Anna Jacobs Read Online Free PDF

face fell so dramatically that Beatrice was moved to ask her what was wrong. The Dowager frequently grew angry with her for paying so much attention to servants, but it was one thing she refused to change. Servants were people with the same feelings as anyone else and one of the few powers she had was to make their lives a little more pleasant by showing her appreciation for their services.
    “Please miss, I know I’m not a real lady’s maid, but Sarah, what maids for her ladyship, she’s been giving me lessons and she says I have a knack with hair, and I’m good with the ironing and mending, too. I won’t let you down, honest I won’t!”
    Beatrice realized from this that she would be blighting the young maid’s big chance in life if she denied needing any help. She couldn’t possibly refuse such a plea. “Very well, then.”
    The thin face was instantly radiant. “Oh, miss, you won’t be sorry! I’ll be ever so careful, you’ll see. Now, I’ll just go and fetch you a tea tray, then I’ll get your hot water, and afterwards, I’ll get your things ready. Sarah’s shown me ‘zactly what to do.” The words poured out in an enthusiastic stream.
    “Just a moment!”
    “Yes, miss?”
    “You haven’t told me your name.”
    “Ooh, so I haven’t! Sorry, miss! I’m Tilly. Short for Matilda.”
    So Beatrice submitted to the first of her London ordeals and allowed herself to be attended by the eager Tilly, who wouldn’t let her do a thing for herself, but who really did have a deft touch with hair and who absolutely radiated happiness as she reverently performed her duties.
    Breakfast was not until nine and Beatrice, an inveterate early riser, felt the day was half gone by the time she made her way down to the small dining-room. She was already at table when Johanna floated in, still dressed in a chamber gown.
    “Ah, there you are, Bea! Did you sleep well?”
    “Very well.”
    “Of course you did go to bed much earlier than I did. But then, I’ve never been much good in the mornings. How dreadfully energetic you look!” She yawned again and languidly helped herself to a piece of toast. “Did Tilly look after you all right? Sarah thought we might give her a tryout, but if she’s not suitable you must tell me. In any case, we’ll soon find you a proper lady’s maid.”
    “Oh, no!” Beatrice exclaimed involuntarily.
    “Why, whatever do you mean?”
    “I - I prefer to look after myself.”
    “Well, you can’t do that in London, silly, whatever you do at Satherby. Why, I dare say I change my clothes four or five times a day, and you’ll be doing the same. You’re going to need someone to look after your things. Mama said I was to find you the best lady’s maid to be had, and never mind the expense. In fact, we’re not to consider the expense of anything. What delicious fun we’re going to have!”
    “Oh, dear!”
    Johanna grinned at her. “Has she been laying down the law to you about what you’re to do and not do?”
    “Well, she has, rather. And I’ve no ambitions to look like a fashion plate. I prefer to feel comfortable. A real lady’s maid would be sure to despise me! Your Sarah does already!”
    Johanna burst out laughing. “No, she doesn’t! She wouldn’t dare! That’s just her way of maintaining her dignity.” She studied Beatrice carefully. “You know, if you don’t mind my saying so, I think you’re shyer than either of my girls were, Bea, and they were years younger than you when they came out. You shouldn’t be so modest! I prophesy you’ll take very well. Any maid would be pleased to look after you. They have their pride, you know, and you’re prettier than I remember, or you will be, once we’ve got you properly gowned and your hair dressed to better advantage. Besides which, you have a very substantial dowry, and that’s sure to - “
    Beatrice dropped her knife. “I have what?”
    “Surely Mama told you how much she’s decided to settle on