Alicia Read Online Free PDF Page A

had done for her, and how much Alicia had had to bear through no fault of her own.
    Now Felicia tried to imagine the life she would lead in Tetterton and it frightened her. She would know absolutely no one there, and she would not be accepted by those young women of family that she was used to associating with. Felicia unconsciously lifted her chin, but her stiff upper lip quivered slightly.
    Alicia leaned over and hugged her daughter tightly to her. She was not unaware of the girl’s feelings on this occasion and they laid an almost unbearable burden on her. The need to reassure her daughter helped to distract her from her own misgivings.
    “You know, my dear, when first I came to the Grange I knew not a soul in the area. It was not so very long, though, before I called it home. And now we have such friends as Lady Gorham and Cassandra to come and visit us in our new home. You will be surprised at how quickly you adjust. I think what I shall like best is that there are just the two of us to make a go of it. There will be no interference and no pressure but for ourselves.”Alicia pinched her daughter’s cheek affectionately. “You were never one to be without friends, even when some in the neighborhood were set against us.”
    “But, Mama, how shall I know how to go on? What I mean is, I am so used to being on easy terms with people of quality that I fear I shall appear encroaching to those in Tetterton.”
    “I am persuaded that we shall just have to take our cue from those we meet, love. How one can change the habits of a lifetime I do not know. I own it has been troubling me. We shall both of us have to cultivate a bit more reserve, I cannot doubt. How does any poor relation become a companion? How does one act the role of a governess? It cannot be easy for anyone of reduced circumstances to reshape her life, but it is obviously done all the time. You must prepare yourself for snubs and slights until you hit on the behavior expected of you. Frankly, Felicia, I would hate to see you any different than you are now.”
    “What will happen if some accept me and others do not? You know that Jack Miller convinced his mother to have me to Luella’s ball. What if something of that nature should happen again?”
    Alicia regarded the lovely face turned up to her. It would happen again, she had not the least doubt. “We shall deal with events as they arise, my dear. I can make no pronouncements without knowing the circumstances. Just do not be disappointed if it seems wisest to refuse some treat you would dearly love to take part in.”
    Good God, what was she saying? You could not tell a girl of this age not to be disappointed. There was bound to be disappointment, and heartache, and sorrow beyond measure for such a child. She would make it as easy as she could for Felicia, she promised herself, but her heart sank at the prospect.
    Felicia steadily regarded her mother with her uncompromising blue eyes. “Mama, you must not think that I intend to mope about this. I do not blame you. Why, we should be in the suds in no time if we did not go into...trade.”
    “Yes, Felicia, but I am sorrier than I can ever say that you should be brought to such a pass.”
    “Well, I hope you will not say so again,”Felicia retorted. “It is not your fault but Papa’s.”
    “We will not go into that,”Alicia replied firmly. “Look, we are joining the Bridlington Road now. I am relieved that we do not pass the Grange. One parting is enough.”
    They were silent for some time when Alicia remarked, “Some of the hats Mr. Dean sells appeared a bit frumpy to me. Do you think you could do something for them, with the resources we will have?”
    “Oh, I should dearly love to get my hands on that straw bonnet with the high crown and small brim. The crown should be ribboned with a blue velvet band. It would make all the difference. And the lavender helmet would be all the better for a trimming of white lace. You mean I may work on