The Critchfield Locket Read Online Free PDF

to bring an extra morsel or two from our plates and I take him outside to dig in the sand, no one will be the wiser.”
    Kate spent the remainder of the afternoon re-arranging her cabinet so that one of the drawers could be emptied out to give Stormy a place of his own. As she dressed for dinner, it occurred to her how much she was looking forward to seeing Mr. Bennett. While buttoning up the fitted blue bodice of her dress, she wondered how Mr. Bennett would respond to news of the kitten. Would he be stern like Mrs. Thompson or would he feel as she did, that the kitten was in need of their help? She decided to let his mood determine if and when he should be told at all.
     
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    Nicholas took out his handkerchief, quickly drying his eyes before someone might chance upon him in his ragged state. He caught his splotchy reflection in a letter opener on his desk. He walked over to the window seat, situated himself on the red damask covered cushion and gazed out at the garden. It took his reddened eyes a moment to adjust to what he was seeing. Ms. Dornacher appeared to have picked up a small animal, conceal it within a fold of her skirt, and then proceed to walk towards the house, towards his home… with an animal.
                  “What in the blazes does she think she is doing?”
                  “Sir?” Mr. Baxter had silently entered the room, startling Nicholas.
                  “Wha,? Oh Thomas, I did not hear you come in.”
                  “Who were you speaking of sir?”
                  “Ms. Dornacher, I believe she has taken it upon herself to rescue a helpless animal.”
                  “Would you like for me to find out sir?”
                  “No Thomas, that will not be necessary. I will speak to Ms. Dornacher about this. Thomas,”
                  “Yes sir?”
                  “Do not mention this to Mrs. Thompson. She has enough on her mind at present. There is no need to trouble her with this.”
                  “Of course sir, as you wish.”
                  Nicholas went to his room and dressed for dinner. He felt different, lighter, as if he had finally been able to drop a heavy load that he had carried for years.
                 
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    Kate made her way to the breakfast room. Having arrived first, she took the opportunity to fully scrutinize the room’s décor. Sage-green wainscoting covered the lower portion of the walls, while the middle was covered in a lemon yellow and white flourished paper and were topped with a light blue painted cornice. From the cornice, natural landscape paintings hung low on yellow cords so that they were nearly eye level. The ceiling was stenciled with floral patterns in a paler yellow. The windows had green shades that had been lowered for the evening hours.
                  “Good evening Ms. Dornacher.”
                  “Good evening Mr. Bennett.”
                  “Shall we?” Nicholas gestured towards the table and chairs. Instead of relying on the butler, Nicholas pulled out Kate’s chair himself. It felt natural to do so, as if he had always done it.
                  Ms. Rusch was assisted by Margaret with the dinner service. Kate caught Margaret putting some morsels of food into her pocket and smiled her approval.
                  “Ms. Dornacher, did you have a pleasant afternoon?”
                  “Yes, I took the liberty of enjoying your splendid gardens.”
                  “I see, and did you interact with the wildlife?” His tone told Kate he was on to her, which made her blush. How does he know?
                  “Ms. Dornacher?”
                  “Katherine, you may call me