A Lady’s Trust by Callie Hutton (short story to read txt) 📕

to the tub with soap and a linen square placed on it. Behind the tub, two towels, large and fluffy, hung on a rack. Amelia groaned at the sight.

“That’s what I thought,” Diana said with a smile. “I will leave you to your bath.” She pointed to a large comfortable chair in the corner opposite the tub. “I placed some clean clothing there for you to change into.

“In a little while I will send my maid up to assist you in dressing. She will bring you down to the drawing room when you are finished.”

Tears welled in Amelia’s eyes again. “I don’t know how to thank you. Or your husband, and Dante. . .” She shook her head, unable to continue.

Diana touched her arm gently. “Be at ease, Amelia. We are all happy to see you safe and away from that horrible place.” Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. “Enjoy your bath. I know Driscoll is anxious to see you.”

Driscoll.

Was he angry with her for not telling him what he’d asked her for weeks? Yes, he rescued her, but that could be because she was an employee and he felt honor-bound to do that.

She removed the horrid night clothes they’d forced her to wear and tossed them in the corner, hoping she would have the enjoyment of burning them. She climbed into the tub, sighing as the warm water enveloped her body. She took the small linen square, rubbed the sweet-smelling soap over it and washed the face paint off. She was appalled at the way they had forced her to dress. A jolt of panic raced through her when she thought about how close she’d come to being presented dressed as a courtesan in front of who knows how many men all eager to bid on her.

She slid down in the water and washed her hair. She scrubbed her skin so hard she thought she would rub it off. No sooner had she’d finished washing than a soft knock on the door drew her attention. “Please come.”

A small maid entered and offered her a warm smile. “Good evening, Miss, I am Theresa. Her ladyship asked that I assist you.”

She nodded to the young maid. “Thank you. That will be very nice.”

Being raised the way she had, she had no problem with the maid helping her out of the tub, drying her off and helping her dress. “I believe they are anxious for you to join them in the drawing room, so may I have permission to fix your hair in such a way that we don’t have to wait for it to dry?”

“Yes. That would be fine.” She turned so the maid could fasten the back of the gown Diana had left for her. “They are anxious for me?”

Theresa walked around her and smiled. “Actually, Mr. Driscoll is anxious to see you. He has been pacing the drawing room since they arrived.”

Theresa had her sit at the small dressing table in the bathing room where she plaited her hair, then wrapped the plaits around her head, fastening them with pins. Looking in the mirror, Amelia could hardly reconcile the woman in the mirror to the one who arrived with face paint, loose hair, and dressed in scandalous nightclothes.

“I have been asked to escort you to the drawing room when we are finished,” Theresa said. She looked over Amelia’s shoulder and smiled at her in the mirror. “I believe we are ready.”

Amelia nodded and stood. They walked the corridor to the stairs that led to the ground floor where the public rooms were located. Amelia’s heart began to pound, and she was finding it hard to catch her breath. Driscoll stood on the other side of the imposing, large wooden door.

Would he turn from her in anger? In disgust? Might he tell her she was no longer employed by The Rose Room? Would he insist she return to Randolph with a warning to him to treat her better?

Stiffening her spine, she took a deep breath and stepped through the door the footman opened. Diana, Lord Huntington, Dante and Driscoll ceased their conversation and turned at her entrance. She had to tamp down the urge to flee.

Driscoll walked up to her and took her hands in his. “Are you feeling well, my love?”

She stared into his eyes. Anger?

No. Disgust?

No. Concern?

Yes. Love?

Frighteningly so. She licked her dry lips. “Yes. I am well. Thank you.” She turned to Lord Huntington, Diana, and Dante. “I can’t express how much I appreciate what you’ve done for me. I cannot. . .” She stopped, her throat working as she tried to control the tears that threatened to embarrass her.

Diana stood and motioned to her husband and Dante. “I think it is time for us to retire. Dante, if you wish we have a room readied for you.”

Dante shook his head. “Thank you, Diana. You are gracious as always. However, I think there is still time for me to stop by The Rose Room.” He walked to Amelia. “Welcome back, Miss Pence. ’Twas an interesting night.”

She grinned. “Thank you.”

The three left the room, closing the door softly behind them. Amelia began to study her feet encased in the soft slippers Diana had provided, not quite sure what to do now that she and Driscoll were alone.

Driscoll placed his finger under her chin and raised her head until she was staring into his eyes. She was still unable to reconcile the emotion she saw there. “Would you care for a drink? Brandy? Sherry? Tea?”

Amelia nodded and ran her palms up and down her arms. “Actually, a brandy sounds very good right now.”

He led her to a settee and walked to the other side of the room and poured two brandies. He turned to face her and leaned against the sideboard, his long legs crossed at the ankles as he swirled the brandies and studied her.

She quelled the desire to squirm at his scrutiny. Pushing himself away from the sideboard, he moved forward and took the space