Behind the Mask by Elizabeth D. Michaels Read Free Book Online Page A

wore skirts so straight it was difficult to know how they could even manage to walk in them.
    Abbi glanced back up at her aunts, reminding herself that she had not been directly criticized, and she should not take offense simply from subtle implications. She no sooner thought it than Ramona added, “Our first order of business must be to get you into town, my dear Abbi, and procure you a fashionable and appropriate wardrobe.” She shook her head slightly. “We must get you into town.”
    Abbi fought the urge to get angry. There was nothing subtle about that. “I have a perfectly adequate wardrobe,” she insisted. “Thank you, anyway.”
    Salina cleared her throat as if the irritating noise might ease the thickening tension. “Well,” she said, and Abbi hoped she would change the topic of conversation, “Ramona was thrilled to have an opportunity to come here, because she hasn’t seen her stepson since he came to England nearly three years ago. Has it really been that long, sister?”
    “Three years, yes, nearly three years. Well now, let me see,” she paused thoughtfully, “I guess he came soon after the funeral, but he did stay a few weeks. He certainly needed the time away. Yes, it’s been three years.”
    “And it was right after that when he came to his current position,” Salina said more to her sister. “Isn’t that right?”
    “Yes, that’s right,” Ramona agreed.
    “We must notify Lance at once that we’ve arrived so we can see him. He is such a nice young man.”
    “Indeed,” Ramona smiled. “Yes, indeed. Perhaps you might like him, Abbi my dear. He is nice looking—and unmarried. I’ll look forward to introducing the two of you. Yes, he is nice looking.”
    “That would be fine,” Abbi lied. She didn’t care. Perhaps a desire to meet available men would come eventually, but she was content for now with the life she had.
    “You must excuse me,” Abbi added, setting her full teacup down as she stood. “There are some things I need to attend to. It was very nice seeing both of you, and I’m certain we’ll have plenty of time to get further acquainted.”
    “Plenty of time. Yes, plenty of time.” Ramona smiled up at Abbi as if her previous criticism had not taken place.
    “Now don’t mind us,” Salina said, squinting again. “That dear housekeeper of yours . . . what was her name? Oh yes, Marta. Dear Marta. Sweet woman. She’s already shown us our rooms. We’ll acquaint ourselves. You just go about your business, my dear, and you’ll hardly know we’re here.”
    Abbi knew their presence would hardly go unnoticed, but she smiled. “I’ll see you at dinner, then.”
    Motivated by a desperate need for fresh air, Abbi returned to the stables. Knowing Georg had gone into town, she saddled Blaze herself and set out, needing the solace that riding offered—even if she wasn’t wearing a habit, she thought wryly.

    “What do you think of your aunts?” Elsa asked while she brushed through Abbi’s hair.
    “I’d rather not say,” she replied tersely. They’d been at the estate less than a week, and already Abbi felt stifled by their presence. Going into town with them to order new clothes had been one of the worst experiences of her life.
    Elsa’s reflection in the mirror disclosed a knowing smile. Abbi appreciated, as always, the understanding they shared. Elsa was a pretty girl, slim with fine features, and not much older than Abbi. She was faithful and competent as a lady’s maid, but more than anything Abbi appreciated her companionship.
    “I hope you don’t mind my saying,” Elsa continued, “but the house has a different mood already.”
    “I don’t mind,” Abbi said, “because I have to agree. But we’ll do our best to be polite and keep friction to a minimum. I would rather put up with a few inconveniences than have them making life more difficult for me. You do understand.”
    “Of course,” Elsa replied. “You know what’s best, Miss Abbi. They seem