The Training of Scarlet Worthy by Sara Plum Read Free Book Online

“May I ask a favor?”
    “Speak.”
    “Please don’t tell Lady Julia that I accepted the wine from you. I beg you Mademoiselle, I am sorry for my bold behavior.”
    I could see that Cook was truly frightened. I was enjoying her discomfort, so I felt quite wicked teasing the poor thing. “That will remain our little secret Cook, as long as you behave yourself. Now get along with my table setting.”
    I turned on my heels and proceeded to the staircase. Behind me I could barely hear Cooks tiny voice. “Yes Mademoiselle. Thank you Mademoiselle.”

Chapter 4:
Rise and Shine
    I slept soundly in my new home. My Lady’s sweet voice awoke me. It came from the speaker on my wall.
    “Time to rise Miss Smith. Get dressed as have I instructed, then have your breakfast. I told Cook to set a tea placement on your garden table. Before our ride together we will discuss your agenda for the day over tea.”
    The intercom went silent before I could speak. I rose from my bed. I stretched as I walked to my window. I yawned. There was a dull ache in my temples. The wine was a bit more than I was used to, but I was sure that a hot shower and some coffee would be a most welcome relief. I parted the curtains. It was still dark, however even at that predawn hour I could make out the silhouettes of the Manor buildings in the morning sky. I open the twin sash doors and leaned into the cool morning. It was so very quiet, not a bit like the din to which I awoke below my hotel window back in Bath where noisy Lorry’s rambled through the streets even at such an early hour as this. Horns sounded and delivery men hollered instructions to their fellow drivers. Here at Brighten Manor it was pure joy to hear the rhythmic sounds of the crickets and the first stirrings of the birds. Off in the distance I heard a rooster crow. The sweet smell of dew-covered heather drifted into my bed chamber. It was cool on my skin and invigorating.
    I stepped forward, secured my balance by bracing my forearms on the balcony rail. I glanced to my left. The Manor house was but a mere fifty meters from my cottage. It rose from the earth and appeared an immense palace. The image of the summer Palace at Versailles flashed in my mind.
    Just one wing of the estate was within my field of vision, and on the second floor I could see three windows each bathed in a golden light from within. My Lady’s quarters . I thought. I must hurry. She will be cross with me if I am tardy on my first official day.
    I showered, toweled off, and sprayed my body with a body spray left in a gift basket in my bathroom. My skin felt alive. I began to work with my unruly hair. It took half an hour but I finally arranged it in the twist that Lady Julia had advised. It looked pretty. I was proud of my handiwork and I hoped the setting would please My Lady.
    I slipped into the silk blouse. The fabric had the same erotic result on my aroused nipples as it did the night before. I decided to give up any hope of disguise. The blouse and the tight leggings would not be forgiving. Like it or not, my sex would be on display for all to see. I shuddered at how My Lady would react to such a wanton untamed display.
    I picked up the pace. I could hear Cook in my dining room below. She would be serving my breakfast. I smiled. A girl could get used to this service , I thought.
    I struggled into the leggings and strapped up my riding boots, placed the waistcoat over my arm, pick up the hat and descended the stairs. Assistant to Lady Julia , I thought. That is something to be quite proud of Sibyl Smith. Good for you .
    My breakfast was laid out to perfection. I enjoyed all of it including the coffee. Cook had presented it well, and I smiled, feeling a bit wicked, as I toyed with the single rose that graced the place setting. Cook wanted to please her Mademoiselle .
    I rose from the table, donned my jacket and my hunt cap, and sat quietly in the parlor to await My Lady.
    At precisely seven, I heard a crackling sound on