Shameful Celia (The Mail Order Brides of Boot Creek Book 3) Read Online Free PDF

something?”
    “I just think the air smells awfully nice around here, sir.”
    He wrinkled his nose. “I suppose.” Pointing to the stairs, he said, “After you.”
    Grasping the banister, I took the first step. “Thank you.”
    The second floor revealed a short, dark hallway with several doors on either side. Nicolas unlocked a door on the end, exposing a blackened interior. “I’ll just open the curtain here.” Pushing aside the heavy drapes, light streamed in, falling across a thin carpet. The sparse furnishings included a small bed with a slightly stained mattress and a dresser. “It’s not much, but I’ll bring you some linens. I’ve a maid that comes twice a week to wash things.” He glanced at my dress. “She could take care of your clothing, as well. No charge.”
    “I can’t remember the last time this was washed.”
    He nodded. “Yes, it could use some … freshening up.” Moving towards the door, he said, “Let me show you the water closet. It’s for the tenants to use at will.”
    “What’s a water closet?”
    “I’ll show you.” At the end of the hallway, he opened a door. “This is a water closet. Mrs. Wexler spared no expense here. We’ve indoor plumbing and a working loo.”
    My mouth fell open. “You don’t say.” I gazed at the copper tub encased in a carved wooden cabinet. “I’ve never seen anything like this before.”
    “No need to go out to use the privy.”
    “I sure am looking forward to this.” I ogled the contraption on the loo. “I hope I don’t break anything. It looks complicated.”
    “I’m sure you’ll be fine. Now, let me get your bedding.”
    Wandering to a mirror that hung over a ceramic bowl, a woman with grayish skin and dark eyes stared back at me. I hadn’t seen myself in years, and shocked, I could only stare. The unhappy realization came hard and fast. I was not especially pretty, nor clean. You are a ragamuffin.
    “Gracious be, I’m a sight.” Most of my hair remained hidden beneath the bonnet, but the strands near my forehead were a dullish brown. “Maybe I shouldn’t look in mirrors.” I turned the other way, feeling disheartened by what I had seen.
    “I’ve got your things.” Nicolas appeared in the doorway. “Let’s make your bed, so I can take you across the street for a bite to eat.”
    “You’ve been really nice to me, sir.”
    “It’s nothing.” He grinned. “It’s my job to help those in need. You’re not the first person I’ve assisted, Mrs. Wellington. You won’t be the last.”
    I followed him to my room, watching as he made the bed, accomplishing the task quickly. A simple looking blanket and a thin pillow now lay upon the mattress.
    “Thank you.”
    “Let’s grab a bite. I’m starving myself.”
    “I can pay for the room. I got some money from selling my land.”
    “Don’t trouble yourself about that right now.” He moved towards the doorway. “Let’s have a meal, and then I’ll introduce you to Mrs. Wexler. She’ll want to meet her newest tenant.”
    “Who lives here besides you?”
    “An elderly lady and a young couple with a baby. You’ll meet them all shortly.”
    “All right.”
    He led me to the staircase and down, exiting via the back door. “Walking through an alleyway to get to and from your house isn’t exactly dignified, but that’s what living in town’s all about, I suppose.”
    “I don’t mind it in the least.” The space between the buildings looked litter free, and I had not seen a single rat.
    After emerging onto the street, he guided me across to the hotel, where a restaurant occupied the first floor. It being late afternoon, there were few people in the dining room, and the waitress seated us immediately. Never having eaten in such a fancy place, I felt awkward, wondering if everyone had turned to stare at me, because I felt a prick of discomfort.
    A menu came my way. “Thank you.”
    The waitress wore a crisp white apron. “The special today is Porterhouse Steak