The Swan Maid. Dilly Court

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ As for me, I was raised in the foundling hospital and sent into service when I was eleven. I don’t know who my ma and pa were and I don’t suppose I’ll ever find out.’

      Maggie broke off as the waiters teemed out of the mess hall with their empty dishes. She winked at Private Perks as he hurried past. ‘Don’t forget us, Rodney, love.’

      ‘You shouldn’t tease him,’ Lottie said, trying not to giggle. ‘He’s just a boy.’

      ‘They’re all boys, but that doesn’t stop the army sending them into battle. They’ll grow up soon enough.’

      ‘Have you seen military service, Maggie?’

      ‘No, but I used to step out with a sapper. He’d seen conflict, and from what he told me it wasn’t pretty. I’m glad that Mrs Fothergill isn’t the sort of army wife who feels she has to follow her husband to war. She’s happy to stay at home and so am I.’

      ‘Lady Aurelia isn’t like that.’

      Maggie pulled a face. ‘She’s got quite a reputation, has that one. You’ll find out, Lottie. I just hope you’re up to the challenge.’ She swivelled round on her stool as the waiters reappeared. This time they were empty-handed, except for Perks. He thrust a plate of food into Maggie’s hands. ‘That’s all I could get, miss.’

      She blew him a kiss. ‘Thank you, Rodney. I’ll love you for ever.’

      He dashed into the mess hall, leaving them with bread, cheese and a slice or two of roast chicken.

      ‘I do hope he doesn’t get into trouble,’ Lottie said through a mouthful of cheddar.

      ‘This will do, but he’d better bring us some dessert, or I’ll be very cross with that young man.’ Maggie bit into a hunk of bread. ‘He won’t warrant a kiss unless I get a bowl of strawberries and cream or some fruit jelly.’

      ‘Are we the only ladies’ maids in the camp?’ Lottie selected a piece of chicken.

      ‘The wives of the more junior officers are more likely to live in the town, and they’ll have a servant or two, but not like us.’ Maggie licked her fingers. ‘We’re far superior to most. Just remember that, my friend.’ She slid off her stool. ‘I’m going outside for a breath of air, but I’ll be back in a few minutes.’

      Maggie’s idea of time seemed to be elastic and she was gone for such a long time that Lottie became worried and she went to open the door and look outside. Darkness was falling but she could just make out Maggie, who was sharing a cigarillo with the sentry. The end of the butt glowed in the dusk and puffs of smoke floated up into the sky.

      ‘Maggie,’ Lottie said as loudly as she dared. ‘They’ve cleared away the main course.’

      Maggie took a last drag on the cigarillo before handing it back to the man on duty. ‘Ta, love. I needed that.’ She sashayed towards Lottie, exhaling smoke. ‘Don’t look so shocked. I enjoy a smoke just as much as the men.’

      ‘I was just thinking that you’d both be in trouble if you were caught,’ Lottie said calmly.

      ‘Life’s no fun unless you take a chance or two.’ Maggie opened the door. ‘I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for dessert.’ She linked her hand through Lottie’s arm. ‘Come on, love.’

      They arrived back to find Private Perks standing self-consciously by the door, clutching a plate of strawberries and cream. Maggie released Lottie and snatched it from him. ‘You’re a darling, Rodney. You must be your mother’s pride and joy.’

      He blushed to the roots of his blond hair. ‘I can’t get you any more food, miss. That’ll have to be the last.’

      Maggie popped a strawberry into her mouth. ‘I fancy one of those little cakes,’ she said, eyeing a silver platter laid out with dainty pastries.

      ‘Let him go,’ Lottie said in a low voice. ‘Don’t tease the poor chap.’

      Perks shot her a grateful look. ‘No more, miss. You understand, don’t you?’

      ‘Of course. We won’t bother you again.’ Lottie stood aside to allow him to escape into the mess hall. ‘Leave him alone, Maggie.’

      ‘You’re no fun.’ Maggie shoved the plate under her nose. ‘Have a strawberry. They’re delicious.’

      The words had barely left her mouth when the door opened and Gideon emerged from the dining room. He came to a halt, frowning. ‘I might have guessed it was you, Miss Cole. Perks doesn’t know if he’s coming or going. He’s just spilled a whole jug of cream on Mrs Fothergill’s skirt.’

      Maggie swallowed a mouthful of fruit. ‘Oh dear Lord, she’ll be in a state for days.’ She thrust the plate into Lottie’s hand. ‘Take this, and don’t let on.’ She slid off the stool just as the doors flew open and an irate woman erupted into the anteroom.

      ‘Oh Lord,’ Maggie said again, sighing. ‘It had to be her, didn’t it?’

      ‘Look at me, Cole. My best gown is ruined. I’ll make sure that young private is dealt with severely.’ Mrs Fothergill held out the skirts of her purple gown, which clashed horribly with her berry-red hair.

      Maggie folded her hands in front of her. ‘I’m so sorry, madam.’

      ‘This gown cost a small fortune.’ Mrs Fothergill clutched her hands to her bosom. ‘I feel faint. Send for my carriage, Cole. I want to go home.’

      Maggie bobbed a curtsey. ‘Yes, madam. Right away.’ She snapped her fingers at Gideon, who had been standing to attention, keeping his eyes averted. ‘You heard Mrs Fothergill, Private Ellis. See that her carriage is brought round immediately.’

      Lottie noted the muscle twitching at the corner of Gideon’s mouth and she could see that he was controlling himself with difficulty, but he nodded and strode out of the building.

      Lottie herself had no such means of escape and she hid the plate behind her back. ‘Is there anything I can do to help?’

      Mrs Fothergill glared at her. ‘Who are you, girl?’

      ‘I’m Lady Aurelia Dashwood’s new maid, ma’am.’

      ‘Merriweather might have had a remedy, but I don’t expect a girl like you to know how to care for expensive fabrics. I’m surprised that Lady Aurelia took you on.’

      ‘Don’t take your anger out on her, madam.’ Aurelia’s angry voice caused Mrs Fothergill to turn with a start.

      ‘I didn’t see you there, my lady.’

      ‘Apparently not.’ Aurelia closed the door to the mess hall, shutting out the burst of conversation and laughter. ‘I saw what happened and it was entirely your fault. I hope you aren’t going to pretend it was Private Perks who was to blame.’

      Mrs Fothergill’s cheeks puffed out as if she were about to explode. ‘He was holding the cream jug. It was he who spilled it all over me. Just look at my gown – it’s ruined.’

      ‘You jogged his hand,’ Aurelia said calmly. ‘You СКАЧАТЬ