Wouldn't It Be Deadly by D. E. Ireland Read Free Book Online Page B

play Hamlet, ” Redstone said. “Miss Page will make her debut on the London stage in that role.”
    Eliza nodded. For a terrible moment, she fought back tears. There was so much she didn’t know—couldn’t hope to know—not without years of study. Higgins could teach her not to drop her aitches, Mrs. Higgins could instruct her in manners, and Pickering could buy her all the right clothes. But God help her, she was stupid, a stupid girl who used to sleep in her street clothes at night because she had nothing else to wear. How dare she presume to think she could ever find a life outside the desperate poverty she was born into?
    â€œI am stupid. The stupid daughter of a dustman who pretends to be a lady.”
    Redstone shook his head. “I see a lady before me, Miss Doolittle. A lady more gracious and refined than any peer listed in Debrett’s. You are a lovely, intelligent young woman. And the Colonel believes you’ve accomplished more in six months than most people do in a lifetime.”
    â€œBut I didn’t know who Ophelia was. I’ve never even heard of her. In fact, I’ve never read a word of Shakespeare.”
    â€œIt’s just a play,” Redstone said. “And plays can be read. Books, too. No one is born knowing who Ophelia is.”
    When he led her to a nearby table and pulled out a wrought iron chair, she sat down with a sigh. “That’s kind of you to say, Major, but you’re a great scholar.”
    He sat across from her, looking amused. “I certainly was not born knowing how to translate Sanskrit poetry, Miss Doolittle. It took many years and no small amount of effort. Everything in life has to be learned. And it’s not simply what comes from books. We learn how to walk and talk when we are babes, how to act in polite society, and how to love from those who care for us.” His pale eyes seemed to darken. “We even learn how to hate. That is perhaps the most difficult lesson of all.”
    Eliza was about to ask if someone had taught him that lesson, but Pickering returned with a footman. The man set down a silver tea tray filled with scones, cucumber sandwiches, and tarts with strawberries. A maidservant brought a tray of teacups and a teapot.
    The Colonel perched on a chair. “I fear there is no more Charlotte Russe, my dear.”
    Eliza felt guilty about that. After tea was poured, she, Redstone, and Pickering enjoyed good food and conversation until Lady Gresham’s voice rang out over the garden.
    â€œMay I have everyone’s attention?” Lady Gresham stood on the terrace, with Nepommuck a few feet behind her. The guests at the farthest reaches of the gardens strolled within earshot of the terrace. “Ladies and gentlemen, I want to welcome you to my Annual Foundling Hospital Garden Party. Your donations will help the cause immensely. Countless children are abandoned on the streets of London each week. Please contribute to this worthy charity. And thank you for joining us today.”
    Eliza had a few crowns in her pocketbook. She made a note to drop them in the donation basket before she left.
    Lady Gresham continued. “Some of you are pupils of the distinguished language expert, Emil Nepommuck, also known affectionately as the Maestro.”
    Even from where she was sitting, Eliza could see that Lady Gresham’s cheeks had grown quite pink. Lord, she was blushing like a young girl. Nepommuck now stood beside her. He looked even more pompous than usual.
    â€œThe Maestro and I have personal news to share. It appears that I am about to add another title to my name, albeit a Hungarian one.” Lady Gresham reached for Nepommuck’s hand. “I am both pleased and proud to announce that just this morning, I accepted Emil’s proposal of marriage.”
    Gasps from several hundred people greeted her words. Pickering choked on his tea. A crash of china sounded from one of the tables, and