Diamonds Fall by Rebecca Gibson Read Free Book Online Page B

divulged lay bare and exposed between them.
    "I don't think you wanna hear `bout my family any more - what `bout yours? Are you very rich? You must be, Papa got a lot o' money for your things. They were very pretty."
    Before she had a chance to answer, Patsy gasped and reached into her apron, making Annabel jump.
    "That reminds me. I found this in the mud jus' outside the stable the other day."
    She held out her hand, unfurling the fingers. It was Annabel's time to gasp now, for resting in Patsy's dry, red palm was one of Annabel's diamond encrusted hair combs. She picked it up, remembering how it had felt when the maids slipped it into her elaborately braided hair. It seemed like years ago.
    Annabel held the comb up to the light, watching the familiar twinkle as the sun shone through the jewels, refracting on the wall behind her. It was a token to the quality of the piece that none of the gems had even moved. Patsy had clearly spent ages washing it, getting into every groove. Sitting next to Patsy and leaning backwards, Annabel placed this treasure in the tiny gap between the bed and the wall, then sat back up to squeeze Patsy's hand tightly in her own.
    "It's very beautiful," Patsy said. "Did it cost lots?"
    "I don't know. I assume so. I had four of them in my hair when I left, loads more at home though." Patsy's mouth opened in awe, she looked positively dumbstruck.
    "You `ad lots?"
    "Yes, I wore jewels every day."
    Patsy's mouth widened even more. Annabel felt her cheeks colour in further embarrassment, noticing how something as ordinary to her as a diamond hair comb, could cause so much disbelief. Once more, the insignificance of such a thing became startlingly apparent. Patsy's eyes glanced down towards the dusty floor.
    "So - so this diamond isn't that special then? `cuz you've got lots more."
    Annabel squeezed Patsy's hand again. "No Patsy, this one is the most special one I've ever owned, thank you for rescuing it. Honestly, thank you."
    Patsy smiled again, squeezing back. "Did you live in a big house?"
    "Yes, it was a manor house right at the top of a big hill, overlooking the entire town."
    "Wow. What's it like? I've only been to the town two times with Papa an' he covered my eyes the whole way `til we'd got to the market, then he'd use me to take things from the stalls `cuz I were so small at the time. You gotta tell me everythin'!"
    Patsy was beside herself with excitement. Annabel talked about everything she could think of. She described the balls, including the etiquette required of her, providing examples where necessary which Patsy always attempted to copy. Next Annabel took her through a description of the entire manor, with as much detail as she could remember. Patsy listened to the whole thing with rapt attention, hanging on every word like a child being told a fairy tale before bed. After a while, a voice made its way closer to the stable, calling for Patsy. She jumped up to hurry, with much more expertise than Annabel, down the rickety ladder.
    "In here!" she called.
    After a few seconds Hetty came into view at the stable door, looking pained and exhausted. Patsy put a hand tenderly on Hetty's shoulder and urged her to sit down.
    "No, no I can't. Tom wants me to help your mama and the boys need feeding."
    Seeing Patsy's concern she added, "I'm okay, the world don't stop because you're `aving a baby. Our men still need their chores done."
    Her voice started to strain with suppressed agony and she bent at the waist slightly, closing her eyes.
    "Hetty you need to rest!"
    "NO! I can't rest! Tom wants things done, `e won't have mercy if they aren't. When he wants what he wants it wouldn't matter if the baby was half way out, I would still have to do it!"
    Shaking slightly she turned and forced her voice to sound light.
    "Please come back to the house Patsy, I'd really like the help."
    Patsy glanced up at Annabel, now making her descent from the loft. She looked haggard.
    "Can you come to the house too?" she