Page 66 of Doxy for the Ton
“No,” Mimi said, gritting her teeth as the image of another man resurfaced—and the very thought of him sent a ripple of nausea and fear through her. “Ineverwant to be dependent on a man.”
The door opened and Anna and Mary returned with the tea things. A third woman accompanied them, with a child clinging to her skirts.
She let out a small cry as she spotted Mimi.
“Now, Lily, what did I tell you last night?” Mrs. Briggs said. “Mimi won’t hurt you. She’s our friend. She’s even been helping with the hem of your dress. See?” She nodded to the garment on Mimi’s lap.
“I’m sorry, Lily,” Mimi said, holding out the gown. “I didn’t know it was your dress. Would you like it back?”
Lily turned her expressive eyes—that looked huge in her pale, thin face—toward Mimi. Then she glanced at Mrs. Briggs as if seeking permission.
“Go on, Lily darlin’, she won’t hurt you,” Mrs. Briggs said. She turned toward Mimi. “Lily’s been working on the other gown you’ve got there—see that lacework? The work on the bodice is all hers.”
Mimi picked up the other gown. The top half of the bodice was covered in embroidery, delicate stitches forming an intricate pattern—swirls of leaves and flowers, each with a tiny knot at the center.
The work was finer than anything Mimi had ever seen—all the more for having been fashioned from plain cotton, not expensive silks, nor the shiny beads that often adorned the gowns of countesses and duchesses. The quality of the work spoke for itself, rather than letting the expense of the materials speak for it.
The child released his grip on Lily’s skirts and toddled toward Mimi, arms outstretched.
“Sam!” Lily let out a cry as the child lost his balance and toppled forward, but Mimi swept him up into her arms.
“Who do we have here?” she cooed. “A fine young man, indeed.”
The child squealed with delight as Mimi bounced him on her knee.
“Are you taking care of your mama?”
“Ma-ma!” The boy pointed toward Lily.
“Yes, that’s your mama,” Mimi said, “and she’s taking good care of you. If you promise to return the favor, you can have some cake.”
Lily glanced toward the tea tray.
“Does your boy like cake?” Mimi asked.
Lily flinched.
“Doyoulike cake, Lily?”
Lily lowered her gaze to the floor.
“Answer her,” Anna said, not unkindly.
“Lily’s all right, Anna,” Mimi said. “There’s plenty of time, isn’t there, Lily? No need to speak right away. Anna, would you be kind enough to pour me a cup and cut some cake for me?” She stroked the child’s cheek. “You can share my cake, Sam, and tell me what you think of it—that is, if your mama doesn’t object.”
Mary opened her mouth to address Lily, but Mimi frowned and shook her head, and Mary closed it again, while Anna busied herself with the tea and sliced the cake.
“I-I’ve not…” Lily hesitated, glancing toward Mrs. Briggs, who nodded encouragement. “I’ve not had cake before,” she said. “Neither has Sammy.”
“Then I hope you’ll take a slice,” Mimi said. “I didn’t bake it myself, I’m afraid. I was never any good at that, and nor am I accomplished at sewing. Unlike you—where did you learn such exquisite skill?”
Lily’s expression shuttered again, and Mimi cursed her forwardness.
“Come sit here, Lily darlin’,” Mrs. Briggs said, patting the seat next to her. Lily approached her, and as she sat, Mrs. Briggs whispered, “You’re doing very well.”
Lily took her cup, which rattled against the saucer. Then she took a bite of cake.
“Do you like it?” Mimi asked.
