Read Online A Lady of Hidden Intent by Tracie Peterson - Free Book Online

gave way to twilight. They were fortunate to have gas lighting in the first floor of the house, but it was often not enough to work by, and Catherine felt the need to light an additional lamp while Lydia considered her words.
    “You show talent, Lydia. Do not be discouraged by correction; rather, let it be the guide to refining your skills.”
    “But Felicia said—”
    “Lydia, Felicia is not in charge here. Perhaps we should call upon Mrs. Clarkson to resolve this matter. If you will not take direction and correction from me, I will have no other choice.
    Is that what you wish?”
    Lydia hung her head. “No, ma’am.”
    “Very well. Take this bodice back and tear out the basting. Refit the seams and rework the piece until there are no gaps. Then bring it back to me to check. I’ll expect to see it yet tonight.”
    Getting up in a huff, Lydia snatched up the piece and stormed out of the room. Even Beatrix was stunned by her behavior.
    “Me mum would have her hand across me backside for such manners,” Beatrix couldn’t help but declare.
    Catherine wanted no part of encouraging the girls to be set against each other. She looked at the feisty redhead and pointed to the pattern. “Focus on your own work, Beatrix. No one likes to receive correction. Pride is a fierce enemy, and we must remember that fact if no other.”
    “Aye, but she had no right to be so angry,” Beatrix said as she turned back to her work. “We are here to learn.”
    “That is true enough, but Lydia also misses her family. She is homesick and it is sometimes hard for her here. She comes from a large family like yours, but her heritage is German. They were all very close but very much in need of Lydia’s learning a trade, and so they sent her to Mrs. Clarkson. She apprenticed here for a year, like you’re doing, before she came here to live.”
    “I can hardly wait to move here. Our house is very small and there is no quiet once the sun comes up,” Beatrix said as she put down the pencil. “There’s never enough food for everyone. If I didn’t eat lunch here, I might not be gettin’ anything at all,” she said with a laugh, but Catherine knew the truth of it in her voice.
    “That reminds me. I’m going to be increasing your training and need you here first thing in the morning,” Catherine said, knowing that Mrs. Clarkson wouldn’t mind. “I would like you to join us for breakfast at five-thirty every day but Sunday. That way if there should be any important discussions prior to the workday, you will already be there to hear it. Will that work for you?”
    Beatrix’s face lit up. “I’m thinkin’ it will suit me just fine.”
    “Well, it’s the least we can do. I realize you get no pay at this point in your training, but you work very hard and need nourishment. Eventually, we’ll have you stay into the evening hours and then you will also join us for supper.”
    “I’ll be lookin’ forward to that.” She shook her head, and her red braids danced around her shoulders. “I am countin’ me blessin’s.”
    The idea of living in a small tenement with nine people was beyond Catherine’s comprehension. Even the sewing house, with its four floors, offered the eight people who lived there on a regular basis far more room than the three-room home Beatrix described.
    Catherine wondered if they might bring Beatrix into the house sooner. There was room for her to stay with Dolley and Martha. A thought began to stir in her mind. She would speak to Mrs. Clarkson about it later that night. Even if she needed to offer Beatrix space in her private room, it would be worth the effort.
    “Well, it looks as though your day is done,” Catherine said, examining the pattern enlargements Beatrix had drawn. “These are quite perfect.” She looked up and found Beatrix beaming her a smile, and though Catherine had long ago lost the ability to claim such simple joy, she offered the girl a brief smile in return. “I will see you here at