Page 66 of Harpy of the Ton

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Or would, had she been born a boy. As a girl, she’d have to set aside her ambitions and succumb to the duty of all women.

Which reminds me…

“Come on, children!” he said brightly as he reached the cottage and opened the front door. “Let’s see what Mama’s been up to.”

The hallway was empty.

“Bella?” he called out.

Silence.

“Bella!”

“Mama, where are you?” the children chorused.

Perhaps she’d taken flight.

“What’s that smell?” William asked.

“It smells good,” Jonathan said. “I like it!”

“You likeeverything,” Roberta said. “You’re such a baby! People won’t like you any more just because you like them.”

“Don’t likeyou!” Jonathan gave her a push.

“That’s enough,” Lawrence said. Though he had to admit, the aroma had a certain appeal. It smelled suspiciously like…

Cooking.

He pushed open the parlor door. A fire flickered in the hearth, and the candles at either end of the mantelshelf were almost out.

What the devil was she about? They couldn’t afford to waste candles and logs in an empty room. Clearly, she had no appreciation of how much things cost.

“Papa—come and look!”

He followed the children’s voices into the kitchen.

Ah—that explained the aromas.

A pot sat on top of the range, and next to it, a loaf of bread.

He picked up the loaf, which was still warm to the touch. It was on the small side, and somewhat hard—it barely yielded when he squeezed it—but it was better than nothing.

And in the pot…

He lifted the lid to reveal a thick brown stew that simmered gently. He stirred it, revealing pieces of meat, potato, smaller pieces of onion, and the occasional carrot.

“Bella!” he called out again, but there was no answer. “Children—go upstairs and remove your shoes, then return to the table. I’ll find your mother so she can serve supper.”

“She’s not our—” Roberta began, but William poked her in the ribs.

“Yes, she is—remember what Papa said.”

She pulled a face, then exited the kitchen, followed by her brothers.

“Don’t push me!” William cried, followed by a shriek from Jonathan.

“Children!” Lawrence roared.

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