Wit & Intrigue by Angela Johnson

Author:Angela Johnson [Johnson, Angela]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pemberley Publishing
Published: 2020-09-22T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

“A man may say he likes freckles, but we all know it is not true,” Margaret said as she played with Debra’s hair. “I have known Alex for many years, we were the best of friends. I heard him speak of women with freckles enough to know he is only pampering your vanity.”

Debra placed her hands over her cheeks. “What am I to do?”

“For now, you must have your maid apply as much paint as she is able without making you look a wanton.”

“I must thank you, Maggie, I do not know what I would have done without you here. My sisters are all so angry to have me married before them, they will not speak to me. And Rilla will not forgive me for the dowry.”

“Do not fear. I will be here to help you. And when we are in London, we will find the appropriate apothecary to take care of your blemishes.”

As it was her eighteenth birthday, Debra hoped to dazzle Alex with the growth and maturity she’d gained over the last week. With Margaret’s help, she dressed for the day, and Annie applied the cosmetics as Margaret suggested, Debra walked with confidence to the dining room.

As she bounded into the room, the men stood. Debra noticed the extra breakfast foods made for her special day. Not only was she turning eighteen, but her introduction to society was only hours away. The cook went out of her way to start the morning off with her favorite pastries.

After breakfast she went out to the stables for her morning ride.

“Before you go riding, I have something for you.” Alex carried a crate with a cloth over it and placed it in front of her. “Happy birthday, Love.”

Debra smiled, “My first gift of the day.” She took the cloth off the crate and squealed in delight to see a tiny brown puppy. She picked the creature up and looked at the cute little face.

“It is a girl,” Alex said with a nervous laugh, “do you like her?”

“Yes. I absolutely love her.”

“Do you have a name for her?” Alex asked.

She looked up and saw a smile of excitement on his face.

“Portia, since you gave her to me, I want to name her after a character in a book you wouldn’t consider drivel.” She looked up at him before continuing, “you should be flattered.”

Alex laughed and gave an indulging smile. “I am flattered.”

“Alex,” she asked feeling nervous, “are you really going to ask me to dance tonight?”

“I plan on claiming my two dances with you, Love.”

“Even if I look like this?” She pointed to the freckles on her face. No matter how much of the cosmetics were rubbed over her skin, the brown spots came through.

“I think you look gorgeous. But perhaps tonight your maid could go lighter on the cosmetics.” She waited for him to say more, but he didn’t.

“Margaret tells me I look beautiful with the color.”

“Do not listen to her, Love, you are fine without.”

Fine. What type of a

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