Dare to Kiss Read Online Free PDF Page B

all times."
    She went to the window to look out at the estate again, seeking hazards. The nearby land held little a boy could damage. There were a few flower beds, dead at this time of year, but mostly she saw lawn cropped by sheep. A few trees looked climbable without much danger. She thought of the balls, hoops, and hobby horse they'd left behind, but they must make do.
    She turned back. "If necessary, take him outside to run around. You deserve some play, too. Watch all the children if there's frozen water. You can't know if the ice will hold. There's something else. Sir Benjamin's appearance might alarm you. Do you remember he kept his muffler up around his face?" She described Sir Benjamin's jaw. "You must not show alarm or disgust."
    "I wouldn't, mama!"
    "You might, without meaning to. Be careful, and if you're speaking to him, look at his eyes. He has fine, kind eyes. Try to get Tommy to do the same. It's a matter of kindness."
    "If people shrink from him, he'll like it if we don't."
    She ruffled his hair. "Clever boy. The more he enjoys our presence here the longer we can stay. He's been used to living quietly, however, so we must keep the peace. Oh, and remember we're Giffords."
    He rolled his eyes. "Of course! And I told Tom there was a curse on the name Dellaby that would make his toes fall off if he says it."
    "Michael!"
    "It's the only thing to work with him."
    She shook her head, but he was probably right. "You can unpack your clothes and put on something clean. Brush your hair and try to present a good appearance. I'm going to see about breakfast."
    She returned to the girls and gave Charlotte similar instructions.
    Susan heard and whined, "Why do we have to be Gifford, mama? Dellaby is much prettier."
    "Hush! Are your toes all there?"
    Susan's eyes went wide, and she hurried to check. "Why?"
    "Because there's a curse on the name that shall not be spoken. Do it again and your toes might shrivel."
    "Mama...!" Susan set up a big wail and Charlotte glared as she gathered her sister into her arms, assuring her it wasn't true.
    Lily did regret the impulse, but she mouthed to Charlotte that Sir Benjamin must not learn their true name. Charlotte still scowled, but she nodded.
    Oh, for that pleasant certainty she'd felt last night. Now everything was on end, and she was at her limit again. That didn't matter. She must do what must be done.
    She brushed out her hair and repinned it neatly, then put on a lace-trimmed cap and apron. She surveyed herself. Yes, she looked like a lady of moderate means and complete decency.
    How recently she'd been that in truth!
    She gathered the supper dishes and left the room. She should go down the servants' stairs, but she went down the main ones, hoping to encounter Sir Benjamin. She didn't, and so she headed toward the servants' quarters. It was not much past eight o'clock, so he was probably asleep.
    When she entered the kitchen, chatter died.
    She applied hesitancy again. "Good morning. I've brought down the dishes.... Such delicious soup," she said to the cook. "So much appreciated."
    The cook said, "Megsy, take the dishes." She spoke sharply. What had changed?
    A scullery maid Lily hadn't seen before hurried forward to carry them away. She was no older than Charlotte, which reminded Lily of her daughter's fate if she didn't secure prosperity for them.
    Lily could only use honesty. "Sir Benjamin says we may stay for a little while as he helps me find a more appropriate shelter. So very kind..."
    She produced a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes.
    "He told us, ma'am. It is very kind."
    Lily didn't take up that challenge. "We will be no trouble to you, ma'am. None at all. We will fetch and carry for ourselves and require only the simplest food. Soup and gruel will do."
    Was she laying it on too thick?
    The cook bridled. "We can do better than that, ma'am!"
    "So kind," Lily said again. "May I trouble you for some breakfast for my little ones, ma'am? Some milk and bread will