Butterfly Palace by Colleen Coble Read Free Book Online Page B

Belle had noticed the servants all that much. The woman seemed to have a strong sense of herself. Most of the housemaids looked at Belle with awe. This one looked calmly back as though she were equal. The circumstances of Lily’s employment were unusual. Perhaps Belle should put her in her place and make sure she understood her role here.
    “Where is the tea?”
    Her maid didn’t flinch at Belle’s harsh tone. “On the chaise.” She pointed to the lounge out on the private side terrace. “I brought fruit as well. Strawberries.”
    Belle’s mouth watered at the word, but she wasn’t about to let Lily know she’d pleased her. She handed her the hat. “Hang this up.”
    “Of course.” Lily’s smile never faltered. “Is there anything else I can do for you? I put your book out on the chaise as well in case you wanted to read before dinner.”
    “You seem to have thought of everything. I thought you’d never been in service before.” Belle stepped to the French doors and opened them.
    This side of the house was in shade in the later afternoon. The scent of roses and gardenias wafted up from the garden. A tray was on the table beside the chaise. She picked up her book and reclined on the comfortable seat. The iced tea was perfect with a sprig of mint in it.
    Lily had followed her outside and stood watching with just a hint of concern. Finally. Belle wanted to find fault with what she’d done, but nothing was out of order.
    “How is the tea?”
    “Delicious. How did you know I liked mint in it?”
    “Emily told me. I want to please you, Miss Belle.”
    “You mean so you’ll get around me like you got around my aunt and uncle? How did you do it?”
    Lily inhaled sharply. “I don’t know what you mean. I did only what I was told. Your aunt liked the way I styled her hair and noticed I knew a bit about fashion. I assure you I didn’t set out to become your maid.”
    “I might still say no. I’m going to discuss it with my uncle.” Again, the girl was entirely too calm and self-assured. Belle took another sip of her excellent tea. “I didn’t realize we were hiring a personal friend of my cousin’s. That’s never a good idea. If I’d realized that, I probably wouldn’t have hired you.”
    “I’ll make quite sure you don’t regret it. Is there anything else I can get for you? A throw perhaps? The wind is picking up.”
    “It’s actually quite warm. I want you to run out to the millinery though. A hat I ordered is ready for pickup.” She gave Lily the name of the store. “Ask Mrs. O’Reilly how to get there.”
    “Yes, miss.”
    Her father had taught her it was important to always be the one with the upper hand. She dismissed Lily, and her uncle came in as the maid left. He was a fine-looking man, even if he was her uncle. The wings of gray at his temples only made him look distinguished. His morning coat fit impeccably, and his salt-and-pepper beard was neatly trimmed.
    He pulled a chair closer to her chaise. “You’re looking quite lovely today, Belle.” His expression beamed approval. “Vesters was quite smitten.”
    “Was he? I didn’t notice.” She took another sip of her tea. “Listen, Uncle Everett, about the maid . . .”
    His jaw hardened. “I’ll brook no argument on it. A woman of your stature should have her own maid.”
    “Oh please, Uncle. In this day and age? It’s 1904, not 1865. I could have a job, you know. Maybe I’ll work as a secretary or a telephone operator.”
    “Things haven’t changed much for a woman of wealth like you, Belle. And yes, yes, I know your father lost his money, but you’ll be my heir. There will be no lack of property and wealth. I want you established with a good man who will know how to manage my many holdings.”
    She wanted to ask him why Vesters then, but she wasn’t ready for that conversation yet.

SIX
    I t had taken Lily forever to find the right store. Riding the streetcar was a new experience, and she got off at the wrong stop