Read Online Coulson's Wife (The Coulson Series) by Anna J. McIntyre - Free Book Online Page A

think you could really put this room back in order.” Suddenly
realizing what she just said, Lily stopped talking for a moment and closed her
eyes. Her complexion turned bright red.
    “I didn’t mean that
like it sounded…” Lily started, then paused a moment and said, “Oh pooh, yes I
did mean that. I didn’t think you could get this room back in order, and figured
you would eventually come to us for help. But you did a great job. I don’t know
what is wrong with me, Mrs. Coulson. I’m not usually so mean.”
    Lily’s eyes filled with
tears and Mary Ellen couldn’t help but feel sorry for the girl.
    “Lily, how old are
you?”
    Lily took a deep
breath, wiped unshed tears from her eyes with the back of one sleeve and
proceeded to answer the question.
    “Twenty-five, ma’am.”
     “Are you married?”
Mary Ellen was curious to find out more about Lily, who seemed far less
irritating now, compared to their first meeting.
    “I was. My George was
in the army. He was killed this past fall.” A tear slid down Lily’s face. She
wiped it away and took a deep breath, calming herself.
    “Oh, I am so sorry, Lily.
I lost an older brother in this horrible war. Have you any children?”
    “Yes, two little
girls.”
    “And who watches them
when you’re at work?”
    “My mother and George’s
mother. They take turns.”
    “That’s nice you have
family to rely on.” 
    Lily nodded, feeling
less vulnerable.
    “Lily, why don’t we
start over? I know I was rather sharp to you and Jane that first morning — but I was very nervous about my
new life. And you, well, you did overwhelm me.”
    “I understand, Mrs.
Coulson. And I am very sorry for that.”
    “Yes, I believe you
are. And please don’t take it personally, my desire for total privacy. Unlike
you, I haven’t the support of a family to help me through challenging times. So
I choose to create a sanctuary of sorts — here in this room.”
    “Yes, ma’am, I
understand.” Lily didn’t really understand. Yet if Mrs. Coulson wanted her
privacy, Lily would honor her employer’s wishes.
     

Chapter Nine
     
    “D oes my husband
celebrate any holidays?” Mary Ellen asked William that night at dinner. Instead
of eating in the large, formal dining room, Mary Ellen had instructed Mrs.
Parker to have the staff start serving the evening meals in the parlor. The two
were alone at a small oak table in the cozy room.
    “Holidays? I’m not sure
what you mean.” William took a sip of his wine and watched as Mary Ellen
delicately cut her pork chop into tiny little pieces.
    “Last week July fourth
was like any other day around this house. Randall never suggested doing
something special for Independence Day, and I wondered if he was as indifferent
with Christmas.”
    “I think this one
slipped by, with the wedding and all, and planning for the Chicago trip. Did
you say anything to him?”
    “No, I’d feel foolish
bringing it up.” Mary Ellen shook her head and then popped a bite of pork into
her mouth.
    “Foolish, why? Mary
Ellen, when Randall comes home you need to start speaking up, and letting him
know what’s important to you. He’s an old friend, but if you let him walk all
over you, he will.”
    “It’s not that.”
    “Then what is it?”
    “July fourth was also my
birthday. And asking if we were doing anything different that day might seem as
if I am hinting for something special for my birthday.”
    “Your birthday? I had
no idea. Are you sure Randall knew?”
    “I assumed he must.”
    “I had no idea, Mary
Ellen. As much as my dear friend can be insensitive, I’m certain he wouldn’t
ignore your birthday. But I feel horrible, we must do something special!”
    “No!” Mary Ellen set
her fork on the linen tablecloth and looked over her plate at William. “That’s
the very reason I didn’t ask Randall. I really was not hinting to do something
special for my birthday. Goodness, I would not expect that. After all, my
parents never took much