Read Online Wishes on the Wind by Elaine Barbieri - Free Book Online Page B

David had deduced from the scene in front of him a few minutes earlier, when both Mabel's and Meghan's expressions had been so revealing, that things were not going well between them. An unexpected summons from the house had sent Mabel waddling back toward the kitchen. Without realizing his intention, he had then taken a step toward the girl only to halt as, obviously believing herself unseen, she made a grimace at the maid's departing back and then stuck out her tongue.
        Unable to resist a smile as Meghan resumed her work, David had taken another step toward her as, just as unexpectedly, she ripped the unbecoming cap from her head and threw it on the ground. But the anger and resentment in that gesture didn't strike David as much as when the girl then deliberately turned her face into the breeze, raised it to the sun, and closed her eyes. Touching his heart was the childish innocence of her countenance as she allowed the brilliant rays to warm her face. He saw a budding beauty there, as well as the peace that touched her features in the moment before she opened her eyes again and continued her work.
        David was within a few steps of her when the girl became aware of his approach. She turned, a familiar hostility appearing in those incredibly beautiful eyes as she asked abruptly, "What are you doing here?"
        David's sense of well-being faded rapidly under her gaze.
        "I live here, remember?"
        "Yes, I remember."
        For the life of him, David couldn't understand why he so deeply regretted the wariness that sprang into her eyes. But he did, and he tried his most disarming smile.
        "I had Fabian out for a ride when I saw you, and I thought I'd ask how you like working here."
        The girl's eyes narrowed further. "I do my job."
        "Is the work too much for you?" And then at the suspicion that leaped into the girl's expression, he added hastily, "Cook's sometimes inclined to test the new help sorely."
        "As you said, I'm stronger than I look."
        Gritting his teeth at the bite in her tone, David felt his smile grow stiff. Uncomfortable with their verbal fencing, he had taken another step that brought him closer to the girl when he noticed the ring of raw skin that encircled her neck just under her collar. Frowning, he unconsciously reached out to touch the abrasion. The girl drew back, and his irritation increased.
        "What happened to your neck?"
        "It's nothing."
        "I asked you"
        The girl's eyes snapped with anger as she offered a carefully controlled response.
        "This collar's too tight."
        "Too tight? That uniform fits you like a sack."
        Anger flickered more brightly in the girl's eyes and David groaned inwardly at his own clumsiness as she responded through tight lips, "Mrs. Lang provided this uniform. Cook said my own clothes weren't suitable."
        David was determined to reverse the negative flow of their conversation. "I'm sure Cook meant that my aunt likes the staff to be harmoniously dressed. She's very particular."
        "Yes, sir."
        David paused, realizing the girl was doing all she could to conclude the conversation. Yet, he was somehow unwilling to allow the conversation to end on a sour note, as had all conversations with her in the past. She studied him, her gaze cautious. She didn't trust him, and he supposed he couldn't blame her. He had behaved like a spoiled child the day they first met, and some of the things he said were unforgivable. He regretted them, but not enough to give the little chit the upper hand by apologizing to her.
        Impatient with his silence, the girl spoke abruptly. "I have to    finish hanging these clothes or Mabel will be out here after me in a minute."
        "Mabel's an extremely kind woman. I'm sure she doesn't mean to be abrasive."
        "Oh, she's very fond of you, too, sir."
        Her comment delivered with a sarcastic twist of