Page 8 of Educated By the Earl (Second Sons of London 1)

Chapter Three

Tessa ushered Abrainside her uncle’s townhouse. The sleepy footman on duty, slouched in a chair beside the door, immediately leaped to his feet.

“My lady,” he greeted, his eyes flicking to Abra, and then turning back questioningly to her.

“This is Abra,” she told him. “My new lady’s maid. Come along, Abra.”

They swept past the footman, whose jaw had dropped considerably, and went to the kitchens. Tessa did so each morning after her early walk, sitting with Cook and having a cup of tea to warm her before going upstairs and changing. She then joined Uncle Uxbridge in the breakfast room and they shared the meal together. Her aunt and cousin always ate in their rooms, neither liking to rise early.

“Good morning, Cook,” Tessa said as she sailed into the kitchen. “Sit here,” she instructed Abra, motioning to a small table.

“Who’s that, my lady?” Cook asked, perplexed by their visitor.

“This is Abra, my new lady’s maid.”

The servant took at Abra and said, “Well, knock me down with a feather. You are one for surprises, my lady.”

“Could we both get a cup of tea, Cook, and something hearty for Abra? A cold compress, too. She’ll also need a bath. Have the water sent up to my bedchamber if you would.”

Cook’s lips twitched in amusement. “Certainly, my lady.”

Tessa joined Abra at the table as a scullery maid set down a pot of tea and two cups. Another placed a tray with cream and sugar next to the pot.

“How do you take your tea?” she asked, pouring a cup for Abra.

“Any way I can get it, my lady,” the girl said in wonder as Tessa placed the delicate porcelain cup in front of her.

As she poured for herself, Tessa saw Abra added two lumps of sugar and a healthy splash of cream to her cup before stirring and sipping.

“Tell me about yourself,” she encouraged, as another scullery maid brought the compress. Abra held it to her cheek with one hand and sipped her tea as she spoke.

“I told you Mum passed on two years ago. She worked at a tavern. I helped sweep up and did a bit of the cooking until I left.”

“Why did you take to robbing people?”

Abra’s head dipped. After a moment, she said, “It’s not something I would really talk about with a lady.”

Tessa reached out and took the girl’s hand. “Did someone hurt you?”

Abra lifted her head and met Tessa’s gaze as tears rolled down her cheeks. “Yes,” she whispered.

“You are safe here,” she promised. “We will send for your things.”

Wiping the tears with the back of her hand, Abra said, “There are no things, my lady. I was living on the streets. I have the clothes on my back—and my knife.”

Her heart ached for all this girl had gone through. With a cheery smile, she said, “Well, you will have new clothes and a bed. Hot meals. We’ll make the best of it.”

Abra smiled. “Thank you for your kindness, my lady.”

Cook herself set a plate down in front of Abra. “Eat up. You’re too thin.” To Tessa, she added, “I’ve told Mrs. Rainey about things.”

“Good. Mrs. Rainey is the earl’s housekeeper, Abra,” she explained. “She runs a very efficient house.”

Halfway through the meal, Mrs. Rainey joined them, introducing herself and saying, “I have found two uniforms for you.” She glanced under the table. “Looks like you’ll be needing shoes, as well.”

Abra flushed. “How much will that be?”

“Nothing,” the housekeeper assured. “His lordship will take care of it. When you finish eating, your bath should be ready by then.”

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