, my lady, I can see that you aren't one who needs advice from a maid, but I promise I will take good care of your gowns, and slippers, and jewels, and linens, and everything else, and I'll always do exactly what you want."

Sara smiled at the rush of words. "Relax, Jenny, I'm looking to hire you, not buy you." Only when a strained expression touched the girl's face did Sara realize what she had said. She bit her lip. "I'm sorry, that was thoughtless of me. In practical terms, you were a slave, weren't you?"

Jenny regarded her warily. "The prince told you about me?"

"Not in detail. He just said that you'd been kept in a brothel against your will."

Jenny flushed scarlet. "You don't mind?"

"I mind for your sake," Sara said softly, her heart aching at the thought of what the girl must have endured—and what thousands of other girls in London were enduring still. "I can't tell you to forget the past, for the past is as much a part of us as our bones. But if you want to work for me, the subject will never be mentioned again unless you raise it yourself. None of the other servants need know."

''Now I know what a real lady is." Jenny swallowed hard, fighting tears. "If you'll have me, Lady Sara, I swear I'll be the best maid you ever had."

Making a quick, instinctive decision, Sara said, "I'd love to have you. My former maid had the temper of a pickled onion, but I think you and I will deal together very well." She rose to her feet. "Let me show you where you will be living and working."

"Wonderful!" Jenny bounded up, a beaming smile across her face. Then she hesitated. "Lady Sara, might you be wondering about how Prince Peregrine and I met?"

It was Sara's turn to blush. "I don't suppose that it's any of my business what he does before we're married."

"It wasn't what you think, my lady," Jenny said earnestly. "He came to the brothel as someone's guest, and I knew as soon as I saw him that he didn't want to be there.

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