Of Noble Birth by Brenda Novak Read Free Book Online

and that, an’ speaks nothin’ but flatterin’
words, lies mostly, but they all seem to like ‘er. At any rate,
she’s the golden calf around ‘ere, an’ even sups with Mr. Calvert
in the evenin’.” Sonya drove the last hairpin into place,
muttering, “That’s the best I can do. I’m no ladies’ maid, any more
than ye’re a real show woman.”
    “It’s fine. How do I look?” Alexandra turned
on her toes so Sonya could view her from all sides.
    “Beautiful. I wouldn’t ‘ave guessed it would
be so easy, but ye look as good as any show woman I’ve ever seen,
if ye are a mite underfed. Just remember, work quickly and don’t
say anythin’ unless ye ‘ave to.”
    Alexandra nodded again. Physically she stood
ready for the charade, but her insides quaked. “Give me a moment to
prepare my mind,” she pleaded when Sonya hurried her to the
door.
    “That would only make it ‘arder for ye. Come
on”—she motioned—”I’m sure Lady Anne is not used to waitin’.”
    When Sonya ushered her into the vast
rectangular drawing room where Mr. Calvert sat with his guest,
Alexandra couldn’t stop herself from staring. The furnishings were
luxurious. Despite her nerves and her self-consciousness, she
admired all she saw. Large gilded mirrors alternated with panels of
richly textured green wallpaper; and a thick burgundy, green, and
beige rug stretched across the floor. Three elaborate chandeliers
hung from the ceiling, their cut glass twinkling overhead, and
heavy, burgundy-colored draperies with gold tassels encased the
windows.
    Alexandra’s heels tapped on the shiny wood
floor, then sank into the deep pile of the rug as she walked toward
the far wall, where a fire burned brightly and two women sat
opposite Mr. Calvert. Engrossed in conversation as they sipped tea,
they did not bother to look up until Mr. Calvert’s eyes darted in
her direction.
    “My lady, let me introduce Miss Alexandra,”
he said, finally drawing their attention to her. “She is our new
show woman and will mend your gown so you can be on your way. You
must be eager to reach your mother. Scotland is so far, after
all.”
    Alexandra’s stomach fluttered, and she
wished she had eaten. Nourishment of some kind might have steadied
her nerves.
    Stopping several feet in front of the small
group, she curtseyed as the women glanced at her before continuing
their conversation with Mr. Calvert.
    “Yes, poor Mother has been ill over a year
and does not seem to improve,” Lady Anne complained while Alexandra
studied her face. She was a beautiful woman, with coloring not much
different than Alexandra’s own. Blond hair, coiled into two buns
dripping with ringlets above each ear, framed an oval face that
held wide green eyes, high cheekbones, full lips, and an upturned
nose. The maid was rather plain and looked at least ten years
older, closer to thirty than twenty.
    “I’m sorry to hear such distressing news,”
Calvert said. “Alexandra will be quick about her work then. She’s
an excellent seamstress. We just brought her from Londontown where
she apprenticed at Lady Sutherby’s.” He turned his small eyes upon
Alexandra, looking as if he believed his own mistruth.
    The falsity of Calvert’s words made
Alexandra want to duck her head, but she quickly realized that such
poor acting on her part would surely give them away. With an
effort, she forced her shoulders back and her head up.
    Lady Anne’s brow rose slightly as she turned
to Alexandra.
    Calvert nodded. “Well, I’ll leave you ladies
to your business.” Though the words poured easily from his mouth,
Alexandra understood the pointed smile that rested on his face. Do it now and make it fast, he
urged.
    Alexandra was grateful that her speech, at
least, indicated her own good breeding. “It shouldn’t take but a
few moments,” she promised.
    Calvert gave Lady Anne and her maid a
sweeping bow before leaving the room, then Alexandra eyed the torn
gown with a discerning eye. An