His Black Wings by Astrid Yrigollen Read Free Book Online

basement. I do all of my work there and do not wish it to be disturbed.”
     
    I nodded again, wondering what kind of work he did. He looked at me and smiled.
     
    “Goodnight Lilly, I hope you are comfortable here and sleep well.”
     
    He ushered me to the stairs while he stood at the foot, looking up at me. I walked up to my room and prepared for bed. Naza opened a sleepy eye and winked at me.
     
    Snuggled down into the incredibly soft bed, I immediately went to sleep.
     
    The weeks that followed were strangely happy. I was alone, or with Naza for the most part. Her limp was not as noticeable as it once was. I would take her for walks or the driver, who seemed to admire her a great deal, would take her for walks after her dinner.
     
    I would rarely receive notes from Fredrick. If I did, they would be more of a personal nature. He would ask about my health and if I needed anything.
     
    My employer was such a generous man, one day he left me a large amount of money in an envelope. When I left it untouched and wrote back that he already paid me for that week I received the following note.
     
    Lilly,
     
    Once again, I have forgotten your timid nature. I realize I have paid you your weekly wages. This is something extra for you and Naza. Naza told me her mistress needs to go shopping for herself because three dresses are not enough for a proper young lady to have. Please go shopping for some new dresses and a boar’s tail for Naza.
     
    Fredrick
     
    p.s. I want you to be wearing a new outfit on Friday!
     
    He drew a small happy face to convey his sentiment. It both pleased me and puzzled me that he was so generous. I did need new clothes since I still only had what I had fled with in one small suitcase. Mr. Brighton had given me enough to purchase enough dresses for twelve women. I took Mary out shopping as well and purchased some pretty frocks for her.
     
    “Now missus, I don’t think ‘e would want that, now would ‘e?”
     
    Was all she said in her impossible accent when I suggested she let me purchase some new frocks for her? As far as I could tell she only had one and that one was positively dingy. After some debate she allowed me to purchase two outfits for her. She beamed at me while clutching her parcels. I myself purchased three dresses to fill out my week with matching gloves stockings and under garments. I wanted to make sure that I had what I needed, but that I did not spend all of Mr. Brighton’s money since I wanted to return the unused portion.
     
    Aside from her thick accent, and sometimes slow response time to questions, Mary was a lovely girl to know.
     
    You would ask Mary a question and she would chew her bottom lip for a good fifteen minutes, mulling over your question.
     
    “An wot wuz it you saaid missus?” Would be her customary reply after the wait.
     
    I dressed in one of my new dresses that Friday for my employer to see. I came into the kitchen where Mary was preparing dinner for myself and Mr. Brighton, I could still not bring myself to call him Fredrick. It seemed so informal yet I would address him as such when speaking to him because he insisted.
     
    “Ahh, don’t you look lovely miss! I dare say any gent that sees you will faint from yer lovelyness I wot!” She laughed heartily as she wiped her hands on a kitchen towel.
     
    “Thank you Mary. Do you need any help?” She suddenly stopped laughing and looked down at the dish towel.
     
    I noticed her demeanor changed at once. I asked her what was wrong and she shook her head vigorously. I walked over to her and placed my hand on her shoulder.
     
    “What is it Mary? She glanced at me sideways, sheepish like.
     
    I prodded her again for an answer.
     
    “It wouldn’t be right of me to axe, but yer the same as me right? He is the boss an we the workers, aye?”
     
    “Yes, of course, Mary.” I was puzzled.
     
    “Then why did he give you all that money? I mean, figure when a gent give a lady like yerself so much