03 - The Wicked Lady Read Online Free PDF

attempted murder of a duke?"
    "I wasn't trying tae murder ye," Kristen answered stubbornly. "The aim was much tae high."
    He moved closer, looking down at her intensely. "Would you like to debate the issue?"
    "Nay."
    "Then I suggest you drop the subject, and I don't want to hear anything more about our deal. I think you'll come to like our bargain."
    "Your Grace." The young girl who had sent Kristen to the kitchen entered and curtsied. She stood waiting for Trevor to recognize her, but his gaze stayed on Kristen.
    After a moment, he said, his eyes still on Kristen,  "Rebecca, I would like for you to meet Lady Kristen."
    Kristen turned to face the girl.
    "How do you do, mum?" Rebecca curtsied and Kristen almost laughed, but she didn't want to embarrass the girl whose face was as red as a newly fallen September apple.
    "I would like you to be lady's maid to Lady Kristen,” Trevor said. “I was told that you have been trained in such things."
    "Yes, Your Grace, I have."  Rebecca finally smiled. "I'd be honored to assist your lady."
    "Good." He nodded. "Please prepare her bath. We are planning an outing today."
    After Rebecca had left, Kristen couldn't hold her tongue any longer. "Are ye daft ? I've been dressin' myself for the last fifteen years, and me mother dressed me before that. I don't need any assistance in getting in and out of my clothes."
    "I can see you're going to argue every little thing, and at times will try my patience as you're doing now." His eyes were dark and unfathomable as he moved until he stood right in front of her. "You do need a lady's maid. Every proper lady has one, and when we go later today to have garments made, you'll see a vast difference in your wardrobe with many hooks and buttons. And, I've been hoping, perhaps praying, that Eva Marie can soften some of these hard edges of yours."
    "Hard edges?" Her wide-eyed innocence looked out of place as her hands went to her hips. "Have ye just insulted me?"
    He grinned.  "Of course not.  e are going to turn you into a very proper lady."
    "I can picture me now sitting at some fancy table, having tea and crumpets. But I don't need a lady's maid when God gave me two good hands tae work with," she continued primly.
    "Damn, if you are not hardheaded. It isn't proper. You do need a maid.  You might consider the fact that if you turn down Rebecca, she'll have no place to go and she won't be able to get a job when everyone hears The Duke of Chatsworth turned down her services."
    " 'Tis a big head ye have."  She grinned mischievously. "But since ye've put it that way, I'll keep her."
    "Thank you," he answered dryly. Then he smiled in the way that made her knees weak . "Now run along and get ready for your big day. We've much to accomplish."
    When Kristen went to her room, she found a large tub completely filled with steaming water and scented soap.
    Rebecca flitted about the room, gathering bath sheets and soap. "Will your bags be coming later, mum?"
    "Nay."
    "Then they are already here?"
    "Nay."
    "I--I don't understand." Rebecca's brow creased into a frown.
    "I only have the clothes I am wearing," Kristen admitted, but she noticed her new maid was still frowning, and Kristen couldn't think of a nice way to tell her that she could be a maid, herself. " 'Tis a long story. My clothes were lost," Kristen finally offered. She smiled as Rebecca accepted the lie.
    "Here let me help you undress." The maid moved toward her.
    "Rebecca, I'd like tae be honest.  I'm goin' tae have tae get used tae having a lady's maid."
    Rebecca twisted her hands together, her distress showing in her face. "You're not going to send me away?"
    "Nay, of course not."  Kristen patted the girl's hand to reassure her. 
    After Kristen had removed her clothing, she slipped into the tub. "Saints be praised, this is heaven," she sighed, gliding all the way under.
    "Oh, mum, you're not hurt?" Rebecca's voice was horrified as she pulled Kristen back up by the hair.
    Kristen gave a carefree