In Rapture (Destined) by Elissa Daye Read Free Book Online

giggle.
    There
was an audible intake of breath and Gertie walked closer to Malinda, bowing
down for Malinda’s ears alone. “My lady, I do believe that is the first sound
we’ve heard from poor Miss Sophia in years.”
    Malinda
nodded her head at the cook. “Miss Gertie, perhaps later you and I can sit down
to discuss the ins and outs of Wickford Manor. I find I need to be more
acquainted with the routines and with whatever information the lady of the
house needs to know. As you can see, I come from humble beginnings and I will
need some help adjusting to life here.” Malinda gestured to her simple dress as
she squirmed underneath Gertie’s gaze.
    “Don’t
we all, my lady. I will be happy to assist you in any manner necessary.”
    “My
thanks. Oh, and Gertie? Please make sure that Ms. Cordelia Everheart leaves
this manor immediately. She informed me that she is no longer an employee here,
so please make sure to send someone to keep an eye on her removal. That woman
is simply appalling.”
    The
cook grinned at her and nodded furiously. “You have my promise, my lady.”
    Malinda
smiled at the cook and watched as she left the dining hall. Malinda turned to
see Sophia was sitting quietly at the table with her hands folded in her lap,
just staring at the food on the table before her. Malinda stood up and started
piling different foods on Sophia’s plate, and watched her eyes grow big. What
in the world did that woman feed this child before now? “Eat as much as you
want, Sophia. There is plenty more where that came from. Besides, if you want
to go outside and play you’ll need all the energy you can get.”

Chapter 7
     
    Malinda
and Sophia made their way outside shortly after Sophia had stuffed her belly.
Malinda could tell that it had been a long time since Sophia had been outside.
Her eyes had opened so wide that Malinda thought the tiny blue orbs would
explode with her curiosity. It was nice to see the world through innocent eyes,
and while Sophia’s eyes were troubled, there was still an innocence trapped
within them.
    The
grounds of Wickford Manor seemed to stretch for miles and miles. Green grassy
fields rolled like the waves of the ocean, with various wild flowers scattered
here and there. Malinda saw a small apple orchard and started to race Sophia to
where the trees branched out invitingly. The little girl’s hair whipped out
behind her, her carefree laugh breeching the silence. Even though they had
eaten recently, neither one of them could resist the sweet smelling apples that
hung from the trees. Soon they were both wiping trails of apple juice from
their chins, smiling at each other as they devoured the sweet tangy fruits.
    As
they walked back to the manor Sophia began to run circles around Malinda; the
pure joy in the little girl’s spirit was heartbreaking. Whatever morbid energy
followed her around had subsided for the moment. Malinda’s own life may have
been a struggle at times, but her grandparents had made sure that she had all
the love she could ever need. It was clear that this child had been neglected
horribly and she wondered when she would get a chance to bring this up to her
father. Malinda’s stomach clenched at the thought of meeting such a heartless
man. How could he have left his child to be treated so horribly? When had
Sophia’s mother passed? How long had she been in the hands of Ms. Everheart?
She would have to demand a new nursemaid for her and find a way to barter for
money to create a proper nursery, one filled with toys, books, and lots of
laughter. This child deserved the moon in the sky for all the misery she had
survived in her lifetime.
    Sophia
tripped over her own feet and came crashing down to the ground. Malinda rushed
over to her and saw great fear in her eyes. “Are you all right, Sophia?” The four
year old looked at her with eyes watered with fearful tears. She gestured to
the dirt on her smock and agonized over the sobs that were making their way up
her