A Heart Revealed Read Online Free PDF

Norwin at dinner and found his manner more relaxed and personable than it had been during prior events. Perhaps because it was the first time they had been given opportunity for such lengthy conversation. He seemed impressed in particular with her talk of horses. She had little enjoyment of the animals but knew a great deal about them due to her mother’s insistence that she be able to converse about what was most gentlemen’s favorite topic. That Amber knew the perfect places to laugh as he regaled her with stories not as humorous as he believed helped a great deal as well, and he became more and more comfortable as the evening progressed.
    On the ride home, Lady Marchent told Amber that according to Mrs. Heyworth, Lord Norwin’s father, the Earl of Lanketer, was rather poorly. Enough so that Lord Norwin might soon be allowed to occupy his father’s seat in the House of Lords, perhaps permanently. Not only did that stand to forecast that Lord Norwin could become the Earl at any given time, it also meant that his parliamentary seat would require he return to London every season. The expectation of living in London for at least a portion of the year was a significant recommendation for Lord Norwin’s suit, which Amber was considering to encourage.
    Amber’s head was full of such thoughts as she pushed open the door of her bedchamber.
    “How was your evening, Miss?”
    The unfamiliar voice gave Amber a start. She’d had to ring for Helen after ten o’clock, but it seemed Suzanne had waited for Amber.
    “The evening went very well.” Amber had all but decided to let the maid go in the morning, but now thought perhaps she should sleep on it to make sure she didn’t react rashly. It hadn’t been a simple task to replace Helen and could be some time before her mother would be able to procure a maid of higher recommendation than Suzanne.
    Amber held out her arms so Suzanne could undo the straps and clasps of the evening gown, turning when needed and stepping out of the gown when Suzanne had pooled it at her feet. Suzanne removed Amber’s petticoat next, then the stays, and then the shift, laying them neatly over the dressing bar as she did so. Amber took note of the woman’s attention and admitted to herself that despite Amber’s displeasure with her hair tonight, she’d received numerous compliments. Only Amber knew she owed the presentation to a pair of stockings.
    Suzanne helped her into her nightdress and dressing gown before Amber sat down at her mirror, feeling the heaviness of sleep reach her eyes as Suzanne began removing the pins from her hair. It seemed as though it had taken a hundred of them to hold everything in place tonight.
    “Miss?” Suzanne asked, causing Amber to open her eyes and meet the woman’s reflection in the mirror. “Might I speak plainly?”
    Speak plainly? Suzanne had been under Amber’s employ for less than a day. What a presumptuous woman! The request was so out of place that it piqued her curiosity, however, and kept Amber from responding with the irritation she felt. “You may.”
    Suzanne kept her eyes on Amber’s hair as she continued removing the pins. She tucked each pin in the pocket of her apron, obviously nervous, which meant the servant had not asked for such a liberty without understanding the risk she took in doing so.
    “I am quite distressed at displeasing you on my very first night. In hopes of improving my service for tomorrow, I thought to become more familiar with your wardrobe and tastes. I explored your bedchamber, and I found the box in the back of your wardrobe. Do you know it?”
    “Why would a box in the back of my wardrobe concern you?” Amber snapped. “I have any number of boxes for hats and trinkets.”
    Suzanne looked up and met Amber’s eyes in the mirror. “Yes, Miss, but this box was different. It was filled with . . . hair.”
    “Hair?” Amber asked, confused. “A wig?”
    “No, Miss, your hair.” She took a breath and did not meet