Read Online Paupers Graveyard by Gemma Mawdsley - Free Book Online Page B

something for Annie to prepare.’
    â€˜Nothing too fancy, mind,’ he called after her.
    Elizabeth rushed to the kitchen and told Annie the news. There was a lot of head-shaking and sighing, before they finally decided on a beef broth with veal pie for the main course, and some cheese and biscuits for after. They were limited to what could be grown or killed on the farm, because Charles had not paid the grocer’s bills either. Elizabeth helped Thomas and Annie to prepare the food, and it was almost eight o’clock before they were ready. She emerged from the kitchen flushed from the heat and was about to go to wash when Charles called to her.
    â€˜You’d better hurry and change,’ he said, pleased by her surprised expression. ‘I’ve decided you are to join us after all.’
    â€˜Yes, Charles,’ she nodded and went upstairs. Any argument would be futile. While she was dressing, she heard the main door open and the sound of loud voices from the hallway. She smiled at Lucy, who was doing her hair, twisting and curling until she was pleased with the results.
    Elizabeth had chosen a pale blue, lace dress with a scooped neckline that wasn’t too revealing, and would not give Charles any reason to make rude remarks. Around her neck she fastened a single sapphire on a gold chain and clipped on matching earrings. This was all the jewellery she had left besides her wedding ring and a gold locket with a picture of John and herself. Everything else had been sold. This set had been his engagement gift.
    â€˜You look lovely,’ said Lucy, looking her over from head to toe.
    â€˜Do I?’ Elizabeth smiled, realising she no longer thought about how she looked. There was very little reason to care since John’s death. Before going downstairs, she ordered the girls to lock their door and the connecting one to her room; she was taking no chances.
    She stopped for a moment outside the dining-room and forced a smile that she hoped looked welcoming. When she opened the door and saw who the guests were, she almost fainted. Charles sat at the head of the table. On his left there were two rough-looking men she had never seen before, but it was the man sitting on his right who shocked her most. Black Jack sat smiling smugly at her, and she almost fell into the chair that the butler held out for her. None of the men had stood up when she entered.
    â€˜Well now, isn’t this pleasant?’ Charles laughed. ‘I believe you know Jack Carey here,’ he tapped Carey playfully on the arm.
    â€˜Yes, of course,’ she managed to find her voice. ‘Good evening Mr Carey.’
    â€˜And a good evening to you, your ladyship,’ he gave a mocking bow from his seated position.
    â€˜These other scamps are Willie Ryan and Tommy Cusack.’
    The men acknowledged her respectfully, and she could see they too were uncomfortable in her presence and the unfamiliar surroundings.
    When Thomas served the meal, she picked at the food and tried not to listen to the conversation at the other end of the table. These men were rough and coarse and Charles sounded as though he belonged in their company. The jokes were filthy and intermingled with swear words. Charles glanced at her occasionally and appeared pleased to see her blushing. Bottle followed bottle and, as the drink took effect, Black Jack stared at her, refusing to look away, even when she glared at him. Charles dismissed Thomas once the coffee had been served and she panicked when she realised that she would be left alone with them.
    â€˜Perhaps I should retire too, Charles, to allow you gentlemen some time to yourselves.’
    â€˜Not at all, my dear. I insist you stay, if not for your brilliant conversational skills, then for your ornamental value.’
    Her cheeks blazed in mortification and she knew that Carey was laughing at her. She let her mind wander to block out their words, and was unaware that Charles was speaking to