An Artful Deception (5 page)

“
I am finished with my breakfast. Ring for the downstairs maid and then fetch me my blue cotton day dress. I do hope that you are good with hair. My Bertha was wonderful with hair.”

As she crossed to the ornately carved mahogany wardrobe, Katharine forced herself to concentrate on one order at a time. She would have no problem finding the dress. The hair was another matter. While she could put her own locks into a decent enough chignon, she had never arranged another woman’s hair in her life. While she was an infant, a nanny had tamed her fiery mane. As she grew older, various maids had taken over the task.

She settled the gown upon Lady Charlesworth’s stout frame and fastened the buttons. She found her slippers and the sapphire pendant that she wished to wear. Then, to her dismay, she turned to find the lady settled at the dressing table, awaiting her ministrations.

Katharine hesitated, uncertain as to what to do. Lady Katharine glanced up at her reflection in the mirror. “Well, what are you waiting for?”

Katharine took a deep breath and said, “To be honest with you, my lady, I have never been good with hair. Lady Katharine and I were more companions than we were maid and mistress. That is why she did not mind having another maid to arrange her hair.”

Lady Charlesworth stared up at her in shock. “I must say, I have never heard of such a thing. I enjoyed my Bertha’s company but I quite insisted that she be able to perform all that her position required.”

Katharine studied Lady Charlesworth’s golden tresses that were showing streaks of silver. “I can do a quite passable chignon, if you like. I have often done that for Lady Katharine.”

“
I prefer my hair caught up in the front with curls down the back. Perhaps you could give it a try.”

Reluctantly, Katharine brushed out the lady’s hair and attempted to smooth it into the desired coiffure. Lady Charlesworth watched intently, alternately offering instructions and clucking her tongue at the results.

As Katharine wound the last curl around her finger, Lady Charlesworth said, “It is not very satisfactory. I find it surprising that Lady Katharine did not insist that her lady’s maid be competent in such an important skill. It is fortunate that I shall not be going out today.”

“
I am sorry. I am sure that I can learn.”

“
I hope so, or I shall have to set Mrs. Parker upon finding me a new maid before we go to London. If that happens, you may stay on as a parlor maid. You can surely do that, I hope.”

Katharine clamped her teeth in determination. After her lie to young Lord Charlesworth, she doubted he would believe her if she should confess the truth. She would be dismissed from her position and have no funds to get to London. And her one chance out of her current situation lay in London, where she might claim her true title and marry a member of the peerage. For, a return to her uncle and a forced marriage to Cedric were unthinkable. Yet, if she did not please Lady Charlesworth, her only other choice was to spend her life as a parlor maid. And she did not wish to spend her life as a parlor maid.

Lady Charlesworth rose and said, “I wish to take a turn about the garden. You may come with me and tell me all about the Kirby estate. I wish to know all that went on there before Lady Katharine began her journey.”

Katharine followed her mistress to the row of hedges near the greenhouse where Philip had been tending roses that very morning. The memory made her blush. If only she had known him, she would not have uttered such careless words. Yet, how could she ever have guessed that he would change so dramatically in manners and appearance.

She harbored little doubt that he would have any difficulty capturing the interest of any young heiress upon whom he set his sights. The thought gave her a twinge of melancholy. Her hasty action had forever stolen the possibility that she would be his choice. She brushed aside her self-accusation. Why should she care who became his bride? She barely knew him and, should she get to London, there would be plenty of eligible bachelors there.

Lady Charlesworth gave her a disapproving frown. “You have not said a word. I hope that I shall not find you close-mouthed and un-engaging, for I do not like dull young women, indeed I cannot stand their company.”

Katharine shook off her remonstrations, amused by the knowledge that, should she confess, Lady Charlesworth would find them of much greater interest than what she was about to tell. She strode in step beside the lady, pausing as Lady Charlesworth stopped to take a deep breath of the cool cedar scented air.

“
As you probably know, Lord Graynor arrived just after Lady Katharine’s father died. Have you met Lord Graynor, my lady?”

Lady Charlesworth stood up. She gave Katharine a severe look. “I have. I understand that he gave your father, bless his soul, much cause for concern when he was a young man. I trust that age has improved him.”

“
I fear it has not. Lady Katharine wanted nothing to do with staying, even in her own beloved home, if he were there. He offered that she might stay, but only on the terms that she marry his son, Master Cedric, who was soon to arrive.”

Lady Charlesworth turned all of her attention to Katharine. “She was wise to decide upon coming here. I have not met the son since he was a child, but I cannot believe he is any match for my Philip.”

“
Indeed not. He is exactly like his father.”

Lady Charlesworth focused all of her attention upon Katharine as she continued the tale of how Lady Katharine had bravely refused him and set out to meet the young Lord Charlesworth, whom she held in fondest memory. By the time she finished the tale of the brave lady, tears shone in Lady Charlesworth’s eyes. She tucked her arm with Katharine as she dabbed a spotless white handkerchief at her nose.

“
It is too much to be borne. You must have loved your mistress deeply.”

“
We were very close, my lady.”

“
For her sake, I shall keep you on for the present, for I have discovered that, like myself, you are capable of deep feelings, and beside you have proved quite diverting. I shall go upstairs now and take a rest until luncheon. You may do as you please until I ring you.”

