Felicia by Leonora Blythe Read Free Book Online Page A

like a swarm of bees on the house. All the rooms that had been closed for years were opened and aired. The holland covers were removed, and the maids were everywhere with their mops, and brooms.
    Lady Louisa’s misgivings about her ability to cope with many guests grew as the day for them to arrive drew nearer. Felicia, who felt a genuine fondness for her, had to calm her several times.
    “I don’t think you should worry about the flower arrangements. I will take care of them if you wish. I noticed that James has some beautiful blossoms in the hothouse.”
    “Would you, Felicia?” Lady Louisa breathed thankfully. “That would relieve me of a big worry. I was never terribly good with flowers. And, I swear I don’t know how I am going to cope with all these people that Ian will be bringing down. Why, oh, why did I let Paul talk me into this.”
    “If the truth were known, Lady Louisa,” Felicia said with a smile, “I do believe you are enjoying yourself, in spite of your protestations. And the difference all these preparations have made in the house is miraculous.”
    “This is how it used to be when Ian’s father was alive, Lady Louisa said wistfully. “You are right, Felicia, I am enjoying myself more than I ever dreamed possible. But, however are we going to entertain them all? I am quite out of the habit, you know.”
    “I am sure Lord Umber will make all the necessary arrangements,” Felicia assured her. “If the weather holds, they can go for a picnic, and there are some beautiful trails for rides.” A pensive note crept into her voice as she thought of the fun the party would have. “And in the evening, Lord Umber is sure to think up some amusements.”
    “You are right, of course, dear child. Ian will take care of everything. And you are to join in as well. I will not have you languishing at my side when there are young people around.”
    “But I cannot possibly,” Felicia said crisply. “It is not my place.”
    “Nonsense! Both Dr. Ross and I feel you will benefit from spending time in young company. So I will brook no argument.”
    Before Felicia could protest further, Miss Sophy was announced, and Felicia forgot her apprehension at Lady Louisa’s suggestion as she tried on her new dresses.
    “If only you could be seen in London,” Miss Sophy gushed, much to Felicia’s amusement. “What a credit you would be to me. Think of all the business I would get!”
    “I am sorry that Manchester is so far away,” Felicia laughed. “But maybe I can help you anyway, for Lord Umber is bringing a house party down next weekend, and you may be certain that if anyone asks about my gowns, I will refer them to you.” Privately she thought this unlikely, for she had heard all about the sophisticated company Lord Umber kept when away from his mother. It was most improbable that they would ask her advice.
    *
    The day of Lord Umber’s homecoming finally arrived. When Felicia awoke, she was dismayed to see it was raining. She dressed quickly in her old gown, and ran downstairs to check on the last-minute preparations. Mrs. Keyes, the housekeeper, appeared and had a few questions, which Felicia dealt with before she descended to the kitchens to check on the menu for the first meal. Alphonse, the chef that Lord Umber had sent down from London, was firmly installed in his domain and was not pleased to see Felicia.
    “ Mon dieu , mam’selle Felicia!” he exclaimed in his broken English, “I beg of you to return again. I am too busy now…later, perhaps.… But I ’ave to prepare zee sauce spécial for m’lord.”
    Felicia smiled at him. “ Non, je n’ai pas besoin de votre assistance ,” she said in perfect French. “I was only checking to see whether I could help you. ” She promptly withdrew, and it was only when she reached the main hall that she realized she had actually spoken another language. Knowing that Dr. Ross would be in the library at this time of the morning, she knocked briefly on the