Read Online Miss Goodhue Lives for a Night by Kate Noble - Free Book Online Page A

hadn’t thought of it like that.”
    â€œCome, let’s see what’s in my wardrobe,” she said, putting down the cloth and giving up on her gown. Then she took the baby from the nurse with an indulgent smile. “I haven’t been able to wear any of my lovelier gowns in so many months, you will be doing me the greatest favor in airing them out.”
    â€œNow?” Cecilia asked. Her head spun a bit from the speed at which things were happening. “But . . . I have several errands to run—friends in Helmsley wanted . . .”
    â€œGive the errands to a footman, he’ll see them done.”
    Phoebe drew up to her full height, which was average, but the posture made her the most imposing figure in the room—not to be rebuked. “That’s why we have footmen, or so my darling Ned says. Now come—there are gowns that require thorough assessment.”
    They spent the better part of the afternoon in Phoebe’s rooms, her entire wardrobe spilling out onto settees and the bed. A long mirror was brought in to the room, and Cecilia was placed upon a footstool in front of it.
    â€œI know, it’s absolute excess,” Phoebe said, watching as her gowns were trotted out one by one. “And in truth I would prefer to have a wardrobe I could fit into one trunk—I’d never needed more than that before. But when we married, Ned told me that he would give me everything in the world. After he bought out all the dress shops on Bond Street, I realized we would have to curtail some of his enthusiasm.”
    It was just then that a soft knock sounded on the door and Chalmers, the very formal butler, stuck his head in.
    â€œMy lady, Frederick has returned from the errands. Where should the items be placed?”
    â€œOh—Miss Goodhue’s room, I should think. Correct, Cecilia?”
    At Cecilia’s nod, Chalmers raised an eyebrow, but intoned, “Very good, my lady.”
    Chalmers stepped back, and Cecilia glimpsed a procession of crate after crate being hauled past.
    â€œGoodness—what on earth is all that?” Phoebe said.
    â€œBolts of fabric,” Chalmers replied. “From the docks.”
    â€œHow many are there?” Cecilia asked weakly.
    â€œAbout ten more, miss.”
    Cecilia felt her cheeks burn. It seemed like Mrs. Robertson got the better part of her helpful arrangement. But she wasn’t the only one, as Cecilia quickly learned.
    â€œThe crates of tea are on the next cart. And the wood carving shop was closed, so we were unable to return the fish.”
    â€œYou . . . you can just put them in my room as well, then,” she said. “Thank you.”
    â€œThank Frederick, miss. He’s the one who had to load the carriages.”
    Phoebe blinked as Chalmers followed the items down the hall, then turned to Cecilia.
    â€œWell, it seems you will have far more than one single trunk on the way back.”
    â€œYes,” she sighed. Then, “You had a wardrobe you could fit into one trunk?” Cecilia asked before she could stop herself. It was a crass, personal question, and she had met Phoebe only this morning. “Forgive me, my lady, but you are so very polished . . . it’s hard to imagine.”
    â€œThe polish comes from capable ladies’ maids and dressmakers. Underneath it all I still can’t help but think of myself as a governess.”
    â€œYou were a governess?” Cecilia asked, astonished. “To . . . to a grand London house?”
    â€œNo, to a terribly ordinary family in the middle of nowhere.” Phoebe smiled, lost in the memory. “But I’ve found that managing London is not unlike managing children. There are desires, and tempers, and fits if people don’t have things exactly to their liking. But a firm, well-placed word and a small kindness goes a long way.”
    â€œThat will be good to remember