Katharine escorted her mistress back to her chambers. Then, with a sigh of relief, she looked for Lizzy. She was in need of a willing victim to practice her hair skills and she felt sure she could talk the young girl into sitting for her.

She found her in the downstairs parlor, dusting the vases and tables. As there was no one else about, she was free to explain her need. “I was never required to attend to Lady Katharine except as a companion. I do not know a thing about caring for Lady Charlesworth’spersonal needs. She insists that I learn to do her hair the way she likes it. Please, Lizzy, you must let me practice on you. ”

Lizzy’s dark eyes grew wide. “I would be happy to help you any way that I can, though I do envy you, even if you have to learn a thing or two.”

She looked wistful. “I have always wanted to become a lady’s maid. I do not know how I shall ever get the chance. I will be lucky to keep my position. Mrs. Parker is always onto me about one thing or another. I do not believe she likes me very well.”

Katharine sighed. “I do not believe she likes anyone very well.”

Lizzy nodded. “I believe that is true. That is why it would be best if Mrs. Parker did not find out what we are doing. I do not know why, but I believe she would disapprove. So, I shall sneak up to your chamber after my duties are finished this evening.”

As though drawn by the mere mention of her name, Mrs. Parker’s stood in the doorway, wearing a dark scowl. Both women jumped as she said icily, “Is this what you are employed to do, Lizzy, to stand around talking when there is work to be done? Lady Charlesworth may allow her maid to be lazy if she chooses, but you will find yourself unemployed, with no reference, if you choose to follow her example.”

Lizzy paled. “I am sorry. We had only spoken for a moment.”

Katharine jumped to her defense. “It was my fault. I came down to ask her a question.”

Mrs. Parker’s face did not soften. “In the future, I would advise you to ask me any questions you may have about the running of this household. I am sure to be able to answer them better than this girl.”

Katharine felt incensed by the indignity of being chastised by a haughty housekeeper. She fought hard to keep her voice steady. “I had not wanted to bother you, but if that is your wish, I will do so.”

“
It is my wish.” Mrs. Parker stepped back to allow Katharine to exit the room. Katharine passed without a word, hoping Mrs. Parker did not tarry to give Lizzy more of her sharp tongue.

She was so angered by the reproach that she decided to walk awhile until time to tend to Lady Charlesworth. She walked toward the stables, drawn by the memory of long rides she had taken at her own estate. The memory of the carefree freedom she had enjoyed brought tears to her eyes. When Papá had been alive, she had never worried about what would become of her. She had imagined she would be suitably married and happily settled for years before her uncle took possession of her estate. Yet, things had not turned out at all the way she had planned, and now, she must make the best of it.

She strode along the stalls, admiring the dozen horses. She judged by the sheen of their coats that Lord Charlesworth insisted upon good care of his investment. In the center of the stable, a young groom was rubbing down a sturdy strawberry roan.

Katharine lingered, rubbing her hand along the sleek damp coat. “He is beautiful. Who owns him?”

The groom announced with obvious pride. “Why, this is Mr. Philip’s horse. ‘Aint he a beauty? None better in all of Surrey.”

“
He is beautiful.” Katharine pictured herself seated upon this magnificent creature. Her riding habit of red polished cotton would flow over his solid flank as they flew across the meadow. It had been so long since she had ridden. She missed it terribly.

She came back to her senses as the groom asked, “Is there something I can do for you here?”

Katharine shook her head. “No. I was just taking a turn and, as an admirer of horses, I was drawn to the stable.”

The groom grinned. “You can come any time you have the chance.”

She smiled in return. “Thank you. I will remember.”

She returned to the house, feeling in a much better mood than when she had departed. Perhaps she would find a way to gain permission to borrow a horse. Even if not, she could come to the stables when she had the chance and pet and spoil the horses.

She slipped into the parlor and glanced at the clock. It was nearing one o’clock. Lady Charlesworth would be waking and expecting her to attend to her needs. She scurried up the stairs, meaning to make straight for her mistress’ chambers.

She was so intent upon her mission that she barely glanced up to see a man coming towards her down the stairs. However, there was no mistaking his identity when he drew alongside her.

“
Ah, the young maid who has bewitched my mother; I have just been up talking to her. It seems she was going to replace you, but has now found you such engaging company that she has had second thoughts.”

He stood so near Katharine that she could feel the heat of his body. His eyes, as blue as wild chicory, studied her with unrestrained curiosity while a half-smile played upon his lips.

Her pulse leapt, beating so rapidly in her throat that she was sure he must notice.

She calmed her senses and said, “I am complimented that Lady Charlesworth chooses to overlook my inadequacies.”

From his view of her, Philip could see few inadequacies indeed. He refrained from any comment, merely quirked his brow and studied her, “You will find that my mother will overlook many shortfalls if she finds you amusing. That is indeed her dearest joy, to be amused.”

“
I shall try to remember that and make myself as witty and entertaining as her ladyship could possibly wish.”

“
I have no doubt you shall succeed. You are both well-spoken and forthright. I am sure Mother will find that refreshing.”

Katharine met his eyes and saw the perplexity, as though he were searching for an answer to a long-ago memory. Obviously he did not remember the copper-haired young miss who had visited him, for he had waged no protest when his deceased bride had proved a comely blond.

He lingered, blocking her from continuing up the stairs.