Dorothy Eden by Lady of Mallow Read Free Book Online Page B

was bent on her.
    ‘My father is dead, Lord Mallow. He had misfortune in business matters, and left my mother very poorly provided for. Consequently, my sisters and I have had to seek positions.’
    She did not mention the amount of the fortune which her charming profligate father had squandered. She thought fleetingly of her mother shutting up the house in Richmond, selling the elaborate furniture that was too large for the country cottage with which she was left, bidding a sad farewell to all the servants but elderly Martha who would stay with her, and shedding tears over the fashionable gowns and furs that had to be discarded with her old way of life. Now Mamma’s only prayer was that somehow, by the kindness of heaven, her daughters would make good marriages. She was so eager about this that Sarah had insisted to Aunt Adelaide that her attachment to Ambrose be kept the closest secret. Otherwise Mamma would have the news whispered in every drawing-room in London.
    Though not now that Ambrose also was reduced in status to a struggling barrister, Sarah reflected ironically. It was as well, after all, that Mamma’s hopes had not been raised.
    ‘I have been with Lady Adelaide Fitzsimmons for the last two years,’ Sarah went on, knowing that this man’s confidence in his own judgment would prevent him from any desire to take up her references. If he should do so, Aunt Adelaide would be more than equal to the occasion.
    The one danger she had foreseen was that, during her employ, some former acquaintance of hers might visit the house and recognise her. But down at Mallow Hall this was not likely. Nor was it likely that her former friends would be on visiting terms with the upstart Lady Mallow and her impostor husband. As far as she knew, with the case pending, they had not been received anywhere, and public opinion had been strongly in favour of Ambrose.
    ‘Do you mind my observing that no one looks less like a governess?’
    Sarah had kept her face prim and her lashes lowered. Now her eyelids flew up guiltily to meet again his frank and impudent scrutiny.
    ‘I can’t help my appearance, Lord Mallow.’
    ‘Don’t apologise for it. It’s quite as satisfactory as your references. Can you begin tomorrow? We leave for Mallow the following day, and the journey may be tiresome. It would be better that Titus grows a little used to you in advance. He’s not a good traveller.’
    There was no doubt that Blane was disappointed in his nervous delicate son. The child, of course, sensed this, and the trouble was heightened. What a selfish insensitive person he was. Couldn’t he at least pretend to show affection for the poor baby?
    ‘Yes, I could be ready, sir,’ she answered meekly. ‘If your wife wishes it, also.’
    ‘The decision, Miss Mildmay, is mine.’
    Sarah fought to hide her active resentment and dislike. Amalie had aroused no admiration in her, but did she deserve this contemptuous disregard for her wishes? This man was impertinent, lordly, patronising, selfish and, though perhaps unwittingly, cruel. She would take the utmost pleasure in spying on him and eventually denouncing him.
    ‘I shall be happy to pay you whatever you were receiving in your last position,’ he went on.
    ‘Thank you, sir.’
    ‘If that isn’t sufficient you have only to tell me.’
    ‘It is quite sufficient, thank you, sir.’ She had no intention of letting him throw Ambrose’s money about indiscriminately.
    ‘I’d advise plenty of warm clothes. If Mallow is as I remember it, it’s devilish cold in winter.’
    Sarah stood up to leave.
    ‘Thank you, sir, for trusting me.’ The treacherous words escaped her without her realising their import.
    He gave a half smile. His eyes remained brooding.
    ‘On the contrary, the boot’s on the other foot. Thank you for trusting me. So far, as you must realise, very few people have.’
    Sarah’s cheeks were still flushed uncomfortably with the knowledge of her deceit as she left the